Aurora, CO

Welcome to

Nestled just east of Denver, Aurora, known as “The Gateway to the Rockies,” is Colorado’s third-largest city. With a population of around 394,700 residents in 2023, it spans parts of Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties Aurora blends urban convenience with youthful energy and natural beauty.

Lifestyle & entertainment

Aurora is celebrated for its rich diversity, reflected in a vibrant food scene—featuring over 150 global eateries in places like Havana Street and Stanley Marketplace—alongside over 100 parks, award-winning golf courses, and outdoor trails . Community hubs like Central Park at the Farm and the inclusive Red-tailed Hawk Park provide family-friendly recreation

Climate & Weather

At around 5,400 ft elevation, Aurora enjoys a semi-arid climate with about 300 sunny days per year. Winters dip into the teens, summers peak in the upper 80s, and the city receives low rainfall—ideal for outdoor pursuits year-round

Education

Aurora Public Schools (District 28J) comprises around 58 schools serving 40,000+ students, including magnet, charter, and vocational options ccaurora.edu+6en.wikipedia.org+6auroragov.org+6. Residents also benefit from the academically strong Cherry Creek School District and higher education institutions like the Community College of Aurora and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Demographics

With a median age of approximately 35, Aurora is a young, multicultural city. Roughly 64% of residents are under 45, and the population identifies as 44% White, 28% Latino, 16.5% Black, and 6.5% Asian. Foreign-born residents make up around 22–20% of the populace .

Crime & safety

Aurora experiences higher crime rates than state and national averages. Violent crime runs about 9.6 per 1,000 residents (≈1 in 105 chance of victimization), and property crime at 37.7 per 1,000 (≈1 in 27 chance) . Annual total crime stands around 4,700 incidents per 100,000 residents. In response, Aurora invests significantly in public safety, increasing police funding by $10 million in 2024

Cost of Living

Aurora’s cost of living is about 22% above the national average and 11–12% above Colorado’s average. Major contributors include housing (+66% higher than the national norm), utilities, and groceries . Median household income hovers between $84–91 K, with home values around $481 K and rents of $1,750/month approximately .

Culture & history

Aurora blends modern growth with rich history, featuring more than 27 historic sites like DeLaney Round Barn and Aurora Fox Theatre en.wikipedia.org. Nicknamed “Gateway to the Rockies,” it hosts military and medical research centers, and cultural festivals reflecting its global community

Transportation

Aurora is served by RTD bus and light-rail lines, complemented by bike lanes and pedestrian projects. Its proximity to Denver International Airport offers convenient travel options