9 Fun Facts About Aurora, CO: How Well Do You Know Your City?

Aurora, CO, is a city that seamlessly blends urban amenities with natural beauty, offering residents a unique and diverse living experience. With its thriving arts and culture scene, stunning outdoor recreational opportunities, and a rich tapestry of culinary delights, Aurora is a city that never fails to captivate those who call it home. Whether you’re settling into a new apartment in Aurora or have been a longtime resident, this Redfin article will dive into some fun facts about Aurora you’ll want to know.

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Quick facts about Aurora, CO

1. Aurora is the home of the Stanley Hotel

Aurora is home to the famous Stanley Hotel, which served as the inspiration for Stephen King’s novel, “The Shining.” Visitors can take a guided tour of the hotel and learn about its haunted history.

2. Aurora is a short drive away from the Rockies

Aurora is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Rockies” due to its close proximity to the Rocky Mountains. Residents and visitors can easily access outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.

3. The historic Aurora Fox Arts Center is one of the city’s most notable historical landmarks

The Aurora Fox Arts Center is a historic theater that hosts a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts. It’s a popular destination for arts and culture enthusiasts in the city.

4. Aurora’s skyline is relatively low

Aurora, Colorado, has a notably low skyline, with no buildings exceeding 13 stories in height. This characteristic sets it apart from nearby Denver, which boasts a more prominent and towering skyline. Aurora’s lower building heights give the city a more spacious, suburban feel.

5. An almost life-sized Star Wars replica can be found in an Aurora museum

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, located at the former Lowry Air Force Base in Aurora, is home to a remarkable three-quarter scale replica of the iconic Star Wars X-Wing. This impressive exhibit captures the imagination of both aviation enthusiasts and Star Wars fans, offering a unique blend of pop culture and aerospace history. 

6. Aurora is bigger than Denver (at least physically)

In terms of land area, Aurora is larger than Denver. While Colorado’s most populous city covers roughly 153 square miles, Aurora has a slight edge at about 164 square miles. This is a surprising fact about Aurora considering that their population is about half of Denver’s.

7. Aurora is home to a few famous figures

Even though Aurora doesn’t get as much public attention compared to Denver, there are still some notable people that have called the city home. UFC fighter Michael Chiesa and Saturday Night Live cast member Bowen Yang are both from Aurora.

8. The Aurora Reservoir is a popular outdoor destination

The Aurora Reservoir is a popular spot for outdoor recreation, offering activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. It’s a great place for residents to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

9. One of Aurora’s former mayors made history

In 1965, Norma O. Walker made history by becoming the first female mayor of an American city with a population above 60,000 when she was elected mayor of Aurora, Colorado. Her election was a groundbreaking achievement in a time when women were still fighting for equal representation in politics. Walker’s leadership paved the way for future generations of women in public service and remains a significant milestone in Aurora’s history.

Methodology: The median home sale price and average monthly rental data is from the Redfin Data Center. The Walk Score, Transit Score and Bike Score data is from Walk Score.

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