Auburn University Real Estate: Why Parents and Investors Are Cashing In on This College Town Market
Vikki Grodner
From student condos to game-day getaways, discover why Auburn’s real estate market is becoming a magnet for parents and investors looking to build wealth in one of the South’s most iconic college towns.
The Big Picture: Why Auburn Real Estate Is in Demand
Auburn, Alabama, isn’t just another college town. It’s a destination. Families describe it as a place that “just feels like home,” and that feeling is fueling a real estate boom.
Here’s why Auburn University real estate is so attractive right now:
- Rising Student Enrollment = constant demand for housing.
- Parents are done with rent — many are buying instead of paying off someone else’s mortgage.
- Investors see opportunity — from student rentals to game-day getaways, Auburn has multiple profit paths.
What Types of Properties Are Hot in Auburn
Auburn’s real estate market is not one-size-fits-all. Here’s what’s moving:
Condos Near Campus
- Built mostly between 1998–2010.
- Walking distance to Auburn University and Jordan-Hare Stadium.
- Low-maintenance and popular with parents and investors.
Price Range: Mid-$200Ks for entry-level condos; most desirable units sell for $300K–$500K.
Game Day Homes
- Purchased by alumni and parents who visit for football weekends.
- Save thousands in hotel stays.
- Can double as short-term rentals when owners aren’t in town.
Mobile Homes & Manufactured Housing
- Offer more space for students who don’t want a condo lifestyle.
- Well-kept communities provide affordable entry points for parents.
- Some parents buy these as a starter option, then transition to condos later.
How Parents Are Cashing In
Many Auburn parents aren’t just buying a home for their child — they’re building an investment strategy.
- Roommates help cover the mortgage. Parents buy a condo, their student lives in one room, and rent from roommates pays part (or all) of the payment.
- Game-day suites save hotel money. Parents often buy a 3-bedroom condo, use one bedroom for themselves, and rent the rest.
- Resale after graduation. Many properties sell for more when the student moves out — meaning parents could profit from tuition years.
Why Investors Should Pay Attention to Auburn
Investors across the country — from Nashville to New England — are starting to zero in on Auburn.
Here’s why:
- Consistent demand: Thousands of students need housing every year.
- Alumni loyalty: Football and basketball bring repeat visitors who want short-term rentals.
- Steady appreciation: Auburn’s market holds value and grows over time.
Most investors start small — one to five properties — and build portfolios as cash flow increases.
Important Things to Know Before You Buy
- Zoning rules matter. Short-term rentals (under 90 days) are restricted in some areas
- Competition is fierce. Desirable condos and game-day homes sell fast.
- Location drives value. Homes within walking distance to campus bring top rent and resale prices.
Ready to Explore Auburn Real Estate?
The best Auburn properties—especially condos near campus and game-day homes—sell fast. Acting quickly with the right guidance is the key to buying smart.
Contact Daniel Blessing and The Blessing Team at Keller Williams to:
- Find the best deals near Auburn University
- Understand rental rules and zoning laws
- Secure your spot in Auburn’s booming college-town market
Your next move in Auburn starts here — contact Daniel today at
334-703-9411 or
danielblessing@kw.com to start your search.
Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams – Client focused . Performance driven
The Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams is proud to be part of a company built on a culture of excellence — one that empowers us to deliver unmatched service and results. Our team specializes in college town real estate, helping buyers, sellers, and families navigate these unique markets with confidence. Whether you’re purchasing a home for your student, selling a property, or planning your next move, we’re here to guide you every step of the way and make sure your goals aren’t just met — they’re exceeded.
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Tuscaloosa: America’s #1 College Town for Real Estate Investing (and #2 for Short-Term Rentals!) A recent BiggerPockets analysis ranked Tuscaloosa #2 in America for college towns with the best short-term rental opportunities —putting it ahead of nearly every other football destination in the country. And it’s not just short-term rentals making headlines. Tuscaloosa was also recently ranked #1 in the nation for college town real estate investing , making it a rare m arket that delivers strong returns across multiple investment strategies. At The Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams , we help parents and investors turn these rankings into real results. We know where the highest returns are hiding, what buyers need to know before they invest, and how to structure deals that win big in Tuscaloosa’s thriving market.
