Auburn 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Auburn is a college town in Southern Alabama. Home to Auburn University, the city is popular for its abundance of parks that are perfect for outdoor recreation as well as plenty of local dining and shopping options. In addition to its amenities, residents of Auburn cab easily access the extensive entertainment options of nearby Montgomery, making it a popular retirement destination.

Climate & Geography

Auburn is located northeast of Montgomery in Alabama. The city is situated on low-lying land south of the Cheaha Mountains.

Typical of the deep south, Auburn experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Residents can expect higher-than-average rainfall, little to no snowfall, and more sunny days than average.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

As a college town, Auburn features plenty of local spots and chains to eat and drink. Auburn University offers entertainment options that are open to the public, including the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art and the Donald E. Davis Arboretum, which features an array of tropical plants and self-guided tours.

Shopping is also widely available at the Auburn Mall, which features a variety of name-brand shops. For local boutiques and eclectic shops, residents head to Downtown Auburn. This area also offers numerous community events and festivals throughout the year, including a Saturday farmers market and a monthly Friday night live music event.

For those looking to get outside, Auburn is home to several natural areas and parks. Chewacla State Park features views of waterfalls and has aquatic activities like kayaking, boating, swimming, and fishing in Chewacla Lake. In addition, the park offers hiking and biking trails. 

For more entertainment, culture, and recreation, residents can easily head to Montgomery, located an hour away.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The overall cost of living in Auburn is slightly above the state and national averages. Housing costs are high, followed by health care. Transportation costs, on the other hand, are far below average.

Alabama fully exempts Social Security benefits and pensions from taxation. Other forms of retirement income, like 401(k)s and IRAs, are taxed as regular income at rates ranging from 2 to 5 percent. The combined sales tax in Auburn is higher than average at 9 percent, but property taxes are among the lowest in the country. Furthermore, retirees over 65 can claim an exemption on their property taxes.

Health Care

The Montgomery metro area ranks in the top 75 communities on Gallup's Well-Being Index.

There are no hospitals in Auburn. The closest hospital, East Alabama Medical Center is located in nearby Opelika and is rated high performing by U.S News. Other nearby hospitals within 25 miles include Lake Martin Community Hospital and Community Hospital-Tallassee.