Why Families Choose Aurora
Aurora offers something that's increasingly hard to find in the Denver metro: a genuinely affordable, diverse, family-friendly city with access to top-tier schools (via Cherry Creek School District) and world-class healthcare (Children's Hospital Colorado is literally here).
The catch? Aurora is large and varied — where you live within Aurora matters enormously for schools, safety, and neighborhood character. This guide helps families navigate those differences.
The School District Question
This is the most important decision for Aurora families. Three districts serve the city:
Cherry Creek School District (CCSD)
- Coverage: Southeast Aurora (Saddle Rock, Murphy Creek, Southlands area)
- Rating: One of the top 5 districts in Colorado
- Strengths: Academic performance, extracurriculars, college prep
- Notable schools: Cherry Creek High School, Campus Middle School, Heritage Elementary
- Reality check: Homes in CCSD zones cost $50-100K more than equivalent homes in APS zones
Aurora Public Schools (APS)
- Coverage: Central and north Aurora
- Rating: Improving, with some strong individual schools
- Strengths: Diversity programs, ELL support, community engagement, IB programs at select schools
- Notable schools: Rangeview High School (IB program), Aurora Quest K-8
- Reality check: Overall test scores are lower than CCSD, but strong individual schools exist
Brighton 27J
- Coverage: Far northeast Aurora (Green Valley Ranch area)
- Strengths: Growing district with new facilities
- Reality check: Still developing its academic reputation
Parent tip: If school district is your top priority, choose your home based on district boundaries first, neighborhood second.
Kid-Friendly Activities
Outdoor
- Cherry Creek State Park: Swimming beach, trails, fishing, camping — all within Aurora city limits
- Aurora Reservoir: Resident-only swimming, paddleboarding, fishing ($50/year family pass)
- 100+ miles of trails: Connected trail system through parks and open spaces
- Aurora Sports Park: Tournament-quality fields and facilities
Indoor
- Aurora History Museum: Free admission, rotating exhibits
- Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum: Interactive aviation exhibits (technically in the former Lowry area)
- Arapahoe Libraries: Excellent children's programs at multiple branches
- Recreation centers: City-run facilities with pools, gyms, and youth programs
Cultural
- Havana Street: Colorado's most diverse food corridor — take kids on an international food adventure
- Aurora Fox Arts Center: Community theater with family-appropriate shows
- Cultural festivals: Aurora celebrates its diversity with festivals throughout the year
Safety by Neighborhood
Aurora's safety varies significantly by area:
- Safest areas: Southlands, Saddle Rock, Murphy Creek, Tallyn's Reach (southeast Aurora)
- Mixed areas: Original Aurora, Del Mar Parkway corridor (improving but higher crime rates)
- Growing areas: Green Valley Ranch, Painted Prairie (newer development, still establishing character)
Honest note: Some parts of Aurora have higher crime rates than the metro average. Families should research specific neighborhoods, not just the city-wide statistics.
Childcare
- Full-time infant care: $1,200–$1,800/month
- Toddler programs: $1,000–$1,500/month
- Head Start programs: Available through APS for qualifying families
- YMCA programs: After-school and summer camp options
- In-home family daycare: Often $800–$1,200/month — more common and affordable in Aurora than in wealthier suburbs
Healthcare for Families
Aurora has a massive healthcare advantage:
- Children's Hospital Colorado: One of the nation's top children's hospitals is IN Aurora on the Anschutz campus
- UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital: Level 1 trauma center
- Multiple pediatric practices: Concentrated along Iliff and Mississippi corridors
- Dental and specialty care: Abundant options near the Anschutz campus
Having Children's Hospital Colorado local means families don't need to travel far for specialist appointments — a significant quality-of-life factor.
Daily Family Life
A typical family day in Aurora:
- Drop kids at school (most neighborhoods have schools within a 10-minute drive)
- Parents commute via light rail or I-225 to Denver/DTC employment centers
- After-school: Recreation center programs, trail walks, or homework at the library
- Dinner: Home-cooked or affordable international dining on Havana Street
- Weekends: Cherry Creek State Park, Aurora Reservoir, or community events
Is Aurora Right for Your Family?
Best for:
- Families seeking Denver-metro access at 15-20% less cost
- Parents who want Cherry Creek schools without Cherry Creek prices (southeast Aurora)
- Military families (Buckley SFB community)
- Healthcare workers (Anschutz campus is local)
- Families who value cultural diversity and international food access
Consider alternatives if:
- You want a small-town community feel (consider Castle Rock or Parker)
- You prioritize walkability and urban amenities (consider Denver proper)
- You want the highest-ranked schools across all neighborhoods (consider Douglas County)
Explore more: [Moving to Aurora](/co/aurora/guides/moving-to-aurora-colorado) | [Cost of Living](/co/aurora/guides/cost-of-living-in-aurora) | [Best Neighborhoods](/co/aurora/guides/best-neighborhoods-aurora-families)