Nothing is posted in Opelika right now, but Olivia often hears about property before it hits the market. Tell her what you're after and she'll reach out first.
About 6 acres of cleared, graveled industrial yard for lease — set up for roughly 125 tractor-trailer spaces, 2 miles from I-85.
4 min readUpdated 2026-10-20By Olivia Gentry Williams
Opelika is the county seat of Lee County, Alabama, sitting on I-85 roughly an hour and a quarter southwest of Newnan. It shares a border with Auburn, and the two cities function as one metro area, but Opelika has its own character: a historic downtown built along the railroad, older neighborhoods with mature trees, and newer development spreading out toward the interstate. I am licensed in Alabama as well as Georgia, so I can help buyers and sellers on both sides of the state line.
What is it like to live in Opelika?
Opelika’s downtown grew up around the railroad, and the brick storefronts along the tracks now hold restaurants, shops, and event spaces. The city hosts community events through the year, and the downtown blocks are walkable. Away from the center, Opelika is a mix of established neighborhoods, newer subdivisions, and commercial corridors with the national retailers you would expect, including the Tiger Town shopping area near I-85.
East Alabama Medical Center is located in Opelika, and the city sits next to Auburn, so a large university’s sports calendar and cultural events are a few minutes away.
What types of homes and land can you find in Opelika?
You will find historic homes near downtown, mid-century neighborhoods, newer subdivisions, townhomes, and, outside the city limits, rural properties and acreage in Lee County. Because Opelika and Auburn sit side by side, some buyers compare properties across both cities, and the right choice often comes down to the specific property and how you plan to use it.
Commercial property is active along the I-85 corridor and the main roads into town. Land buyers will find tracts in the surrounding county, from home sites to larger parcels.
How much do homes cost in Opelika?
Prices depend on the age, size, condition, and location of the property, and acreage follows its own per-acre logic. I do not publish a single average because it would not describe any real property well. I pull recent closed sales that match what you are considering and walk through them with you.
If you own property in Opelika, request a personal valuation.
What schools serve Opelika?
Opelika City Schools serves most of the city, including Opelika High School, while some addresses outside the city limits are served by Lee County Schools. Assignments follow the address and can change, so confirm the zoned schools for any property directly with the district.
What is there to do in Opelika?
Downtown dining and events are the center of local life. Golfers know the area for the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail course at Grand National, and the lakes and parks around Lee County offer outdoor options. Auburn, next door, adds college athletics, performances, and more dining.
How long is the drive from Opelika to Newnan?
I-85 connects Opelika directly to LaGrange, Newnan, and the Atlanta metro, so the drive is straightforward: roughly an hour and a quarter to Newnan depending on traffic. Keep in mind that Opelika is on Central Time, one hour behind Georgia, which matters when you are scheduling showings, closings, or a commute across the line.
How is buying in Alabama different from buying in Georgia?
The basics are similar, but a few details differ. Alabama real estate is regulated by the Alabama Real Estate Commission rather than the Georgia Real Estate Commission, and closings in Alabama may be handled by an attorney or a title company. Property taxes are set and collected at the county level, so ask the county tax office about the current bill for any property. Contract forms and timelines also differ from Georgia’s, which is one reason it helps to work with an agent licensed in Alabama.
What should land buyers check around Opelika?
As anywhere, confirm legal road access, order a survey, and ask whether public water and sewer are available or a well and septic system will be needed. Check zoning with the city or county, look at the flood maps for parcels near creeks or lakes, and ask what permits your plans require. These checks are easier before closing than after.
What is the Opelika real estate market like?
Opelika draws buyers who want proximity to Auburn and I-85 along with a downtown of its own. In-town homes, subdivision homes, acreage, and commercial property each move at their own pace, so I look at recent closings for the exact type of property you are considering and share what they show.
Is Opelika the right fit for the property you want?
If you want an Alabama property with interstate access, a historic downtown, and Auburn next door, Opelika deserves a look. Compare it with Auburn for properties closer to campus, or with LaFayette for a smaller county-seat setting.
