Aurora is the metro's second-largest city — diverse, fast-growing, and one of the best places to find value, whether you want an affordable starter home or a newer home in a top-school area. Here is the 2026 read.
Why buyers choose Aurora
- Value & selection — a wide range of price points and lots of inventory, meaning more choice and negotiating room.
- Jobs & access — near the Anschutz Medical Campus, DIA, and light rail (R Line).
- Southeast Aurora schools — parts feed the sought-after Cherry Creek School District.
Neighborhoods & prices
Aurora spans a lot: central and north Aurora offer some of the metro's most affordable homes (great for first-timers and investors), while southeast Aurora (Southlands area) skews newer and family-oriented with higher prices and strong schools.
Schools
Aurora is served by multiple districts — primarily Aurora Public Schools, with desirable southeast pockets in Cherry Creek. The district and zone depend heavily on the exact address, so confirm before you buy.
The commute
Light rail (R Line), I-225, and E-470 give Aurora commuters options across the metro — though your commute varies a lot depending on which part of this large city you choose.
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See Aurora homes →Frequently asked questions
Is Aurora, CO a good place to live?
Yes — it offers strong value and selection, from affordable starter homes in central Aurora to newer southeast neighborhoods with sought-after Cherry Creek schools.
Which part of Aurora has the best schools?
Southeast Aurora, where parts feed the Cherry Creek School District, is the most sought-after for schools. Always confirm the exact attendance zone.
Is Aurora affordable?
Central and north Aurora are among the metro's more affordable areas, making them popular with first-time buyers and investors; southeast Aurora prices higher.