Downtown/University Neighbors Neighborhood
Young professionals, artists, long-time residents.
The Vibe: The Fox River runs through Downtown Aurora and creates an anchor for the businesses, apartments, and lifestyle for the younger professionals who choose to live in the area. If you’re looking to live in Aurora and are looking for good walkability to bars, restaurants, and theaters, then this is your neighborhood. Some professionals also choose to live in the divided housing in University Neighbors. Running right next to Downtown, the University area has Aurora University and its off-campus students, creating another popular spot for younger people in the city. While it is also filled with plenty of families, there is “leakage” from Downtown by younger residents who like the housing options.
Zoned Schools:
East Aurora School District 131
Median Home Price: ~$250,000.
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Elgin (IL)
- Waukegan (IL).
Eola / Far East Side Neighborhood
Families, commuters, young professionals
The Vibe: A newer suburban area with plenty of newer housing developments and excellent schools. The feel is suburban convenience — easy highway access, large parks for the kiddos and doggos, and lots of local shopping. Homes range from townhouses to large single-family properties built in the past 20 years.
Zoned Schools: Indian Prairie School District 204.
Median Home Price: ~$400,000.
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Bolingbrook (IL)
- Plainfield (IL).
West Side Neighborhood
Families, established professionals, retirees
The Vibe: Tree-lined residential streets, mid-century homes, and easy access to parks. This area feels settled and suburban, with strong community pride and neighbors who’ve lived here for decades. Close to Aurora University and public amenities, it offers a quieter pace while still being near downtown.
Zoned Schools:
Median Home Price: ~$300,000
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Wheaton (IL)
- Glen Ellyn (IL)
Hometown Neighborhood
First-time buyers, young families
The Vibe: A planned community of modest homes and townhouses built in the early 2000s. Sidewalks, small parks, and community green spaces make for a purely family-friendly, walkable, neighborly vibe. Housing is more affordable here than in other parts of Aurora, making it a starting point for many families. And it is filled with young families.
Zoned Schools:
East Aurora School District 131
Median Home Price: ~$220,000.
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Romeoville (IL)
- Montgomery (IL).
Stonebridge Neighborhood
Upper-middle-income families, golf enthusiasts, executives
The Vibe: A master-planned golf course community on Aurora’s far east side, Stonebridge offers large, newer homes with manicured lawns and HOA amenities. It’s minutes from I-88 and close to high-performing schools in Indian Prairie District 204. Residents enjoy a country-club feel while being close to big-box shopping and restaurants in Naperville.
Zoned Schools:
Indian Prairie School District 204
Median Home Price: ~$550,000
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Naperville (IL)
- Geneva (IL)
Far East/Far Southeast Neighborhood
Families
Many of the Aurora neighborhoods are labeled by geographical direction: east, south, west etc. Some of the premier neighborhoods for families are in Far Southeast and the Far East, also known as “Naperville adjacent”. These feel the most like the nice midwestern neighborhoods we saw in John Hughes movies. Big homes, nice lawns, tree-lined streets with sidewalks and parks seemingly everywhere for the kiddos to play.
Far East is also home to Stonebridge Country Club, one of the nicer clubs in the area. Public schools in Aurora are excellent so expect most neighborhoods to offer access to some of the best schools in the region.
- Far Southeast/Far East
- Far West
- Edgelawn Randall
- South Farnsworth