Once a small farming town founded in 1799, Aurora Ohio is now a 25 square-mile suburban city. The small city of Aurora can be found just between Cleveland and Akron. Although it was initially a farming community, suburban residential development over the years has brought Aurora up to speed as a business and family-friendly place that retains much of its rural charm. It even has a Downtown area that’s considered a National Historic Place.
Nicknamed “The City of Lights,” Aurora, Ohio is also known for being the Cheese Capital of the World thanks to its long history of making and selling cheese worldwide. The suburban city is supported by a strong financial foundation, has an incredibly responsive public service department, and is home to excellent schools, outdoor activities, and lots of history. If you’re thinking of moving to Aurora Ohio, it’s also geographically accessible to popular cities, major airports, interstate highways, and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park; you’ll be happy to know that Aurora Ohio is a good place to live.
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Where Is Aurora?
Aurora OH is in Portage County. Aurora is just 30 miles southeast of Cleveland and 24 miles northeast of Akron. The city of Aurora is part of the Akron Metropolitan area and is one of the few Ohio cities that’s part of the Western Reserve. Since Aurora borders the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, it offers direct access to hiking and biking trails, kayaking, and all the outdoor activities you could possibly want.
The one and only Aurora Ohio zip code is 44202, and the city doesn’t have a public transportation system. However, the Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority (PARTA) offers buses and vans to get around.
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Aurora Population & Demographics
According to the 2020 census, Aurora has a population of 17,239 with a population density of 746.6 people per square mile. Population-wise, Aurora is a medium-sized city that has seen a slow growth of 1700 people over the past decade. The racial and ethnic makeup of Aurora OH is 88.2% White (non-Hispanic or Latino), 3.7% Black or African American, 5% Asian, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.6% are of two or more races.
Is Aurora, Ohio, a safe place to live? Generally speaking, instances of crime in Aurora occur in 736 per 100,000 people, which is 65% lower than the state’s overall crime rate and 68.5% lower than the rest of the country, according to the FBI. Instances of violent crime only occur in every 30 per 100,000 people, which is 90.3% lower than the state of Ohio and 92.3% lower than the rest of the country. Lastly, instances of property crime only occur every 706 in 100,000 people, which is 61.8% lower than the state and 63.9% lower than the country. As such, Aurora OH is an incredibly safe place to live.
Aurora is also served by the Aurora Police Department, which employs a total of 29 active officers This equates to two offers per every 1,000 residents.
Additional Aurora demographics:
- Median age: 46 years
- Female population: 52%
- Male population: 48%
- Median household income: $122,893
- Educational attainment: 96.9% high school graduate or higher and 58.4% bachelor’s degree or higher
Cost of Living in Aurora
The cost of living in Aurora is relatively affordable. According to The Council for Community and Economic Research’s Cost of Living Index, Aurora ranks 101.1 among Ohio cities.
Aurora Ohio’s median home price is $340,900, with a 3.3% year-over-year increase. According to RentCafe, the average rent for a 1,316-square-foot apartment is $1,638. However, if you’d prefer to buy, there are plenty of homes for sale in Aurora Ohio that fall within all budgets.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, the monthly cost of living in Aurora for a family of four is approximately $6,370 ($76,436 annually.) While still affordable, Aurora’s cost of living is 10% higher than the national average, and a family of four would need to earn at least $76,436 annually to live in the city.
More specifically, the typical Aurora monthly living expenses are along the lines of:
- Food: $779
- Average utilities in Aurora Ohio per month: $348
- Child care: $1,230
- Transportation: $1,154
- Health care: $1,107
- Other necessities: $595
- Taxes: $608
If you’re wondering what you can expect to pay for everyday items while living in Aurora, OH, here’s a look at the current costs for the Akron metro area according to Numbeo.
Typical Aurora Ohio Living Expenses
- Meals at inexpensive restaurants: $21.50
- 12 oz Coke or Pepsi: $1.79
- Milk (1 gallon): $3.22
- Loaf of bread: $1.92
- Rice (1 pound): $2.04
- Eggs (1 dozen): $4.75
- Bottle of wine (mid-range): $14.00
- Cigarettes (20 pack): $8.00
Aurora Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Aurora Ohio
If you’re interested in the Aurora homes for sale, the first thing you need to know is that all real estate in Aurora falls under one zip code. Therefore, Aurora is made up of subdivisions rather than specific neighborhoods. Most of Aurora’s subdivisions are located right around the city center as well as the south, west, and northwest areas. The more east you go, the more rural and undeveloped the city of Aurora is. Aurora’s more established neighborhoods include Hawthorn of Aurora, Residence at Barrington, Villas of Bertram, and Aurora Lake.
