Auburn, Washington, sits at the edge of many good things. Considered part of the Puget Sound region, this city with a population approaching 100,000 has parts in two counties and acts as the boundary between the Seattle-Tacoma urbanized area and the Cascade Range of mountains. On a sunny day, Mount Rainier dominates the city’s skyline. Newcomers to Auburn will find a mix of industries, Native American reservations, and plentiful connections to the wider region. For new and long-time residents alike, Auburn has a little bit of everything.
Auburn experienced a significant population increase in recent years. Most of Auburn is in King County, where the city of Seattle is also located. A smaller proportion is in Pierce County, which has a collection of small towns and suburbs. Before you move to Auburn, you need to know the following:
1. What is great about Auburn, WA?
Auburn’s location contributes to its dueling identities as both a suburb and a unique city in its own way. The town itself started as a farming community, dating back to the late 19th century. These roots give the city its traditions and economic foundations. Auburn’s downtown, key economic assets, and regional transportation connections make the city a great place to be.
Auburn’s Downtown
Agriculture was Auburn’s first industry, and what was a small trading post became the city’s downtown. With origins dating all the way back to the 1850s, the core of the city has a collection of historically preserved brick buildings. It invites you to grab a cup of coffee at a local shop and stroll down Main Street’s wide sidewalks, window shopping or saying hello to friends. Downtown serves as the backdrop for the city’s famous Veteran’s Day parade every November, and the Auburn Avenue Theater and the Auburn Performing Arts Center are also located there.
2. What’s the weather like in Auburn, WA?
Auburn enjoys a marine west coast climate. Summer typically lasts from June to September, with temperatures never exceeding 90°F. Winters are usually long and overcast. They’re the rainiest part of the year too.
Rhododendron trees in Auburn, WA
Regardless of the season, you will want to keep your belongings safe from the effects of this climate. Whether you own a boat or a car, you’re better off putting them in storage to prevent any damage related to exposure to the elements. Moreover, seasonal décor and clothing can sit safely in a climate-controlled unit in Auburn as the humid climate can damage them if stored in a garage or a part of your home that isn’t air-conditioned.
3. Local and regional economy in Auburn, WA
Historically, Auburn’s economic roots may be in agriculture, but several larger macroeconomic trends have evolved. The Muckleshoot Reservation lies on Auburn’s eastern edge and hosts a key entertainment hub that contributes to the city’s economy. Auburn has one of the largest industrial parks in the United States and is known as a hub for aircraft maintenance facilities. Any product manufactured or designed here can be transported via the Port of Seattle and to places north and south via Interstate 5. Auburn’s proximity to Seattle also opens doors for residents to the burgeoning science and technology industries there.
Both tech companies and small businesses can benefit from self storage in Auburn. Additional office furniture as well as paper records can sit in a storage unit until they’re needed again. Moreover, small businesses – whether they’re brick-and-mortar or e-businesses – can also reap the benefits of using the service. Additional merchandise can sit in storage until it’s ready to hit the shelves or it’s going to be delivered.
4. Transportation connections in Auburn, WA
The Puget Sound region has a plethora of transportation options – flights, trains and highways – making it easy for Auburn residents to connect to Seattle, Tacoma and cities further away. The Sounder South commuter rail line has a stop in Auburn. An Auburn resident is just 20 minutes and four rail stops from Tacoma and, in the opposite direction, four stops from Seattle. Several regional express bus services connect Auburn to large employment centers in Bellevue, Puyallup and Federal Way. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, one of the largest in the world, is just 15 minutes away.
5. What’s Auburn famous for?
People from all over the Puget Sound region come to Auburn to see live performances at the White River Amphitheater, with musical acts including a visit to Auburn on their touring schedules. Notably, Auburn is close to Mount Rainier National Park, with its majestic volcanic mountain that can appear so close it is possible to touch from your porch.
