Living in Aurora, IL

Aurora is the second-largest city in Illinois, and it offers more variety than almost any other town in the western suburbs. From historic homes along the Fox River to brand-new subdivisions on the far east side, there’s an Aurora neighborhood for nearly every budget and lifestyle.

Why People Love Living in Aurora

  • A revitalized downtown. Downtown Aurora along the Fox River is home to the Paramount Theatre, RiverEdge Park’s summer concerts, and a growing lineup of restaurants.
  • Parks and trails. Phillips Park, with its free zoo and sunken garden, plus the Fox River Trail and plenty of neighborhood parks.
  • Shopping. Westfield Fox Valley mall and Chicago Premium Outlets are both in Aurora, along with the busy Route 59 corridor.
  • A diverse, bilingual city. Aurora has one of the largest Hispanic communities in the Chicago suburbs, with Spanish-speaking businesses, restaurants, and services all over town.

Getting Around

Aurora sits right on I-88, with Route 59, Route 34 (Ogden Avenue), and Route 30 serving different parts of the city. Commuters can take the Metra BNSF line from the downtown Aurora station or the Route 59 station on the east side, both with direct service to Chicago Union Station.

Aurora Spans Four Counties

Aurora covers parts of Kane, DuPage, Will, and Kendall counties. That matters when you buy: property tax rates, school districts, and even some city services can vary a lot depending on which part of Aurora a home is in. I’ll help you compare so there are no surprises after closing.

Schools

Aurora is served by several school districts depending on location, including:

  • East Aurora School District 131, generally east of the Fox River
  • West Aurora School District 129, generally west of the river
  • Indian Prairie School District 204, which serves much of far east Aurora in DuPage and Will counties
  • Oswego Community Unit School District 308, which serves parts of south Aurora

Boundaries don’t always follow neighborhood lines, so always confirm the assigned schools for a specific address before you make an offer.

Homes in Aurora

  • Historic and older homes near downtown and along the river
  • Established mid-century neighborhoods with ranches, bungalows, and two-stories
  • Newer single-family subdivisions and townhomes on the far east and south sides
  • Multi-unit properties that can work well for investors or house hacking

Because Aurora is so large, prices range widely from one area to another. Searching current listings is the best way to see what fits your budget today.

Buying or Selling in Aurora?

I help buyers, sellers, and investors throughout Aurora, in English or Spanish. I also work with buyers using ITIN loans and can connect you with trusted lenders.