I've worked in Auburn for twenty years now and I lived there for a while, the place has changed a lot. Auburn is mostly in the valley and there are some pockets of decent homes/neighborhoods but it can get ugly as you move out from those. I like the Lakeland Hills area, homes can cost more but has much nicer neighborhoods. the best advise I can give you is to spend some time driving around the valley area and then drive up to Lakeland hills and you'll see the difference. Also the west hill area can be a good choice.

One of the things I like about Auburn if you have to live on this side of the mountains is it's good central location, also very close to the major freeways. Good luck with your move. Feel free to ask me more detailed area/questions, I'm not the end all be all but I do spend a lot of time on the roads and in the neighborhoods there.

I have lived in the Forest Villa area of Auburn since 1993. There have been many changes over the years. But the area I live in seems to be a good place to live. Houses seem to sell very quickly when they go on the market. I am also only 45 minutes away from a shooting area up in the mountains. You our more then welcome to contact me off the boards and I would be more then willing to help you with any questions you have.

Most of the people I know that live in Auburn would rather live in Bonney Lake. It is not too far, and gets you out of King County.