Living in Auburn, WA offers a suburban lifestyle with the convenience of being close to major urban centers. Located in the heart of the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area, Auburn is just a short drive from both Seattle and Tacoma, making it an ideal location for those who want to enjoy the amenities of city life while living in a more peaceful setting. Auburn is known for its strong community spirit, excellent schools, and abundant recreational opportunities.
Auburn’s dining scene is diverse, offering a range of options from local cafes to international cuisine. The city’s downtown area features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including the historic Auburn Avenue Theater, which hosts live performances and community events. The annual Auburn Good Ol’ Days festival is a local favorite, celebrating the city’s history with parades, live music, and family-friendly activities.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Auburn provides plenty of opportunities for recreation. The city’s parks, including Game Farm Park and Roegner Park, offer sports fields, playgrounds, and scenic walking trails, making them perfect spots for family outings and community events. The nearby Green River and Mount Rainier National Park provide additional opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the natural beauty of Washington State.
Auburn is also known for its strong sense of community and commitment to education. The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Auburn Farmers Market and the Veterans Day Parade, which bring residents together to celebrate and enjoy the local culture. The local schools and educational institutions, including Green River College, make Auburn an attractive place for families and students alike.
For those considering a move to Washington, Auburn offers a perfect blend of suburban comfort, outdoor beauty, and proximity to both Seattle and Tacoma. Whether you're drawn by its family-friendly amenities, cultural events, or easy access to the city, living in Auburn, WA provides a fulfilling and enjoyable lifestyle.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Auburn is a mid-sized city located in the state of Washington. The city has a population of 80,914 people. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Auburn entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 33 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Auburn is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Washington, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Auburn and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Washington and national averages.
Auburn has a livability score of 81 out of 100 and is ranked #75 in Washington and #1,119 in the USA. This is a fantastic score, as Auburn ranks well in multiple categories! Auburn has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Auburn scores well for employment (A+) and housing (A+) On a more negative note, Auburn does not have favorable ranks for the following: crime (F) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
If you're considering living in Auburn, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Auburn provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Auburn: Muckleshoot Casino, Morris's Shadow Mountain Stables, and Emerald Downs.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Auburn excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Auburn is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Auburn come in at $356,200, which is 32.3% higher than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Auburn, the home price to income ratio is 4.7, which is 9.3% higher than the Washington average.
| Statistic | Auburn | Washington | National |
| Average one way commute | 33min | 27min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 74.9% | 72.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.1% | 10.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 5.6% | 6.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.9% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.5% | 3.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.9% | 5.6% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Washington
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Washington
Check out the 10 safest cities in Washington
These are the largest cities in Washington