Neighborhood Guide
Find space and opportunity in Aurora, CO
Aurora stretches across the eastern edge of the Denver Metro area, offering wide-open sightlines and a mix of established retail corridors and newer development. The city sits close to Denver International Airport (DEN) and hosts a large employment base anchored by healthcare, government, and aerospace. Residents find a range of shopping and dining options, from the converted airplane hangar at Stanley Marketplace to the open-air Southlands retail district.
Arts and culture in Aurora center on a handful of community-focused venues. The Aurora Fox Arts Center stages a full season of live theater inside a city-owned playhouse, while the Aurora History Museum documents the city's growth through rotating exhibits. Dining ranges from the James Beard Award-winning Annette to the scratch-made tortillas at Molino Chido, both inside Stanley Marketplace. Cherry Creek School District and Aurora Public Schools both serve city residents depending on address, and outdoor recreation runs from the eight-mile loop trail at Aurora Reservoir to the paved paths of Cherry Creek State Park.
Transportation and accessibility
On the move
Public transportation
RTD's R Line light rail runs through Aurora with stations at Nine Mile, Iliff, Florida, Aurora Metro Center, and Fitzsimons, connecting the city to the broader RTD rail network. Local and regional bus routes supplement the rail line throughout the city. RTD publishes current schedules, fares, and route maps for planning trips within Aurora and beyond.
Airports
Denver International Airport (DEN) sits approximately 15 to 18 miles from most Aurora addresses, roughly a 20-minute drive in typical traffic, making Aurora one of the closest Denver Metro cities to the airport. DEN serves as a major hub for United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, with direct RTD rail service connecting the airport to downtown Denver.
Cars and driving
Interstate 225 runs north to south through Aurora, connecting to I-70 and I-225's junctions with Colfax Avenue and Parker Road. Commuting to downtown Denver typically takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. E-470 forms a toll route along Aurora's eastern edge, linking the city to DEN and southern suburbs without crossing through downtown traffic.
Pedestrians and bicycles
Aurora maintains bike lanes and paved multi-use paths throughout the city, including the High Line Canal Trail, which runs roughly 13.7 miles through Aurora, and the Sand Creek Regional Greenway. The eight-mile loop trail around Aurora Reservoir supports biking and recreation year-round. Sidewalks connect most retail corridors, giving residents a short distance to reach many daily errands by bike or without the need of a vehicle.
Industry and job market
Your next job awaits
Aurora's economy runs on a diverse base of healthcare, government, and aerospace employers. The Anschutz Medical Campus anchors one of the largest healthcare and research hubs in the region, while Buckley Space Force Base and a cluster of aerospace and defense contractors add government and technology-sector opportunities. Retail and hospitality jobs cluster around Stanley Marketplace, Southlands, and the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center.
Healthcare
The Anschutz Medical Campus, home to UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado, supports thousands of clinical, research, and administrative positions.
Government
Buckley Space Force Base and federal, state, and municipal offices throughout Aurora provide stable government career paths across a range of roles.
Technology services
Aerospace and defense contractors based near Buckley Space Force Base support engineering, technical, and support roles across the sector.
Leisure and hospitality
The Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center, along with dining and retail at Stanley Marketplace and Southlands, generates ongoing demand for hospitality staff.
Retail
Southlands and Stanley Marketplace anchor Aurora's retail sector, with boutique shops and national retailers creating year-round staffing needs.
Educational services
Aurora Public Schools, Cherry Creek School District, and the Community College of Aurora create teaching, administrative, and support positions across the city.
Real estate and construction
Ongoing residential and commercial development across Aurora supports construction, property management, and skilled trades careers.
Education
Education for every age
Aurora residents are served by two school districts depending on address, with Aurora Public Schools and Cherry Creek School District both operating within city limits. Aurora Public Schools has reported steady graduation rate gains over the past decade, and the district's Lotus School for Excellence charter received a City of Aurora mayoral recognition for its Class of 2025 outcomes. Cherry Creek School District, which serves parts of southeast Aurora, reports a graduation rate above 91 percent and has been recognized for teacher satisfaction. The Community College of Aurora offers additional higher education pathways within the city.
Things to do
Out and about
Aurora offers a genuine mix of dining, shopping, and outdoor recreation across the city. Stanley Marketplace brings together dozens of independent restaurants and shops inside a converted airplane hangar, while Southlands provides an open-air shopping and entertainment district. Cherry Creek State Park and Aurora Reservoir add miles of trails and water recreation, and the Aurora History Museum and Aurora Fox Arts Center round out the city's cultural offerings.
Our top picks
Stanley Marketplace
A converted airplane hangar now home to dozens of independent restaurants, shops, and a brewery under one roof. The open, industrial-style building hosts regular events and a rotating lineup of local vendors year-round.
Annette
A James Beard Award-winning restaurant inside Stanley Marketplace serving wood-fired American cuisine. Named one of the country's best new restaurants by national food publications, it draws diners for its scratch-made menu and cocktail bar.
Molino Chido
A scratch-made taqueria inside Stanley Marketplace serving fresh tortillas and tacos alongside a bar program of spirits and low-intervention wines. The counter-service spot also hosts a reservation-only tasting menu experience.
Southlands
An open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment district with a directory of national and specialty retailers, a movie theater, and a regular calendar of community events and programs throughout the year.
Cherry Creek State Park
A 4,200-acre state park built around an 880-acre reservoir, offering 35 miles of trails, boating, fishing, and swimming. The park's rolling prairie landscape provides a close-by escape from the surrounding city.
Aurora Reservoir
An eight-mile loop trail circles this city-run reservoir, popular for biking, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming at its designated beach. Mountain views and open sky make it a favored outdoor spot year-round.
