Are you considering moving to Aurora? If so, we don’t blame you! This vibrant and exciting mountain town offers all the benefits of a city at a fraction of the price.
Aurora, CO, has numerous family-friendly neighborhoods, outdoor activities, shopping centers, cultural attractions, and endless things to do. Contact a local eXp agent to get started today!
Aurora at a Glance
Aurora, CO, is the state’s third-largest city which features nearly 400,000 people. This major city in Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas County spans 163 square miles and is well-known for its proximity to outdoor recreation and beautiful natural surroundings.
Aurora Real Estate
Hot homes sell for 2% above the list price and can sell in under four days. Homes for sale in Aurora receive an average of 3 offers, with most houses selling in just over two weeks on the market.
The sale-to-list price for all home types in Aurora has experienced a 6.3-point decrease since last year, coming to 99.7%. The number of homes sold above the list price is 34.7%, which saw a 42.6-point decrease since March 2023.
Cost of Living in Aurora, CO
Aurora’s living cost is 8% higher than the North American average. However, the utilities are 13% below the national average, and the groceries are 6% below the national average.
The cost of housing is 8% higher than the national average, with the median home price coming to $484K and the median rent equalling $1,474 per month. The average energy bill is approximately $153 per month.
Schools in Aurora
There are 113 public schools in Aurora, CO, featuring nearly 78K students. There are 25 private schools with almost 5,000 students in Aurora. 94% of students in Aurora in grades K-12 attend Aurora public schools, which is 2% higher than the state average.
The highest-ranked Aurora schools are the Aurora Quest K-8, Murphy Creek K-8, and Aurora Frontier K-8. The city’s high-quality schools in Aurora are the Lotus School for Excellence, Aurora West College Preparatory Academy, Grandview High School, and Rangeview High School.
Aurora is also home to post-secondary school educational opportunities. Some of the colleges are Conestoga College, Durham College, George Brown College, Humber College, Community College of Aurora, Platt College, and Anschutz Medical Campus.
Economy in Aurora, CO
Aurora has a blossoming economy due to the networks of businesses in the bustling city of Denver, CO. Aurora has different business sectors and industries, such as transportation, commercial hubs, healthcare, and government.
Aurora has an unemployment rate of 7.6%, 1.6% higher than the average in the United States, but the job market in Aurora has increased by 2.8% over the last year. Future job growth in this Denver suburb/small city is expected to increase by over 42% in the next decade, which is 10% higher than the national average.
The median household income for an Aurora family is $52K per year, around $1K lower than the national average.
Aurora Trademarks
Here are a few important things to consider when moving to Aurora.
Aurora is a Hub for Outdoor Activities
Aurora has plenty of recreational activities for people who enjoy watersports, adrenaline-pumping activities, horseback riding, and nature-oriented attractions. Some of the best places to visit include Denver’s Foothill Mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park, Pikes Peak, the Garden of the Gods from Denver, Red Rocks Amphitheater, and Denver Zoo.
If you love hiking, the Aurora Reservoir, Star K Ranch, Mount Bierstadt, Mesa Trail, Mount Sanitas, and Cherry Creek State Park are fun afternoon hikes for all skill levels.
Prepare for High Altitudes
Aurora is at a city elevation of 5,471 feet, or 1,668 meters. The oxygen level in Aurora is 15% lower than it is at 0 feet. Some multi-use trails in the surrounding area travel higher than 8,000 feet, which reduces the oxygen by a further 10%.
Visitors who come to Aurora and the surrounding mountains should be prepared for altitude sickness or its effects. Some people will experience sickness, including headaches, nausea, dehydration, muscular pains, and fatigue. This is often something that happens during an adjustment period after moving to the city, but residents typically become quickly acclimated to living at Aurora’s altitude.
Healthcare Services Are Top-Notch
Aurora has high-quality medical care, especially since the Children’s Hospital of Colorado, Kaiser Permanente, The Medical Center of Aurora, Army General Hospital, and Aurora Mental Health Center are among the largest employers in the city.
Aurora has excellent home health care services, mental health providers, hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation facilities.
Plenty of Room and Little Traffic
Aurora is really big, so getting from point A to point B takes time. However, traffic is minimal since there is so much extra space in the city.
Aurora is perfectly positioned near Interstate 70, the E-470 toll road, and Interstate 225. For those who want to use public transportation options, the light rail transit system is a comprehensive network that spans a large portion of the city.
Overflowing Art Scene
One of the main artsy activities is the Aurora Fox Theatre and Arts Center, featuring 245 seats in the bustling center of the Aurora Cultural Arts District. Furthermore, the People’s Building is a famous performing arts space and Greenwood Village.
Other infamous artistic buildings are the Aurora Symphony Orchestra, Downtown Aurora Visual Arts, Bicentennial Arts Center, and other museums on East Colfax Avenue.
Weather in Aurora
The climate in Aurora features four distinctive seasons (winter, spring, summer, and fall) and fluctuates throughout the year. You are not likely to see any heavy winter blizzards here!
The average temperature for the winter season fluctuates between 43 and 47 degrees, with this number increasing to between 55 and 71 degrees in the springtime. The average summer temperatures are between 82 and 78 degrees, decreasing to between 67 and 53 in the Fall.
A Family-Oriented City
Aurora is a family-friendly community considered one of the best places to raise a family in the country. Residents enjoy how the houses are priced fairly, and the neighborhoods feature ample diversity.
Aurora also has good public schools, low crime rates, family-friendly areas, and liberal views. People who live in Aurora think that Saddle Rock, Tallyn’s Reach, Cherry Creek East, and Heather Ridge are all great spots to raise a family due to the outdoor activities, city parks, schools, and proximity to the city.
