Colorado Aurora, Colorado
Moving to Aurora, Colorado
Aurora, Colorado, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for young professionals, thanks to its high quality of life, expanding job opportunities, and proximity to top-tier educational institutions across the Denver metro area. The city is committed to sustainability, with ongoing initiatives focused on water conservation, clean energy, and the preservation of open space and natural habitats.
Aurora offers a blend of urban convenience and outdoor accessibility. Residents enjoy walkable neighborhoods, an expanding network of bike trails, and public transit options including RTD light rail and bus services that connect easily to downtown Denver and Denver International Airport.
Culturally rich and community-oriented, Aurora is home to a diverse arts scene with local galleries, public art installations, and a variety of cultural festivals that reflect its global population. With stunning views of the Rockies, over 100 parks, and a growing food and brewery scene, Aurora combines the best of city living with the beauty and spirit of the Colorado outdoors—making it one of the state's most dynamic and livable cities.
Aurora by the numbers
City population
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Discover Aurora: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Local Experiences
Local Experiences
Aurora, Colorado, offers a diverse array of local experiences, blending outdoor adventure, cultural richness, and a vibrant culinary scene.
Outdoor Exploration
Aurora boasts over 100 parks and an extensive network of trails, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Notable spots include the Aurora Reservoir, Quincy Reservoir, and the Piney Creek Trail, each offering unique landscapes and recreational opportunities.
Culinary Delights
Reflecting its multicultural community, Aurora's culinary scene is rich and varied. The city is home to numerous international eateries, offering flavors from around the globe.
Cultural Experiences
Aurora's cultural landscape is vibrant, with institutions like the Aurora Cultural Arts District showcasing local art and performances. The Aurora History Museum offers insights into the city's past through engaging exhibits.
Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, a food enthusiast, or a culture seeker, Aurora provides a rich tapestry of experiences to explore and enjoy.
Sports and Recreation
Sport and Recreation
Aurora is a vibrant city that caters to outdoor enthusiasts and sports lovers with an extensive network of parks, open spaces, trails, and top-tier recreation facilities. While it does not host major professional sports teams, Aurora’s active lifestyle offerings and proximity to Denver’s sports scene provide residents with ample opportunities to engage in athletics and outdoor adventures.
Outdoor Recreation and Parks
Aurora boasts 103 developed parks and over 8,000 acres of open space, featuring playgrounds, picnic areas, multi-use trails, and reservable shelters. Popular spots include Cherry Creek State Park, a 4,200-acre natural haven with a large reservoir for boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and miles of hiking and biking trails. Aurora Reservoir offers kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and an 8-mile paved trail perfect for walking, jogging, and biking. Other notable outdoor areas include Quincy Reservoir, Sand Creek Regional Greenway, Star K Ranch & Morrison Nature Center, Great Plains Park, and Horseshoe Park, all providing diverse environments for family fun, wildlife viewing, and fitness activities.
Community Sports and Recreation Centers
Aurora’s community sports scene thrives with numerous recreation centers such as the Central Recreation Center, Southeast Recreation Center, Beck Recreation Center, and Moorhead Recreation Center. These facilities offer fitness centers, indoor pools, gymnasiums, group exercise classes, and specialized amenities like wave pools and interactive water slides. The Central Recreation Center, a state-of-the-art 55,000-square-foot facility, includes an indoor track, teaching kitchens, party rooms, and outdoor fitness balconies with views of the Front Range, making it a hub for health and wellness in the community.
Trails and Outdoor Activities
With over 103 miles of trails, Aurora provides excellent terrain for hiking, biking, and running. The Sand Creek Regional Greenway is a 14-mile multi-use trail connecting parks and nature preserves, ideal for fitness enthusiasts and commuters alike. Wildlife viewing and nature walks are popular at places like Star K Ranch & Morrison Nature Center, which offers peaceful trails and educational programs.