Aurora Weather & Climate
The weather in Aurora is fairly predictable as Ohio has a humid continental climate. The summers see an average daily high between 72°F and 81°F, while winters in Aurora see temperatures as low as 21°F and as high as 43°F. The annual rainfall in Aurora is approximately 40 inches, and the annual snowfall in Aurora is approximately 21 inches.
Things to Do in Aurora Ohio
There are plenty of things to do in Aurora. Despite its rural essence, the city is home to several modern shopping outlets and boutiques, as well as grocery stores. For example, the Aurora Farms Premium Outlets is home to some of the best Black Friday shopping in the city. The November’s Plaza is where you can go for regular necessities, food, or a visit to the salon.
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Of course, Aurora has fun things to do other than shopping — including our top suggestions.
Aurora Sunny Lake Park
Visiting the Aurora Sunny Lake Park is one of the many fun inexpensive things to do in Aurora. Here you can enjoy the 8-mile loop hiking the trail, fish, play a game of ball, and much more.
Aurora Sunny Lake Park 7MRJ+F9W, 885 E Mennonite Rd, Aurora, OH 44202 (330) 562-6910
ThornCreek Winery and Gardens
If you’re looking for a romantic evening, look no further than a wine tasting and dinner at the ThornCreek Winery and Gardens. With twinkling lights, lush and award-winning gardens, and amazing sunsets, it’s one of the most romantic things to do in Aurora.
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ThornCreek Winery and Garden 155 Treat Rd, Aurora, OH 44202 (330) 562-9245
Secret Garden Antiques
If you’re looking to do fun things with friends in Aurora, you’ll really enjoy the 3,000 square feet of vintage items offered at Secret Garden Antiques. You’ll find everything you can imagine here, including rare collectibles.
196 S Chillicothe Rd, Aurora, OH 44202 (330) 562-7198
Additional Attractions in Aurora
- Aurora Community Theatre
- Spa Walden
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- A.C.C. Moebius Nature Center
- Ray Harmon Park & Harmon Flying Field
If you want to find out about local Aurora events, you can visit the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau website or the city’s Parks and Recreations website.
Restaurants in Aurora Ohio
If you’re hungry, there are also plenty of excellent restaurants in Aurora Ohio, ranging from Italian and beyond. Here are our suggestions for some of the best places to eat in Aurora.
Nicky & Smitty’s Deli & Restaurant
Nicky & Smitty’s serves up traditional deli fare and breakfast eats. It’s managed by a small team, so there’s usually a wait; however, it’s absolutely worth it for the quality and price.
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Nicky & Smitty’s Deli & Restaurant 1021 N Aurora Rd, Aurora, OH 44202 (330) 995 – 3791
El Camino Mexican Restaurant
Of all the Mexican restaurants in Aurora Ohio, El Camino is the best. Here you’ll find fresh and authentic family recipes. It’s also got festive seating and even an outdoor patio!
El Camino Mexican Restaurant 395 N Aurora Rd, Aurora, OH 44202 (330) – 995-0135
Cafe Toscano
Cafe Toscano is one of the best restaurants in Aurora. Here they serve up fresh, handmade pasta and an extensive wine list for an upscale Italian experience.
Cafe Toscano 215 W Garfield Rd, Aurora, OH 44202 (330) 995-2333
Jobs in Aurora
The median salary in Aurora Ohio is $47,000 yearly, and the city has seen a job market increase by 0.8% over the past year. Future job growth is also predicted to increase to 26.4% over the next decade. Some of the highest paying jobs in Aurora, Ohio include physicist, dentist, and general dental practitioner. Some of the biggest employers in Aurora include:
- McMaster-Carr Supply Company
- Technical Consumer Products Inc
- Rotek
- PartsSource
- OEM/Miller Co
- Valley Christian Academy
- Worldwide Chuck Services
Aurora Schools
Aurora Ohio schools are highly rated. There are five Aurora public schools and one private school. The city is also home to the Aurora Memorial Library and is within close proximity to Cleveland State University and Lakeland Community College.
Aurora Ohio Statistics & Information
- Aurora County: Portage County
- Aurora Area: 24.07 square miles
- Aurora Zip Codes: 44202
- Aurora Area Code: 330
- Aurora Elevation: 1,132 feet
- Aurora Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Closest Major Airport to Aurora Ohio: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE / KCLE), 26 miles
Aurora Ohio Map
If you want to check out more things to do and see in Aurora, we’ve included a map of the beautiful city:
Living in Aurora Ohio is like living in a quaint yet modern farm town. It also has everything you could possibly need — excellent schools, close proximity to major cities, and much more. If you’re thinking about moving to Aurora, you’ll want to get in touch with the experts to make a plan.
By choosing Summit Moving to help you with your relocation to Aurora Ohio, you’re guaranteed professional and timely service with a family-owned company that will help you every step of the way! Get a free quote from our website or give us a call at (330) 633-3633
