Aurora, IL Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Aurora, IL: What You Need to Know

Aurora (population: 197,757) is the second-largest city in Illinois, behind Chicago. It’s known for homes designed by famous architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Bruce Goff, and as the setting for the comedy sketch “Wayne’s World.” 

Job Opportunities

Aurora, a Chicago suburb, has traditionally relied on the manufacturing industry. There are more than 150 manufacturers in the area today. Other drivers of Aurora’s economy include warehouse and distribution, construction, financial services, trade, transportation, and utility industries. Top employers in Aurora include OSI Group (holding company of meat processors), ClearStaff Inc. (industrial staffing company), Andy Frain Services (security guard services), Rush Copley Medical Center, Allsteel (manufacturing), and Indian Prairie School District 204.

Local Culture

Architecture is an important aspect of Aurora’s culture, with impressive homes such as the Greene House (1912), constructed in the Prairie design by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Ford house (1949) by architect Bruce Goff. The Tanner Mansion (1856) was built in the Italianate style. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Aurora was the setting for the fictional public access TV program at the center of “Wayne’s World,” a recurring sketch in “Saturday Night Live” in the late 1980s, which was adapted into a film in 1992. It starred Mike Myers and Dana Carvey.

Is Living in Aurora Cheaper Than in Chicago?

Aurora is slightly more affordable than Chicago, but still, it’s not cheap. Aurora’s cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 13.4%, 14.6%, and 12.3% higher than the national average respectively. The median gross rent is $1,228. Illinois collects a flat income tax rate of 4.95%. The state’s 6.25% to 11% in sales tax is one of the highest in the country.

Is Aurora Prone to Weather-Related Problems?

Aurora’s location along the Fox River makes it prone to floods. On July 17, 1996, the city received a record 16.94 inches of rain, resulting in a flash flood. Total damages were estimated to be at least $600 million. Recovery lasted for over a year. Barring any storms, Aurora gets about 38 inches of rain per year, the U.S. average, and about 28 inches of snow annually, also the national average.

Where Do You Go for Shopping in Aurora?

The Chicago Premium Outlet boasts of 165 stores, including top name brands in clothing, shoes, and accessories, plus a food court. Fox Valley Mall has over a million square feet of retail space in an enclosed mall. It features more than 120 retail shops, restaurants, and services. Round 1 Bowling & Amusement, an entertainment complex with bowling, billiards, arcade, and karaoke, is located in the mall.