Aurora

The city of Aurora is one of the fastest growing communities in the country.

Located along the Fox River, its historic downtown has a number of architectural landmarks including the Paramount Theatre, as well as several commercial buildings by George Grant Elmslie, a famed Prairie School architect. The city is also home to the Phillips Park Zoo, which offers free access to its visitors.

Aurora also has an impressive collection of structures by renowned architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Bruce Goff, and Elmslie. The city also has a large collection of historic Sears Catalog Homes and Lustron all-steel homes.

Residents enjoy local city events including Downtown Alive, a festival with live music and food booths; Blues on the Fox with national blues artists; and the Aurora ArtWalk with food, art, live music, and theater.

Aurora has a long history as a regional transportation hub. It is the final stop on Metra’s BNSF line. The city also has a stop at the Route 59 station, which borders Naperville.