Cloudless view on Mt Rainier, Washington state
6. What does the moving process to Auburn, WA, involve?
If you have got a new job at one of the region’s large technology companies, you now need to decide where to live. Auburn is a great choice for its good commuter transportation connections, school district and easy access to the Cascades. After choosing an apartment or home in Auburn, you need to think about how to move your belongings. As you pack your stuff and prepare to move to the Pacific Northwest, it is always a good idea to ensure waterproof gear is handy as rain is frequent here. However, the sun also shines more than 200 days a year.
Make self storage part of your moving strategy to ensure the moving process goes smoothly. You can send your belongings ahead of time and have them put in a storage unit close to your new Auburn home. This way, you can easily retrieve your household items after you move in.
What are the costs of moving to Auburn, WA?
The Puget Sound draws transplants from everywhere. California is the most common state for people to come from as they migrate to the Pacific Northwest. For anyone making this move up Interstate 5, the costs of a full-service move, requiring a company to pack everything and drive all your furniture and boxes, can mount up. Moving yourself can save you money but the process can be stressful.
7. Is Auburn, WA, a good place to live?
Auburn is a great western city that offers access to a variety of activities, including exploring the outdoors as well as welcoming residents, which makes it an excellent place for those looking to relocate to a place that has small-town charm. Let’s take a look at some of the common moving routes leading to Auburn:
Moving to Auburn from Seattle
As a Seattle suburb, Auburn is a great place to move to if you’re working in the city and wish to enjoy the quiet suburban life. You can even consider finding a job locally, as the city’s job market has increased lately. As a coastal city, the cost of living is higher than the state’ average. However, utilities are cheaper here compared to Washington’s average. Auburn offers plenty of recreational opportunities, whether you enjoy horse racing, outdoor dining, hiking or rafting.
Moving to Auburn from Boston
Auburn is a great place to move if you’re looking for a change of scenery. Living here is not cheap, but you get to enjoy access to quiet and safe neighborhoods close to nature. There are plenty of parks and trails if you love being out and about. If you’re moving here with your family with children, the school system provides excellent education. Moreover, you’re very close to Seattle if you miss the big-city energy.
8. What are the housing options in Auburn, WA?
You don’t have to find your forever home when you first move here, but you will need to find a place to call home. If apartment living is more to your liking, you might consider renting or buying one downtown, home to the city’s charming historic architecture. As you try to make the best of the space in your Auburn apartment, you might discover it can be a little cluttered. You can turn to self storage to keep additional furniture, appliances and seasonal clothing and décor. This way, your home can be organized and breezy.
If you’re considering a single family home, Lakeland, West Hill and Southeast Auburn are great neighborhoods for potential homeowners. Even if you do enjoy more living space than an apartment dweller, your home can still get cluttered. You can put your additional furniture, seasonal décor, clothing and hobby gear in storage until you need to use them again.
Interior of an Auburn, WA home
Home improvement is another instance when self storage can help you if you’re a homeowner. Items from the area under construction can sit in a storage unit until the project is completed. Moreover, you might decide to move in with relatives to form a multi-generational household. As the two households merge, excess furniture, appliances and family heirlooms also need a home to avoid cluttering the living space. They can be put in storage until they’re needed again.
9. What are the storage options in Auburn, Washington?
A move to a new city and region can be daunting. It often takes a while to settle into a new place. While you are figuring out where to live or what your needs are, a storage unit is often a good idea. Auburn has several self storage facilities, both to the north and south sides of town. Options range from climate-controlled units in elevator buildings to gated, one-story complexes so finding your ideal storage unit in Auburn, WA should be easy..
If you’ve already found your ideal storage facility in Auburn, WA, the next thing you need to consider is unit size. Go for a 5’x5’ unit if you have smaller items, such as seasonal décor or small outdoor gear. Bulky seasonal items and larger hobby gear can go in a 5’x10’ unit. Upgrade to a 10’x10’ or a 10’x15’ unit if you need to store furniture and appliances. If you’re using the service to move the contents of your home, a 10’x20’ or a 10’x30’ can be ideal, depending on your home size and quantity of belongings. To get a better idea of the type of unit you need, you can consult this storage unit size guide.
You can find Auburn’s best storage unit for all your needs at StorageCafe.com.
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