Proximity to Regional Attractions
Aurora’s central location near Denver allows easy access to professional sports events, concerts, and cultural activities, complementing its robust local offerings. Outdoor lovers also benefit from nearby mountain terrain for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, making Aurora a gateway to diverse Colorado outdoor experiences.
In summary, Aurora inspires an active lifestyle year-round through its expansive parks, trails, recreation centers, and natural attractions, all designed to engage residents and visitors in health, fitness, and community connection.
Adventures
Adventures
Aurora is a city where urban energy meets the boundless adventure of the Colorado outdoors. Nestled on the high plains just east of Denver, Aurora is a gateway to both metropolitan excitement and the rugged beauty of the Rockies, offering a dynamic blend of natural landscapes, rich history, and vibrant local culture.
Outdoor Adventures
Aurora’s vast open spaces and more than 100 parks invite exploration year-round. Outdoor enthusiasts can traverse hundreds of miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, including the Sand Creek Regional Greenway, High Line Canal Trail, and Piney Creek Trail, each winding through prairies, cottonwood groves, and alongside tranquil creeks. The city’s reservoirs—Aurora Reservoir, Quincy Reservoir, and Cherry Creek State Park—are hubs for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, and sailing, with sandy beaches and panoramic mountain views. Horseback riding is a local favorite, with 12 Mile Stables offering guided rides through Cherry Creek State Park’s 27 miles of trails and even sunset dinner rides on the open range.
Nature lovers can spot wildlife at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, where bison, bald eagles, and deer roam across 15,000 acres of protected land. The Plains Conservation Center provides a glimpse into Colorado’s prairie ecosystem, with opportunities to see pronghorn and soaring raptors beneath the expansive sky.
Cultural and Historical Experiences
Aurora’s cultural scene is thriving, anchored by venues like the Aurora History Museum and the Aurora Cultural Arts District, which features galleries, public art, and live performances. The historic Fox Arts Center and The People’s Building regularly host concerts, plays, and community events, celebrating both local talent and Aurora’s diverse heritage.
Local Flavors and Community Events
Foodies will delight in Aurora’s culinary diversity, from global cuisine at Stanley Marketplace to local farmers’ markets brimming with Colorado-grown produce. Seasonal festivals and community gatherings—such as outdoor concerts, art fairs, and food truck rallies—bring neighbors together and showcase the city’s welcoming spirit.
Unique Shopping and Urban Exploration
Explore unique boutiques, cafés, and eateries throughout Aurora’s neighborhoods, or spend an afternoon at Stanley Marketplace, a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment housed in a historic aviation building.
Whether you’re drawn by the adventure of the outdoors, the richness of local arts and history, or the flavors of diverse cuisine, Aurora offers a warm welcome and an experience as genuine as Colorado itself. With its blend of natural wonders and urban vitality, Aurora is a destination for unforgettable adventures and authentic connections year-round.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
Aurora, Colorado, offers a vibrant array of seasonal events and activities that celebrate its diverse community and dynamic spirit throughout the year.
Spring: Nature and Community Celebrations
As the city blooms, spring in Aurora is marked by events that bring the community together. The Earth Day Celebration at the Plains Conservation Center offers educational activities and wagon rides, emphasizing environmental stewardship.
Summer: Festivals and Outdoor Fun
Summer in Aurora is filled with lively festivals and outdoor gatherings. The Global Fest in June celebrates the city's rich cultural diversity with international music, dance, and cuisine. The 4th of July Spectacular offers fireworks and family-friendly activities at the Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn.
Fall: Harvest and Cultural Events
Autumn brings a variety of events that highlight Aurora's cultural richness. The Aurora Mini Con in September caters to pop culture enthusiasts, while Fall Into Fun in October offers seasonal festivities for families.
Winter: Holiday Lights and Festive Gatherings
Winter in Aurora is a time for festive lights and community gatherings. The Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony in December marks the beginning of the holiday season with live entertainment and family activities.
