Relocating: Auburn vs. Huntertown Compared

Trying to choose between Auburn and Huntertown for your move near Fort Wayne? You are not alone. Both towns offer practical benefits, but the day-to-day experience can feel very different. In this guide, you will get a clear comparison of commute patterns, housing, schools, taxes, amenities, and growth so you can decide which community fits your goals. Let’s dive in.

Snapshot: Auburn vs. Huntertown

Quick vibe and lifestyle

• Auburn offers a historic small-city feel with an automotive heritage, an established downtown, and a mix of older and newer homes. You will find a lower-density pace and a traditional Main Street environment.
• Huntertown offers a suburban setting north of Fort Wayne with newer subdivisions, planned neighborhoods, and fast growth connected to the metro’s expansion.

Who each town fits best

• If you value a quieter small-city atmosphere, period architecture, and a sense of history, Auburn may feel like home.
• If you prefer newer construction, neighborhood amenities, and a shorter drive to Fort Wayne employers, Huntertown often aligns with that lifestyle.

Commute and access to Fort Wayne

Daily drive realities

• Huntertown generally provides a shorter drive to northern Fort Wayne and many metro employers. This can be helpful if your routine includes regular trips for work, healthcare, dining, and shopping.
• Auburn sits farther from Fort Wayne, so your commute will often be longer. The tradeoff is a more small-city environment with less suburban density.

Key routes and airports

• The I-69 corridor and regional state routes connect both communities to Fort Wayne and beyond. Car travel is the primary mode for most residents.
• Fort Wayne International and Smith Field are the closest airports that serve the area. Depending on your flight needs, you will likely connect through Fort Wayne’s airport network for regional and national travel.

Housing stock and buyer tips

Home types and age

• Auburn tends to have a larger share of older single-family homes, including bungalows and period architecture near established neighborhoods and its historic core. You will also see some infill and newer builds around the city limits.
• Huntertown features a higher concentration of recently built properties with modern floor plans in planned subdivisions. Historic homes are less common.

New construction vs. resale

• Huntertown typically offers more active new-construction options, given its growth pattern. Buyers looking for newer amenities, energy efficiency, and contemporary layouts often find a good match here.
• Auburn generally has fewer large new subdivisions, with more resale options across a range of ages and lot sizes.

Condition, maintenance, and inspections

• In Auburn, older homes may come with renovation or maintenance needs. Pay attention to roof age, HVAC, electrical systems, and potential updates to windows and insulation.
• In Huntertown, planned communities may include homeowner association rules and fees. Review HOA documents, architectural guidelines, and any common-area maintenance costs.

Schools and family life

Districts and boundaries

• School district boundaries can vary by address, and they may not align perfectly with town limits. Before you buy, verify which schools serve your specific property and confirm boundary maps with the school office.
• Review enrollment sizes, student–teacher ratios, and state assessment results to understand classroom environment and programs. Parents often compare multiple sources, including district websites and state education reports.

Family amenities

• Both towns offer access to parks, playgrounds, youth sports, and library resources in their respective communities and nearby Fort Wayne. The larger metro area adds museums, arts venues, and regional sports facilities.
• Proximity to community colleges and universities in the Fort Wayne area can be a plus for continuing education and dual-credit opportunities. Check program specifics by campus.

Cost of living and taxes

Property taxes and utilities

• Indiana’s property taxes follow a state framework, but local rates and levies differ by county and municipality. Auburn is in DeKalb County and Huntertown is in Allen County, so the typical property tax bill can vary by address and home value.
• Utilities can differ between city services and suburban or rural setups. Confirm whether a property is on city water and sewer or uses a private well and septic system. Review providers for electricity, gas, trash, recycling, and potential stormwater or sewer assessments.

Everyday expenses

• Beyond housing, factor groceries, transportation, and insurance into your decision. These costs are similar across much of the region, but your commute mileage and household size can shift your monthly budget.

Amenities, healthcare, and recreation

Shopping and dining

• Auburn’s historic downtown supports local shops and restaurants, with additional retail along main corridors. You will find community events tied to its automotive history throughout the year.
• Huntertown residents benefit from quick access to northern Fort Wayne retail and dining clusters while still having neighborhood options close by.

