Living in Aurora, CO
Explore Things to Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• Livability Partner
• 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Aurora, CO? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Aurora, CO

Residents can enjoy Colorado living at its finest – and then some. Aurora is the third-largest city in the state, with 408,729 residents, and is also one of the most diverse. In fact, the city ranks highly in terms of demographics as a minority-majority city, with a diverse population of Latino, African American, Asian and foreign-born residents. The city’s diversity carries through to its exceptional food scene, with restaurants representing cuisine from all over the globe – we’re talking belly-warming ramen, birria tacos dripping with consommé and crispy, golden Korean fried chicken with a sweet-and-spicy glaze.

Living in Aurora means residents can take full advantage of the city’s excellent amenities and strong economy. Biotech startups, hospitals and defense contractors provide locals with well-paying jobs. Another advantage of living in Aurora is its central location. Residents are close to Denver International Airport and can hop on I-70 to get to the mountains. 

But there’s plenty to enjoy close to home, too, including reservoirs, great golf courses and more than 100 parks. And residents are known for going off the beaten path to explore, whether that’s the 103 miles of trails or the unassuming strip mall restaurants with food so good you’ll become a regular.

Top Reasons to Move to Aurora

• Aurora is the most diverse city in Colorado and is a real melting pot of cultures.
• Home to Anschutz Medical Center (a world-class research center) and Buckley Space Force Base, Aurora is a health care and innovation hub.
• Aurora is affordable and is a high-value alternative within the Denver Metro area.
• Featuring more than 100 parks and miles of trails, two major reservoirs and the Rocky Mountains, Aurora is an outdoor lover’s paradise. 

Aurora is a diverse city just east of Denver, along Interstate 225 and Interstate 70, and is part of the Denver metro area. Denver International Airport, a central flight hub, is about 20 miles northeast. When you’re ready to venture out, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• Denver is just 10 miles west, where you can visit the Denver Art Museum or catch a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
• Colorado Springs sits 70 miles south, famous for the Garden of the Gods and the U.S. Air Force Academy.
• Fort Collins is about 70 miles north, home to Colorado State University and the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery.

Thanks to its high-altitude, semi-arid climate, the area enjoys four distinct seasons with low humidity and mostly clear skies year-round. The city boasts tons of sunny days every year, featuring hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters that are often brightened by the intense Colorado sunlight.

Located within the Denver metropolitan area, Aurora has a dynamic economy and is the third-largest city in the state. Aerospace and defense, retail and health care are significant industries here. Buckley Air Force Base, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Children’s Hospital Colorado are all significant employers. Both UCHealth and Western Union have local headquarters. 

The cost of living in Aurora is above the national average. The median home value in Aurora is $492,115, and the average household income is $91,862.

Colorado has a state income tax. In 2026, the combined sales tax rate in Aurora is 8.0%.

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Aurora, CO, has a little bit of everything – artsy, outdoorsy and family-friendly! The Aurora Fox Arts Center, numerous art galleries and plentiful public art installations all contribute to the city’s artistic vibe. For those wanting to get in touch with nature, there are plenty of places to stretch your legs and ample amounts of sunshine all year long. The Cherry Creek Reservoir is a family-friendly spot perfect for hiking, horseback riding and all sorts of water sports.

For family-friendly fun, take a staycation to the Gaylord Rockies Resort’s indoor waterpark and seasonal events. Explore the city’s museums and attend any one of the community festivals. Looking to do a little retail therapy? Southlands Mall and the Stanley Marketplace are popular spots. History buffs can dig into the past at the Colorado Freedom Memorial and learn more about the city’s history. No matter what you’re into, this city has you covered. 

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Explore the outdoors in Aurora. With more than 99 parks and 100-plus miles of trails, getting in touch with nature is easy; try hiking, biking and wildlife spotting. Cherry Creek State Park and Reservoir stand out for water sports and activities such as paddleboarding and fishing. Or, if you would prefer to stick to the dry land, set up camp in one of the dog-friendly zones. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is 15,000 acres of fun, including opportunities to observe bison and pronghorn. The Jewell Wetlands provide a peaceful escape and a butterfly garden.

Beyond the parks, the city’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains offers opportunities for skiing, snowboarding and hiking, ensuring year-round fun. Whether you’re taking a relaxing walk in the park, spending a day on the water or planning a mountain escape, residents can have it all.

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Aurora is a food lover’s dream, especially for residents who are into trying new flavors. With more than 400 independently operated ethnic restaurants, including 250 locally owned eateries, the city offers dishes from six continents, making it a prime destination for adventurous eaters. The Stanley Marketplace stands out for its diverse offerings, from New York-style bagels to fresh sushi and Latin American dishes.

But it isn’t just the food. Aurora has a growing craft brewery scene, with more than 15 microbreweries and several wineries and cideries. Lady Justice Brewing Company offers unique brews and supports community nonprofits so residents can feel good about going to happy hour. Farmers’ markets and international markets mean fresh produce and spices are readily available, too. 

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Ask any of the locals if they think their hometown is a family-friendly place to live, and chances are they will reply with a resounding yes. The city boasts a variety of schools, and the Aurora Joint School District No. 28 is the primary public school district in town. The district offers advanced placement, international baccalaureate and gifted programs. The city also has more than two dozen private schools, including Crescent View Academy, one of the state’s best private schools. 

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