aurora
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It is no secret that Aurora is the new hot destination to move in. And if you don’t know anything about this small city lying a 25-minute drive away from Denver, it is unfortunate. Set between the picturesque Rocky Mountains and the iconic American prairie, Aurora is home to not just mind-blowing natural attractions but even is home to many great schools, recreation options, dining venues, and healthcare facilities. That means, if a great place to raise the family is your concern, this Colorado city fits that. And to help the unfortunate souls who still have no idea about Aurora here’s the ultimate Aurora moving guide.

You’ll find here every piece of information related to every aspect of Aurora, unbiased and accurate. Bordered by Centennial, Denver, Greenwood Village, Foxfield, and Parker, Aurora is getting more diverse every day as more people are moving in.

Let’s waste no time digging into the facts about the mid-sized city in Colorado

QuickFacts

Quick facts to know before you move to Aurora, CO

  • Aurora was founded in 1891 and named after one of the daughters of Colorado’s first governor, William H. Larimer, Jr.
  • It is the 3rd most populous city in Colorado with a population of more than 387,377
  • One of the largest suburbs of Denver, the city is growing every day
  • Roughly half the total population of Colorado lives in the Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Area
  • Aurora is the 54th largest city in the country with an area of 155 square miles
  • The city ranks high in healthcare and jobs
  • Aurora is nicknamed ‘The Gateway to the Rockies
  • Aurora’s official elevation is 5430 feet, making it the highest major city in Colorado
  • There are 21 approved recreational marijuana stores in Aurora
  • The early name of the city was the Town of Fletcher but it was renamed Aurora on August 24th, 1929 after Aurora Borealis

Top 10 things to know before moving to Aurora

  • The demographics of Aurora are highly diverse
  • The city ranks high in healthcare and education
  • Over 90 languages are spoken in Aurora’s public school system
  • Aurora is home to many Fortune 500 companies including Anadarko Petroleum, DaVita HealthCare Partners, and DISH Network
  • The city has five golf courses, two reservoirs, more than 97 parks, and over 5,000 acres of open space and trails
  • The city’s official elevation is 5430 feet, making it the highest major city in Colorado
  • The city experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons
  • Aurora is home to some awesome breweries and taprooms
  • The city is a center of family-fun activities
  • Aurora is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US

What’s the population of Aurora?

About 387,377 people reside in Aurora, which means 2,523 people per square mile. The city is the 3rd most populous in Colorado and the 51st most populous city in the US. The median age in Aurora is 33.4 and about 6.8% of families and 8.9% of the population are below the poverty line.

To know more about the city population, here is a quick breakdown

  • Aurora’s total population is 387,377
  • The population is made up of 48.9% males and 51.2% females
  • The median age in Aurora is 34.2
  • The city population is made up of 54.6% White, 15.3% Black or African American, 5.9% Asian, 0.4% Native American, and 3.5% from two or more races
  • About 28.6% of the residents claim Hispanic Ethnicity
  • The median household size in Aurora is 2.7 persons
  • About 49.3% of the residents in Aurora are married and 34.3% of the married people have children

How fast can you commute in Aurora, CO?

While moving to Aurora, be ready to spend more time on the road as the commuting time is more than the average US time and it is expected to get higher in the coming years. The average one-way commute in Aurora takes 29.3 minutes against the US average of 26.4 minutes.

Here’s how people in Aurora commute on a daily basis

  • About 76.3% drive their own car alone
  • About 11.0% carpool with others
  • About 4.7% work from home
  • Approximately 5.4% take mass transit

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How is the weather like in Aurora, CO?

Aurora has a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. The summer in Aurora ranges from mild to hot, with generally low humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms while winter ranges from mild to occasional bitter cold, with periods of sunshine. It snows heavily in winter and March is the snowiest month.

  • The city receives about 17 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year
  • On average, it snows 62 inches per year in Aurora. The US average is 28 inches of snow per year
  • On average, the city gets about 243 sunny days per year against the US average of 205 sunny days
  • The city receives some kind of precipitation, on average, 80 days per year in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail
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Top reasons to move to Aurora, CO

When you hear that the number of people moving to Aurora is increasing every year, you may have wondered why. Here are the accurate reasons

  • Affordable living cost
  • Diversity
  • Low property tax
  • Low risk of natural disasters
  • High livability index
  • Social factors from population density
  • Good healthcare
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Pros & Cons of moving to Aurora, Colorado

Reading all the best things about Aurora, you may be excited to pack your bags but we suggest you be patient to gauge both the pros and cons of moving to Aurora before you make the final call.

And to help you, we’ve got both the pluses and minuses of living in Aurora

The pros of Living in Aurora CO
  • Low cost of living
  • Racial diversity
  • Good schools
  • Growing jobs
  • Good shopping and dining venues
  • Family-oriented population
  • All 4 seasons are there
The cons of Living in Aurora CO
  • Crime rate
  • High property rates
  • High substance use
  • Fewer good air days
  • Environmental issues

Best places to live in Aurora, Colorado

When you’re in Aurora, finding a good home in a decent neighborhood would be a concern in the initial days, and knowing this, we’ve collated the best neighborhoods in the city which will be beneficial

When you’ve got the best 10 neighborhoods, it becomes easier to search for a home.

