Living in Auburn Hills, Michigan: Things to Do, Lifestyle & Local Highlights

Introduction

Auburn Hills, Michigan may only cover about 16.68 square miles, but it delivers far more entertainment, amenities, and destination-level attractions than most people expect. Located in Oakland County, this Southeast Michigan city is best known for its retail, dining, parks, and cultural offerings — making it a place people often visit first and then start seriously considering as a place to live.

If you’re researching Auburn Hills to see what everyday life actually looks like here, let’s break down the highlights in a practical, no-fluff way.

Where Is Auburn Hills, Michigan Located?

Auburn Hills is located in northern Oakland County, positioned conveniently between several major Metro Detroit corridors.

Key location highlights:

• Direct access to I-75 and M-59
• Roughly 30–40 minutes from Downtown Detroit
• Close proximity to Troy, Rochester Hills, and Pontiac
• Easy regional access to employment centers, shopping, and entertainment

According to U.S. Census Bureau geographic data, Auburn Hills benefits from strong regional connectivity without being directly tied to a single downtown core.

Things to Do in Auburn Hills, Michigan

Shopping & Entertainment Destinations

One of Auburn Hills’ most recognizable attractions is Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, one of Metro Detroit’s most visited retail and entertainment centers.

Highlights include:

• Approximately 185 retail stores
• A large food court and multiple sit-down restaurants
• A multi-screen movie theater
• Indoor attractions like SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and Round1 Bowling & Amusement

According to visitor data published by local tourism sources, Great Lakes Crossing attracts both regional and out-of-state visitors, making Auburn Hills a consistent destination city rather than just a pass-through community.

Recreational Activities & Outdoor Spaces

Not everything in Auburn Hills revolves around shopping — and your wallet will appreciate that.

Local outdoor options include:

• Riverside Park with picnic shelters, BBQ grills, playgrounds, and river access
• Canoe and kayak launch areas along the Clinton River
• Hawk Woods Nature Center, offering wooded trails, boardwalks, and seasonal programming

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and city parks documentation, Auburn Hills has prioritized maintaining accessible green space despite its commercial footprint.

Entertainment & Social Experiences

For group outings or casual entertainment, Topgolf Auburn Hills is a popular option — even for people who don’t golf.

Why it works:

• Climate-controlled bays
• Food and beverage service at each station
• Social, low-pressure environment
• Activities designed for all experience levels

It’s less about skill and more about the experience — which explains its popularity with both residents and visitors.

Restaurants & Local Favorites

Auburn Hills has a mix of casual, locally known spots and destination dining.

Notable mentions:

• Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room, featuring wines exclusively from Michigan wineries
• Four Korner's Restaurant, a long-standing local diner known for breakfast
• Red Ox Tavern, offering a broad menu with a slightly more upscale atmosphere

These establishments contribute to Auburn Hills’ balance between everyday convenience and weekend destination appeal.

Arts, Culture & Performing Arts

A major cultural anchor in the city is Meadow Brook Theatre, located on the Oakland University campus.

The theater regularly hosts:

• Touring Broadway-style productions
• Seasonal performances
• Community and university-affiliated events

It’s one of Southeast Michigan’s better-known regional performing arts venues.

Frequently Asked Questions About Auburn Hills, Michigan

Is Auburn Hills, Michigan a good place to live?
Auburn Hills appeals to people who value access to shopping, entertainment, highways, and regional amenities. According to Niche.com, it’s often recognized for convenience and infrastructure.

What is Auburn Hills known for?
It’s best known for Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, Oakland University, regional entertainment venues, and major highway access.

Is Auburn Hills close to major highways?
Yes. Auburn Hills has direct access to I-75 and M-59, making regional commuting and travel straightforward.

Are there parks and outdoor spaces in Auburn Hills?
Yes. The city maintains multiple parks and nature areas, including Riverside Park and Hawk Woods Nature Center.

Does Auburn Hills have entertainment beyond shopping?
Absolutely. Attractions include Topgolf, Meadow Brook Theatre, parks, dining, and seasonal events hosted by the city and university.

Is Auburn Hills mostly residential or commercial?
It’s a mix. Auburn Hills has significant commercial development alongside established residential neighborhoods.

What type of lifestyle does Auburn Hills offer?
The lifestyle leans toward convenience, accessibility, and entertainment, with a strong emphasis on regional connectivity.

Conclusion

Auburn Hills, Michigan stands out as a city that blends retail, recreation, outdoor space, dining, and cultural attractions into one compact footprint. Whether you’re visiting for the day or researching what everyday life looks like, it offers far more depth than its size suggests.

If you're looking to move to, from, or within the state of Michigan in one day or a million, I help people do just that and I love it as a Michigan Realtor. Please reach out anytime for help — I’m happy to be your go-to resource.