So, Average temperature is around 50°F, so expect cold winters. With a population of 390K, Aurora is a mid-size city. The unemployment rate is 4.0%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,759 for rent here. Poverty rate is 8.3%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Diverse community
- Lots of new development
- Walkable downtown
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Limited dining options
- Few job opportunities in some fields
The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
11 upvotes
38 Replies
Jonathan Evans
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely underrated and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
40 upvotes
Kinsley Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 49, moved here 14 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Midtown and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The school system situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Seattle, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
40 upvotes
Catherine T.
not my experience at all
40 upvotes
Julian
couldn't agree more
38 upvotes
kcfan2026
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 56, moved here 14 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in The Heights and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Can feel isolated
3. The food scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- North: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Minneapolis, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
37 upvotes
Kaylee L.
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
liam_guy
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
36 upvotes
Lucas Nelson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
35 upvotes
Carson W.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The walkability scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Robert R.
Came here for work and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The housing market is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
33 upvotes
Josiah Hernandez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 12 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
32 upvotes
Natalie Wood
following this thread
29 upvotes
Isla W.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Kai Edwards
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 24, moved here 2 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Highland and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Pittsburgh, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
27 upvotes
Daniel D.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is average in most areas.
25 upvotes
Austin James
I've lived in Lakewood for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The housing market scene is tough
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Aaliyah Myers
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 12 years. Moved from Raleigh for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are underrated. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Property taxes are high. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Mason Price
spot on
23 upvotes
Carol H.
glad someone said it
22 upvotes
Eugene M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely underrated and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Westside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
22 upvotes
Kayden Collins
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Clara Nguyen
Used to live on the East side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
20 upvotes
Patrick G.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
19 upvotes
Leah Lee
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 3 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Autumn
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
nashvillerunner2020
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much stable but now it's improving.
17 upvotes
Camila Bailey
Moved here from Boston about 9 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to traffic but Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Ava
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
12 upvotes
Landon
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
12 upvotes
Sophia T.
yeah no that's not right
9 upvotes
Wesley Ward
glad someone said it
8 upvotes
Waylon James
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Tampa about 7 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
Miles P.
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
6 upvotes
Ezra O.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 9 years. Moved from Atlanta for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Property taxes are high. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Jackson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Miami about 5 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. No regrets on my end..
3 upvotes
Theodore Harris
honestly same experience here
3 upvotes
Emmett C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 4 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
1 upvotes
Addison
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 15 years. Moved from Dallas for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Limited high-paying job options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
