Auburn, WA

Auburn sits in a wide, scenic valley right between Seattle and Tacoma, nestled along the Green and White rivers with views of Mount Rainier rising above the trees on clear days. Originally a farming community and railroad junction in the late nineteenth century, the city grew across the flat valley floor before spreading up into leafy residential areas on Lea Hill and West Hill. For anyone looking to relocate to the Puget Sound area, Auburn offers a practical mix of suburban breathing room, more accessible home prices than King County's northern suburbs, and a central location that keeps both major cities within reach.

ATTRStuart J. Whitmore / CC BY-SA 2.5

The valley has deep roots as the ancestral home of Duwamish and Upper Puyallup peoples, and today the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe plays an active, vital role in the community from their reservation along the city's southeast border. Tribal programs support everything from salmon habitat restoration along local rivers to healthcare and cultural events. When it comes to jobs, Auburn has a solid employment base of its own. Boeing remains a signature employer with its large fabrication facility, but the local economy also supports MultiCare Auburn Medical Center, major distribution and manufacturing hubs along Highway 167, and a wide variety of local retail businesses.

ATTRWalter Siegmund (talk) / CC BY-SA 3.0

Commuting from Auburn is straightforward thanks to great regional transit options. Auburn Station sits right in the center of town, giving commuters a hassle-free trip into downtown Seattle or Tacoma aboard the Sounder train, as well as connections to regional express buses. Just steps away, downtown Auburn retains a laid-back, historic charm with local diners, bakeries, and coffee shops lining Main Street. The neighborhood is also home to the Postmark Center for the Arts, a beautifully restored 1930s post office building that now hosts rotating art exhibits, dance and music performances, and creative workshops for the community.

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Everyday life in Auburn offers plenty of green space and family activities. Les Gove Park serves as a central gathering spot, bringing together a modern library, an inclusive playground, a community center, and the White River Valley Museum, which showcases the area's rich rail and indigenous history. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of miles of paved paths along the Green River Trail, while weekends might include exploring the forested trails at Game Farm Park or catching live thoroughbred racing at Emerald Downs. Auburn offers newcomers a grounded, welcoming Pacific Northwest lifestyle with plenty of space to settle down.