Rank City Population Home Value
1 Seven Hills, CO 6.964 $221,300
2 Eagle Bend, CO 2,526 $421,600
3 Sterling Hills, CO 4,932 $227,567
4 Saddle Rock Golf Club, CO 7,038 $335,000
5 Aurora Knolls-Hutchinson Height, CO 7,255 $214,040
6 Mission Viejo, CO 7,092 $221,329
7 Lakeshore, CO 2,424 $239,900
8 Conservatory, CO 1,195 $260,700
9 Park Villas, CO 141 $452,600
10 Side Creek, CO 6,402 $162,000

Tip:When you’ve got a home to move in Aurora Colorado, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Cost of living in Aurora, Colorado

The average cost of living in Aurora is $2,134, which is 5% higher than the national average.

Almost everything in this city, including property and transportation, is costly here but this can vary based on which part of the city you live. And to help you, we’ve got a decent breakdown of the key elements that make up the city’s cost of living since you’re considering moving to Aurora.

Living Expense Aurora Colorado National Average
Overall 118.9 120.5 100
Grocery 99.3 100.7 100
Health 85.3 83.8 100
Housing 149.1 167.5 100
Median Home Cost $434,800 $488,600 $291,700
Utilities 96.1 98.4 100
Transportation 121.6 106.7 100
Miscellaneous 153.4 120.4 100

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How is the housing market of Aurora, CO?

One of the major concerns you may have in Aurora will be the housing cost. As per the latest records, a house in Aurora costs $434,800, much higher than the national average. And this makes finding a good home in a decent neighborhood a tough task. In Aurora, the home appreciation is up 16.6% and almost 40.3% of the residents live in rented homes.

Here are a few latest housing stats that may help you.

  • Aurora’s median home cost is $434,800
  • The median age of Aurora real estate is 34 years old
  • The city’s home appreciation in the last 10 years has been 152.1%
  • Renters make up 40.3% of the Aurora population
  • About 1.7% of houses and apartments in Aurora are available to rent

Average rental prices in Aurora, CO

As you reach Aurora, you would be staying in a rented accommodation for the primary months and the home rent would be a major factor in your monthly expense list. And having an idea about home rental in advance would make things easier.

  • Aurora’s average rent for a studio apartment is $1,136
  • Aurora’s average rent for 1-bedroom home or apartment is $1,254
  • Aurora’s average rent for a 2-bedroom home or apartment is $1,525
  • Aurora’s average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $2,046
  • Aurora’s average rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is $2,298

How is the job market in Aurora, Colorado?

When your reason to relocate to Aurora is a job, it is crucial to know the job market here.

The job market in Aurora has witnessed steady growth over the years and the future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 42.5%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%

Here are a few job stats in Aurora which you may find helpful.

  • Aurora records a positive job growth
  • Jobs have decreased by 2.8% over the past year
  • The average salary here is $47,264
  • The unemployment rate in Aurora is 7.6%, higher than the national average of 6.0%.

A simple breakdown of the city’s job market will benefit if you are moving here for job purposes.

Employment Information Aurora, Colorado United States
Income per Cap. $37,077 $31,177
Household Income $58,343 $57,652
Unemployment Rate 7.6 6
Recent Job Growth -4.89% -6.18%
Future Job Growth 42.52% 33.51%

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Fastest growing jobs in Aurora, CO

The economy is booming in Aurora and the city witnessed a growth in jobs, opening more opportunities for residents. Those who move here for job purposes would be naturally curious to know the jobs that are growing. We’ve got a list of 10 fast-growing jobs in Aurora and nearby areas in Colorado.

Rank Job Title Growth % Average Salary
1 Interpreter and translator 167.4% $67,510
2 Miner 164.6% $46,209
3 Personal care assistant 162.0% $23,840
4 Diagnostic medical sonographer 160.5% $81.830
5 Home health aid 158.0% $27,280
6 Esthetician 154.2% $47,262
7 Information security analyst 152.6% $102,280
8 Cement mason 151.6% $40,280
9 Physician assistant 150.7% $100,140
10 Insulation installer 150.0% $33,740

Top career options in Aurora, Colorado

When you know that Aurora records positive job growth and is expected to state high job growth in the coming years, you would be interested to know the best job options or the profiles that offer good salaries. Do not worry as we’ve got a list of 10 top-paying jobs in Aurora.