No matter the season, Aurora's events offer something for everyone, reflecting the city's commitment to community engagement and cultural celebration.
Community Resources
Aurora, Colorado, is home to a robust network of hospitals and medical centers offering comprehensive healthcare services for residents and the greater Denver metro area. Here are some of the city’s most well-regarded hospitals and specialty centers:
Hospitals and Medical Centers:
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital (UCH)
Located on the Anschutz Medical Campus, UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital is a nationally recognized academic medical center and the region’s only academic hospital. UCH is known for excellence in cardiovascular care, cancer treatment, pulmonology, advanced surgical procedures, and emergency medicine. The hospital partners with the University of Colorado School of Medicine, bringing cutting-edge research and specialized care to patients. UCH has been ranked the #1 hospital in Colorado by U.S. News & World Report for multiple years and offers a full spectrum of primary and specialty clinics, including the nationally ranked University of Colorado Cancer Center and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery programs.
The Medical Center of Aurora (HCA HealthONE)
A leading acute care hospital, The Medical Center of Aurora provides advanced heart care, neurosciences, surgery, orthopedics, and women’s services. With multiple campuses in Aurora and nearby Centennial, the hospital features a Level II Trauma Center, Primary Stroke Certification, and Chest Pain Center accreditation. The Medical Center of Aurora is also home to the region’s leading center for the diagnosis and treatment of rare neurological disorders and offers comprehensive mental health care through its Mental Health and Wellness Center
Children’s Hospital Colorado – Anschutz Medical Campus
Children’s Hospital Colorado is a premier pediatric hospital, offering comprehensive medical care from birth through adolescence. As the only pediatric Level 1 Trauma Center in the region, it provides specialized emergency care, surgery, and a wide range of pediatric specialties. The hospital is designed with children and families in mind, blending state-of-the-art technology with a healing environment and access to top pediatric specialists.
Kindred Hospital Aurora
Kindred Hospital Aurora is a long-term acute care hospital specializing in extended recovery for patients with complex medical needs, such as respiratory failure, wound care, and ventilator management. The hospital offers all-private rooms and 24-hour clinical care, partnering closely with physicians for individualized treatment plans.
Mental Health and Specialty Services:
Aurora’s healthcare network includes dedicated mental health and wellness centers, rehabilitation facilities, and specialty clinics for conditions such as cancer, pulmonary disease, and rare neurological disorders. The Medical Center of Aurora Mental Health and Wellness Center and the UCHealth system offer both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services, ensuring accessible care for a wide range of needs.
Whether you’re new to Aurora or a longtime resident, the city offers high-quality hospitals, specialty clinics, and mental health resources committed to serving the diverse needs of the community with advanced medicine, compassionate care, and innovative treatments.
Aurora offers a diverse and high-quality educational landscape, serving students from early childhood through advanced degrees. Families in Aurora can choose from a wide range of public, private, charter, and specialty schools, as well as robust options for higher education and workforce training.
Public and Charter Schools
Aurora is served by several prominent school districts, each providing comprehensive academic programs, extracurricular activities, and support services tailored to the community’s diverse needs:
Aurora Public Schools (Adams-Arapahoe 28J School District)
Aurora’s original and most diverse district, serving nearly 38,000 students across 58 schools, including early childhood centers, elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as magnet and charter options. Aurora Quest K-8 is among the top-rated schools in Colorado, and the district offers specialized programs in visual and performing arts, entrepreneurship, STEM, and International Baccalaureate.
Cherry Creek School District
Recognized as one of Colorado’s top-performing districts, Cherry Creek serves over 53,000 students in Aurora and surrounding communities. The district is known for high academic standards, exceptional teachers, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities.
Douglas County School District
Portions of southeastern Aurora are served by this highly regarded district, offering rigorous academics and strong extracurricular programs.
Brighton Public Schools and Bennett Public Schools
Specific Aurora neighborhoods are zoned for these districts, expanding options for families throughout the city.
