Firstly why Aurora, Colorado?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Aurora
• State: Colorado
• Population: 386,261 people
• Aurora’s quick summary would be Celebrated for its diverse communities and the expansive Aurora Reservoir.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 40,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 30,000 annually
• Net Migration: 10000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 5,000
• Number of Homeless people: 1,300

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a diverse community and growing job market attracting various residents

Perk #1: Aurora Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 37%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 62%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $67,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Aurora is $69,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $2000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Aurora’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 115 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,706
• Property Tax %: 0.88%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,450
• Rent for an average house: $2,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Saddle Rock
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Aurora, Centennial, Parker, Gateway, and probably could include Denver
• Avg. Age of Homes in Aurora: 36 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.1%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Aurora’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Aurora are  Healthcare, Retail, and Education
• Aurora Job Scene: strong job market focusing on healthcare and military
• The General Tech Scene: diverse tech ecosystem with aerospace, healthcare, and technology industries
• Aurora Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Aurora: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 210 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 16

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Aurora

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-225 facilitates travel through Aurora linking it to Denver
• Commute Time: 27 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on East Colfax Avenue
• Transportation Score: 60 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Aurora: 220,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 6 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Aurora: dmv.colorado.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 66 of 100
• Local Airport: Denver International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Aurora’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Severe storms
• General Weather in Aurora is best described as experiences cold winters with occasional snow and mild summers with moderate temperatures
• Winter Weather in Aurora i’d describe as cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Aurora can be described as cool with variable weather
• Summer’s in Aurora are mostly warm and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Aurora is usually cool with clear skies
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 10 days in summer
• Days in a row in Aurora below Freezing: 32
• Average Annual Rainfall: 16 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality mainly from vehicular emissions
• Aurora Winter Air average air quality with seasonal pollution events

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Aurora Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Aurora 8
• While the number of trade schools inside Auroras’s city limits are 5
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Aurora Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Aurora Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Aurora only Doctors is about 150
• Local Hospitals here is  9
• Full-time Aurora only Police Officers is about 540
• Crime Rate Index: 35/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Aurora’s Monthly utility bill average is $120
• Aurora’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
• Aurora’s Water Quality Score: 78

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Aurora

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 10 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: diverse urban area with a mix of parks and cultural experiences
• You might enjoy live performances at the Aurora Cultural Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Aurora  offers a mix of local bars restaurants and cultural events providing options for enjoyable evenings

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Aurora

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features diverse local restaurants and a few fast food spots
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 80 scattered around Aurora
• The Popular Sports Team is Aurora Central High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Aurora can be described as diverse city with mixed political climate emphasizing social issues
• Aurora’s Longer standing religious establishment is Haven of Hope Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Aurora Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Aurora has 40 Parks?
• Aurora Reservoir is Aurora’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Aurora Farmers Market normally open Tuesday 4pm-8pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Running, hiking, and fishing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Aurora Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Aurora can be described as fast-paced suburban area with diverse neighborhoods
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Aurora community festivals sports days local park activities
• The Cities people commute to from Aurora are Denver 12 miles away Centennial 7 miles away Commerce-City 15 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Aurora or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: slowdowns on East Colfax Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Aurora’s Severe storms risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Saddle Rock is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Aurora are Denver 12 miles away Centennial 7 miles away Commerce-City 15 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 35 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Aurora has 32 days in a row below freezing and 10 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Aurora people have an average (positive or negative) $2000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   1,300 homeless people living in Aurora. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general diverse city with mixed political climate emphasizing social issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Aurora.

Retiree & Senior Life in Aurora

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can enjoy property tax breaks targeted to provide financial relief
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale Aurora
• Aurora Senior Center hosts diverse programs health issues and social activities for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Aurora, Colorado?

If Aurora, Colorado ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Aurora, Colorado, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!