Living in North Auburn, AL: Neighborhoods, New Growth, and What's Coming Next

by Greg Powell

North Auburn: What's Coming

If you're looking at homes in Auburn, you've probably noticed that a lot of the newer neighborhoods, new construction and road work are north of downtown. North Auburn (roughly the area along North Donahue Drive, North College Street, Shug Jordan Parkway, and out toward US-280 and Richland Road) has changed a lot over the last decade, and the next few years will bring even bigger changes. Here's what it's like to live here, what's being built, and what buyers should know before choosing a neighborhood.

What It's Like to Live in North Auburn

North Auburn mixes established neighborhoods with mature trees and newer subdivisions with modern floorplans. You're usually a short drive from campus and downtown, but the pace feels more residential than the areas right around Auburn University.

Here are a few practical things buyers tend to like:

Commute options: Shug Jordan Parkway, North Donahue, and North College connect you to campus, downtown, and US-280 without driving through the middle of town.
Access to Opelika and TigerTown: Neighborhoods on the east side of North Auburn are a quick drive to TigerTown shopping and restaurants and to I-85.
Outdoor space: The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center is on North College Street, and several neighborhoods have their own lakes, trails, and pools.
Game day convenience: You're close enough to get to Jordan-Hare without much trouble, but far enough out that game day traffic isn't at your front door.

North Auburn Neighborhoods at a Glance

North Auburn isn't one type of neighborhood. Here's an overview of the areas I cover in detail on my Auburn neighborhoods page:

Golf and Amenity Communities

Auburn University Club: Golf course community with single-family homes and townhomes, plus resort-style amenities.

Established Neighborhoods

Asheton Park / Asheton Lakes: Established and quiet, with easy access to main roads.
Camden Ridge: Established neighborhood with community pools.
Cotswolds & Oaks: Quiet cul-de-sacs and larger homesites.
East and West Richland: Larger homes and a strong neighborhood feel.
Lundy Chase & Lundy West: Good location and a consistent architectural style.

Newer Construction

The Dakota: Newer homes on large wooded lots.
Northwoods: Newer construction with smart home features.
Woodward Oaks: Newer single-family homes and townhomes.

Close to US-280 and Opelika

Shelton Cove: Easy access to US-280, Opelika, and TigerTown.
Tivoli: Italian and craftsman-inspired homes with a neighborhood pool.
Tuscany Hills & Stonewood Farms: Close to US-280 and near the Kreher Preserve.

Nature-Focused and Investor-Friendly Options

The Preserve: Stocked lakes and walking trails built into the neighborhood.
Farmville Lakes: Single-family homes and townhomes with a community pool.
Piper Glen: Cottage-style homes closer to campus. Buyers often ask about it for short-term rental potential, but check current HOA rules and city regulations before buying for that purpose.

Each neighborhood page includes current listings and what you'll find there, so you can compare them side by side.

Plains High School: Auburn's Second High School

The biggest change coming to North Auburn is Plains High School. It's being built off North Donahue Drive, across from the Auburn University Club entrance.

Here's what's been publicly reported:

Opening: Planned for the 2028-29 school year.
Grades: 9 through 12, the same as Auburn High School will be.
Size: About 350,000 square feet.
Construction: Auburn City Schools awarded the construction bid to Hoar Construction, and the construction is underway.
Funding: In August 2026, the Auburn City Council approved a $240 million warrant, with about $214 million going to the new school. The city says it will be paid through an existing tax, not a new one.

What buyers should know: Attendance zones for Plains High haven't been published yet. Don't assume a home will be zoned for Plains High just because it's nearby. If school assignment matters to your decision, check directly with Auburn City Schools and watch for zoning announcements before you buy.

Commercial Growth Coming to North Auburn

For years, North Auburn residents have had to drive to Dean Road, downtown, or TigerTown for most groceries and shopping.

In recent years many new retail, grocery, restaurant, and fast food establishments have opened up. The Amsterdam Cafe, Walmart Neighborhood Market and Wellread Second Story near Shug Jordan Parkway and North Donahue have been very welcome for residents. New smaller commercial centers at Richland Road are planned.

Two approved larger developments should help with that over time.

Kroger-Anchored Center at Shug Jordan and North Donahue

In May 2026, the Auburn City Council approved a planned development on about 59 acres at the northeast corner of North Donahue Drive and Shug Jordan Parkway, across from Walmart Neighborhood Market. The plan includes:

A Kroger grocery store and fuel center (Auburn's second Kroger)
About 12 outparcels for restaurants, banks, and retail
About 200 age-restricted residential units for buyers 55 and older
A central green space planned as a park

According to the developer's phased timeline, construction starts in October 2026, the Kroger opens around September 2028, and the outparcels fill in through 2035. Timelines like these often change, so treat them as estimates.

The Foundry at North College

In March 2026, the city approved The Foundry at North College, a planned development of about 282 acres between North College Street, Shug Jordan Parkway, and North Donahue Drive. The plan includes more than 200,000 square feet of commercial and service space, mixed-use and residential areas, and about 40% of the land set aside for conservation. This is a long-term project, with a projected buildout of 15 to 20 years.

What This Growth Means for Buyers

New schools and new shopping usually make an area more convenient to live in, and they can support demand over time. But I'd be careful about buying a home based on what might happen to its value. Here's how I'd look at it:

Convenience: Groceries, dining, and services closer to home are a real quality-of-life improvement.
Traffic: Expect more traffic on North Donahue and Shug Jordan during construction and after the school opens.
Pricing: Recent sales in each neighborhood are the best guide to value. If you're working with a budget, my Auburn homes under $400k page is a good place to start.
Timing: Some of these projects will take years to finish. Buy a home that works for you today.

Frequently Asked Questions About North Auburn

Where is the new Plains High School in Auburn, AL?

Plains High School is being built off North Donahue Drive in North Auburn, across from the Auburn University Club entrance. It's scheduled to open for the 2028-29 school year.

Which neighborhoods will be zoned for Plains High School?

Auburn City Schools hasn't published Plains High attendance zones yet. Check with the school system directly before you buy if this affects your decision.

Is a Kroger coming to North Auburn?

Yes. The city approved a Kroger-anchored development at Shug Jordan Parkway and North Donahue Drive in May 2026. The developer's timeline has the store opening around fall 2028.

What are the newer neighborhoods in North Auburn?

The Dakota, Northwoods, and Woodward Oaks all have newer construction. Older, established options include Camden Ridge, Asheton Park, and East and West Richland.

Is North Auburn a good area for investors?

It depends on your strategy. A few neighborhoods closer to campus, like Piper Glen, may work for rentals, but many North Auburn neighborhoods, including both new developments, have HOA rules or zoning conditions that restrict short-term rentals. Always review the HOA documents and city rules before you buy.

Thinking About Buying in North Auburn?

Each North Auburn neighborhood has its own strengths and tradeoffs, and I can help you sort through things like HOA rules, resale history, and how the new growth affects a specific street. Start by comparing neighborhoods on my Auburn and Opelika neighborhoods page. When you're ready to tour, contact me and we'll set up a time.