Why Live in Downtown Aurora
Downtown Aurora is an evolving neighborhood in Illinois' second-largest city, characterized by its riverside dining, entertainment, and residential options. Over the past decade, the area has seen significant development, partly due to the expansion of Aurora University and the success of the Paramount Theatre, a nationally recognized arts center. Housing primarily consists of lofts and condos, with notable historic single-family homes. River Street Plaza, a sought-after condo complex built in 2009, offers views of the Fox River and proximity to local attractions. Dining highlights include Two Brothers Roundhouse, a historic brewpub, and La Quinta de los Reyes, a popular Mexican restaurant. Residents enjoy shopping at boutiques like Wyckwood House and Hoof + Horn, as well as the Aurora Farmers Market. The Paramount Theatre and RiverEdge Park are major attractions, hosting top-tier theater productions and concerts year-round. For education, students west of Fox River attend the highly rated West Aurora High, while those east of the river attend schools in Aurora East School District 131. The neighborhood is walkable, with routes 31 and 25 serving as main thoroughfares. Public transportation options include the Metra for travel to Chicago and the Pace Bus for local commutes. The nearest hospital, Ascension Mercy, is three miles away, and O’Hare Airport is 37 miles northeast. Aurora University, located two miles west, has significantly grown, contributing positively to the neighborhood's development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downtown Aurora a good place to live?
Downtown Aurora is a good place to live. Downtown Aurora is considered somewhat walkable and very bikeable with some transit options. Downtown Aurora has 8 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 4.2 people per acre and a median age of 39. The average household income is $68,251 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 24.2% of residents. A majority of residents in Downtown Aurora are renters, with 76.9% of residents renting and 23.1% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Downtown Aurora can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Downtown Aurora neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Downtown Aurora?
The median home price in Downtown Aurora is $324,500. If you put a 20% down payment of $64,900 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.72%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,680 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $72K a year to afford the median home price in Downtown Aurora. The average household income in Downtown Aurora is $68K.
What are the best public schools in Downtown Aurora?
The best public schools that serve Downtown Aurora are:
What are the best private schools in Downtown Aurora?
The best private schools that serve Downtown Aurora are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Downtown Aurora, Aurora, IL?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Downtown Aurora, Aurora, IL?
Home Trends in Downtown Aurora, IL
On average, homes in Downtown Aurora, Aurora sell after 9 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Aurora, Aurora over the last 12 months is $329,750.
Median Sale Price
$329,750
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$329,750
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$150
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
2
Median List Price
$324,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
-2%