Parks, trails, and culture

• Parks, playgrounds, and local green spaces are available in both places. County and state parks in the region add trail systems, water access, and outdoor programs.
• Auburn’s automotive heritage, including its well-known museum presence, anchors local cultural life. Huntertown’s proximity to Fort Wayne expands access to larger arts venues, festivals, and sports.

Healthcare access

• Many residents in both towns use Fort Wayne hospital systems for specialty care, emergency services, and pediatric care. Urgent care options and primary care offices are available within the region, so check provider networks and drive times.

Safety and local services

Public safety coverage

• Each community provides local police, fire, and EMS coverage through municipal or county systems. For a deeper understanding, review public safety pages and annual reports before you move.

Codes, permitting, and services

• Expect differences in trash and recycling schedules, leaf pickup, snow removal, and code enforcement. If you plan to renovate, review the permitting process and timelines so your project stays on track.

Growth and development

What’s building now

• Huntertown has seen rapid residential growth with new subdivisions and consistent building activity that reflects its suburban expansion.
• Auburn’s growth tends to be steadier, with a mix of infill, redevelopment, and targeted new construction.

How growth can affect your choice

• More new construction can mean additional neighborhood amenities, updated infrastructure, and a larger pool of similar homes to compare. It can also mean HOA structures and ongoing construction nearby.
• Slower growth areas can offer established streetscapes, mature trees, and varied architecture. Inventory may be more limited, which can affect how quickly you need to act when the right home hits the market.

How to choose: a weekend game plan

Step-by-step comparison

1. Test your commute. Drive to your worksite at your normal start time from both Auburn and Huntertown. Repeat for evening return.
2. Tour homes that match your must-haves. Compare age, layout, storage, lot size, and HOA rules or fees.
3. Walk the neighborhoods. Visit at different times to observe traffic, parking, and noise.
4. Verify school boundaries. Call district offices for the exact schools that serve each address you are considering.
5. Estimate monthly costs. Include mortgage, taxes, utilities, commute fuel, and any HOA or city fees.
6. Check permitting and projects. If you plan to remodel, confirm timelines, permits, and potential assessment districts.

Bottom line

• Choose Auburn if you want historic character, a small-city pace, and a varied mix of property ages and sizes. Be ready to evaluate maintenance needs in older homes.
• Choose Huntertown if you want newer construction, suburban amenities, and a shorter typical drive to Fort Wayne. Review HOA standards and neighborhood covenants as part of your decision.

If you want a clear, side-by-side shortlist of homes that fit your criteria in both towns, our Fort Wayne based team is ready to help. As owner leaders with deep expertise in Northwest Allen County and nearby communities, we match buyers to the right homes and guide sellers to strong, market-ready listings. For a custom plan or to get your home’s value, connect with Lion & Christlieb. Get Your Instant Home Valuation.

FAQs

Which town has the shorter commute to Fort Wayne?

• Huntertown generally offers a shorter drive to northern Fort Wayne employers, while Auburn is farther out and often adds time to the commute.

What should families know about schools when comparing these towns?

• School boundaries vary by address, so verify the assigned schools for each property and review district resources and state education reports for program details and performance.

Where are property taxes likely to differ between Auburn and Huntertown?

• Auburn is in DeKalb County and Huntertown is in Allen County, so local rates and levies differ; compare sample bills and effective rates for similar value homes in each county.

Which market tends to have more new builds: Auburn or Huntertown?

• Huntertown typically has more active new-construction neighborhoods due to rapid suburban growth, while Auburn’s pipeline is steadier with more resale options.

What hidden costs should buyers watch for in each town?

• In Auburn, older homes may require updates to roofing, HVAC, or electrical; in Huntertown, factor HOA dues, covenant restrictions, and potential construction nearby in growing subdivisions.

How do amenities compare for shopping, dining, and recreation?

• Auburn features a historic downtown and local events tied to its automotive heritage; Huntertown provides quick access to larger retail and dining in northern Fort Wayne along with neighborhood parks.

Is public transit a factor in either place?

• Car travel is the primary mode in both towns, so plan housing and budget around your expected drive times and parking needs.