Located northeast of Sacramento, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada range, the City of Auburn is a wonderful place to live. Surrounded by ample spots for outdoor recreation — including a number of scenic golf courses, hiking trails, and parks — individuals moving to Auburn will be delighted by its many amenities.
The city is largely suburban, with select areas preserving the look and feel of an early 20th century small town. Registered as a California Historical Landmark, Auburn is famous for its historic past in the California Gold Rush. Auburn earned its name in 1849 by miners who were from a town with the same name in New York. It was finally incorporated on May 2,1888.
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Where Is Auburn CA?
Auburn is in Placer County. The city is considered to be part of the greater Sacramento metro area. Auburn borders Ophir to the west, North Auburn, Cool, and Newcastle. Interstate 80 cuts through the city on a diagonal, passing through the northern parts of town. It’s 33 miles from Auburn to Sacramento, CA.
Auburn Population & Demographics
The population of Auburn is 13,776 (which equals a population density of around 1,965.1 people per square mile). Since 2010, the population has increased by several hundred. Well-known individuals who’ve lived in Auburn include Painter Clarence Hinkle and Poet Mary Eulalie Fee Shannon. If you are a fan of John Steinbeck’s novels, George and Lennie from Of Mice and Men were raised in Auburn!
Auburn demographics:
- Sex ratio: 46% male, 54% female
- Median age: 48.6
- Race and ethnicity: 87.7% White (80.6% non-Hispanic), 12.6% Hispanic, 8.5% two or more, and 1.6% Asian
- Median household income: $67,282 (about 10% less than the state average)
- Educational attainment: 93.4% with a high school diploma (or higher), 40.4% with a bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 9.1% percent
Auburn is a safe place to live. The overall Auburn crime rate is 27.1 percent lower than the state average, and 18.4 percent lower than the national average. The Auburn Police Department features a staff of 28 total law enforcement employees.
Cost of Living in Auburn
Prior to moving to Auburn, it is important to know the Auburn cost of living. The composite score of the Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade CA Metro area is 120. This means that the cost of living in nearby suburbs such as Auburn is higher than the national average. Some will find the area an expensive place to reside.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four needs to earn $95,122 per year to afford to live in Auburn.
Typical Auburn Living Expenses:
- Average Auburn utilities per month: $234.46
- Private full-day preschool: $1,150/month
- Gym membership: $57.88/month
- One gallon of milk: $3.70
(Source: Numbeo)
The Auburn median home price is currently $766,000. Browse current Auburn, CA homes for sale. Individuals who are planning on renting will find that the average rent in Auburn is $1,515 for an 858 square foot dwelling.
Auburn Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Auburn
If you are currently researching where to live in Auburn, there are several important considerations to make. While all city neighborhoods are idyllic and safe, each has their own unique characteristics.
Woodland Estates — Upscale homes with scenic mountain views
Appropriately described as one of the best neighborhoods in Auburn for families, Woodland Estates offers a cozy suburban environment. Featuring stunning vistas of the local landscape, residents also enjoy the beauty of nearby rural communities. Properties are spacious and upscale, with many homes providing between four and six bedrooms, and between 2,000 and 4,500 square feet of space.
Hidden Falls Park — Tranquil, scenic locale ideal for outdoor recreation enthusiasts
The biggest factor that makes Hidden Falls Park one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Auburn is its close proximity to nature. This neighborhood shares the same name as the scenic park that is located minutes away from area homes. Enjoy quick access to hiking trails, waterfalls, horseback riding, and much more.
Auburn Weather & Climate
According to the Köppen classification, Auburn has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. For those wondering how hot it gets in Auburn during the summertime, temperatures reach an average daily high of 93 degrees in July. The coldest temperatures in Auburn occur in January, when the average daily high is 54 degrees. Between April and October, the city experiences the least amount of precipitation — including a rainless period extending from June 6 to September 22.
Since the city is located close to the mountains, many individuals wonder if there is snow in Auburn CA. On average, Auburn gets one inch of snow per year. Despite living in a sunny and warm climate the majority of the year, you won’t want to pack up your coats and gloves.
The best time to visit Auburn is mid-June to late September. Temperatures are often extremely comfortable, which is ideal for sightseeing.
