8 Things to Know About Living in Auburn, WA

Auburn, or “A-town,” as the locals call it, is one of the most attractive places in King County, Washington. This city, situated between Tacoma and Seattle, started in the 1850s under the eerie name “Slaughter,” and its hotel was called the “Slaughter House”. Thankfully, the name was changed to Auburn not long after, after a city in New York with the same name became famous for its hops production, for which Auburn is still well known. 

Auburn is notable not only for its local natural beauty but also for its more illustrious people, like Congressman Dave Reichert and NASA astronaut Francis Scobee.

Let’s talk about eight things to know about living in Auburn, WA.

1. A higher-than-average cost of living

Auburn is relatively affordable for a coastal city, but it will still leave a dent in your bank account; the cost of living here is 15% higher than the national average. Compared to the rest of Washington, real estate here is more expensive, costing an average of $585,434. The cost of healthcare and transportation is higher than the national average, whereas the cost of utilities is much lower. The average apartment rent is $1,549, which is high but not ridiculously so compared to other major cities.

Although the cost of living in Auburn is higher than in other parts of Washington, the city’s security and beautiful attractions more than make up for the difference.

2. It rains a lot, but it doesn’t snow much

If you like cooler weather, Auburn, Washington, has a pleasant temperature range, although it gets a lot of rain like the rest of the state. Winter lows can drop below 35 degrees Fahrenheit, while summer highs can reach up to 77. 

With 43 inches of rain per year compared to the average of 38.1 inches for the United States, Auburn receives only a bit more than the average amount of precipitation. The city receives only 5 inches of snow every year, while the national average is 28. 

3. The healthcare industry is the major employer

The job market in Auburn has been expanding in recent years, and experts predict further growth of up to 37.8 percent over the next decade. Zones Incorporated, Auburn School District, the Boeing Company, and Multicare Health Systems are some of the most well-known companies in the area that hire locally. Certified Nursing Assistants, Registered Nurses, and Customer Service Representatives hold the top three spots on the list of most sought-after professions. The median annual income in Auburn is $66,000, and the median hourly wage is $19.44.

The healthcare industry is a good bet in Auburn, as it is in many other American communities.

4. You’ll need a car to get around

To get around Auburn, having access to a vehicle is crucial. Even though taking public transportation is possible, it’s not as easy as it could be in another city. The city is connected to Seattle and Tacoma through the Sounder train and other bus routes. However, the scope of the service is somewhat restricted, and the available times might not work for everyone. 

Having a car is essential if you need to get to and from your job or school often.

5. The Auburn School District serves the city

The Auburn school system is something you ought to look into if you plan to raise a family there. Twenty-two elementary schools, seven middle schools, and four high schools make up the Auburn School District, which serves the city’s public school population. 

According to GreatSchools.org, the average rating for the district’s schools is 5 out of 10. You also have your pick of several excellent private institutions in the region.

6. The city is quite diverse

People of many different races and cultures live in Auburn, making it a multicultural city. While Caucasians make up the majority of Auburn’s population (57%), the city also has a sizeable number of Hispanic and Japanese people. The Auburn International Farmers Market and the Auburn Days Festival are only two of several annual cultural events held in Auburn. 

Likewise, Auburn’s history and culture would be incomplete without the contributions of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe.

7. Catch a show at The White River Amphitheatre

Outdoor activities and entertainment opportunities can be found in plenty in Auburn. The Green River and Flaming Geyser State Park are only two examples of the stunning parks that surround the city. 

The White River Amphitheatre plays host to numerous concerts and events each year, many of which include internationally renowned artists.

8. The property crime rate is double the national average

Auburn has a much higher property crime rate than the U.S. average. The majority of crimes in the city fall under this category, so citizens should take extra care to protect their homes and possessions. 

While the rate of violent crime in Auburn is 21.4, lower than the national average of 22.7, the rate of property crime is significantly higher than the national average of 35.4, at 73.7. 

In Summary

In conclusion, anyone seeking a beautiful, diversified city with ample possibilities for outdoor recreation and entertainment would do well to consider making Auburn, Washington, their permanent home. The city’s economy is booming, and its hospitals are among the best in the country. 

However, the high cost of living, high property crime rate, and transportation in Auburn must be taken into account before making the move.