About the Local Area
The city of Auburn, the neighboring city of Opelika, and their surrounding areas comprise the Auburn-Opelika metropolitan area, which is commonly referred to as “Auburn-Opelika.” The following guide will help you know where in Auburn-Opelika to find items and services needed for daily life. Additional information can be found in our Relocation Guide (PDF).
Please Note: The list below is not a comprehensive list, but only a compilation of local options as suggested by current students.
For general information about the city of Auburn, visit these sites:
Local Shopping – Grocery & Personal Care Items
Groceries, personal care items, and cleaning products can be found at a variety of local stores. Please note that certain culture-specific spices and other preferred products may be more difficult to find in these stores or may be costlier than they would be in a larger city with culture-specific markets.
Supermarkets have a large selection of groceries, personal care items, and cleaning supplies.
Kroger is located at 300 North Dean Road in Auburn.
Wal-Mart has 4 different local stores.
- Wal-Mart SuperCenter*:
- 1717 South College Street, Auburn
- 2900 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika
- Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market:
- 1810 Shug Jordan Parkway, Auburn
- 2047 East University Drive, Auburn
Publix has a location at 2900 E University Drive in Auburn.
Winn Dixie is located in Tiger Crossing Shopping Center, 1619 S. College Street in Auburn.
Specialty Grocery Stores sell certain types of products, often catering to cultural or dietary preferences.
Asian Supermarket* (3750 Pepperell Parkway in Opelika) specializes in Asian grocery items.
African Food Company East Alabama (303 S. Railroad Avenue in Opelika) specializes in African and Caribbean food items.
Parkway Farmer’s Market (2180 1st Avenue in Opelika) sells fresh produce and select other foods
*These stores are on the route of the Tiger Transit Friday Evening Shopping Shuttle.
Local Shopping – Furniture & Housewares
New furniture, household items, and kitchenware are sold at the following local stores:
Target* is located at 2640 Enterprise Drive Opelika AL (downtown Auburn location opening fall 2023)
**Wal-Mart SuperCenters:
-1717 South College Street Auburn, AL
-2900 Pepperell Parkway Opelika, AL**
Big Lots is located at 1716 Opelika Road Auburn, AL
Home Depot* is located at 2190 Tigertown Parkway Opelika, AL*
Clothing for men, women, and children can be purchased at the following local stores. Many of these also have online purchasing available.
TigerTown Shopping Center* stores include:
- Old Navy
- Kohl’s
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Target
- TJ Maxx
- Ross
Auburn Mall* stores include
- Hibbet Sports
- Belk
- Dillard’s
- American Eagle Outfitters
- Other smaller clothing stores
Wal-Mart SuperCenter** also has a clothing department
*These stores are on the route of the Friday Evening Shopping Shuttle.
Second-Hand Furniture/Goods
International student organizations may be a good resource to find items that students or recent graduates are willing to pass along.
Thrift Stores/Charity Shops sell donated items such as furniture, clothing, appliances, household items and more. The proceeds from their sales support a specific charitable cause.
- Goodwill – 3740 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika AL
- Salvation Army – 1038 Opelika Road, Auburn AL
- Life-Savers Mission Thrift Store – 2051 East University Drive, Auburn AL
- Harvest Thrift Store – 2540 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika AL
Yard Sales/Garage Sales are held by members of the community – usually on a Saturday – at a private residence or other designated location. Items for sale are typically displayed in a lawn, garage, or parking lot. Sale hours, location, and prices are determined by the individual(s) who organized the sale. Ways to learn about upcoming yard sales/garage sales include roadside signs, social media, newspaper classified ads, and postings on craigslist and oanow.com
Online Local Sale Postings can be found at online marketplaces and certain local Facebook groups. The following online resources have been used by international students.
Marketplace Websites:
Facebook Groups:
- Auburn Opelika Online Classifieds/Garage/Yard Sale Community
- Free & For Sale in Auburn (AU email required)
- Auburn Classifieds: Wanted & For Sale (AU email required)
** Please exercise safety precautions if agreeing to meet someone to view/buy an item listed online**
Local Service Providers
You will need to establish service providers for your cell service and various services for your place of residence. Some of these providers require a one-time activation fee and/or a service contract to begin service. Links for these service providers can be found below.
Cell Phone Service:
Household Utilities:
- Alabama Power (electricity service)
- Spire, formerly Alagasco (natural gas service)
- Auburn Water Works Board (water service)
Cable Television:
- Spectrum
- WOW
Satellite Television:
- DirectTV
- DISH
Internet Service:
**For some rental properties, certain services may be included as part of the lease agreement. Check with your realty company or property manager to determine what services you need to establish.**
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