Firstly why Aurora, Illinois?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Aurora
• State: Illinois
• Population: 197757 people
• Aurora’s quick summary would be Known as the ‘City of Lights’ for its early adoption of electric streetlights and vibrant downtown.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 12000 annually
• While this many move-out: 20000 annually
• Net Migration: -8000 annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1000
• Number of Homeless people: 800

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a blend of suburban and urban living attractive to families

Perk #1: Aurora Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 38%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 63%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $65000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Aurora is $65000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $0

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Aurora’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 105 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3925
• Property Tax %: 2.35%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1300
• Rent for an average house: $2100
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Orchard Valley
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Aurora, Naperville, Plainfield, Oswego, and probably could include Geneva
• Avg. Age of Homes in Aurora: 51 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.6%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Aurora’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Aurora are  Manufacturing, Retail, and Healthcare
• Aurora Job Scene: strong job market primarily in manufacturing and logistics
• The General Tech Scene: emerging tech community focused on logistics, healthcare, and small business initiatives
• Aurora Resident’s pay $1200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Aurora: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 140 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 6

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Aurora

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $110 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-88 runs through Aurora creating significant connectivity
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slow traffic on Farnsworth Avenue
• Transportation Score: 42 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Aurora: 85000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 6 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Aurora: https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index.html
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 62 of 100
• Local Airport: Chicago International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Aurora’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Aurora is best described as experiences a continental climate with cold snowy winters hot humid summers and distinct spring and fall seasons characterized by vibrant colors
• Winter Weather in Aurora i’d describe as cold with occasional snow
• Spring Weather in Aurora can be described as cool with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Aurora are mostly cool with sunny days
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Aurora is usually cool with sunny days
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 1 days in summer
• Days in a row in Aurora below Freezing: 23
• Average Annual Rainfall: 36 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by traffic and industry
• Aurora Winter Air average air quality influenced by urban pollution

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Aurora Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Aurora 6
• While the number of trade schools inside Auroras’s city limits are 3
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Aurora Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Aurora Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Aurora only Doctors is about 70
• Local Hospitals here is  3
• Full-time Aurora only Police Officers is about 280
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Aurora’s Monthly utility bill average is $120
• Aurora’s Monthly Gym Membership: $42
• Aurora’s Water Quality Score: 74

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Aurora

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 8 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: large city with a diverse community and recreational opportunities
• You might enjoy events at the Aurora Downtown Cultural Arts Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Aurora  offers a variety of bars and restaurants suitable for casual evenings out with friends and families

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Aurora

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes diverse dining options with a focus on Italian and Mexican cuisine
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 50 scattered around Aurora
• The Popular Sports Team is Aurora University
• Top Level Political Climate in Aurora can be described as diverse city with a mix of progressive and conservative influences
• Aurora’s Longer standing religious establishment is Aurora Christian Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Aurora Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Aurora has 40 Parks?
• Phillips Park is Aurora’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Aurora Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Cycling, parks, and hiking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Aurora Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Aurora can be described as urban environment with a strong community focus and businesses
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Aurora visiting parks community events picnics at local lakes
• The Cities people commute to from Aurora are Eola 5 miles away Naperville 11 miles away Oswego 14 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Aurora or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: slow traffic on Farnsworth Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Aurora’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Orchard Valley is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Aurora are Eola 5 miles away Naperville 11 miles away Oswego 14 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Aurora has 23 days in a row below freezing and 1 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Aurora people have an average (positive or negative) $0 left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   800 homeless people living in Aurora. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general diverse city with a mix of progressive and conservative influences could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Aurora.

Retiree & Senior Life in Aurora

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for income tax breaks related to retirement benefits
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Fox Valley
• Aurora Senior Center provides various activities and resources to support elderly residents

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Aurora, Illinois?

If Aurora, Illinois ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Aurora, Illinois, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!