Aurora, IL

Thinking of moving to Aurora, IL? 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, IL

Aurora, IL, is affectionately known as the “City of Lights” as it was one of the first cities in the country to implement a comprehensive, city-wide electric street lighting system in the early 1800s. That spirit of innovation lives on today. Aurora has illuminated itself as one of the best places to live in the U.S. for many reasons, including its proximity to Chicago. Residents find this charming riverfront town to be a high-octane economic engine, combining affordability and earning power. The city offers a significantly lower cost of living than Chicago, allowing residents to enjoy a higher quality of life without sacrificing urban amenities. 

Aurora has a reputation as a “move-in magnet,” offering an ideal home base for professionals and families alike. Families, in particular, find Aurora to be a great place to plant roots, and the community prioritizes its youngest residents. With nearly 30% of the population under 18, it’s a breeze to find opportunities to make friends across the city’s numerous parks and aquatic centers.

Arts in Aurora are endless. The downtown district is a hub of architecture and art, anchored by the legendary Paramount Theatre. From First Fridays arts events to the immersive LUMENAURA light and sound festival to the beloved Christkindlmarket, Aurora is a connected community where residents can gather year-round. And exploring the outdoors is a breeze. Whether exploring the scenic bike trails along the Fox River, enjoying the Phillips Park Zoo or wading in a natural quarry, there are plenty of places to play around town. Explore the town on foot or grab a bike courtesy of the Fox Valley Bike Share. 

Top Reasons to Move to Aurora

• Commuting to Chicago is a dream, and Aurora is highly accessible, with direct Metra rail access and highway links to downtown Chicago.
• Aurora is affordable, combining a lower cost of living with high earning power and a great local job market.
• Aurora is a family-friendly destination and has a young population and tons of family-friendly spots.
• As Illinois’ second-largest city, Aurora offers economic opportunities and plenty of things to do.

Situated along the I-88 corridor and just 37 miles west of the Loop in Chicago, Aurora is a commuter’s dream. O’Hare International Airport is roughly 35 miles away and serves as a gateway to global destinations. When you’re ready to explore, nearby cities include:

• Naperville, 10 miles east of town, which offers the Naperville Riverwalk, DuPage Children’s Museum and an endless supply of shopping spots.
• Chicago, just 37 miles east, where visitors can admire the skyline on a river cruise, explore the Art Institute of Chicago or spend a day at Navy Pier.
• Springfield, 174 miles southwest, which offers the Lincoln Presidential Library, the State Capitol and lovely Washington Park.

Residents enjoy a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. 

While nearby Chicago has big-city thrills, Aurora offers a much lower cost of living without sacrificing any income. The median household income is above the national average, and the region offers ample job opportunities, making it a magnet for ambitious professionals. Aurora’s economy is shaped by its history as an industrial and transportation hub. The three largest industries in town include manufacturing, retail trade, and health care and social assistance. Some of the largest employers around town include Rush Copley Medical Center, OSI Group, West Aurora Public Schools District and East Aurora Public School District.

The cost of living in Aurora is pretty on par with the national average. The median home value in Aurora is $280,878, and the average household income is $96,345.

Illinois residents pay a state income tax, and residents can expect a combined 8.25% sales tax rate in 2026. 

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There are tons of things to do in Aurora, from world-class arts and culture to family-friendly fun. At the heart of the city is a thriving arts scene, which is anchored by the “Jeff” award-winning Paramount Theatre, where visitors can experience high-caliber Broadway productions. For a more intimate experience, the Stolp Island Theatre’s Million Dollar Quartet can’t be missed. During the summer months, the music moves outdoors to RiverEdge Park.

The city’s cultural calendar is packed, thanks to everything from the “First Fridays” arts walks to the Alley Art Festival to the iconic Christkindlmarket. History is alive in downtown Aurora, especially at the Aurora Regional Fire Museum, which is aptly housed in a restored fire station, and the David L. Pierce Art and History Center. There are also several art galleries around town and plenty of places for fun nightlife. Spend your Saturday in Water Street Square at the Aurora Farmers Market, which features fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods and a selection of local food trucks.  

With more than 8,000 acres of open space and 103 developed parks, Aurora is a natural fit for outdoor enthusiasts. The city’s parks and recreation scene is anchored by the Fox River, which serves as a natural playground for kayaking and canoeing. Adventurers can launch near the scenic RiverEdge Park to explore the Fabulous Fox Water Trail, paddling through calm waters and spotting local wildlife. For those who prefer to stay closer to land, Aurora is a hub for some of the Midwest’s best trails, including the Fox River Trail and the Virgil Gilman Trail. These interconnected routes offer more than 100 miles of regional paths perfect for cycling, jogging and even cross-country skiing or snowshoeing during the winter months.

If sports are more your speed, it’s easy to stay active throughout downtown and beyond. At spots like McCarty Park, which features a large fountain, and Jericho Lake, a favorite for local anglers, urban nature meets traditional recreation. Golfers can enjoy rounds on lush local courses. During the summer months, wade in a natural quarry or sunbathe along the sandy beaches. 

Foodies will rejoice in Aurora. The dining scene is a treasure trove of delicious options, home to more than 400 restaurants. As a growing hub for global grub, the city offers options from cozy, family-owned cafes to upscale fine dining options. The community’s ethnically diverse population, which makes up nearly half of the city’s population, has shaped a food scene known for its variety, including Mexican, Ethiopian, Korean, and Indian options, among others. Celebrate the variety of options at the annual Aurora Restaurant Week, highlighting local chefs and menus with special prix-fixe offerings. But the fun isn’t done at dinner time – Aurora’s vibrant nightlife and social scene center on its brewpubs and bars. The city’s cafe culture is equally robust, with several specialty spots for coffee, desserts and more. 

Aurora’s educational offerings are as diverse as its residents, and the city places a high priority on education, as evidenced by the fact that nearly 39% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, above the national average. The educational landscape caters to students at every stage of their academic journey, and residents are served by six distinct public school districts, including the high-performing Indian Prairie School District 204 and the well-established West Aurora District 129. There are also nearly two dozen different private and specialized schools, like the world-renowned Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) – a top-tier public residential program for STEM students.