What makes Aurora a great place to live?
Aurora offers a blend of urban convenience, cultural richness and natural beauty. As Colorado’s third-largest city, Aurora, the “Gateway to the Rockies,” is known for its cultural diversity and expansive parks.
With over 100 parks and more than 5,000 acres of open space, Aurora is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents enjoy biking, hiking, and fishing at Cherry Creek State Park, paddleboarding at Aurora Reservoir, and exploring the city’s extensive trail system. The city’s mild climate and 300 days of sunshine a year make it easy to stay active year-round.
Aurora’s cultural scene is growing, with venues like the Aurora Fox Arts Center and the Vintage Theatre offering live performances and community events. The city also hosts multicultural festivals, farmers markets and seasonal celebrations that bring neighbors together and highlight Aurora’s rich cultural heritage.
Aurora is a regional leader in health care, anchored by the Anschutz Medical Campus, which includes UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Located just east of Denver, Aurora offers easy access to the metro area via I-225 and the RTD light rail system. Residents enjoy proximity to Denver International Airport, major employers, and the Rocky Mountains — all without the congestion of downtown living.
BY THE NUMBERS: AURORA
Population: 403,130
Median household income: $84,320
Median home value: $444,500
Median gross rent 2019-2023: $1,759
Average commute: 28.9 min
Data from Data USA and the U.S. Census
Neighborhoods
Visit the City of Aurora’s website for details on the city’s neighborhoods (aurora.org).
Relocation Services and Resources
K-12 Schools
The city is served by several school districts, including:
• Aurora Public Schools (aurorak12.org) / Adams-Arapahoe 28 J School District (cde.state.co.us)
• Cherry Creek 5 (cde.state.co.us)
• Brighton Public Schools / School District 27J (sd27j.org)
• Douglas Country RE 1 (cde.state.co.us)
In addition to public schools, there are also numerous private and charter schools that offer a range of educational options.
Health Care
Aurora is a regional leader in health care, anchored by the Anschutz Medical Campus, which includes UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital Colorado. These institutions provide world-class care and contribute to the city’s economy and innovation in medical research.
Community Events
Aurora is home to the East Colfax Arts District, with a full slate of social clubs, festivals, cultural events, and even a vinyl happy hour. The city has numerous art and dance venues, such as the Aurora Fox Arts Theater, the Aurora Symphony Orchestra, as well as museums and historical sites, like the Wings over the Rockies Air & Space Museum.
Outdoor Lifestyle
With over 100 parks and more than 5,000 acres of open space, Aurora is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents enjoy biking, hiking, and fishing at Cherry Creek State Park, paddleboarding at Aurora Reservoir, and exploring the city’s extensive trail system. The city’s mild climate and 300 days of sunshine a year make it easy to stay active year-round.
Explore Nearby Cities
Preview nearby cities and towns that offer an average commute of less than 30 minutes.
Centennial
A well-planned suburb with top-rated schools, Centennial is known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, parks and easy access to Aurora and the Denver Tech Center.
| Population | 107,386 |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $128,167 |
| Median Home Value | $626,700 |
| Median Gross Rent, 2019-2023 | $2,061 |
| Average commute time | 25.8 minutes |
Littleton
With historic downtown, scenic trails and a strong sense of community, Littleton blends suburban comfort with cultural charm. It’s a popular choice for families and professionals alike.
| Population | 45,092 |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $96,611 |
| Median Home Value | $596,700 |
| Median Gross Rent, 2019-2023 | $1,731 |
| Average commute time | 26.2 minutes |
Glendale
A small enclave surrounded by Denver and Aurora, Glendale offers urban living with a lively nightlife, walkable neighborhoods and proximity to Cherry Creek and downtown Denver.
| Population | 176,592 |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $77,840 |
| Median Home Value | $568,300 |
| Median Gross Rent, 2019-2023 | $2,051 |
| Average commute time | 24.9 minutes |
Parker
A fast-growing town with a charming downtown and a strong community spirit, Parker is ideal for families seeking good schools, open space and a suburban lifestyle with easy access to Aurora and Denver.
| Population | 132,729 |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $140,333 |
| Median Home Value | $656,900 |
| Median Gross Rent, 2019-2023 | $1,973 |
| Average commute time | 27.4 minutes |
Lone Tree
Known for upscale living, shopping and dining, Lone Tree offers a modern suburban experience with access to light rail, the Denver Tech Center and scenic trails.
| Population | 14,136 |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $125,699 |
| Median Home Value | $819,800 |
| Median Gross Rent, 2019-2023 | $2,030 |
| Average commute time | 23.9 minutes |