Opelika 55+ Retirement Communities

Opelika is located in the Montgomery area of Southern Alabama. The city offers retirees a rich art and history culture, opportunities for scenic outdoor recreation, and favorable tax benefits.

Climate & Geography

Opelika has a humid subtropical climate, meaning summers in Opelika are long, hot, and very humid while winters are short and mild. Rainfall occurs throughout the year with an average of about 54 inches, while the city gets less than an inch of snowfall each year. Residents can expect about 212 sunny days each year.

The city 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 can be found within the northwest portion of the city, while Lake Harding is located about 15 miles to the east and Lake Martin is about 30 miles to the west.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

Opelika is home to The Museum of East Alabama, which 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, events, and performances that work to enhance Opelika’s art culture.

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

Golf players of all experience backgrounds can enjoy three 18-hole courses at Grand National Golf Courses, which have been ranked among the top 10 value courses in America by Golf Digest. Thirty-two of the holes are located directly along Lake Saugahatchee’s shorelines and provide scenic views for golfers. Golf tournaments are held at Grand National Golf Course throughout the year. Football lovers can catch a game close to home at Auburn University.

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

Cost of Living & Taxes

As one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees, Social Security benefits and payments from traditional pension plans are exempt in Alabama. There is also no income tax from federal government, certain state and local government, or military retirement plans. The state also has the second-lowest property taxes in the country, and homeowners 65+ are exempt from state property taxes.

Though the cost of living in Opelika is slightly higher than the state average, the index is lower than the national average. Transportation, utility, grocery, and housing costs are below the national rate, and there is a 9 percent sales tax in Opelika.

Health Care

There is one hospital 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.