Aurora, Illinois

Aurora is a large city of about 150,000 people, nicknamed "The City of Lights" because it was one of the first to use electric street lighting. Aurora has a large Hispanic population (about 33%), and rest of the population is about 68% White, 11% African American, with a few other ethnic groups represented here and there. Most residents are middle class in the economic spectrum, with an average household income of about $53,000. For families, it's about $60,000. Temperatures around the year in Aurora range from about 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 85 in the summer. Although not really considered a suburb of Chicago, it's about 42 miles east of it, or a little over an hour's drive, depending on traffic. The Metra commuter rail links Aurora to Chicago, so public transportation is available to Chicago, and there are public buses in Aurora itself.

Aurora has a number of industrial and manufacturing companies due to its location on the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor, including Lyon Workspace Products, The Aurora Silver Plate Manufacturing Company, and Caterpillar Incorporated. Aurora is divided into three wards: The East side, east of The Fox River, The West Side, west of the river, and The Far East Side, or Fox Valley, which is close to the Fox Valley Mall.

Apartments and Neighborhoods in Aurora

Aurora is way too big to try describing all of the neighborhoods, but just a few quick things to think about the different areas: The Near West Side is very residential, and an affluent area. It's got a golf course, several private schools, and tree lined streets. Downtown is somewhat historic, mixed with modern lofts, condos, and the Hollywood Casino.  Stonebridge is the most affluent neighborhood, and one of the newest. It also has its own golf course.

Apartment complex choices include Orchard Village on Indian Trail, Fox Pointe Apartments on Fox Pointe Circle, Sherwood Apartments on Molitor Road, and  Aspen Place Apartments on Terrace Lake Drive.

Things to Do in Aurora

There is a major Hindu temple in Aurora, so even if you're not Hindu, you might want to go and educate yourself about what Hindus believe. They would love to tell you. There's not one, but two large shopping malls in Aurora, The Fox Valley Mall and the Chicago Premium Outlets. The Philips Park Zoo is Aurora's own, so you don't have to make the trip into Chicago. The Paramount Arts Center downtown offers many options for entertainment, art, and culture.