Things to Do in Auburn
Upon moving to Auburn, there is plenty to see and experience. On top of the excellent selection of malls and stores — including Auburn Town Center, Sierra Elm Shopping Center, Milo Snow and Skate, and The Auburn Bodega — there are plenty of points of interest throughout the city. Check out a sample of the best things to do in Auburn.
The Gold Rush Museum
Located in Downtown Auburn, discover the area’s rich history at The Gold Rush Museum. Visitors of this interactive, family-friendly museum can explore an indoor panning stream, a mining tunnel exhibit, and other hands-on exhibits.
601 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603, 530-889-6500
Ashley Off-Leash Dog Park
Encompassed by Ashford Park, Auburn dog owners love this fun hangout for their four-legged friends. Maintained by the Auburn Parks and Rec department, dogs can play in a waterfall and run off-leash, while their humans enjoy shaded structures and benches.
1601 Auburn Ravine Rd, Auburn, CA 95603, 530-885-8461
Auburn State Recreation Area
Home to spectacular views and kid-friendly activities, the Auburn State Recreation Area features hours of outdoor fun. Dog-friendly and open from sunrise to sunset, visitors can spend the day hiking, camping, horseback riding, and fishing.
501 El Dorado St, Auburn, CA 95603, 530-885-4527
More things to do in Auburn:
Looking for more things to do in Auburn? Auburn Parks and Recreation manages a myriad of community parks. You can also check the City of Auburn events calendar to find upcoming events in the area.
Auburn Restaurants
While living in Auburn, locals enjoy a premium selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Whether you are craving Italian, English, Indian, or American fare, even the most discerning will find new favorite eateries in the city.
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The Station Public House
Acclaimed for being one of the best places to eat in Auburn, diners at The Station Public House can enjoy a menu of delicious, made-from-scratch dishes. Try fresh creations such as the Banh Mi Dip, Cubano Sandwich, Grilled Tofu Sandwich, and the Zesty Lemon Hummus.
750 Lincoln Way St.100, Auburn, CA 95603, 530-820-3353
Nectar Café
The best vegan restaurant in Auburn is the Nectar Café. Using organic ingredients whenever possible, this cozy Downtown Auburn cafe serves dishes based on what is local and in-season. Try one-of-a-kind offerings such as the BLTA (made with coconut bacon), stuffed avocados, and the hearty Buffalo Cauliflower Taco Plate.
948 Lincoln Way Suite A, Auburn, CA 95603, 530-820-3314
Edelweiss Restaurant
Unpretentious and down-to-earth, Edelweiss Restaurant is one of the best places for breakfast in Auburn. Patrons can chow down on pork chops, egg dishes, hash browns, bakery case selections, and much more.
627 High St, Auburn, CA 95603, 530-885-1772
Jobs in Auburn
Searching for the position you’ll have after moving to Auburn? The city is brimming with opportunity across industries.
Top jobs in Auburn include retail, health care, and office positions. The best-rated Auburn employers include Placer County, Mother Lode Holding Company, and Auburn Eye Care Associates. According to Payscale, the average hourly rate in Auburn is $19.63, while average annual pay is $70,000.
Auburn Schools
The City of Auburn is part of the Auburn Union School District. There are several high-quality schools across grade levels, including Bowman Charter School, Placer High School, and Alta Vista Community Charter.
Both residents and students appreciate the services offered by the Auburn Library, which is located at 350 Nevada St.
Auburn Statistics & Information
- County: Placer County
- Area: 7.20 square miles
- Zip code: 95602-95604
- Area code: 530
- Elevation: 1,227 feet
- Time zone: Pacific
- Closest airport: Sacramento International Airport (SMF), 40.5 miles away
Auburn CA Map
Explore more things to do, restaurants, and amenities with this map of Auburn.
Pros & Cons of Living in Auburn
- Pro: Auburn is close to numerous spots for outdoor recreation.
- Con: The city can be very hot in the summertime.
- Pro: Auburn has a charming downtown area.
- Pro: Close to Sacramento.
Planning on moving to Auburn in the near future? Our Auburn, CA movers know how to quickly and efficiently get you from point A to point B. Contact our experienced, five-star team with Mother Lode Moving today at 916-631-4285.
