Aurora is a Home Rule Municipality and is ranked third based on the population in the state of Colorado. It is also the 59th most populous city in the US. The population of the city is estimated at 324,655. Along with Denver, Aurora is another principal city of the Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area, with estimated population of nearly 2.5 million. However, even both the cities combined amount to less than 50% of the Denver-Aurora-Broomfield Metropolitan population with a population of almost 3 million. Aurora's population is half of Denver's. It is located 15 miles from Denver. Male members make up to 49.5% of the Aurora population and 50.5% of it is female. The total area of city is 142.7 square miles consisting of 142.5 square miles land and 0.2 square miles of it is water, which is 0.17% of the overall area. The population density of the city is 1,939.6 people/square mile. 48.9% of the total population is white people with around 14% African American population. The city has its military roots and this is the reason that around 12,100 of the employees in the public sector are employees of Buckley Air Force Base. Aurora is on high tornado zone with activity much above the Colorado state average. Its climate is mild with more than 300 days of sunshine. It is as high as 98% more than the average of the whole United States. The temperature goes as high as 90 degree Fahrenheit in the month of July. Winter is pretty cold with temperature as low as 10 degree Fahrenheit. Aurora sees some snowfall in the months of December and January.
The city was initially called Fletcher in 1880; the name is taken from the businessman Donald Fletcher. He along with his partners staked out four miles in the east of Denver, but the town struggled after the 1893 Silver Crash. Fletcher ran away from the town, leaving the area with a huge water debt. Citizens named the town Aurora in 1907, and it gradually began to grow; in 1970s and 1980s it became the most rapidly growing city in the US.
Aurora by many has been considered one of Denver's larger suburbs; however its fast-rising population in recent decades, which is now almost half of Denver, has given it equal recognition with its bigger neighbor. There were ideas of calling it the Aurora/Denver Metropolitan Area. However, lack of a historically important business district in it has hampered the process. Aurora is mainly a suburban city with Denver being the core area and Aurora occupying most of the southeast suburbs. Since the early 20th century there has been a huge military presence in the city. Army General Hospital started in the city in 1918 which was extended by the US government in 1941 in the time of World War II. Buckley Field, which was later converted into Naval Air Station, was built in 1942. Aurora was also honoured the title of Sportstown in 2004 for its extensive participation and efforts in facilitating sports. The National Civic League in 2008 designated Aurora as the All-America City.
Aurora seems like an unknown town when compared to Denver or Colorado Springs, but it boasts its status as one of the more populous cities in the United States. Aurora is rich in natural beauty with matching the unparalleled beauty of Colorado. Aurora has rolling plains and stunning mountains. Close to Denver, it is a serene home away from the hustling bustling tourist destination. This does not make Aurora boring in any way. The city is full of culture and history, amazing eateries, museums, art, and much more. The average price of a house in Aurora is $155,632 and the median gross rent is $846/month. As per the census in December 2009 the cost of living index in Aurora is 97.4. The average household income in Aurora is $51,035.
Aurora is and has always been a city of pride. It has risen to the standard of being one of the best places in the country to live with a family. The low crime rate can put the residents at ease and they feel comfortable raising families in the community. The nearest airport is the Denver International Airport that offers quick and easy access throughout the nation. With the magnificent view of the mountains, many large corporations and around 10,500 businesses name Aurora "home." The Federal Bureau of Investigation lately acknowledged Aurora as the 5th most secure city in the country. The city has an immense a sense of community. Aurora is a worthy and beautiful neighbour city to Denver, Colorado, and a place that beckons and attracts the visitors from not only around the country, but is attracting visitors from abroad as well. With endless possibilities waiting, Aurora is surely a place where wonderful memories and great entertainment take place.
Colorado is one of the major hubs for business and industry in the growing region. A wide-range of established industries thrives in Colorado. Their prosperity is due to the strong partnership that exists between the public and private sector. Second most important factor is that it has a highly educated workforce and therefore it is one of the best business economies in the country. From aerospace to agriculture, telecom to cable and biotechnology to research, Colorado has a good mix of viable industries and sophisticated employees.
