Top 6 Reasons to Move to Aurora, CO
By Sean Creamer on September 06, 2023
Nestled on the eastern fringes of the Denver metropolitan area, Aurora, Colorado, is a happening locale for people buying a home. The city has a varied job market, a countless of outdoor getaways, and outlets for visual arts and music.
Plus, Aurora has plenty of housing options, from historic neighborhoods with charming homes to modern developments designed for sustainable living. As such, moving to Aurora, Colorado is a dream for many homebuyers.
If you are moving to this city in Colorado in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, check out this guide detailing why homebuyers love living in Aurora, CO.
Top reasons to move to Aurora, CO
- Diverse housing stock
- Ample outdoor spaces
- Transportation and commuting in Aurora
- Various career options
- Fun downtown atmosphere
- Plenty of places to shop
Diverse housing stock
Aurora home buyers can find homes from the turn of the century here just as easily as they can find modern condominiums and townhome developments. Depending on your preferences and needs, Aurora's real estate market has something for everyone.
If you love the '49er history of the West and the older Victorian-style homes of the era, you'll want to check out Delaney Farm Historic District and The Heights. The historic district features well-preserved Victorian and Craftsman-style homes, showcasing Aurora's architectural heritage. Original Aurora, known as The Heights, has a mix of historic homes, including bungalows and mid-century houses.
Those seeking something more modern, check out Meadowood or Tallyn's Reach. Homes in these areas range from smaller starter homes to large properties with stunning views of the Rockies. If you love hitting the links, check out Saddle Rock, which offers homes around the fairway.
Yet some of the most stunning homes are in the new Southshore communities near the Aurora Reservoir. There are plenty of waterfront homes here, with the added bonus of being within reach of places like Centennial and Denver International.
Ample outdoor spaces
Although the weather in Aurora can get extremely cold, there is plenty to explore throughout the year.
Cherry Creek State Park, for instance, offers a picturesque reservoir for boating, swimming, and fishing. Plus, there is a wildlife sanctuary for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
The Aurora Reservoir is a local favorite, complete with a sandy beach, swim area, and plenty of space to paddleboarding and kayak against a backdrop of the Rockies.
One of the more exciting parks is Expo Park. This greenspace packs a punch, providing locals with a disc golf course, plenty of sport fields, and even a skate park.
Chatfield State Park, located south of Aurora, is another popular spot that offers boating and fishing in the Chatfield Reservoir and horseback trails near the Cottonwood Riding Club.
Transportation and commuting in Aurora
Aurora residents benefit from various transportation options, making commuting between the city and neighboring areas efficient and convenient.
The biggest pull is easy access to Denver International Airport. Interstate 70 (I-70) runs along the city's northern edge, offering a direct route west to downtown Denver and east to Denver International Airport.
When heading north or south, Interstate 225 (I-225) bisects the city, providing a corridor that connects to I-70, I-25, and other regional highways. Whether you're heading west to the mountains, south to Colorado Springs, or east toward the plains, there are plenty of ways to get around Colorado. This also means moving companies will have no issues moving your stuff.
There are a few options when it comes to public transportation, so there are options besides hopping in the car. The Regional Transportation District serves Aurora, providing bus and light rail services throughout the city. The R line runs to Aurora, which works with the bus routes to connect locals with Denver in no time.
Cyclists will love Aurora, as there are plenty bike lanes and trails threaded through the city.
Various career options
Part of what attracts folks to Aurora are the different industries that call the city home.
Buckley Space Force Base drives a strong aerospace and defense industry in Aurora. This installation is at the forefront of space operations and satellite communications, making Aurora a key player in this aerospace industry. Firms like Advanced Assembly and Advanced Circuits lead the charge, specializing in aerospace components, electronics, and machinery.
Medicine is another big employer in the area, thanks partly to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. You can expect advanced medical care as this campus is a hub for groundbreaking research, education, and healthcare technology. The UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital is another large employer in the medical space.
With all the new construction popping up in Aurora and Boulder, it is no surprise that development and real estate are booming. New housing developments, commercial projects, and infrastructure investments drive employment and economic activity in Aurora.
Fun downtown atmosphere
While Denver has plenty of fun places like Coors Field and Meow Wolf, you do not need to leave Aurora for a good time. On the weekends, locals flock to the Aurora Cultural Arts District, Aurora's downtown area, on East Colfax Avenue.
Here, you'll find a blend of cultural attractions like the Vintage Theatre, unique shopping at boutiques like The Archive Aurora video store, and dining at neighborhood establishments such as Baba & Pop's Pierogi.
Many folks come here to hang out at Fletcher Plaza and Community Garden, home to the Martin Luther King Jr. Public Library. The Aurora Fox Arts Center is just around the block from the library, home of the prestigious Aurora Symphony Orchestra.
You can commonly find folks trying out the latest craft beers around the corner at Cerebral Brewing’s Aurora Arts District location.
Plenty of places to shop
If your idea of a good time is getting some retail therapy in, you'll love Aurora.
Southlands is a popular outdoor shopping center with big-box retailers and smaller mom-and-pop boutiques. The Town Center at Aurora, or the Aurora Mall, is a classic indoor mall ideal for when the winter months hit Colorado.
The Stanley Marketplace is one of Aurora's more unique shopping and dining spots. Located in a renovated aviation building, it is a hub for local artisans, boutiques, and restaurants, making it a popular spot for exploring and helping support Aurora businesses.
Medical students and practitioners love Aurora City Place, an open-air shopping center with a range of shops and dining options conveniently located near the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
