Top 25 Coolest Towns in America
— The Matador Network
The Most Charming Small Town in Alabama
— Southern Living Magazine
Quality of Life
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Parks and Recreation
Opelika is blessed with ample recreational opportunities both within and in close proximity to downtown. Two recreation centers, two dog parks, a tennis facility and the famous Rocky Brook Rocket miniature train are all within walking distance of downtown.
Additionally, the Opelika Sportsplex provides sports fields, a fitness center, pickle ball courts, an indoor swimming pool and walking trails.
Chewacla State Park in nearby Auburn features campsites, hiking trails, mountain bike paths and a large lake.
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Cultural Amenities
The Auburn Opelika area is known for its thriving arts community. Downtown Opelika is home to numerous murals and Opelika Main Street’s Industry On Track outdoor sculpture art exhibit.
The Arts Association of East Alabama hosts several annual performances at the nearby Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.
Additionally, the nationally recognized Gouge Center for the Performing Arts and Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art are located just a short drive away on the campus of Auburn University.
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Education
Opelika City Schools features 9 schools. Opelika’s public schools offer a variety of different courses includes Advanced Placement classes and career tech courses.
Southern Union State Community College has two campuses within Opelika and offers courses in culinary science, manufacturing, nursing and more.
Auburn University, located in nearby Auburn, is one of two flagship state universities and offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate and professional development courses.