Aerial View of Aurora, Colorado in Autumn

Best Places to Live in the US in 2022 Sponsored by: eXp RealtyeXp Realty

Aurora, CO is the #91 Best City to Live in the USA

Aerial View of Aurora, Colorado in Autumn
iStock/Jacob Boomsma
Aurora, CO
Quality of Life
Liv Score

600
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 27
Demographics 74
Economy 94
Education 46
Health 51
Housing 53
Infrastructure 48
Amenities 50

Why Aurora is one of the best cities to live in

Aurora, CO, has it all: A mighty strong economy bolstered by an air force base and leading medical campus, savvy residents making profound biomedical breakthroughs, nearly 100 parks, and lots of locally-owned restaurants. The icing on the cake? The city’s diverse population and entrepreneurial spirit. In fact, one of the city’s esteemed chefs, Caroline Glover of Annette, just nabbed her first James Beard Award, putting a spotlight on Aurora’s amazing culinary scene. Aurora ranks high in the demographics category as a minority-majority city, with a diverse population of Latino, African American, Asian and foreign-born residents. As a next-door neighbor to Denver, Aurora is the third-largest city in Colorado and one of the best places to live in the U.S. Some extra livability perks include close proximity to the Denver International Airport and an astounding 300 days of sunshine annually.

What are Auroras major industries and employers?

Military, defense and health care are big industries. Buckley Air Force Base, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Children‘s Hospital and Raytheon are some of the city’s biggest employers.

What are the major colleges and universities in Aurora?

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus & Aurora Community College

What is the weather like in Aurora? 

Aurora residents experience all four seasons and close proximity to the Rocky Mountains, which means scenic fall foliage road trips and powder days are in the forecast. 

What is there to do outside in Aurora?

The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge has 15,000 acres of open space with great spots to see bison and pronghorn deer. You can drive the 11-mile Wildlife Drive tour while listening to the “Refuge” podcast to learn more about the animals that call this special place home.

Aurora, CO is Remote-Ready

What makes Aurora a great place for remote workers?

The cost of living in Aurora is above the national average but below the state average. Most residents rent their homes. Aurora’s internet speeds outmatch neighboring Denver and Colorado Springs. Although the city is very spread out, fast internet and plenty of laptop-friendly cafes and bars make it easy to find a place to land and work. Its proximity to Denver also makes it a best-of-both-worlds city, with the suburban benefits of a smaller town and the nightlife benefits of a bigger city.

What Locals Love in Aurora, CO

What is the best local bookstore in Aurora?

The Tattered Cover Book Store recently opened a cute children’s bookstore in The Stanley Marketplace and hosts story hours. 

How do you spend a weekend in Aurora?

Head to Cherry Creek Reservoir, where you can paddleboard and fish in the warmer months and snowshoe during the winter. The reservoir also has campsites if you want to turn your visit into a weekend staycation. 

What can you do for free in Aurora?

Take a self-guided audio tour (and lots of selfies, too) of the Colfax Canvas Murals

Whats the best way to spend happy hour in Aurora?

Sky Bar at Stanley is a retro-swanky cocktail lounge with fantastic views and cocktails inspired by destinations. Order the Paris – it’s made with Biscoff Cookie Cognac.

Whats something only locals know about Aurora?

Aurora has more than 250 independently owned ethnic restaurants.

Is Aurora, CO a good place to live?

A strong economy, a diverse population and a top-notch culinary scene make Aurora a best place to live in Colorado.

Thinking of Moving to Aurora?

What is Aurora, CO Real Estate Market Like?

Diverse and fast-growing, Aurora is known for its classic suburbs and booming real estate market. Currently, the median sale price for homes for sale in Aurora, CO, has climbed up to $529K, and homes stay on the market for around 28 days. The Aurora, CO real estate market runs the gamut from affordable two-bedroom starter homes to luxury dwellings, and the single-family homes are typically more abundant than condos and townhouse complexes. Ready to relocate to Aurora, CO? A local eXp real estate agent is ready to answer all your questions! 

Quick Facts About Aurora, CO

Average Commute
29.1
Median Home Value
$529,169
Med. Household Income
$67,723
Total Population
379,434
Walk Score
38
Median Property Tax
$1,686

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