Aurora History Museum
A city-operated museum documenting Aurora's growth from its founding through today, with rotating exhibits on local history and culture. Admission remains affordable, making it accessible for a casual afternoon visit.
Aurora Fox Arts Center
A city-owned playhouse presenting a full season of live theater productions along East Colfax Avenue. The venue operates as part of Aurora's Library and Cultural Services department, staging performances throughout the year.
High Line Canal Trail
A paved, multi-use trail running roughly 13.7 miles through Aurora as part of its 71-mile regional length. The corridor connects several city parks and neighborhoods with dedicated space for biking and outdoor recreation.
Recommended Greystar Communities
Make yourself at home
You’re seeing Total Monthly Leasing Prices, which include base rent and mandatory monthly costs. Explore each listing for a detailed breakdown.
Shift Apartments
16893 E. Arkansas Ave, Aurora, CO 8001712 month lease from$1,001
Base rent from $994
Waterford at Southlands
24631 East Applewood Drive, Aurora, CO 8001612 month lease from$1,738
Base rent from $1,713
Canyons at Saddle Rock
6850 South Versailles Way, Aurora, CO 8001612 month lease from$1,524
Base rent from $1,518
Glen at the Park Apartments
298 S. Jasper Circle, Aurora, CO 80017Contact the community for more information on price and availability
FAQs about Aurora, CO
Aurora's cost of living generally runs closer to the Denver Metro average, with pricing that varies by neighborhood and proximity to major employment centers like the Anschutz Medical Campus. Areas near Stanley Marketplace and Southlands can carry different price points than other parts of the city, reflecting differences in retail access and building age. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs track close to regional averages. Checking current listings for the specific area and unit type you're considering remains the most reliable way to budget for a move to Aurora.
RTD's R Line light rail runs through Aurora with stations at Nine Mile, Iliff, Florida, Aurora Metro Center, and Fitzsimons, connecting the city to the wider Denver Metro rail network. Local and regional bus routes supplement rail service throughout the city. Paved trails, including the High Line Canal Trail and the loop around Aurora Reservoir, add options for reaching parks and open space by bike, putting many destinations within a short distance regardless of how you travel.
Cherry Creek State Park offers 35 miles of trails alongside boating, fishing, and swimming at its 880-acre reservoir. Aurora Reservoir adds an eight-mile loop trail plus a designated swim beach and kayak rentals. The High Line Canal Trail runs roughly 13.7 miles through the city, connecting several parks and neighborhoods along a paved, multi-use path. Together, these spaces give Aurora residents close-by access to water recreation, biking, and open prairie landscape.
Stanley Marketplace houses dozens of independent restaurants inside a converted airplane hangar, including the James Beard Award-winning Annette and the scratch-made taqueria Molino Chido. Southlands adds a wider mix of chain and specialty dining alongside its movie theater and open-air retail corridor. The Aurora Fox Arts Center rounds out the entertainment scene with a full season of live theater along East Colfax Avenue, giving residents a range of dining and evening options across the city.
Yes, Aurora offers several options for pet owners, including leashed access to trails at Cherry Creek State Park and the High Line Canal Trail, both of which welcome dogs on leash. Cherry Creek State Park also operates a dedicated off-leash dog area with its own daily pass. Aurora Reservoir's loop trail provides an additional close-by option for exercise with a pet. Checking each park's current posted rules before a visit is recommended, since some areas apply seasonal restrictions.
Southlands provides Aurora's primary open-air shopping district, with a mix of national retailers, specialty shops, and a movie theater. Stanley Marketplace adds a concentrated cluster of independent shops and food vendors inside its converted hangar building. Grocery, banking, and pharmacy services are distributed across the city's retail corridors rather than concentrated in one location, giving most residents close-by access to daily essentials regardless of which part of Aurora they call home.
Aurora Public Schools serves much of the city and has reported steady graduation rate gains over the past decade, with individual schools like Lotus School for Excellence earning City of Aurora recognition for strong outcomes. Cherry Creek School District serves parts of southeast Aurora and reports a graduation rate above 91 percent along with recognition for teacher satisfaction. The Community College of Aurora adds additional higher education options within city limits. Each district publishes detailed school-level performance data on its official website.
The Aurora Fox Arts Center runs a full season of live theater productions throughout the year, and the Aurora History Museum hosts rotating exhibits on local history and culture. Stanley Marketplace maintains a regular calendar of vendor events, tastings, and seasonal programming inside its converted hangar. Southlands adds seasonal markets and movie screenings at its open-air retail district, giving residents a consistent lineup of cultural and community programming across the city.
Yes, Aurora sits directly adjacent to the Anschutz Medical Campus, one of the region's largest healthcare and research hubs, home to UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado. Buckley Space Force Base and a cluster of aerospace and defense contractors add nearby government and technology-sector employment. Combined with direct RTD rail access and proximity to Denver International Airport (DEN), Aurora offers a short commute for residents working in these industries, along with a range of housing options across the city.
Aurora shares Denver Metro's semi-arid, four-season climate, with roughly 300 sunny days per year. Winters bring periodic snowfall that typically clears within a few days, and summers run warm and dry with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Spring can bring a mix of late-season snow and increasing rain, while fall tends to stay mild and clear. The city's trail network, including Aurora Reservoir and the High Line Canal Trail, sees year-round use across all four seasons.
Aurora sits approximately 15 to 18 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN), roughly a 20-minute drive depending on traffic and starting point, making it one of the closest Denver Metro cities to DEN. RTD's rail network connects Aurora to downtown Denver, with additional connections toward the airport corridor. This proximity supports frequent travel and airport-adjacent employment across multiple industries based in Aurora.