Aurora also features a variety of charter schools such as Global Village Academy, Lotus School for Excellence and DSST: Cedar High School, which is ranked among the best public high schools in Colorado.
Private and Faith-Based Schools
Families seeking alternative educational environments will find a selection of private and faith-based schools throughout Aurora, offering smaller class sizes, specialized curricula, and unique educational philosophies.
Higher Education & Technical Training
Aurora is a hub for higher learning, with institutions that cater to recent graduates, working adults, and career changers:
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
A nationally recognized center for health sciences, research, and medical education, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, and public health.
Community College of Aurora
Provides affordable associate degrees, technical certifications, and university transfer programs. The college is also home to the Colorado Film School and offers workforce development and apprenticeship opportunities.
Colorado State University Global
Specializes in flexible, online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for adult learners and working professionals.
Pickens Technical College
Offers career and technical education in fields such as healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce.
Other Institutions:
Aurora is also served by additional colleges and universities, including Colorado Technical University, Arizona College of Nursing, Concorde Career College, Pima Medical Institute, and nearby campuses in the Denver metro area.
Lifelong Learning
Whether you’re a student, a parent planning your child’s educational journey, or an adult seeking to advance your career, Aurora provides a wealth of opportunities for academic and personal growth at every stage of life. With top-rated schools, innovative programs, and accessible higher education, Aurora is committed to shaping successful futures for its diverse and growing community.
Aurora delivers a comprehensive array of regional services and public resources designed to support its diverse and growing population, ensuring a high quality of life for all residents.
City Government & Public Services:
Government & Safety
Aurora operates under a council-manager form of government, with a mayor and ten city council members representing six districts and four at-large seats. The city’s day-to-day operations are managed by the city manager, guided by the city council’s policies. Aurora’s government oversees a wide range of departments, including:
Aurora Police Department
One of Colorado’s largest law enforcement agencies, nationally accredited and dedicated to proactive community policing, crime prevention, and public safety outreach. Specialized units include SWAT, Crisis Intervention, and School Resource Officers.
Aurora Fire Rescue
Accredited for excellence in emergency response, fire suppression, rescue, and medical services.
Public Safety Communications
A state-of-the-art dispatch center coordinating emergency response across the city.
Municipal Courts and Detention Center
Handling local ordinance violations and providing short-term detention services.
Utilities & City Services:
Aurora provides essential utilities and public works, including:
Water
Managed by the Aurora Water Department, ensuring safe, reliable water supply and promoting conservation.
Sewer & Stormwater
Comprehensive wastewater and stormwater management.
Garbage & Recycling
City-coordinated waste collection and recycling programs.
Street Maintenance
Ongoing road repair, snow removal, and infrastructure improvements.
Sustainability Initiatives
Aurora is committed to sustainability, with initiatives focused on water conservation, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship across city operations and public spaces.
Aurora experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and occasionally snowy, while summers are warm and sunny with average highs in the 80s and 90s. The city enjoys over 250 days of sunshine annually, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Transportation:
Aurora is well-connected through a variety of local and regional transportation options:
Regional Transportation District (RTD)
Provides extensive light rail and bus service throughout Aurora and to the greater Denver metro area.
Major Highways
Easy access to I-225, I-70, and E-470 facilitates travel across the region.
Biking & Trails
The city supports active transportation with an expanding network of bike lanes and multi-use trails.
Air Travel
Denver International Airport, one of the nation’s busiest, is just a short drive away, offering flights to domestic and international destinations.
County & State Services:
Aurora residents have access to additional services through Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties, including motor vehicle services, public health, and social programs. State services, such as driver’s license renewal and public records, are also readily available online and at local offices.
Whether you’re new to Aurora or a lifelong resident, the city’s robust network of government agencies, utilities, safety services, and transportation options ensures daily life runs smoothly while supporting the community’s dynamic growth and diversity.
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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.