Visiting Aurora, Ohio
Located in Portage County, Aurora residents pride themselves in being an active community with so much to see and do. Whether you are considering moving to Aurora or planning your next visit, this growing metropolitan city offers a contemporary appeal while maintaining its historical small town charm.
History
Aurora continues to host over 100 century homes and takes pride in maintaining its history as a Western Reserve farming community. Multiple historical landmarks lay throughout the city reminding visitors and residents of Aurora's commercial and educational past. A few of the notable sights can be viewed by taking a stroll down Chillicothe where the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and Town Hall now reside.
Aurora's Historical Society and Museum is another great location to delve deeper into the township's history. Located in the lower level of the Aurora Memorial Library on East Pioneer Trail, the Historical Society offers free admission and features several maps dating back to 1799. Household items, old tools, photographs, and currency are also on display.
Demographics
Founded in 1799, this once sleepy farming town has experienced exponential growth since the mid-1990s. As of 2008 Aurora's population was 14,548. During the census of 2000 the population was 13,556 and there were 5,047 households, 35.2% of which had children under the age of eighteen. Currently the median age in Aurora is 41 and the median household income as of 2007 is $80,021. The median house or condo value in Aurora is $250,154 and the 2008 cost of living index was less than the US average.
Things to Do
Whether you are seeking out great deals at name brand outlets or looking to reconnect with nature, Aurora has a little bit of something for everyone.
Original home to the Big Dipper roller coaster, Geauga Lake has been the center for family entertainment over many years. Today the lake is home to the Wild Water Kingdom. This 17.5 acre park was introduced in 2005 and is now home to Tidal Wave Bay, one of the largest outdoor wave pools in Ohio. If a day of shopping is more your speed then look no further than the Aurora Farms Premium Outlets. Home to 70 designer brand outlet stores, this lusciously landscaped village features Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach, DKNY, Gap Outlet, Saks Fifth Avenue, and many more.
Once your shopping is complete why not head over for some extraordinary appetizers and fine wine at Thorn Creek Winery and Gardens. Home to Aurora's annual Wine Fest, Thorn Creek offers a peaceful setting with live entertainment. If you wish to pamper yourself while on vacation you are in luck. Aurora features Ohio's only AAA Five Diamond rated inn. Club Walden offers a luxurious spa and an exceptional golf course. Set in the country, Club Walden is a little slice of heaven amongst the serene countryside.
For nature lovers Aurora offers not one, but three of the sanctuaries maintained by the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland. These sanctuaries offer opportunity for bird watchers and plant lovers to experience a little bit of Ohio's abounding natural history. In addition to the Audubon sanctuaries, Tinkers Creek State Park offers great outdoor recreation opportunities. Every effort has been made to ensure this park continues to be maintained in its original state as a swamp and marshland. During spring and summer this ten acre park offers visitors the opportunity to fish, picnic, hike, or play horseshoes. Winter months welcome cross country skiing and ice fishing.
Lifestyle
Aurora is an ideal destination for singles and families due to the wide range of housing options and communities. Offering three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, Aurora continues to maintain a small town atmosphere with close knit families. Five universities are also within thirty minutes of Aurora.
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