382,742
Population
Sunny Days: 243
90100 Affordability
79100 Schools
64100 Diversity
65100 Safety
Aurora, Colorado
Gateway To The Rockies
Aurora Skyline
Summer Sunset in Aurora
Shakespeare at the People's Building
Mountain Backdrop
LookyLOO Review of Aurora
The Most Active City In The Country
If you crave an active outdoor lifestyle then you’re going to LOVE Aurora. Frequently ranked among (#1 at times) the most active cities in the country with 100 parks, 5,000 acres of protected open space, innumerable places to kayak, sail, run, hike, and some of the best skiing in the world, less than an hour away.
Aurora is historically a predominantly white city with a relatively conservative middle-class culture. The recent growth in population, and diversity in that growth in particular, has created tension in the city that comes from traditionalists who decry the changes. A growth mentality in Colorado is overwhelming this conservative energy but for newcomers, it is helpful to know it still exists.
Lifestyle
It should go without saying that people here live for living outdoors – it dominates the lifestyle. There is a plan for continued development of “downtown” Aurora but it will be some years before a truly “urban” suburban experience exists. In the meantime expect Denver to provide your social and cultural experiences. One nice perq is the recent train line that scoots you from Aurora to downtown Denver in less than 20 minutes.
To get a sense of what happens throughout the year in Aurora check out the calendar of events.
Worklife
Aurora has a large military presence that historically dominated the workforce that actually was employed within the city. The majority of the population commutes (or did pre-covid) to Denver. Traffic is rough although the trainline will help with that if you find yourself along the R Train Line. The city has experienced massive growth as Denverites and out-of-towners move to Aurora seeking cheaper housing and more room to grow.
Schools
The Aurora Public School District rates a "C+" on niche.com. The District receives higher grades for College Prep, Diversity, and Clubs/Extracurriculars.
The district has an open enrollment admission policy allowing students to apply to schools outside their attendance zone. Acceptance depends on available space, and students are placed based on a priority system that includes siblings and proximity to the school.
Home
The highest-performing high schools in Aurora include:
-Rangeview High School is the #2 performing niche high school in the state. It receives a "B+" on niche.com with "A's" for Diversity and Clubs/Extracurriculars.
-William Smith High School is the 2nd highest-rated public high school in the city, receiving a "B+" score on niche.com. The school receives "A's" for Teachers, Diversity, and Administration.
-Lotus School for Excellence receives a "B" on niche.com. Lotus receives "A's" for Diversity and College Prep and is a public charter with application and availability required for admittance.
Why You Should Move Here Now?
Diversity
When you think about Colorado the first thing that comes to mind is not diversity. Recent growth has changed that though and Aurora is a great example of this shift with a minority-majority population of Latino, African-American, Asian and foreign born residents. Mix that diversity with a compelling cultural scene and stunning outdoor lifestyle and you’ve got a city worth considering.
Reviews of Aurora from Locals
Most People Don't Give a Shit What You're Doing
MtManz
Living in Aurora
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉
Aurora is the most? diverse city in Colorado I believe, so if you want to find culture, you can. There is an abnormally high population of Africans so check out any/all the Ethiopian places here. If you want pho.. definitly get from Aurora, not Denver; trust me.
The Cherry Creek School Dist is the 'good' one here.
If you work in Tech but work from home, location might not matter too much, but if you're looking for jobs in the future, might want to consider something with easy access to DenverTechCenter or Anschutz medical. There are lots of decent IT jobs around here if you're willing to commute a bit, too.
Colorado is pretty conservative, and Aurora is no exception. It's mostly a 'you do you' kind of a place so you'll see lots of 'merica' around here but most people don't give a shit what you're doing.
I live in the Mission Viejo neighborhood and I love it here. It has a green belt that goes all the way around, so you can do some walking and biking, there is a community library in the subdivision. Quite a few restaurants right round the corner (Sushi, pupusas, Falafel.. etc) Lowes, target, petco.. all within a 5 minute drive. Also, Cherry Creek Schools. If you can afford the area, it's great. There are a lot of car related crimes.
For more reviews of what living in San Francisco is like from locals check out: The Reviews.
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Living in Aurora
Neighborhoods in Aurora
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Pheasant Run
Young Professionals & DINKs/SINKs
We normally break out Young Profs and DINKs/SINKs but Aurora is such a suburban family vibe place we’re going to pick a couple neighborhoods that trend younger if you’re not yet or ever plan to be in family mode. The average Pheasant Run neighborhood resident is 31. This is largely due to the wide selection of shopping and places to eat. It also has a hospital, large vet clinic and grade schools that employ young people who crave living close to work.
- Pheasant Run
- Side Creek
- Seven Hills