Colorado is widely considered to be one of the best places to live in the United States, and it’s not hard to see why. The Centennial State has a booming economy and a low tax rate. In addition to its great weather and awe-inspiring natural beauty, the state offers great shopping opportunities, unique eateries, and plenty of entertainment venues for people of all ages and walks of life.
Aurora is the third most-populated city in the state. It’s located east of nearby Denver and provides a great place to live, study, work, shop, raise a family, retire, or simply kick back and enjoy life.
What Are the Benefits of Living in Aurora, Colorado?
Aurora offers something for everyone. The city has more than one hundred parks and over 6,000 acres of natural areas to enjoy many outdoor activities. If golf is your bliss, you can choose from among half a dozen award-winning golf courses in town. History buffs will likely enjoy local historic sites such as Gully Homestead, American War Mothers National Memorial Home, the DeLaney Round Barn, and the Centennial House.
For shoppers, the eclectic Stanley Marketplace and Southlands Mall are great places to find unique items from locally owned businesses. The Launchpad Brewery is a great place to get a drink, while the Vintage Theater provides a charming venue to catch a musical or play.
Most Aurora residents agree that public transport is accessible, and the city is pet-friendly and offers plenty of sidewalks for strolling. According to AreaVibes.com, nearly 40% of residents say the city has a sense of community while 32% say their neighbors are friendly. Several hospitals and clinics provide top-tier healthcare, including the immense University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The median annual income is 7% higher than the national average, and unemployment is 22% lower than the national average.
What Are the Best Dining Options in Aurora?
Aurora has restaurants to suit every palate. If you’re looking for an informal vibe and all-American food, then Ted’s Montana Grill, Three Little Griddles, and Rosie’s Diner are all great options. Head to Monsoon for outstanding Indian dishes, including Tandoori specialties, samosas, pakoras, and curry. Café Paprika and Athenian Restaurant are well-known for their Mediterranean dishes.
Helga’s Haus is second to none if you’re looking for a great meal and drinks. Other notable eateries in town include Golden Saigon, Guadalajara Family Mexican Restaurant, and BJ’s Restaurant and Brew House.
How Does Aurora Compare to Nearby Cities and Towns?
Aurora is surrounded by pleasant small cities and towns. Holly Hills and Cherry Creek are west of Aurora. Both cities have a low crime rate, great schools, and great employment opportunities. They also offer plenty of amenities for people from all walks of life. Centennial and Inverness, located south of Aurora, are likewise safe, enjoyable places to live and work.
Denver, which is Colorado’s capital and the most populous city in the state (700,000 plus), is only 10 miles away from Aurora. Denver is often rated as one of the top 10 locations to live in the United States, primarily because it’s business-friendly, has no shortage of outstanding amenities, offers great weather and amazing views, and has a healthy, vibrant ambiance.
Popular Events and Activities in Aurora
There are so many things to do, see, and experience in Aurora that you’ll have a hard time getting bored. The Stanley Marketplace offers a First Fridays market every month that features the best works of local artists. Shops stay open late and music fills the halls, creating a festive vibe.
The Southlands Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday from May 11 to September 28, offering access to the freshest food. Options range from seasonal fruits and vegetables to unique food items from various ethnic cuisines.
The Six Capital Brewing Oktoberfest is not to be missed if you enjoy great German food, different types of beer, games, and great music. S’mores on the Shore at the Aurora Reservoir is a great opportunity to soak up the sun and fresh air. Events are held from April to September, and you can come on your own, with kids or pets, or with family members to eat, talk, relax, and walk around.
Aurora’s Town Center offers a Boo N’ Brew Halloween event that includes free trick-or-treating through the local mall. It also provides free beer for adults over 21 years of age and features organized games and a costume contest. The Aurora Borealis Festival, which runs for three days in November, provides a chance to see the stunning northern lights while you eat great food from local vendors and shop for unique crafts at a global gift bazaar.
The Holiday Hometown Parade kicks off the holiday season in November. Noon Year’s Eve at Southlands is the place to ring out the old year and ring in the new.
The Cost of Living in Aurora Compared to Other Cities in Colorado
Colorado’s cost of living is higher than the national average, so it stands to reason that living in Aurora would be more expensive than living in the average American city. According to AreaVibes.com, the average home in Aurora costs $322,200, far above the national average of $184,700. Median rent is $1,401, which is higher than the national average of $949. The cost of goods, services, groceries, and transportation in Aurora only slightly higher than the national average. Fortunately, the cost of healthcare and utilities is a bit lower than the national average.
Aurora has 112 public schools, 25 private schools, and 12 post-secondary schools. The top-ranked public schools in the city are Aurora Quest K-8, Altitude Elementary School, and Grandview High School. Other highly rated schools include Creekside Elementary School, Rolling Hills Elementary School, Cherokee Trail High School, Trails West Elementary School, and Heritage Heights Academy.
If you’re interested in earning a degree, you’ll discover plenty of great post-secondary educational facilities in and around Aurora. The Anschutz Medical Campus is one of the top 10 universities in the United States for those who want to study online nursing, pediatrics, or family medicine.
The University of Denver, which is about 10 miles away from Aurora, has been ranked as a Very High Research University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. DU offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and over 120 graduate programs, providing anyone the opportunity to earn a degree in a wide range of fields. Other noteworthy colleges and universities in the area include the Colorado School of Mines, Regis University, and the University of Colorado Boulder.
A Special Place to Live
Aurora, Colorado, can be a bit pricey, but many people have found it to be an ideal place to live. The unbeatable views, great weather, multiple entertainment venues, great educational and employment opportunities, and low tax rates make it a wonderful place to call home.
That’s why Century Communities has invested in building new construction homes in the city. Our homes offer great amenities at the best possible price and our team of experts makes it easy for you to find the perfect house and get a loan without undue delay. Get in touch with us to find out more about your options or to start the process of buying the home of your dreams.
