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Aurora Real Estate and Community Information
Aurora Illinois has a lot to offer to individuals of all walks of life. With a booming business industry, a growing population, a strong economy, and endless retail options, there really is something for everyone. If you’re ready to start your search now, choose one of the options below to see Aurora IL homes for sale, Aurora IL foreclosures, and even Aurora IL commercial properties and rentals. With our huge selection of condos, apartments, and homes for sale in Aurora Illinois as well as rentals, you’re sure to find something to fit your needs. Check out your options and then get connected with an Aurora IL realtor who can help you narrow down your list to find a property that fits your exact needs.
Aurora History - A Rapidly Growing City
Joseph McCarty, a pioneer from New York State, came west seeking a new home. Reaching the Fox Valley, he built the first campfire in April of 1834 on the island, which is now the site of downtown Aurora. He thought that the Fox River location was an ideal place for a new community and told his brother, Samuel. It was not long before Samuel arrived, family was sent for, and a permanent settlement was taking roots. The settlement was named McCarty mills for the brothers' grist mill and sawmill. In 1837, when a Post Office was established, the village became Aurora, goddess of the dawn. Later, when the City was the first in the United States to use electric lights for publicly lighting the entire City, it achieved the nickname of "City of Lights".
The modest camp of 1834 has grown into a teeming city. With a population of 157,267 according to 2003 special census, the City has steadily grown throughout the years to become the second largest city in the state.
The City is accessible through five interchanges on the East/West Tollway Corridor. Corporate offices and commercial growth on the City's east and west sides continue to expand the City's boundaries, now stretching from Route 59 on the east to portions beyond Orchard Road on the west. The Far East Side of the City includes the regional Westfield Shoppingtown at Fox Valley (formerly known as Fox Valley Mall) and residential areas and is projected to house 60,000 people within the next twenty years. The City extends into four counties, Kane, DuPage, Kendall, and Will. There are six school districts and seven townships covered within the city limits. There are four historic districts and a large number of individual landmark designations for many of the City's buildings.
The City of Aurora is rich in history and pride. The future for the "City of Lights" looks bright as the community continues to grow and prosper.
Demographics
Aurora is Illinois' second largest city with a population of approximately 175,000. Over the past 25 years Aurora and its economic base has expanded considerably:
- Aurora's population has increased from 84,540 to approximately 175,000.
- Aurora's size has dramatically increased from 15.68 square miles in 1972 to 42 square miles in 2005.
- Median household income has increased 155% - from $24,279 in 1986 to $61,964 in 2005.
Additionally, Aurora features a diversified economy of retail, office, manufacturing, distribution and entertainment industries. In addition to 16 business parks located through out the city that house various Fortune 500 companies, Aurora is also home to numerous retailers including the Westfield Fox Valley regional shopping mall as well as the Chicago Premium Outlets. The strength of Aurora's retail market is evident in the 2004 Melaniphy Chicagoland Retail Sales Report that states that Aurora's retail sales totaled $1.85 billion during 2003 to 2004.
Greater Aurora - Naperville Area
The Greater Aurora area, encompassing the City of Naperville, as well as the Tri-Cities of Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles, and the fast-growing Kendall and Kane County communities of Oswego, Yorkville, Montgomery, Sugar Grove, Plainfield, and North Aurora, is one of the fastest growing regions of the country.
- The population of this region is 469,855.
- By the year 2010, Naperville and Aurora will have a combined population of more than 354,789 people, which is larger than Cincinnati, OH.
- The Greater Aurora - Naperville area is projected to have a population in excess of 538,158 by the year 2010.
General Information