Colorado has a diverse economic society. It does not have a sole dependency on any sector, but has its core businesses spread in a multitude of areas in the traditional and high-tech sectors. Colorado's power in high-tech industry which includes telecommunication, software designing, and high-tech manufacturing has resulted in the utmost concentration of high-tech workers in the country. There are several emerging industries such as biotech, homeland security and aerospace, renewable energy which are subsequently gaining momentum. Aurora has a vigorous workforce of more than 2.6 million. The median household income of the family is $46,684. In April 2010 the median unemployment of the city was 9.5%. Most common industry for male population is construction and the accommodation and food services. For women, healthcare is the most common industry.
Aurora is a paradise for food lovers. Residents have plenty to enjoy with over 80 ethnic restaurants and markets serving to all palates including Mexican, Tex-Mex, Italian, American, Continental foods, and Asian. With so many options, Aurora is sure to tempt the taste buds with savory delicacies and flavors from around the world.
If you are looking for a place to chill, then 49th Street Bar & Grill is the place to be. Situated in Cornell, it is a good place to meet locals and enjoy delicious grills and wine. If fresh and delicious Chinese food is what you crave then head to the Tea Station Chinese Restaurant. Ask for Boba and their chicken meals, and you are sure to get addicted to them. Lupita's Restaurant & Show Room offers the best ever Peruvian/Mexican homemade food at a great price. The dishes that are extremely famous include the Tostada de Ceviche and Pollo Poblano. If you are looking for a home away from home then Athenian is the right place for you. Good portions and great value is what has made this restaurant earn its name. Many locals suggest that if you are in Aurora then this is one place you should not miss.
There is much in Aurora to keep the arts and culture lovers entertained. The Aurora Fox Arts Center was built by Charles Strong, a Denver architect, for the national theaters. This stadium-looking auditorium was the first theater to be built this way in the mountain region. It has 245 sitting facilities with attached rehearsal facility. It offers the residents of Aurora a place for metro enjoyment of immense quality in and intimate and accessible space.
Located in Alameda Pkwy, Aurora History Museum is a community based cultural center that features various historical and arts exhibits. The museum also undertakes various tours, workshops, educational programs, and family events. If music is what woos you, then Aurora Symphony Orchestra will hit the right chord. It was founded in 1978 by local leaders and musician Alice Lee. The Symphony Orchestra took a modest start with 15 musicians and is today a community based non-profit corporation. It educates music to people of all ages, developing their learning skills. Their concert ticket is for $12, but they do offer a discounted season ticket. To challenge people's imagination and make Aurora a true cultural city, it offers Art in Public Places, whereby local artists and those thriving to be artists exhibit their works of art to the public. It provides an excellent opportunity for the community artists to learn and interact with each other and provides great entertainment to the public.
Aurora homes many residences and historic buildings. A walking tour of the downtown architecture is available at the Area Visitor and Convention Bureau. Walk down the National Register Historic District in center of the Fox River and you will see many buildings from the 1850s with many examples of architectural terra cotta. The William Tanner House is open from May until December for tours which is a section of the Aurora History Center. The Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple is a lovely Hindu Temple with a mix of very old design and contemporary architectural technology. The oldest railroad roundhouse made from limestone has been transformed into Walter Payton's Roundhouse, a pub, museum, and a place for live entertainment.
The Red Oak Nature Center, on Fox River, is in north Aurora. It offers many hiking trails to explore, and a cave along with a natural history museum that has an observation deck and several picnic areas. For amazing display of sculpture The African American Heritage Museum is the place which displays memorials and figures from African American history. The riverboat Hollywood Casino is a 53,000-square foot casino having over a thousand slot machines, 3 restaurants, and a theater. However, if you are looking for a relaxing natural retreat, then head towards Cherry Creek State Park. It is a state park with an 800-acre reservoir. A large imported sand beach is situated on the northeastern side, which has ample parking spaces.
