Known as “The Gateway to the Rockies,” Aurora, Colorado, is the third-largest city in Colorado and an increasingly popular destination for people looking to move. With a diverse population, affordable housing market, and abundance of jobs, Aurora offers newcomers a vibrant and growing community to call home. Moving to Aurora, Colorado, offers the opportunity to relocate near the sought-after Aurora Highlands and the prestigious Cherry Creek School District.
In This Article
This guide provides an in-depth look at everything you need to know before relocating to Aurora. From insights on aurora neighborhoods, real estate, and cost of living to advice on moving logistics, climate preparation, and community integration, use this as your go-to resource for smoothly transitioning into this dynamic city. Partnering with a moving company offering comprehensive moving services can ensure a long distance move is handled efficiently.
TL;DR
- Aurora provides urban convenience right outside Denver paired with natural beauty and outdoor access.
- The real estate market offers relative affordability compared to other Front Range cities.
- Education, healthcare, transportation, and emergency services meet the needs of most families.
- Prepare for sunny, dry days with a yearly snowy winter season.
- Join community events and groups to quickly integrate into the city's diverse culture.
Overview of Aurora
Founded in the late 1880s, Aurora spans about 160 square miles on Colorado’s Front Range region. Located just east of Denver, the city provides easy access to big city opportunities while maintaining a comfortable small-town vibe in many of its neighborhoods. Aurora’s history is celebrated at the Aurora History Museum, and its proximity to Denver International Airport makes it one of the best places for both residents and businesses.
Aurora shines with diversity. About 30% of the population is Hispanic/Latino, 16% African American, and 16% Asian. This blend infuses the city with a rich culture featuring art, cuisine, and community events. Aurora also prides itself on inclusion, winning a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2021 Municipal Equality Index.
Outdoor and nature lovers will feel right at home with over 112 parks, 22 miles of trails, and nature centers and reserves both in the city and just beyond. The Aurora Reservoir, Cherry Creek State Park, and the Plains Conservation Center offer abundant outdoor activity opportunities. The plains meet the Rockies to the west, granting epic sunset views over the Rocky Mountain range. Aurora provides the perfect launch point for mountain getaways while avoiding lengthy, daily commutes to downtown Denver.
Local Experiences and Culture
One of Aurora’s greatest assets is its vibrant and diverse culture. With such a diverse blend of residents, many traditions come alive through local art, cuisine, and community happenings.
The city hosts multiple cultural events and festivals throughout the year, like the Global Fest or the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival. Additionally, events hosted by the Aurora Fox Arts Center and the various community events throughout the city, such as those in North Aurora and Aurora Hills, provide residents and visitors alike with a taste of Aurora’s rich culture and opportunities to engage with the best places for outdoor activity and celebration in the United States.
Foodies will love the mix of dining options from around the world. Try pupusas from El Salvador, pho from Vietnam, or falafel and shawarma from one of the many Middle Eastern eateries. Local craft breweries and distilleries also continue gaining popularity across the city.
Aurora offers newcomers the opportunity to experience the foods, art, and celebrations from cultures around the world, all while creating new traditions of their own. Stanley Marketplace, located in the heart of Aurora, Colorado, embodies this multicultural spirit, offering various dining and shopping options that showcase the city’s diversity.
Housing and Real Estate
Compared to other cities along Colorado’s Front Range, like Denver or Boulder, Aurora real estate remains relatively affordable while still providing convenient access to the metro area. As of 2023, the median home price reached $565,000, but prices run the gamut.
Popular neighborhoods include Parkside near City Park and the Aurora Hills with mountain views. Stapleton offers a master-planned community vibe on the east side. To the south, the Heather Gardens retirement community provides amenities tailored specifically to seniors.
When searching for the perfect home, consider commute times to work, proximity to amenities, neighborhood safety ratings, and whether Aurora’s residential tax rates fit your budget. Investing in one of the many new developments may also come with incentives.
Working with a savvy local real estate agent can help navigate Aurora’s housing market as it continues expanding. They can match you with the right neighborhood and home for your needs among the thousands of options.
Education and Employment
Aurora public schools fall primarily within the Aurora Public School District, which serves about 40,000 students. The district continues gaining recognition, with Aurora Central High School ranked among the top 6% of Colorado schools. Higher education options include the Community College of Aurora, Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and branches of Colorado Christian University and Colorado State University.
Major employers provide a strong economic engine and job opportunities in fields like aerospace, defense, bioscience, healthcare, and energy. The Anschutz Medical Campus stands as the city’s largest employer, while employers like Lockheed Martin, The Children’s Hospital, and Amazon fulfillment centers provide thousands of jobs.
