Community, Attractions & Recreation
Aurora, an established community along the beautiful Fox River, is the second largest city in Illinois and boasts a healthy economy with more than 30 retail centers and 15 business parks of more than 4,000 acres. And like its historic days when it led the way as the first city to use electric lighting, the city still is a town that isn’t afraid to be a leader.
Residentially, the community is a tapestry of different architectural styles and time periods. There are distinct homes from the past including one built by Frank Lloyd Wright, and new styles of the present.
Homes prices range from $80,000 to more than $1 million.
The quality of life in Aurora is enhanced by many cultural and historical centers of activity, as well as numerous recreation and entertainment opportunities including Walter Payton’s Roundhouse, a restaurant known for the late Hall of Fame Chicago Bear, the Fox Valley Symphony, Paramount Arts Centre, 54-acre Blackberry Historical Farm-Village, SciTech: Science and Technology Interactive Center and Hollywood Casino Riverfront Playhouse.
Additionally, there are eight city parks including two water parks -- Phillips Park Aquatic Center and Splash Country -- and the Phillips Park Zoo.
For the outdoor lover there’s a plethora of hiking, bike trails, tennis, boating and golfing including such well-know courses as Stonebridge Country Club, White Eagle Country Club, Orchard Valley Golf Course, Fox Valley Country Club, Fox Bend Country Club and Phillips Park Golf Course.
Downtown Alive, a festival that includes live music and a variety of food booths, is held every Friday night in the summer. About 10,000 people attend each week. Downtown Aurora also hosts the annual Midwest Literary Festival during the second weekend in September.
Demographics
The median income for a household in the city is about $54,861 and the median income for a family, $61,113.
Men had a median income of $41,429 versus $30,150 for women.
Approximately 70 percent of Aurorans own their homes with an estimated median housing value of about $185,000.
Over the past 25 years Aurora and its economic base has expanded considerably: Aurora’s population has increased from 84,540 to approximately 175,000 and Aurora’s size has dramatically increased from 15.68 square miles in 1972 to 42 square miles in 2005.