After indulgence in arts and culture during the day, the nightlife in Aurora offers late night clubs and bars with loud music and cheeky atmosphere, as well as little laid back traditional bars to chill and relax. People tend to visit Aurora to explore the outdoors. Travellers usually wear themselves out during the day adventures and are not usually too keen in crazy wild parties; however, some people may look to wind down with a drink.
If you are out for some fun, Stampede Mesquite Grill & Dance Emporium is the place for you. With amazing food and lively atmosphere you are sure to want to come back. It does not end here once you have satisfied your appetite; get on the floor and dance the night away in style. The Zephyr Bar offers some live music and karaoke on the weekends. Their happy hour is much appreciated by the locals and the tourists. One good option for tourists in Aurora is to drop in at Denver, which is less than ten miles away and it has a wide range of exciting nightlife.
There are three large shopping centers that draw shoppers to the area. Chicago Premium Outlets has recently been completed and offers 120 stores, including Ann Taylor, Giorgio Armani, Brooks Brothers, and Kate Spade. The main attraction is that it offers discount shopping every day.
Anchored by four large department stores, Westfield Shoppingtown Fox Valley has 180 other shops. It caters to every need including clothes, books, shoes, electronics, and jewellery. The mall hosts some big-brands along with small and affordable stores. Northgate Shopping Center has several elite and class retail outlets and many other smaller stores. The main shopping districts in Aurora are Route 59 corridor and the famous Randall/Orchard Road corridor. On every Saturday mornings from June to October Aurora Farmer's Market is held which is one of the many markets in surrounding communities. For those who need everything at one place, Town Center is the right place for them. It has 125 speciality stores to fulfil all your needs. It has big brands such as JCPenney, Macy's, Bath & Body Works, Victoria's Secret, and others.
The general population in Aurora is young and thrives to remain fit. This is one of the reasons that city hosts many local games and has many parks and trails to encourage outdoor sports and events like cycling. The Eola Community Center offers grand gymnasiums, an indoor playground, dance studios, a walking track, baseball fields, and two sand volleyball courts. The Prisco Community Center, which was renovated in 2003, is located in Aurora's McCullough Park. The Vaughn Athletic Center offers a huge field house for team sports. It also has ample tennis courts, a 10,000-square foot fitness center, and two swimming pools.
For an upscale and cosy day spa, AQUA An Urban Spa is a good option. Their massages, facials, and beauty treatments are sure to leave you relaxed and tranquilized. Blue Dragon Fly Hair Studio & Day Spa is another place that offers wide variety of service ranging from hair and beauty services to day spa, body wraps, nail services, and skin care.
Aurora has a wide range of hotels, motels, and guest houses to serve the tourists coming to this part of the world. The rates of most of the hotels are pretty reasonable, making this place a more attractive resort for the visitors. The Residence Inn Hotel, 10 miles away from the Denver Airport, provides a combination of comfort and luxury. The rooms are fitted with high-tech amenities. The hotel has a number of facilities including health club, pool, golf, drugstore, in-room movies, etc. La Quinta Inn provides a very affordable accommodation for everyone. The guest room comes with free high-speed wireless internet access and premium cable channels. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast, free local calls, and meeting facilities. When convenience and affordability are the main priorities, this hotel is an ideal choice. Aloft Hotels provides a fresh outlook with its bold and loft-inspired design, and happening locality. It is perfectly positioned for a convenient travel experience to the Mile-High City, with airport access made easier by the free shuttle service. The rooms are luxurious and well-equipped with modern and high quality accessories making it cosier and striking.
