Living in Auburn Washington - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
What is Living in Auburn Washington Like?
Nestled in the heart of King County, Washington, Auburn is a vibrant city with a delightful blend of community charm and natural beauty. Located just 30 miles south of Seattle, Auburn is known for its picturesque landscapes, thriving economy, and a strong sense of community. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or someone seeking a close-knit neighborhood, Auburn has something to offer for everyone.
One of Auburn's most remarkable features is its abundance of natural beauty. The city is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, with the Green River flowing through its western border and the stunning Cascade Mountain Range visible in the distance. Auburn boasts an impressive array of parks, trails, and open spaces, providing ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy nature's wonders. The iconic Flaming Geyser State Park, situated just outside Auburn, is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. This unique park features natural geysers that emit flames when ignited, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Visitors can also indulge in various recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and picnicking.
Auburn's commitment to uniting its residents is evident in its community events, such as the Auburn Veterans Day Parade and the Auburn Days Festival, which celebrate the city's diverse community and traditions. The Auburn International Farmers Market and the Summer Sounds & Cinema series are other popular events that foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among Auburn, Washington, residents.
Beyond its natural beauty and cultural offerings, Auburn boasts a thriving economy that provides its residents with a range of employment opportunities. The city is home to diverse industries, including manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and education. Major employers in the area include The Boeing Company, MultiCare Health System, and Green River College. Auburn's location, with convenient access to major highways and transportation networks, makes it an attractive destination for businesses and commuters.
The cost of living in Auburn, Washington, is lower than many of its neighboring cities. The average home value in Auburn is around $550,000, making homeownership more attainable for those living in Auburn, Washington. Additionally, the cost of goods and services in Auburn is generally lower compared to Seattle, providing residents with a higher quality of life at a reasonable expense.
Auburn seamlessly combines the beauty of nature, a strong sense of community, and a thriving economy. With its picturesque landscapes, rich history, affordable cost of living, and excellent schools, Auburn, Washington, is a fantastic place to live. Read on to learn more about this beautiful city. Below is info on schools, neighborhoods, cost of living in Auburn, Washington, and some pros and cons of living in Auburn, to see if living in Auburn, Washington is the right choice for you and your family.
The Moving to Auburn Washington Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Auburn Washington. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Auburn Washington, CLICK HERE. To start receiving emails with homes that match your criteria anywhere in Washington, CLICK HERE and sign up for Listing Alert. With a little info on what, where, and how much, you'll get newly listed homes matching your criteria sent to your inbox as they hit the market. This can give you a big leg up in your home search.
The first step in the home-buying process is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Not quite ready yet? Todd can help you put together a plan to get you there. Whether you're thinking a few months or a year or more if you want to buy a home, reach out to Todd and he can help. CLICK HERE to email Todd and set up a call to get the process started or just call him at 971-275-2465.
Todd Davidson
Mortgage Broker
What is the Cost of Living in Auburn Washington?
If you're exploring a move to Auburn, Washington, or any place, the cost of living would be a significant factor in your decision-making. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Auburn, Washington, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Auburn, Washington, and rent, you would need to make $47,000 a year. To live in Auburn, Washington, and buy a home, you would need to make $77,000 a year. Rental amount is based on current low end cost of studio or one bedroom, purchase is based on recent low end sales of a three bedroom and monthly payment with 20% down.
Living in Auburn Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts
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Top Neighborhoods in Auburn Washington
Auburn is a diverse city in King County, Washington, with many unique neighborhoods to explore. Here are a handful of great neighborhoods in Auburn, along with some information on the types of housing available in each:
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Downtown Auburn: Downtown Auburn is a bustling neighborhood with a mix of historic and modern buildings. The housing options in the area include apartments, townhouses, and some single-family homes. The neighborhood has several parks, including Les Gove Park, which hosts a weekly farmers market.
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Lea Hill: Lea Hill is a quiet residential neighborhood in the eastern part of Auburn. The neighborhood has primarily single-family homes, but some townhouses and apartments are also available. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains and proximity to the Green River.
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Lakeland: Lakeland is a family-friendly neighborhood in the southeastern part of Auburn. It has a mix of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The neighborhood has several parks, including Game Farm Park, which features sports fields and a playground.
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West Hill: West Hill is a diverse neighborhood in the western part of Auburn. It has a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The neighborhood is known for its scenic views of the Green River and many parks, including the popular Isaac Evans Park.
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East Hill: East Hill is a popular neighborhood located in the southeastern part of Auburn. It has a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The neighborhood is known for its excellent schools and many parks, including the scenic Soos Creek Trail.
If moving to Auburn, Washington, and you'd like to buy a home in one of these fabulous neighborhoods, CLICK HERE to sign up for LISTING ALERT to be the first to know when a home matching your criteria gets listed for sale in Auburn, Washington.
20 Pros and Cons of Living in Auburn Washington
Living in Auburn Washington Pros
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Beautiful natural surroundings: Auburn, Washington, is nestled in the heart of the Green River Valley, surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and the majestic Mount Rainier.
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Access to outdoor recreation: With its proximity to the Cascade Mountains and the Puget Sound, Auburn offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, fishing, and boating.
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Small-town charm: Auburn has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to call home. The city's friendly residents and quaint downtown area add to its small-town charm.
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Historic downtown: Auburn's downtown area is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses, many of which are housed in historic buildings that date back to the early 1900s.
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Strong sense of community: Auburn residents are known for their strong sense of community and their willingness to lend a helping hand to their neighbors.
