Opelika, AL

Opelika is the Lee County seat in east-central Alabama and one half of the Auburn-Opelika metro area. It began growing after Creek lands were opened to settlement in the 1830s, and rail connections later helped shape its economy. Today Opelika has a distinct downtown, its own school system, the Opelika Public Library, and recreation space such as Spring Villa Park. Auburn's university presence is close by, but Opelika is not just Auburn's neighbor; it has county government, older neighborhoods, and a separate working-city feel.