Aurora Public Schools, or the Adams-Arapahoe 28J School District, is the system of public schools in Aurora, Colorado. Superintendent William Smith created this school system in 1885. This district has 56 different schools including 2 preschools, 27 elementary schools, 4 comprehensive high schools and several specialty schools like Pilot schools, charter schools and a school for gifted students. The students of Aurora Public Schools come from 90 different countries and they speak 100 languages. Half of the students in public schools are Hispanic. African American and Caucasian students are both represented with 20%. The graduation rate in Aurora public schools is just above 55% and the dropout rate is below 8%. There are several programs in Aurora to help their citizens get a better education. There is a partnership between the Community College of Aurora and The Aurora Public Schools to enable high school students earn associates degrees while still in school. In 2010, thirteen students earned this degree. A program, called the APS Rebound Ombudsman, allows students who have been expelled or dropped out return to high school and graduate. There is also a selection of private and catholic schools in Aurora, Colorado. Some of the most praised by parents are St. Therese Catholic School, Mount Olive Lutheran Child Development Center, St. Pius X Catholic School, Holy Love Preschool & Kindergarten and others. There are several options for getting higher education in Aurora. University of Colorado has the Anschutz Medical Campus in the city. There are 27,000 students in the university in both Aurora and Denver campuses. Aurora Community College is the second biggest of higher education facilities. Some of the smaller colleges include Pickens Technical College with over 50 different programs for adults and high school students and Anthem College who provides medical programs.
There are no airports in Aurora, but the Denver International Airport is only 12 miles away and has some excellent connections with downtown Aurora. The Regional Transportation District has expanded their light rail transit system to serve the southwestern parts of Aurora. An extension of the rail is planned to go along I-225 and connect the city with downtown Denver and with Denver International airport, this construction will end by 2017. Most locals use their cars to get around in Aurora; over 80% of citizens go to work by car. There are several bus lines though, that help you move around in Aurora. Some lines work around the city, some offer services to Denver and even some cross ‘country lines'. The Regional Transportation District of Denver services Aurora. The fact that the majority of the lines are situated in Denver doesn't mean that using public transportation in Aurora is complicated. There are still many local lines. Some lines in Aurora are feeder lines that take passengers from southern parts of Aurora to Dayton and Nine Mile stations. Those two stations are connected to 34 different stations in Denver area by light rail trains. Local bus fare is $2 and regional rides to Denver cost $4.50 - there are also monthly passes available. Light rail fares are the same. There are 10,000 bust stops in the Denver Area and most routes operate 365 days a year. All RTD buses and trains are accessible with wheelchairs and they provide racks for bikes. Aurora is a relatively small area and everything is close by. It means that walking and bicycling is widely used in Aurora. For tourists there are two bike rentals in Aurora – Adventure Cycling and Buckley Bicycles. There are several car hire companies around to choose from as well.
Aurora, Colorado runs a tight networked legal system which is run by the Municipal Courts. The Court Administration Department works with the Judicial Department in administering all legal matters and the Public Defender's Office is always available to the public for legal help and guidance. The first port of call for civil matters would be the Citizens' Advice Bureau. The Police Department is an integral part of this system, but their functions also overlap with the Parks, Recreational and Open Spaces Department which is charged with the task of preserving and optimizing the green areas of Colorado. Development of these areas also falls under their jurisdiction. The Communities Department plays a big role in this too and locals wanting to find out information or raise concerns should visit this department to find out more.
The Department of Libraries and Cultural Services acts to stimulate Aurora's cultural depth, not only for citizens but also for any tourists who are attracted to the city. The Planning and Development Services Department keeps the city growing to cater to these needs without neglecting the needs of the people of primary importance, Aurora citizens. The Office of Development Assistance can be consulted for details of current or planned projects.
The Neighborhood Services department takes the job of looking after locals further in creating warm and friendly environments for communities to grow and the Public Works Department provides vital support in ensuring that this, and other initiatives, can continue and retain longevity. Other local services that are responsible for the wellbeing of Aurora citizens include the Aurora Water Department and the Human Resources Department whose understated work keeps hard working citizens secure in employment and supports them when they are not able to work or have been prevented from doing so by unforeseen circumstances. More information can be obtained directly from their offices.
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