Publisher’sNote

Welcome to East Alabama… your new home on The Plains! You and your family have settled into a wonderful place to live, raise your family, and grow your business.

Auburn and Opelika have thriving neighborhoods, big and small, and quaint downtown areas, where the community gathers for various events throughout the year. You’ll meet lots of friendly neighbors everywhere you venture. East Alabama is known for some of the best public and private schools in Alabama. Among the small-town vibe, you’ll find modern amenities like museums, theatre, technologies, growing businesses, and advanced healthcare facilities.

Auburn and Opelika are ever-growing and changing with various cultures and diversity. It is exciting to see all the growth around us, and it is fun to explore all that our area has to offer families.

If you wonder, “Where do I begin?” you have come to the right place. Auburn Opelika Parents Magazine is Lee County’s foremost parenting resource. This month’s issue contains our Newcomers Guide, where you will find everything from city resources, real estate agencies, pediatric clinics, and recreational facilities. Look through our guide to get you started in the right direction. Also, we feature local happenings around town each month in our Family Calendar and Bits & Pieces pages. Fun events like nature hikes, concerts in the park, theatre shows, and story times at the library are just a few you can look forward to. In addition, the Auburn and Opelika Parks and Recreation have outstanding community events, children’s programs, and classes for the whole family. This month, mark your family calendar for the upcoming July 4th celebrations! It is a time that both communities gather together to listen to music, play yard games, enjoy a picnic dinner, and celebrate America’s birthday! Other must-do events are the family splash days and float-in movies throughout the summer. Be sure to grab your floats and watch The Goonies and The Bad Guys at the pool. Also unique to our magazine is a section you don’t want to miss… School Bits. Here schools showcase their students and some of their awards, honorable mentions, exciting news, and much more!

In this month’s feature article, 7 Effective Tips for Moving Into a New House with Kids, the author suggests some ideas to help with the transition. One, in particular, is that parents might want to join social media groups like Facebook, where your family could connect to other families with similar interests. There are groups for new families in particular areas/neighborhoods in town, groups associated with various schools, and groups related to sports or finding mom playgroups. Connecting in these groups would be a great place to begin acclimating, not only for your children but also moms and dads. In addition, meeting new neighbors will help the kids make new friends, and doing so before the new school year could encourage friendships that will make attending a new school this fall feel less overwhelming.

Welcome to Auburn and Opelika! It is our hope that your family finds a great home and neighborhood and feels welcome in your new community. As you settle in, reach out to local resources for all your family’s needs. From one parent to another, welcome to your new home on The Plains!