History of Auburn
Auburn is the largest city in eastern Alabama, with a population of 76,143 in 2020. It makes up part of the Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Area, which has a population of approximately 177,218.
Auburn is a historic college town, and Auburn University is the city’s biggest employer with over 5,500 employees. The university creates a strong sense of community pride and is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of the nation’s top athletic conferences. With year-round sporting events, theater, concerts, art shows, and more, the university is the major source of entertainment and excitement for area residents.
Auburn is the fastest-growing metropolitan area in Alabama and the nineteenth fastest-growing metro area in the United States. U.S. News ranked Auburn among its top ten list of best places to live in the United States in 2009. Although Auburn is known for Auburn University, it is also home to high-tech manufacturing and research firms focusing on small engines, automotive wheels, fuel cells, plastic injection technology, and vehicle armor. Since Auburn is located close to both Kia and Hyundai automobile manufacturing facilities, many residents work in the automotive manufacturing industry.
Auburn is conveniently located only 1.5 hours away from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport. The Gulf of Mexico, a popular vacation destination, is only a 3.5-hour drive away. The city also enjoys a warm and sunny climate with mild winters.
The city isn’t all about education and work. Chewacla State Park covers 696 acres, with a 26-acre lake, swimming area, campground, playground, picnic area, mountain bike trails, and hiking to cater to all your outdoor desires. The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art features a large collection of art from traditional to contemporary. Jordan-Hare Stadium is the place to be for Auburn’s home football games on Saturdays in the fall. It’s an impressive stadium and the tenth-largest on-campus stadium in America, seating 87,451 Tiger fans.
With a positive business environment, a strong workforce, an exceptional education system, and a high quality of life, Auburn continues to see steady commercial growth. New research and technology parks are cropping up everywhere. This, coupled with excellent resources and incentives, makes Auburn a fantastic place to start a business.