Financing First: Why the Right Loan Strategy Matters in a College-Town Market When it comes to buying near the University of Alabama, the property you choose is important — but how you finance it is just as critical. The right loan structure can save you thousands, while the wrong one can delay or even derail your purchase. That’s where Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams comes in. As local experts, we see firsthand how financing decisions shape every step of the buying process in Tuscaloosa.
Discover how savvy investors are cashing in on short-term and mid-term rentals in America's top college towns. If you’re exploring real estate investment opportunities, chances are you’ve considered the usual suspects—vacation destinations, high-growth cities, or trendy urban neighborhoods. But one of the most underrated and reliable markets in the country? College towns. At Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams, we’ve helped dozens of investors build profitable portfolios in some of the most iconic university towns in the South and beyond. In a recent episode of The College Real Estate Coach podcast , we spoke with investor Ryan Winzenburg , who shared exactly how college towns became the cornerstone of his real estate success—and why you might want to follow his lead.
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When Real Estate Meets Real Community – Bringing Joy, Harmony, and Heart to Every Generation
At Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams, we believe our mission goes beyond real estate—it’s about investing in people, purpose, and progress. Whether through homeownership or community service, we are committed to helping neighborhoods grow in meaningful and lasting ways. Recently, Recently, we took great pride to be part of an initiative that reflects those very values: the creation of Alabama’s first public Holocaust Memorial, now open to all at Birmingham’s historic Elmwood Cemetery. This powerful new monument was spearheaded by Barbara Bonfield, a visionary leader whose dedication and persistence brought the project to life ( Barbara’s moving interview can be seen in the dedication video ) . Funded by members of Birmingham’s Temple Beth El, including Vikki and Ken Grodner and others in the greater Birmingham community , the memorial stands as a tribute not only to the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust, but also to the survivors who found the strength to rebuild their lives and legacies in new places—including right here in Alabama. When Terry Holzman, a friend and client, approached Ken and Vikki to support this effort, they immediately felt called to contribute. Ken joined the initiative with gratitude and purpose—helping lead outreach efforts and encourage others to support this historic moment. The result is an 8-foot-tall, 700-pound steel sculpture in the form of a dead tree, resting on rusted railroad tracks. The tracks—originally used during the era of slavery in Alabama—evoke a chilling duality: a local legacy of oppression and the haunting memory of the trains that carried millions to Nazi extermination camps. In its starkness, the sculpture demands reflection. Yet, in its permanence, it offers a call to remember, learn, and ensure “never again” truly means never again. The memorial is not just a place of mourning—it is also a place of resilience and renewal. It honors those who survived the Holocaust, rebuilt their lives, started families, and continued their traditions in the face of unimaginable loss. For Ken, Vikki, and all of us at Hospitality Network Group, this project exemplifies our mission to uplift and support causes that enrich the communities we serve. We’re proud to stand behind efforts like this that preserve history, promote understanding, and inspire future generations to act with compassion and courage. We invite you to visit the memorial at Elmwood Cemetery and to learn more by reading the Alabama News Center’s coverage. Thank you to Barbara Bonfield, Terry Holzman, and all those who contributed to making this vision a reality. Together, we’re not only remembering the past—we’re building a stronger future that safeguards pride, protects honor, and upholds the integrity of all people. Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams – Client focused . Performance driven The Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams is honored to be part of a company that fosters a culture of excellence, empowering its agents to deliver unmatched service and expertise. This commitment to excellence is why Keller Williams agents consistently achieve results that set the standard in the industry. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, our team is here to ensure your goals are not only met but exceeded. Trust the Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams to guide you through every step of your real estate journey. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your real estate dreams.
