Aurora Colorado
Aurora, Colorado is located to the east of the City of Denver and is currently about half the size of Denver with about 300,000 people to Denver’s population of 560,000. Aurora is definitely growing faster than is Denver, with a growth rate of over 7.5 percent since the year 2000. The city was originally established in 1891, and remained small until suburban growth explosion occurred nationwide, following the close of World War II. During the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, Aurora was the fastest growing city in the United States. While some consider Aurora only a large Denver suburb, planned developments south of Denver International Airport will benefit Aurora’s population growth more than that of Denver. It is expected that these housing units and commercial centers will add around 250,000 residents to Aurora.
For those considering relocation to the Denver area, Aurora may very well be a better choice for a number of reasons. First is the fine school system in Aurora; parents can choose from 79 public schools or 24 private schools. Grandview High School, Aurora, Colorado is just one example. The school has an enrollment of 2700 students and prides itself on academics. It also has a great sports program. There is a theater arts program. In spite of being a large high school the school maintains a good teacher student ratio. Overland High School, Aurora Colorado has a student population of about 2100 students. This is an urban school which is racially and ethnically diverse.
Cherry Creek Schools include dozens of elementary schools, many middle schools and seven high schools, including an alternative high school. There is provision for a unique team approach for students who don’t do well in conventional classrooms. These schools have a tremendous variety of skills, abilities, racial and ethnic backgrounds and educational needs.
The Community College of Aurora, Colorado campus enrollment is just under 5500 students. The emphasis is fairly typical of community colleges anywhere; you can complete undergraduate transfer programs for most four year institutions, or complete an associate degree in such studies as early childhood education, criminal justice or paralegal careers.
Jobs in Aurora, Colorado are largely health services related. In 1999 the city lost 4000 jobs due to the closure of Fitzsimmons Army medical center. A city, university and industry coalition has worked together to plan and implement use of the facility as a life sciences “city”. The medical campus for the University of Colorado is to be located here along with major research and development facilities. Employment here has already topped 5000.
The Medical Center of Aurora, Colorado employs about 1200 people at its facility. It’s a top 100 hospital and has 370+ licensed beds.
The variety possible in Aurora recreation is amazing. Several parks and outdoor facilities promote sports for kids such as soccer, softball, football and basketball. Nearby ski resorts in the winter vie with viewing of professional team sports in DenverCommerce City.
If your idea of Aurora entertainment is a little retail therapy, you can enjoy the many shops and boutiques located throughout the city. Although there isn’t an historic shopping district in Aurora, the mall previously known as Aurora Colorado mall is owned by Simon Properties out of Indianapolis and is anchored by J.C. Penney, Sears, Macy’s and Dillards. The name was changed to Town Center at Aurora.
With such an active sports and recreational program, both professionally and at high school level, it’s also good to know that the folks at Aurora appreciate their Aurora, Colorado Public Library. The Central library for example has collections for genealogical researchers. The Korean and Spanish collections are helpful to patrons. It’s a government documents repository and a location for health care reference materials.
