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Aurora

Aurora

Located in Lawrence County

$178,037 Average Value
$132 Average Price per Sq Ft
39 Homes For Sale

Tenacity and proximity to jobs define Aurora

The small city of Aurora rests about 30 miles outside of Springfield, and it is home to about 7,000 people. “It’s a good place to live with a lot of nearby job opportunities,” says Linda Woolery, a Realtor with ReeceNichols who has lived in the area for more than 30 years. “You’re right along the Route 60 corridor, so it’s easy to get to Monett, Republic and Springfield.”
According to local historians, servicemen from the area were known as Houn Dawgs because they fought with tenacity and determination, and the Houn Dawg later became the high school's mascot. Today, the city reflects signs of that same spirit of perseverance. “Aurora’s in the process of revitalization,” Woolery says. Buyers are restoring old homes, and nonprofit organizations are uplifting small businesses and community members.

Aurora water tower marks the skyline above neighborhoods and shops.
Aurora water tower marks the skyline above neighborhoods and shops.
Businesses line Locust Street in downtown Aurora.
Businesses line Locust Street in downtown Aurora.
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Buyers have a choice of lot sizes and home ages

In recent years, Aurora’s housing market has undergone some changes. “People are buying older homes and fixing them up, and there are some builders adding new construction as well,” Woolery says. In the city center, homes may rest on about a quarter of an acre of land, but multiacre properties are sometimes available on the outskirts. Sidewalks are common throughout the downtown, and mature hardwood trees provide shade along residential streets. Fixer-uppers can range from around $50,000 to $90,000, depending on condition and size. Most sales fall between $100,000 and $480,000, with options including everything from historical, wood-sided farmhouses to newer, brick ranch-style homes. Creeks may overflow after serious rainstorms, which can cause property damage. “Most houses aren’t built in flood plains, though,” Woolery says.

Brick and wood-sided homes appear across Aurora’s neighborhoods.
Brick and wood-sided homes appear across Aurora’s neighborhoods.
Brick homes in Aurora often feature lawns shaded by hardwood trees.
Brick homes in Aurora often feature lawns shaded by hardwood trees.
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Nonprofit groups support Aurora and its residents

Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in Aurora’s revitalization efforts. The Aurora Downtown Project provides marketing for small businesses and organizes community gatherings and cleanups. The Byron E. Taylor Christian Service Center offers resources for residents in need, and Project Rise teaches financial and life skills training to help individuals overcome challenges.

School ratings vary, but Houn Dawgs games bring the community together

Children may begin learning at the Pate Early Childhood Center, which serves preschool through second grade and holds a B rating from Niche. From third through sixth grades, students can continue at the Robinson School, which gets a B-minus. Aurora Junior High School earns a C, and Aurora High School rates a B-minus. The community takes great pride in the high school’s Houn Dawgs, who compete in a variety of sports. “If there’s a home game, the stands are full,” Woolery says.

Pate Early Childhood Center includes a pre-school programs and serves students through second grade.
Pate Early Childhood Center includes a pre-school programs and serves students through second grade.
Students at Aurora Junior High enjoy a variety of clubs and activities.
Students at Aurora Junior High enjoy a variety of clubs and activities.
Aurora High School is a public 9th through 12th grade school.
Aurora High School is a public 9th through 12th grade school.
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Aurora has small businesses, farmers markets and chains

Aurora has a mix of locally owned and chain establishments. There are long-standing stores, like Modern Variety and Ava Belle’s Antiques & Flea Market, and newer businesses such as The Garden Exchange, which offers specialty lattes and fresh-cut flower bouquets. During the growing season, the Aurora Downtown Project hosts a Friday farmers market at the old train depot on East Olive Street. Another farmers market operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Sutherlands near U.S. Route 60. People shop for groceries and other essentials at Price Cutter or the Walmart Supercenter. For more retail options, people head into Springfield, Woolery says. Popular restaurants include the Blackbird Grill, which serves American fare, and Las Palmas, a Mexican restaurant. For ribs and smoked brisket, Hog Tide Bar-B-Que is a favorite among locals and out-of-town foodies alike.

The Garden Exchange serves specialty lattes and fresh-cut flower bouquets.
The Garden Exchange serves specialty lattes and fresh-cut flower bouquets.
Modern Variety is a longtime local retailer in Aurora.
Modern Variety is a longtime local retailer in Aurora.
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City recreation includes bowling, swimming and a drive-in theater

Aurora boasts a variety of recreation. One of the largest green spaces is White Park, which has a seasonal pool, walking trails and several sports courts. Baldwin Park has additional sports fields, as well as a playground and dog park. It also hosts the annual Light the Night fireworks display each June. At the Aurora Recreation Center, which opened in 2025, members and day pass holders can use the fitness rooms, gym and indoor walking track. Residents can also catch a double feature at the Sunset Drive-In Theater, go bowling at the Strike Zone or play the 18-hole Honey Creek Golf Course, which is a few miles north of the city.

Strike Zone offers bowling and family fun in Aurora.
Strike Zone offers bowling and family fun in Aurora.
Sunset Drive-In shows double features during the season in Aurora.
Sunset Drive-In shows double features during the season in Aurora.
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Traffic delays in Aurora, many commuters travel along U.S. Route 60

Mercy Hospital Aurora provides emergency care and employment opportunities. Some residents commute to Monett, about 15 miles west, or Springfield, around 30 miles northeast. Most people travel by car, and U.S. Route 60 provides a direct path to both cities. Residents can schedule rides through OATS Transit, which offers limited service to Springfield and around the county. Springfield is also home to the Springfield-Branson National Airport.
Freight trains frequently pass through Aurora, which can cause traffic delays on cross streets like Elliott Avenue. In 2024, the city became a designated quiet zone, which means that trains can no longer blow their horns within the city limits except in emergencies. This lessens noise pollution within town, but drivers should use caution when crossing railroad tracks.

Ginny West
Written By
Ginny West
Luke Mancari
Photography Contributed By
Luke Mancari
EB Fox
Video By
EB Fox

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Michelle Clemons, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Aurora Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$189,900
Median Sale Price
$163,750
Median Single Family Sale Price
$189,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
-1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
119
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-27%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$132

Area Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,446
Number of Homes for Sale
39
Median Year Built
1956
Months of Supply
3.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,426
Significantly below the national average
1,925
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,000
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
12,196

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Oct 5
    Open Sun 2PM - 4PM

    1805 Edgewood Dr, Aurora, MO 65605

    $260,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,450 Sq Ft
    • 1805 Edgewood Dr
    • New 19 days ago

    This is located in a wonderful neighborhood in the southwest side of town. This split bedroom floorplan features a spacious open concept layout with lots of natural light. This beautiful home also has an above ground pool and a 16' x 24' covered patio perfect for entertaining. Don't miss out on seeing this great property. More pictures to come!

    Rexanna Hood Coldwell Banker Show-Me Properties

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Aurora Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
8,138
Median Age
40
Population under 18
26.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$37,903
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$50,198

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
82.7%
College Graduates
13.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.6%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
60.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
12''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

42 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

47 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Aurora
Michelle Clemons
CHARLES BURT REALTORS
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