Auburn, WA Properties | Real Property Associates, Inc.

Back

Auburn sits in the Green River Valley of Washington's Puget Sound region, about 30 miles south of Seattle and roughly 15 miles northeast of Tacoma. The city lies primarily in King County, with a small southern portion crossing into Pierce County, a boundary that reflects its position at the junction of two of the region's major counties. The Green River and White River, along with the surrounding hillsides, shape both the city's geography and its character. The area's history is rooted in the river valleys and the railroad. Auburn grew as a farming and railroad community, and its heritage is tied to the Muckleshoot Tribe, whose reservation lies nearby, as well as to the waves of settlers—including a notable Japanese-American farming community—who worked the valley's rich agricultural land. The White River Valley Museum preserves that layered history, documenting the tribe, early settlement, Japanese immigration, farming, and the railroads that gave the city its start. Today Auburn is a substantial commuter city of roughly 86,000 residents. Emerald Downs, a thoroughbred racetrack, is one of its best-known institutions, drawing race fans across the region and serving as a community gathering place. The Muckleshoot Tribe has also become a significant local economic presence. The city's appeal rests on its balance of affordability, diversity, and connectivity. Sounder commuter rail runs from Auburn Station to downtown Seattle in about 35 minutes, and Sound Transit Express, King County Metro, and Pierce Transit bus service extend the network. With State Routes 167 and 18 and Interstate 5 nearby, Auburn functions as a practical home base for workers across the Seattle-Tacoma corridor while offering a housing stock that ranges from valley-floor Craftsman homes to hillside master-planned communities.

Population 86,000

County King and Pierce counties

Active Listings 601

Frequently Asked Questions

What county is Auburn in?

Auburn is located primarily in King County, Washington, with a small portion of the city extending south into Pierce County. It sits in the Green River and White River valleys, about 30 miles south of Seattle.

How far is Auburn from Seattle and Tacoma?

Auburn lies about 30 miles south of Seattle and roughly 15 miles northeast of Tacoma. Sounder commuter rail runs from Auburn Station to King Street Station in downtown Seattle in roughly 35 minutes, and Sound Transit Express, King County Metro, and Pierce Transit buses also serve the city.

What school district serves Auburn?

Auburn is served by the Auburn School District, which enrolls roughly 18,000 students across about 26 schools. The district covers Auburn as well as the neighboring cities of Algona and Pacific and a portion of Kent, spanning both King and Pierce counties.

What is Auburn known for?

Auburn is known for Emerald Downs, a thoroughbred horse-racing track, and for its history as a railroad and farming community in the White River Valley. The White River Valley Museum documents the area's Muckleshoot Tribe, early settlers, Japanese immigration, farming, and railroads, and the Muckleshoot Tribe has a significant presence nearby.

Is Auburn part of the Seattle metro area?

Yes. Auburn is part of the Seattle metropolitan area and functions as a commuter suburb of Seattle. Its Sounder rail station, bus connections, and access to State Routes 167 and 18 and Interstate 5 link the city to Seattle, Tacoma, and the broader Puget Sound region.

City Guide

About Auburn

Real Estate & Housing

Auburn's housing stock spans several generations of development. Older neighborhoods near the downtown and river valley contain early 20th-century Craftsman homes and modest mid-century houses, while surrounding hills hold larger, newer subdivisions. Lakeland Hills is a prominent master-planned community with condominiums, single-family homes, and some luxury listings, along with parks and walking trails. Lea Hill offers tree-lined streets and spacious lots, and West Hill and Midway mix single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Southeast Auburn extends toward more rural properties and acreage. The result is one of the more economically varied housing markets in south King County.

Neighborhoods

Auburn's neighborhoods range across a varied landscape. Lakeland Hills, straddling the King-Pierce line, is a master-planned community of condos and single-family homes with parks, trails, and community activities. Lea Hill is a tree-lined suburban area known for spacious lots and neighborhood parks. West Hill and Midway, in the western part of the city, blend suburban homes with apartments and townhouses and offer direct Seattle access. Southeast Auburn features highly rated schools, riverside parks, and a mix of Craftsman-style homes and rural properties. The downtown and valley-floor areas contain some of the city's older, more established housing near transit and commercial corridors.

Lifestyle in Auburn

Auburn offers a diverse, family-oriented suburban lifestyle within commuting reach of Seattle. Emerald Downs racetrack anchors a spring-to-fall racing season and hosts community events throughout the year. The White River Valley Museum and the city's downtown provide local cultural touchstones, while the Auburn Farmers Market and seasonal festivals draw residents together. The city's dining scene reflects a notably diverse population, with a broad range of international restaurants along its commercial corridors. Parks and riverfront trails give the community outdoor space, and the nearby Muckleshoot Reservation contributes to the area's cultural and economic life. Residents balance a Puget Sound commuter existence with a distinct, rooted local identity.

Schools & Education

Auburn is served by the Auburn School District, which enrolls roughly 18,000 students across about 26 schools. The district spans a 62-square-mile area bridging King and Pierce counties and serves the cities of Auburn, Algona, and Pacific, along with a portion of Kent and nearby unincorporated communities. Families also have access to private and charter school options in the region. For higher education, Green River College, located just east of the city, provides two-year degrees and transfer pathways, and the universities of the Seattle-Tacoma area are within commuting distance.

Getting Around

Auburn is among the south King County cities best served by transit. Sounder commuter rail's S Line stops at Auburn Station, carrying passengers to King Street Station in downtown Seattle in about 35 minutes, with connections through Kent and Tukwila toward Tacoma and Lakewood. Sound Transit Express, King County Metro, and Pierce Transit buses serve the station and city corridors. For drivers, State Route 167 runs north toward Renton and Seattle, State Route 18 crosses east-west, and Interstate 5 lies a short distance west. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is about 15 miles to the northwest, and Tacoma is a short drive south.

Parks & Recreation

Auburn's recreation draws on its river valleys and parks system. The city maintains a network of neighborhood parks, playgrounds, and sports fields, and the Green River and White River corridors offer trails, fishing, and open space. Game Farm Park and the city's golf facilities provide additional outdoor recreation, while Lakeland Hills and Lea Hill include community parks and walking paths. Mount Rainier, visible on clear days, anchors the region's outdoor identity, with hiking and skiing within a couple of hours' drive. Emerald Downs adds seasonal racing and events, and the city's community centers and skate parks serve year-round activities for residents.

MARKET SNAPSHOT