Rank Job Title Average Salary Entry Level Salary
1 Medical Director $270,321 $136,000
2 Senior vice president $243,547 $114,000
3 Psychiatrist $230,955 $130,000
4 Hospitalist physician $230,449 $137,000
5 Physician $224,947 $128,000
6 Family medicine physician $217,306 $113,000
7 Midlevel provider $217,177 $97,000
8 Orthodontist $213,124 $108,000
9 Owner/operator $203,201 $117,000
10 Child psychiatrist $201,244 $96,000

What's the average salary & income in Aurora, Colorado?

Any salary above $47,264 is a decent one in Aurora as you will be earning more than what about half of the residents earn. However, you also need to realize the cost of living can be higher than in your current location. To help you get an idea about how much you need to earn to have a decent living in Aurora, we’ve collated the figures below.

  • Aurora’s average annual pay for average jobs is $47,264 a year
  • Aurora’s average hourly pay for average jobs is $19.71 an hour
  • Aurora’s average weekly pay for average jobs is $788 per week
  • Aurora’s average monthly pay for average jobs is $3,416 per month
  • Aurora’s top earners (90th percentile) make $78,621 annually

Major industries in Aurora, Colorado

Are you keen to know the major industries in Aurora? This will help you determine whether finding a suitable job would be easier here or not. Here’s a list of major industries in Aurora.

  • Aerospace and defense
  • Bioscience and healthcare
  • Transportation and logistics
  • Energy

Best companies to work for if you’re moving to Aurora, CO

Reaching Aurora, you may be busy searching for a job and when you have a list of the best and employee-friendly companies in hand, things will be easier.

Here are the 10 best companies to work for in Aurora.

  • Advanced Circuits
  • Children’s Hospital Colorado
  • Aurora Public schools
  • Madsen Kneppers & Assoc
  • Amazing Care Home Health Services
  • UC Health
  • Graebel Companies
  • 2-10
  • Colorado Access Inc.
  • Cross Country Infrastructure Services

Is Nevada a tax-friendly state?

If you’re moving to Las Vegas, you might not be familiar with the city and state’s taxes.

To help you, we’ve listed down the highlights of state tax in Aurora, Colorado.

  • The sales tax rate for Aurora is 8.0%. The US average is 7.3%
  • The Income Tax Rate for Aurora is 4.7%. The US average is 4.6%
  • The average property tax rate in Aurora, Colorado is 0.48%

What are the best things to do in Aurora, Colorado?

Once you’re in Aurora, you are amidst a serene setting packed with unlimited fun and entertainment.

And for those who still wonder what is in store here, we’ve got the 10 best things to do in Aurora.

Here are the 10 best things to do in Aurora.

  • Kick back on the sands of Aurora Reservoir
  • Discover the natural wonders of Colorado at the Morrison Nature Center
  • Enjoy the great outdoors at Cherry Creek State Park
  • Hit the shops of the Southlands Lifestyle Center
  • Shop till you drop at Southlands
  • Check out the exhibits at the Aurora History Museum
  • Catch a live performance at Vintage Theatre
  • See pronghorns on the prairie at the Plains Conservation Center
  • Watch an exciting horse race at Bally's Arapahoe Park
  • Meet the alpacas at Chimera Ranch

How safe is Aurora, Colorado?

One of the major drawbacks of Aurora is the crime rate, which is higher than that of most other cities in Colorado. And unfortunately, the city sees a high rise in the crime rate every year. As per the recent data, your chance of becoming a violent crime victim is 10.18 in Aurora which is 1 in 98, an extremely alarming rate.

Here, we’ve got the latest crime data, based on which you can decide whether to move to Aurora.

  • The rate of crime in Aurora is 10.18 per 1,000 residents during a standard year
  • The violent crime rate in Aurora is 29.6. The U.S. average is 22.7
  • The property crime rate in Aurora is 43.5. The U.S. average is 35.4
  • Aurora is safer than 3% of US cities
  • Residents have a 1 in 98 chance of being the victim of a violent crime
  • Residents have a 1 in 39.25 chance of being the victim of a property crime
  • About 51% of the residents feel safe in Aurora

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What are the top schools in Aurora, Colorado?

Aurora is home to some of the best schools and colleges in Colorado and you can breathe easily while moving here with the family.

Your child will have ample opportunities for a first-class education, be it school or college. And to help you, we’ve filtered down the best schools and colleges in Aurora Take a look at our list.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

While Aurora is a hot moving destination, people here spend higher than most neighboring Colorado cities. The housing expenses are 9% higher than the national average. Transportation and gas also cost higher than the national average. However, groceries and utilities are cheaper in Aurora, which means the city is not highly expensive but also not cheaper.

Anything over $41,000 is a good salary in Aurora as in that case you’ll be earning more than 50% of the people living in Aurora. The average salary in Aurora is $47,264. A good hourly wage in Aurora is $19.71 per hour.

It snows in Aurora for about 6.5 months, from October 9 to April 25, with a sliding 31-day snowfall of at least 1.0 inches. March is the snowiest month with an average snowfall of 2.4 inches. The snowless period of the year lasts for 5.5 months, from April 25 to October 9.

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