Moving to Aurora

With breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, award-winning golf courses, and charming reservoirs replete with a swimming beach, Aurora is a haven for nature lovers. In addition to its striking natural beauty, the city boasts a thriving economy and a diverse population, ensuring those who are moving to Aurora from anywhere in the world will feel welcome. 

A mere 30-minute drive from the centre of Denver, Aurora is Colorado’s third-largest city with a population of almost 400,000, and offers its residents many engaging recreational activities and a strong sense of community while maintaining close proximity to several metropolises as well as an international airport. 

Cost of living in Aurora 

The cost of living in Aurora is slightly below the national average. The city’s housing market is flourishing, with many homebuyers skipping pricey Denver for Aurora. This pushes home prices up and makes accommodation the largest expense facing newcomers.  

New arrivals can save on groceries, utilities, and healthcare costs, which are all priced below the national average in Aurora. Petrol (gas) prices in the city are reasonable, while public transport is also affordable. Many residents looking to reduce their travel expenses often choose to carpool.

Read more

• Cost of Living Denver

Getting around in Aurora 

Aurora boasts extensive light rail and bus systems that make getting around in the city easy and efficient. The A and R Lines of the light rail system connect commuters to the Aurora city centre, the Anschutz Medical Campus, and Denver International Airport.  

The RTD buses are also reliable and reach areas not covered by the light rail system. Aurora’s city council is also investing in cycle paths and has a shared mobility programme, allowing residents to rent e-bikes and scooters for short commutes. Still, most residents in Aurora own a car.  

Useful links

• RTD-Denver's website has more on bus and light rail routes and schedules.

Healthcare in Aurora 

The healthcare in Aurora is one of the city's most attractive aspects. The city has excellent general health, mental health, and rehabilitation facilities, as well as highly qualified practitioners.  

The healthcare sector is among the city’s biggest employers. Some top healthcare providers in the city include UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and Kaiser Permanente Aurora Centrepoint Offices. 

Useful links

• UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
• Children’s Hospital Colorado
• Kaiser Permanente Aurora Centrepoint Medical Offices

Schools in Aurora 

The Adams-Arapahoe 28J School District, also known as Aurora Public Schools, is highly regarded and offers its residents over 55 public schools. Parents looking to enrol their children in public schools in Aurora will find several options, including charter, magnet, and vocational schools. To top it off, the school district offers innovative homeschool support and online learning programmes.  

Three public schools in Aurora offer the globally recognised International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, including an elementary school. Parents looking for a multilingual institution with a truly global community can enrol their children at the nearby International School of Denver, which also offers the IB curriculum. Some private schools offer both the American and IB curricula while teaching through a Catholic or Christian lens. 

Aurora is also home to a few institutions of higher learning, such as the Anschutz Medical Campus and the Community College of Aurora.  

Useful links

• Aurora Public Schools
• Education and Schools in Denver

Weather in Aurora 

Aurora experiences four distinct seasons that are influenced by its semi-arid climate. Winters are freezing and snowy, with average lows reaching 22°F (-6°C). Summers in Aurora are hot, with the city receiving more than 200 days of sunshine annually. July is the hottest month with temperatures averaging 88°F (31°C). 

Although rainfall levels are high in Aurora, residents will get to enjoy clear views of the Rocky Mountains quite often. Aurora is situated at a high altitude, so new arrivals may experience altitude sickness at first but should adjust to the altitude within a few days of making the move.

Read more

• Weather in Denver

Working in Aurora 

The healthcare and social assistance industry is Aurora's biggest employer, followed by the service sector. Construction, mining, and government services also contribute significantly to the city's economy.  

Education is another major employer, while the nearby Denver International Airport provides transport and logistics jobs. Some of Aurora's residents take advantage of its maintained road infrastructure and lower cost of living by basing themselves in the city and travelling to work in Denver.

Accommodation in Aurora 

Aurora is home to welcoming and accommodating people who have built wonderful and family-friendly neighbourhoods. Although the housing market in Aurora is currently experiencing high activity levels, the city is economically diverse and caters to a wide variety of budgets.

Most households in the city own at least two cars, which can lead to traffic congestion during peak times. Therefore, new arrivals are encouraged to carefully consider the proximity of their homes to their workplaces and children’s schools. 

Young families moving to Aurora will find many neighbourhoods offering beautiful homes and proximity to excellent schools. Seven Hills is an up-and-coming suburb with plenty of parks, playgrounds and fairly priced single-family houses. Tallyn’s Reach is a more upmarket neighbourhood close to the Saddle Rock Golf Club. The suburb even has tennis facilities and pools. 

For young professionals, neighbourhoods such as Mission Viejo, Aurora Highlands, and Chamber Heights are some of the city's most popular areas. These suburbs have easy access to key economic centres, as well as sought-after amenities and outdoor activities.

Useful links

• Top 12 neighbourhoods in Aurora

Lifestyle in Aurora 

Much of the lifestyle in Aurora is centred around outdoor activities. Hiking, cycling, and fishing are some of the most popular pursuits in the city.

Aurora Reservoir and SCUBA Beach are the main playgrounds for water activities, including boating, open-water swimming, and diving. The Rocky Mountain National Park and Denver’s Foothill Mountains are also a short drive away for mountain biking. Although Aurora doesn’t have ski resorts, Eldora Mountain and Cherry Creek State Park are also a scenic drive away.

With six award-winning golf courses, Aurora is a haven for golfers looking to hit the links regularly. Saddle Rock Golf Club, Murphy Creek Golf Course, and Aurora Hills are the most frequented public courses in the city.  

New arrivals who prefer using retail therapy to unwind are also catered for in Aurora, with large shopping malls available. Town Centre at Aurora is the town’s biggest mall, with more than 125 retailers. Another shopping experience that should be on newcomers' lists is Stanley Marketplace, a unique market that holds the title of being Colorado's largest indoor market.

Aurora also has a robust craft beer culture, with many exquisite restaurants offering cuisines from all over the world to boot. Beyond the city's reputation as a hub for adventure, Aurora is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene. New arrivals can visit the Aurora cultural arts district for performing arts shows or take in local art at the area's many galleries.