Thinking about making the move to Aurora, Colorado? Does the idea of hiking, skiing and biking year-round appeal to you? Are you a little bit country, a little bit rock-y mount? Then ponder no more. Aurora awaits you. Read Guide >
The city of Aurora is predominantly suburban and is made up of dozens of neighborhoods. The cost of living in this city is fairly high, as is the case with most of Colorado. Here we have broken down some of the more popular areas of this massive city.
Foxfield: One of the largest areas in Aurora, Foxfield is made up of new, luxury apartments as well as larger single-family homes. Foxfield is a great place for those who are looking to settle or for families looking for a quiet area to rent in. Living in this part of town costs a pretty penny as rents can range between $775-$1800. However, the benefits of living in Foxfield may outweigh the cost. It’s proximity to walking trails, bike paths, golf courses, as well as being located in a great school district (Cherry Creek) make it a prime Aurora location. Additionally, this well-to-do suburb is only 20 miles from the heart of Denver. $$-$$$
City Center: Called City Center because it is, essentially, the town center of Aurora, this part of town is filled with both young professionals and families alike. A happening part of town, this is the place to live for the person who likes to keep their finger on the pulse of a city. 20-somethings, young professionals, and small families tend to inhabit this “urban” area where apartments, high-rises and luxury living is abundant. Boutiques, restaurants, movie theaters and sports clubs are all within reach at this end of town. With close proximity to downtown Denver and the campus of Colorado University, it’s easy to see why this end of town is the heart of Aurora. $-$$$
Aurora Hills: This residential area has a little something for everyone. Great schools, close hospitals, churches, golf courses and parks; Aurora Hills is true suburbia. The homes here are typically a bit older (built in the 1960s) and reasonably priced, especially by Colorado standards. But don’t let the large front yards and split-level houses fool you, this neighborhood also has townhomes and apartments for those looking for a smaller place to call home. Aurora Hills is also home to a solid amount of restaurants and bars that serve up some of the finest food in town. Just beware the rocky mountain oysters (unless you’re into that kind of thing). $-$$$
Mission Viejo: Modeled after the town of Mission Viejo in California, this area was made to be family-friendly and a welcomed break from the look of everyday “Colorado” housing. Featuring bike paths, greenbelts, Spanish named streets, and walls and street lights that incorporate Spanish design, Mission Viejo is an eclectic part of town. Featuring more homes for rent than apartments, rates around here are fairly reasonable for Colorado ($1200 for a 4 bedroom/2 bath). Homes in this neighborhood are a bit older (built in 1970s) but well maintained, as Mission Viejo has a very active HOA (homeowner’s association). Part Spain, part California, with a view of nature and that laid-back Colorado feel – make moving here your mission. $$-$$$$
Good news: Because it gets very cold in Colorado, most newer apartments feature fireplaces, which will help save on heating costs (and Colorado has been known to be cold about 7 months out of the year) and may help ignite a romantic spark or two. Also, many of the apartments and updated homes in the area feature hardwood floors, which add a more upscale, updated look to any dwelling. Bad news: If you are a dog-lover, most apartments allow man’s best friend to move in (with a small deposit) but there are breed restrictions. If you are a sucker for pit bulls, Rottweiler’s and any other breed of dog that may or may not be prone to guarding junk yards, you may want to consider down-sizing your taste.
Aurora is known for its fantastic school districts, primarily the top-notch districts of Cherry Creek and Douglas County. This is good news for those who are relocating with children in tow. If you’re moving to further your own education, Aurora is just minutes away from over eight colleges and universities, including The University of Colorado Denver.
Getting from place to place in Aurora can be done fairly easily. The city uses the 9-mile light rail system, a bus line, three main highways (Interstate 70, Interstate 225, E-470 beltway) and is minutes away from the Denver International Airport. The city also features many bike paths for those who wish to “go green.”
Settled by a shady businessman who left bad debts and skipped town, Aurora, which means “dawn,” was once named Fletcher, which means… “Fletcher.” Residents, and soon-to-be residents, should be thankful for this much more ethereal and non-scandal related name. This city that had once been considered the “little sister of Denver” has made a name for itself and has quickly become an ever-growing suburban town filled with families and young professionals. Nicknamed the “gateway to the Rockies,” Aurora is much more than a place on a map – it’s a great place to relocate, get in touch with nature and have one of those infamous rocky mountain beers.