Opelika, AL 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

55+ communities in Opelika are popular with homebuyers partially due to Southern Alabama's warm sunny climate and lower cost of living. The city also offers retirees opportunities for scenic outdoor recreation, and a rich art and history culture.

Climate & Geography

Opelika has a humid subtropical climate, meaning summers are long, hot, and humid while winters are short and mild. Residents can expect about 212 sunny days each year with rainfall occurring throughout the year. The city gets about 54 inches of rain per year but less than an inch of snowfall. 

Opelika is situated on the Southeastern Coastal Plains, just south of the Piedmont Plateau. The surrounding terrain is primarily low flatlands with some wooded areas and small lakes. The Sougahatchee Lake is found within the northwest portion of the city, Lake Harding is about 15 miles to the east and Lake Martin is about 30 miles to the west.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

The Museum of East Alabama in Opelika showcases more than 5,000 artifacts of Lee County highlighting its civic, economic, and cultural history. The East Alabama Arts Association, Alabama State Council on the Arts, and Auburn University Theatre provide programs and performances enhancing Opelika’s art and culture scene.

There are eight parks available to the public located in Opelika which offer a variety of activities and amenities. Residents enjoy baseball fields, walking trails, and summer concerts at Municipal Park. Birdwatchers can visit Opelika Wood Duck Heritage Preserve and Siddique Nature Park, both of which are home to a large population of birds. Lake Harding and Lake Martin are large lake systems that can be easily reached for swimming and other water recreation.

Golf players of all experience levels can enjoy three 18-hole courses at Grand National Golf Courses. Ranked among the top 10 value courses in America by Golf Digest, most of the courses are located directly along Lake Saugahatchee’s shorelines providing scenic views. Golf tournaments are held at Grand National Golf Course throughout the year. Football lovers can catch a game close to home at Auburn University.

Nearby Montgomery and Atlanta provide Opelika residents with day trip opportunities and access to big city amenities. Opelika is located less than an hour from Montgomery, and about an hour and a half from Atlanta.  

Cost of Living & Taxes

Alabama is one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees. Social Security benefits and payments from traditional pension plans are tax exempt as are certain government and military retirement plans. The state also has the second-lowest property taxes in the country, and homeowners 65+ are exempt from state property taxes.

The cost of living in Opelika is slightly higher than the state average, but far lower than the national average. Transportation, utility, grocery, and housing costs are below the national average. Opelika sales tax is on the high side at 9 percent.

Health Care

Residents of 55+ communities in Opelika have easy access to high performing medical centers. There is one hospital located in Opelika, the East Alabama Medical Center, and it is rated high performing by U.S. News. Jack Hughsten Memorial Hospital in nearby Phenix City is also rated high performing.