Unemployment remains low at just 3.4%, and salaries run higher than the national average. Software developers, engineers, nurses, and construction workers see especially high demand. The diverse economy and array of industries cater to a wide variety of skills and education levels.
Cost of Living and Lifestyle
Aurora’s cost of living falls over 15% below the national average, making it very affordable compared to other major U.S. cities. Housing costs make up the main saving, with median home prices around $125,000 less than in Denver. Groceries, transportation, and utilities come in lower as well.
Residents enjoy access to big-city opportunities like dining, shopping, arts, and sports while avoiding extreme expenses. The Denver Tech Center and major malls lie just to the west, while popular restaurant parks like Stanley Marketplace offer weekend entertainment.
With a comfortable cost of living, Aurora families often opt for single-family homes to enjoy amenities like a backyard, neighborhood parks and trails, and highly-rated schools. New developments continue expanding entertainment options both in the city and with quick access to downtown Denver or the mountains.
Transportation and Climate
Aurora provides extensive public transportation through the Regional Transportation District (RTD). The R Line links the city to the broader metro system while local bus routes crisscross neighborhoods. The city also makes bike commuting easier with designated lanes and trails.
Residents can expect sunny weather over 300 days per year with low humidity. Winters average about 46 inches of snowfall annually. With a semi-arid climate, the region sees little rain, but dry weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoors.
New residents should prepare for big swings in seasonal temperatures. Summers reach the mid 80s while winter days often stay below freezing. Having quality cold weather gear makes enjoying Aurora’s trails and mountain adventures more comfortable during the snowy season.
Healthcare and Emergency Services
The Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora offers state-of-the-art healthcare and is one of the largest such facilities in the country. Major hospitals like Children’s Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado Hospital provide specialized care for children, cancer patients, and more.
The city also provides top-tier emergency response services, including 30 fire stations, ambulance services, and emergency preparedness programs. Residents can sign up for alerts for weather events, accidents with hazardous materials, and other community safety notifications.
Aurora ensures family health, safety, and emergency response remains a top priority for protecting its growing community. Multiple organizations also provide community health programs and resources.
Moving Logistics and Community Integration
Planning a move to any new city comes with coordinating logistics. From packing essentials to hiring movers, use this advice to check major to-dos off your list:
Pre-Move:
- Obtain quotes from moving companies 3-4 weeks beforehand to compare.
- Consider selling larger items like cars, furniture, etc., and repurchasing in Aurora.
- Begin purging and organizing items; pack non-essentials early.
- Confirm details like start dates with new employers or schools.
Moving Day:
- Keep essentials like medications, documents, and valuables separate for easy access.
- Perform final walkthroughs of the old property before turning over the keys.
- Note damages or issues for the movers immediately before loading up.
Post-Move:
- Obtain new state IDs/licenses, transfer prescriptions, etc., within 30 days.
- Set up mail forwarding from USPS for the next 6-12 months.
- Unpack in phases: focus first on necessities like the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
Getting involved in local organizations also helps integrate into the community quickly. Attend city events, join interest-based groups, or volunteer in the community. As a new arrival, this facilitates meeting friendly neighbors and developing a local network.
FAQ
What are the top neighborhoods and suburbs to live in Aurora?
Some of the most popular neighborhoods include Heather Gardens for retirees, Parkside near City Park, and the master-planned Stapleton community. Havana Heights, Jewell Heights, and Lowry offer family-friendly suburban vibes.
How long does it take to commute from Aurora to Denver?
Commute times vary greatly based on the exact location. Those living downtown can drive to Denver in 15 minutes with no traffic. From outer suburbs, expect 30-45 minutes each way during peak traffic. The R Line train offers easy access downtown, too.
What is the average rent cost in Aurora?
As of 2023, average rent sits around $1,900 for a one bedroom and $2,400 for a two bedroom. Rents remain over $800 cheaper per month than the average for the state.
What are winters like in Aurora?
Winters run cold and snowy, averaging about 46 inches between November to March. The area sees more sunny days than winter storms overall, but cold snaps under 30 degrees F occur frequently. Locals recommend all-wheel drive vehicles.
What tips help newcomers integrate into the community?
Attend community events like summer festivals or the farmer’s market to meet neighbors. Join interest-based groups like sports leagues, hobby clubs, or professional associations to make friends. Also, frequent local businesses like coffee shops and restaurants can help people quickly feel at home.
