Find space and opportunity in Aurora, CO

Aurora stretches across the eastern edge of the Denver Metro area, offering wide-open sightlines and a mix of established retail corridors and newer development. The city sits close to Denver International Airport (DEN) and hosts a large employment base anchored by healthcare, government, and aerospace. Residents find a range of shopping and dining options, from the converted airplane hangar at Stanley Marketplace to the open-air Southlands retail district.

Arts and culture in Aurora center on a handful of community-focused venues. The Aurora Fox Arts Center stages a full season of live theater inside a city-owned playhouse, while the Aurora History Museum documents the city's growth through rotating exhibits. Dining ranges from the James Beard Award-winning Annette to the scratch-made tortillas at Molino Chido, both inside Stanley Marketplace. Cherry Creek School District and Aurora Public Schools both serve city residents depending on address, and outdoor recreation runs from the eight-mile loop trail at Aurora Reservoir to the paved paths of Cherry Creek State Park.

Transportation and accessibility

On the move

Public transportation

RTD's R Line light rail runs through Aurora with stations at Nine Mile, Iliff, Florida, Aurora Metro Center, and Fitzsimons, connecting the city to the broader RTD rail network. Local and regional bus routes supplement the rail line throughout the city. RTD publishes current schedules, fares, and route maps for planning trips within Aurora and beyond.

Airports

Denver International Airport (DEN) sits approximately 15 to 18 miles from most Aurora addresses, roughly a 20-minute drive in typical traffic, making Aurora one of the closest Denver Metro cities to the airport. DEN serves as a major hub for United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, with direct RTD rail service connecting the airport to downtown Denver.

Cars and driving

Interstate 225 runs north to south through Aurora, connecting to I-70 and I-225's junctions with Colfax Avenue and Parker Road. Commuting to downtown Denver typically takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. E-470 forms a toll route along Aurora's eastern edge, linking the city to DEN and southern suburbs without crossing through downtown traffic.

Pedestrians and bicycles

Aurora maintains bike lanes and paved multi-use paths throughout the city, including the High Line Canal Trail, which runs roughly 13.7 miles through Aurora, and the Sand Creek Regional Greenway. The eight-mile loop trail around Aurora Reservoir supports biking and recreation year-round. Sidewalks connect most retail corridors, giving residents a short distance to reach many daily errands by bike or without the need of a vehicle.

Industry and job market

Your next job awaits

Aurora's economy runs on a diverse base of healthcare, government, and aerospace employers. The Anschutz Medical Campus anchors one of the largest healthcare and research hubs in the region, while Buckley Space Force Base and a cluster of aerospace and defense contractors add government and technology-sector opportunities. Retail and hospitality jobs cluster around Stanley Marketplace, Southlands, and the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center.

Healthcare

The Anschutz Medical Campus, home to UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado, supports thousands of clinical, research, and administrative positions.

Government

Buckley Space Force Base and federal, state, and municipal offices throughout Aurora provide stable government career paths across a range of roles.

Technology services

Aerospace and defense contractors based near Buckley Space Force Base support engineering, technical, and support roles across the sector.

Leisure and hospitality

The Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center, along with dining and retail at Stanley Marketplace and Southlands, generates ongoing demand for hospitality staff.

Retail

Southlands and Stanley Marketplace anchor Aurora's retail sector, with boutique shops and national retailers creating year-round staffing needs.

Educational services

Aurora Public Schools, Cherry Creek School District, and the Community College of Aurora create teaching, administrative, and support positions across the city.

Real estate and construction

Ongoing residential and commercial development across Aurora supports construction, property management, and skilled trades careers.

Education

Education for every age

Aurora residents are served by two school districts depending on address, with Aurora Public Schools and Cherry Creek School District both operating within city limits. Aurora Public Schools has reported steady graduation rate gains over the past decade, and the district's Lotus School for Excellence charter received a City of Aurora mayoral recognition for its Class of 2025 outcomes. Cherry Creek School District, which serves parts of southeast Aurora, reports a graduation rate above 91 percent and has been recognized for teacher satisfaction. The Community College of Aurora offers additional higher education pathways within the city.

Things to do

Out and about

Aurora offers a genuine mix of dining, shopping, and outdoor recreation across the city. Stanley Marketplace brings together dozens of independent restaurants and shops inside a converted airplane hangar, while Southlands provides an open-air shopping and entertainment district. Cherry Creek State Park and Aurora Reservoir add miles of trails and water recreation, and the Aurora History Museum and Aurora Fox Arts Center round out the city's cultural offerings.

Our top picks

Stanley Marketplace

A converted airplane hangar now home to dozens of independent restaurants, shops, and a brewery under one roof. The open, industrial-style building hosts regular events and a rotating lineup of local vendors year-round.

Annette

A James Beard Award-winning restaurant inside Stanley Marketplace serving wood-fired American cuisine. Named one of the country's best new restaurants by national food publications, it draws diners for its scratch-made menu and cocktail bar.

Molino Chido

A scratch-made taqueria inside Stanley Marketplace serving fresh tortillas and tacos alongside a bar program of spirits and low-intervention wines. The counter-service spot also hosts a reservation-only tasting menu experience.

Southlands

An open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment district with a directory of national and specialty retailers, a movie theater, and a regular calendar of community events and programs throughout the year.

Cherry Creek State Park

A 4,200-acre state park built around an 880-acre reservoir, offering 35 miles of trails, boating, fishing, and swimming. The park's rolling prairie landscape provides a close-by escape from the surrounding city.

Aurora Reservoir

An eight-mile loop trail circles this city-run reservoir, popular for biking, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming at its designated beach. Mountain views and open sky make it a favored outdoor spot year-round.

Aurora History Museum

A city-operated museum documenting Aurora's growth from its founding through today, with rotating exhibits on local history and culture. Admission remains affordable, making it accessible for a casual afternoon visit.

Aurora Fox Arts Center

A city-owned playhouse presenting a full season of live theater productions along East Colfax Avenue. The venue operates as part of Aurora's Library and Cultural Services department, staging performances throughout the year.

High Line Canal Trail

A paved, multi-use trail running roughly 13.7 miles through Aurora as part of its 71-mile regional length. The corridor connects several city parks and neighborhoods with dedicated space for biking and outdoor recreation.