Aurora, CO, United States
📊 Scores
Defense contractors and healthcare systems drive Aurora's economy, with Buckley Space Force Base employing thousands alongside the massive Anschutz Medical Campus. The University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital anchor a growing healthcare sector, while tech companies increasingly set up shop to tap into the skilled workforce. Military families, healthcare professionals, and government contractors form the economic backbone, though the job market remains competitive given the steady influx of new residents seeking Colorado's lifestyle.
One-bedroom apartments in central Aurora average $1,448 monthly, reflecting Colorado's housing surge but still undercutting Denver proper by $200-300. RTD light rail connects you to downtown Denver in 45 minutes for $5.25, though you'll want a car for daily errands in this sprawling suburb. Healthcare access is excellent given the medical campus presence, and English dominates completely. Bureaucracy is standard American municipal stuff—nothing exotic, but property taxes have climbed with home values.
You get 300 sunny days annually with proper four seasons, including snowy winters that actually clear roads quickly. The food scene leans heavily toward chain restaurants and strip mall ethnic spots, though Denver's dining is a short train ride away. Weekend activities center on hiking nearby foothills, Rockies games, and suburban family activities like youth sports tournaments. Aurora works best for military families, healthcare workers, and suburbanites who want Colorado access without downtown Denver prices.
🏚️ Cost of Living
💰 Budgets and Costs
Grocery Basket
Eating Out
Utilities & Lifestyle
Housing
💰 Real Spend Reports
🛡️ Safety & Crime
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
Aurora is a moderately safe suburban city with a Safety Index of 70, reflecting a generally secure environment for daily life. Most neighborhoods are walkable during daylight hours, though nighttime solo walking varies by area. The city's sprawling, car-dependent layout means safety perception is tied to which district you inhabit—some areas feel quite secure, while others warrant caution after dark.
Property crime (vehicle theft, burglary) exceeds violent crime rates here. Petty theft and car break-ins occur, particularly in parking lots and less-monitored areas. Avoid isolated sections of downtown Aurora after dark and exercise standard precautions in high-traffic commercial zones. Solo female travelers should use standard urban awareness; the city is not notably hostile, but situational awareness remains important.
Aurora is a stable U.S. city with reliable law enforcement and no significant geopolitical risks. Police response is generally professional. The main consideration is that crime rates fluctuate by neighborhood—research specific areas like Saddle Ranch, Southlands, or downtown before committing. For Americans relocating here, Aurora offers predictable, low-drama safety comparable to other mid-sized Colorado suburbs, making it a reasonable choice for remote workers or retirees seeking stability.
🏥 Healthcare
🌤️ Climate
Best Months
Climate Notes
Aurora has a semi-arid climate with warm, dry summers (June-August) and cold winters (December-February) with occasional snow, offering four distinct seasons and low humidity year-round.
💻 Digital Nomad
Community Notes
| Name | Price/mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Office Evolution Aurora Southlands | $299 | Located in the Southlands Lifestyle Center, this Office Evolution location offers a professional environment with 24/7 access, ideal for those needing flexible hours. It provides a mix of private offices and coworking spaces, fostering a productive atmosphere for remote workers. |
| Regus Aurora - Denver Tech Center | $250 | Situated in the Denver Tech Center area of Aurora, this Regus location provides a convenient and professional workspace. It offers a range of options from hot desks to private offices, with amenities like meeting rooms and business support services, making it suitable for digital nomads. |
| WeWork Denver Tech Center | $350 | While technically in Denver, this WeWork is very close to Aurora and serves the Denver Tech Center area, making it easily accessible. It offers a vibrant community, modern amenities, and a variety of workspace options, appealing to remote workers seeking a collaborative environment. |
| Green Spaces Denver | $275 | Located in the RiNo district of Denver, but easily accessible from Aurora, Green Spaces offers a unique coworking experience focused on sustainability and community. It's a great option for environmentally conscious remote workers looking for a collaborative and inspiring workspace. |
🧳 Expat Life
Could living/working in Aurora, CO cut years off your work life?
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $1158/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.