Auburn Hills, MI Area Guide

Auburn Hills traces its roots to 1821, when it began as Pontiac Township and included the village of Auburn at the corner of Auburn and Squirrel roads. Aaron Webster, the area's first settler, established a sawmill and grist mill on the Clinton River, naming the settlement after Auburn, New York. The streets were laid out in 1826, and the small milling community gradually attracted more settlers to the riverbanks. The city didn't adopt its current name until 1983, when it officially incorporated after decades under township governance, though Oakland Community College had already been calling its local campus "Auburn Hills" since 1964. Today, the Clinton River remains a defining feature of the downtown area, where riverside parks and brick-paved sidewalks recall the settlement's milling origins. The annual tree lighting ceremony, held for over twenty years, connects residents to local tradition, while Oakland University Art Gallery serves as the area's only exhibit space for visual arts.

Auburn Hills offers a diverse dining scene that punches above its size. The downtown stretch along the Clinton River draws locals to casual eateries, sandwich shops, and neighborhood bars, while the corridors near Great Lakes Crossing Outlets and I-75 host a wide range of options including American comfort food, Japanese cuisine, and pizza. Buddy's Pizza, a Detroit-area staple open since 1946, is a must-try for newcomers — its square, Detroit-style deep-dish pizza with crispy cheese-edged crusts has made it a regional institution. The presence of Oakland University and Oakland Community College keeps the dining scene affordable and lively, with quick-service spots and casual sit-down restaurants catering to students and professionals alike.

Most Auburn Hills residents rely on personal vehicles to get around. Interstate 75 is the city's main artery, connecting commuters to downtown Detroit roughly 30 miles south and to Flint to the north. M-59 (Highway 59) runs east-west through the area, providing access to neighboring communities like Pontiac and Rochester Hills. Public transit options are limited, with bus service primarily serving Oakland University and Oakland Community College campuses rather than the broader community. Sidewalks and bike-friendly streets are available throughout much of the city, and the Clinton River Trail extends 16 miles through Auburn Hills and Oakland County, offering a dedicated path for cyclists and pedestrians. Detroit Metropolitan Airport is the nearest major airport, located about 45 miles southwest.

Auburn Hills residents have no shortage of green space to explore. Civic Center Park is a local standout, featuring hiking trails, a fishing pond, picnic areas, softball fields, a disc golf course, playgrounds, and tennis courts, along with a shelter with an indoor fireplace. The Clinton River Trail stretches 16 miles through Auburn Hills and Oakland County, offering a scenic corridor for walking, running, and cycling. Riverside Park and River Woods Park provide additional green space along the Clinton River, while Hawk Woods Nature Center offers year-round access, complete with overnight camping cabins and a two-story lodge for a more immersive outdoor experience.

Auburn Hills sits above the statewide average for rent, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $1,322 per month compared to Michigan's average of $1,155. Two-bedroom units average $1,528, and studio apartments come in around $1,029. Nearby Pontiac offers notably lower rents across all unit sizes, while Rochester Hills trends higher, particularly for larger units. Rents in Auburn Hills have edged slightly downward year over year across most unit types. The city's median household income of $78,115 reflects the presence of major corporate and manufacturing employers in the area.

Auburn Hills anchors its shopping identity around Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, one of Michigan's largest outlet destinations with over 185 stores offering brand-name merchandise at reduced prices. The sprawling retail complex draws shoppers from across the region and serves as a true retail hub for the area. Downtown Auburn Hills offers a more walkable experience along its brick-paved sidewalks, where a mix of shops and local businesses line the streetscape near the Clinton River. During summer, a farmers market adds a seasonal rhythm to downtown, giving residents a place to browse fresh produce and locally sourced goods alongside the area's everyday retail options.