AUBURN HILLS, MI
AUBURN HILLS, MI
Auburn Hills, MI: a modern Oakland County city known for major employers, Great Lakes Crossing, Oakland University, and outdoor trails
HIGHLIGHTS
Auburn Hills is a city in northern Oakland County that blends corporate hubs, shopping and entertainment, and easy access to nature. The city became Auburn Hills in 1983 following the merger of communities that included Auburn Heights and parts of Pontiac Township. Many residents know Auburn Hills for its strong ties to the auto industry and large office campuses, plus its convenient location near major roads that make it easy to get around Metro Detroit.
Auburn Hills also has a strong “day-to-day convenience” vibe. You can grab groceries, hit a mall, catch entertainment, and still be minutes from trails and parks.
What Auburn Hills is known for
1) A major employment center with large corporate campuses.
Auburn Hills has long been associated with large office parks and automotive-related employers. The city’s Oakland Technology Park area and nearby campuses have hosted well-known companies over the years, making Auburn Hills a common choice for people who want a shorter commute to major office corridors.
2) The Palace legacy and a strong sports and entertainment identity.
Auburn Hills was famously home to The Palace of Auburn Hills, where the Detroit Pistons played for many years. Even though the arena is no longer part of the city’s present-day landscape, it still shapes how people recognize Auburn Hills across Michigan.
3) Great Lakes Crossing Outlets and “everything-in-one-stop” shopping.
If you ask locals what they do in Auburn Hills, Great Lakes Crossing Outlets comes up fast. It’s one of the region’s biggest retail and entertainment destinations, and it draws visitors from all over Metro Detroit. Residents love having a major shopping option close to home.
4) Outdoor recreation, parks, and trail access.
Auburn Hills is very underrated for parks and trails. Residents enjoy spots like:
Auburn Hills Skate Park
Civic Center Park
Clinton River Trail access
Dennis Dearing Jr. Memorial Park
Hawk Woods Nature Center
Manitoba Park
Riverside Park
River Woods Park
This mix gives Auburn Hills a great balance of suburban life with real places to get outside.
5) Oakland University and a college-town influence nearby.
Auburn Hills is closely connected to Oakland University, which adds energy to the area through events, athletics, performances, and community activity. It also supports rental demand and a steady flow of people moving in and out for school and work.
Living in Auburn Hills: vibe, lifestyle, and who it fits best
Auburn Hills tends to feel practical, commuter-friendly, and activity-rich, and it’s often a great fit for people who want:
Strong access to major job centers and office campuses
Shopping, dining, and entertainment close to home
Parks, trails, and outdoor spaces for everyday routines
A location that makes commuting to Pontiac, Troy, Rochester, and Detroit easier
A mix of quiet neighborhoods plus busier commercial corridors
If you want convenience and options without needing a “traditional downtown,” Auburn Hills fits that lifestyle well.
Real estate and home styles in Auburn Hills
Auburn Hills housing varies by pocket, but buyers commonly find:
Established subdivisions with classic suburban layouts
Condos and townhomes that fit first-time buyers or downsizers
Newer development pockets mixed in throughout the city
Areas where proximity to I-75 and M-59 can affect commuting ease and daily convenience
A helpful note for buyers: Auburn Hills is a “choose your pocket” city. Being closer to the university and shopping corridors feels different than living in quieter residential areas near parks and trails.
Things to do: easy weekends without leaving town
Auburn Hills makes it easy to fill a weekend:
Spend a day at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets
Walk or bike parts of the Clinton River Trail
Visit nature areas like Hawk Woods Nature Center
Catch Oakland University events and games
Use local parks for sports, playgrounds, and outdoor routines
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Auburn Hills, MI
Is Auburn Hills a good place to live?
It can be a great fit if you want a commuter-friendly Oakland County city with major shopping, strong employer presence, and lots of parks and trails.
What is Auburn Hills known for?
Major corporate campuses and office parks, Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, Oakland University, and the city’s legacy as the former home of The Palace of Auburn Hills.
Is Auburn Hills more of a “downtown city” or a suburban convenience city?
Auburn Hills is more of a suburban convenience city. It is built around corridors, campuses, parks, and destinations rather than one dense downtown.
Does Auburn Hills have good outdoor recreation?
Yes. Auburn Hills has many parks and access to trails, including connections to the Clinton River Trail, plus nature areas and community parks.
What kind of homes are in Auburn Hills?
A mix of subdivisions, condos, townhomes, and newer development pockets, depending on the area.
Want to explore Auburn Hills homes that match your lifestyle?
If you want to call Auburn Hills, MI home, reach out to us to get started today!
Jim Shaffer and Associates, powered by Good Company, has been helping Metro Detroit move since 1999. The team of 51 agents and staff closes an average of 850 transactions each year and has surpassed $2 billion in career sales, making them the #1 team in Oakland County, the top team in Ferndale, Royal Oak, Oak Park, and Hazel Park, and one of the most trusted names in Metro Detroit real estate. Their reputation for results and client care has earned recognition from RealTrends America’s Best, Hour Detroit All Stars, and the Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces.
With over 2,700 Google reviews, 956 Zillow reviews, and decades of local experience, Jim Shaffer and Associates has built a legacy of trust and community in Ferndale and across Metro Detroit. Their team specializes in guiding first-time home buyers, first-time sellers, move-up buyers, and downsizers through every step of the process. From Oakland to Wayne and Macomb Counties and all surrounding cities, Jim Shaffer and Associates continues to set the standard for exceptional service and proven results in Southeast Michigan real estate.
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