Bike and Hike Trails to Spare
Aurora is one of the top places for those who love an active lifestyle. There are dozens of hiking and mountain biking trails and close proximity to acres of parks, lakes, greenways, and peaks just a short drive away.
Hikers can enjoy 8,000 acres of space, 119 miles of trails, three nature centers, and two reservoirs. Some of the top trails are the Quincy Reservoir, Tollgate Creek Trail, Piney Creek Trail, Aurora Reservoir, Springhill Trail, and Plains Conservation Center.
A Golfer’s Dream
There are dozens of golf courses in Aurora, and the sourcing areas are great for avid athletes or those who just want to have a fun outing in the city. Aurora has six award-winning golf courses and private courses. Some of the most popular public courses to use include Murphy Creek, Aurora Hills, Meadow Hills, Springhill, Fitzsimons, and the Saddle Rock Golf Club.
Colorado Outside of Denver
Aurora is an excellent way to experience Colorado culture outside its most popular city. Aurora has over 100 parks, six public golf courses, wildlife habitats, historical structures, conservation centers, landmarks, art centers, libraries, shopping malls, and cultural centers.
Gateway to the Rockies
Rocky Mountain National Park is just under two hours from Aurora, making it the ideal spot to head early in the morning for a full-day hike, weekend excursion, or half-day getaway! Plus, the drive here is scenic and beautiful along US-36W, so you will want to stop along the way to take some photos.
The Rocky Mountains feature over 265,000 acres of peaks, valleys, forests, trails, and lakes. For those who want to get to the top of one of the most popular hikes, head to Longs Peak. If you would rather have a relaxed trip, you can also go bird watching, camping, and fishing.
Shopping and Dining Galore
Aurora has numerous shopping and dining options that people from all over will enjoy. The Town Center at Aurora is the main shopping mall, featuring two levels and 1 million square feet of retail shops. This shopping center has numerous retail stores, such as Dillard’s, Macy’s, JCPenney’s, and Sears.
The best dining spots include the popular areas around Historic Colfax Avenue, Aurora Hills, Cedar Avenue, and Aurora City Square, featuring hundreds of restaurants. Must-try favorite eateries include Helga’s, Rosie’s Diner, Seoul BBQ, The French Press, and Masala to try comfort foods, Indian food, and ethnic eateries.
Tourists will also love the infamous craft beer culture here! You can walk to the various breweries or use one of the expansive bike paths to brewery hop.
World Class Skiing
Aurora is home to high-end and world-class skiing! Several main resorts close to Denver and Aurora are ideal for day trips or weekend getaways.
Winter Park Resort is a smart option for families who want a variety of terrain and ski school programs.
Keystone Resort is a popular slope for beginners and those who want to use the infamous terrain park.
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is more used among locals, giving it a relaxed and casual vibe. This ski area features advanced terrain and a very long ski season.
Loveland is a lesser-visited mountain that has a long ski season.
Lastly, Echo Mountain has low prices and night skiing!
FAQ
Let’s check out some commonly asked questions homeowners and new home buyers have about living in Aurora, CO.
Is Aurora a good place to live?
Aurora, CO, is considered one of the most family-friendly cities in the country, featuring kids’ things to do, open spaces, fun activities, green parks, outdoor activities, and great school districts.
Is Aurora, Colorado, a good city to live in?
Aurora, CO, is a good city to live in for those who want to raise a family, interact with their community, maintain a high quality of life, and enjoy outdoor activities.
Is it cheaper to live in Aurora or Denver?
Aurora is cheaper than Denver, with affordable housing options in the current housing market that are around $100K less than the bigger city.
What is it like to live in Aurora?
Many residents in Aurora enjoy the active city, shopping options, job opportunities, outdoor spaces, the local community feels, and proximity to Denver.
Why is Aurora, Colorado, so popular?
Aurora is a more affordable alternative to Denver, which makes it desirable for those who want the perks of a big city and the nearby mountains without paying higher prices.
What are winters like in Aurora, Colorado?
Winters in Aurora, CO, typically range from 24 to 52 degrees, with the middle seeing days of extreme cold and snowy winters. Aurora usually gets 41 days of snowfall and 27” of snow. Residents can enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing, or cross-country skiing in the Aurora highlands.
Is living in Aurora expensive?
Aurora is one of the most high-value cities in the nation, with the cost of living levels index coming to 140%.
How much do you need to make to live in Aurora, Colorado?
The annual income depends on the marital status and family type. For a single person, they need to make $64K pre-income tax to make a living in Aurora.
What part of Colorado is the cheapest to live in?
La Junta is the least expensive area to live in the state, followed by Lamar, Milliken, and Fruita.
Is Aurora cheaper than Colorado Springs?
The cost of living in Aurora is around 12% higher than Colorado Springs, with housing costs nearly 6% higher than Colorado Springs.
Can you live in Aurora, CO, without a car?
Aurora is usually best explored with a car. However, there are certain neighborhoods that are more walkable than others. Northwest Aurora near Colfax Avenue, Del Mar Parkway, and City Center central neighborhoods are all walkable areas.
Conclusion
Aurora, CO, is one of the top areas to move to if you want to explore the great outdoors, raise a family, and interact with your local community. Fortunately for you, we have done all the research!
Sign up to get alerts of new property/single-family homes/condo/etc listings when they come on the market by searching our properties.
Contact a local eXp agent to get started today. Experienced real estate agents can help you get the best deal possible when moving to this bustling and vibrant mountain town!