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Good schools: The Auburn School District is highly regarded for its quality education, with a variety of public and private schools to choose from.
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Affordable housing: Compared to other cities in the region, Auburn offers relatively affordable housing options, making it an attractive place for families and young professionals.
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Growing economy: Auburn's economy is thriving, with new businesses and industries moving into the area, creating job opportunities and boosting the local economy.
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Access to healthcare: Auburn is home to several smaller healthcare facilities, including a hospital and numerous clinics, ensuring that residents have access to quality healthcare services.
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Convenient location: Auburn is conveniently located just a short drive from Seattle and other major cities in the region, making it easy to access all the Pacific Northwest offers.
Living in Auburn Washington Cons
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High cost of living: Auburn has a higher cost of living compared to the national average, especially in terms of housing and transportation.
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Traffic congestion: Auburn is located near major highways and interstates, which can lead to heavy traffic during rush hour and peak travel times.
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Limited public transportation: While there are some bus routes and a Sounder train station in Auburn, public transportation options are limited compared to larger cities.
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Limited job opportunities: Auburn's job market is smaller compared to nearby cities like Seattle and Tacoma, which may limit career growth and opportunities.
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Limited cultural amenities: Auburn has fewer cultural amenities like museums, theaters, and art galleries compared to larger cities.
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Limited nightlife: Auburn has a quieter nightlife scene compared to larger cities, with fewer bars and clubs.
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Weather: Auburn's weather can be rainy and cloudy for much of the year, which may not be ideal for some people.
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Limited diversity: Auburn has a lower diversity index compared to larger cities, which may limit exposure to different cultures and perspectives.
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Limited healthcare options: While there are some healthcare providers in Auburn, there are fewer options compared to larger cities. You'll need to travel to one of the surrounding cities for more specialized care.
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Limited shopping options: Auburn has fewer shopping options than larger cities, with fewer malls and department stores.
FAQs About Living in Auburn Washington
What is Auburn known for?
Auburn, Washington, is most known for its annual Auburn Good Ol' Days festival, which takes place every June and celebrates the city's history and community. The festival attracts visitors from all over the state and features various events and activities such as a parade, carnival rides, live music, and a street fair. The festival is a beloved tradition in Auburn and has become an iconic symbol of the city and its vibrant culture.
What cities and attractions are nearby Auburn?
Auburn, Washington, is located in King County, part of the Puget Sound region in the northwestern part of the state. The city is approximately 30 miles south of Seattle and 20 miles northeast of Tacoma. Auburn is close to several other cities, including Kent, about 5 miles to the west, and Renton, about 15 miles to the north. The city is also within easy driving distance of other popular destinations in the region, such as Mount Rainier National Park, Lake Tapps, and the Green River Gorge. Auburn's central location in King County makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding natural beauty and nearby cities.
What is the weather like in Auburn?
Living in Auburn, Washington, you can expect mild weather throughout the year. In the winter months, the average high temperatures range from 45°F to 50°F, and the average low temperatures range from 32°F to 35°F. The city occasionally experiences light snowfall during the winter, with an average of 7 inches of snowfall annually. Summers in Auburn are mild, with average high temperatures ranging from 70°F to 75°F and occasional hot spells in the 80s and 90s. The city receives around 33 inches of rain yearly, with most precipitation occurring in the fall and winter months.
Does Auburn Washington have good public schools?
Students in Auburn, Washington, attend public school in the Auburn School District, which serves the city of Auburn and some surrounding areas. For the 2022-23 school year, Niche.com ranks the Auburn School District #56 out of the 252 school districts in Washington they ranked, giving it an overall B rating. The district is committed to providing a well-rounded education, including arts and athletics, and offers a variety of programs for students with different interests and needs. The district has a diverse student body and strong partnerships with local organizations and businesses. Families living in Auburn, Washington, can feel confident that their children can access quality education in the public school system.
Is Auburn Washington safe?
Living in Auburn, Washington, you'll find it a pretty safe place. Property crime rates in Auburn are lower than the national average, and violent crime rates are significantly lower than the national average. NeighborhoodScout.com states Auburn has a crime rate lower than 57% of all US cities. Auburn, Washington, residents should feel relatively safe in their daily lives.
What is there to do living in Auburn, Washington?
Living in Auburn, Washington, you will always have things to do. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Green River and the Cascade Mountains, offering ample hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities. Auburn boasts several parks, including Les Gove Park and Game Farm Park, which feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic walking trails. The Auburn Farmers Market is a big attraction for those living in Auburn, Washington, the market runs from June to September each year. If you're looking for a day trip, Auburn is near attractions like the Muckleshoot Casino and the White River Amphitheater. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities or cultural experiences, there is always something to do in Auburn, Washington.
Who are large employers in Auburn, Washington?
If living in Auburn, Washington, some top employers include the MultiCare Auburn Medical Center, which employs over 1,000 workers, the Auburn School District, which employs over 1,500 people, and the Muckleshoot Casino, which employs over 1,500 people. Other notable employers in Auburn area include The Boeing Company, Zones, Inc., and various manufacturing companies. With a diverse range of employers, residents of Auburn can find opportunities in healthcare, education, technology, and more.
I want to relocate to Auburn. How do I make it happen?
You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to Auburn, Washington. There’s a lot of information on this website to help including some helpful links below. If you want to ask questions, try our Facebook Group > Moving to Washington where we have broad group of locals to answer any question you might have. If you’re looking to buy a home in the Auburn area, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first step. For Mortgage Info, reach out to me. I would love to tell you more about what living in Auburn is like as well as help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.