Moving to Aurora, Illinois: What Buyers Should Know Before They Start Their Home Search
Moving to Aurora, Illinois? The biggest thing to know is that Aurora is not one market. It is the second-largest city in Illinois, and it stretches across four counties: Kane, DuPage, Will, and Kendall. That means your property taxes, school district, and commute can change a lot depending on which side of town you choose. Julia lives in Aurora, so here is our local guide to what buyers should know before they start searching.
Aurora Spans Four Counties, and That Matters
This is the part that surprises most people moving here. Two homes in Aurora with the same price can have very different tax bills. That is because each county and township sets its own rates and assessments.
Here is the quick way to think about it:
- Where the home sits decides the county, the township, and the school district.
- Your tax bill depends on all three.
- Your commute depends on which side of the Fox River you are on and how close you are to I-88 or Route 59.
Before you fall for a house, look up the tax history. We explain how Illinois property taxes work in our post on understanding property taxes in Illinois. If you already own and think your bill is too high, see our guide on how to appeal your property tax assessment.
Getting Around: Commuting From Aurora
Aurora is the end of the line for Metra's BNSF route, which runs straight into Union Station in downtown Chicago. That makes it a real option for people who commute into the city a few days a week.
If you drive, I-88 runs along the north side of town, and Route 59 connects you north and south. Many people who work in Naperville, Oak Brook, or the I-88 corridor live in Aurora for this reason.
What Buyers Find Here: Neighborhoods, Downtown and More
Aurora has a little bit of everything. You will find historic homes near downtown, newer subdivisions on the east and south sides, and townhomes and condos at many price points.
A few neighborhoods we know well include Lakewood Crossings, Amber Fields, The Wheatlands, and Oakhurst. Each one has its own feel, HOA setup, and price range. We will walk you through the details for any area you are curious about.
Downtown Aurora sits right on the Fox River. It is home to the Paramount Theatre, RiverEdge Park concerts, and a growing list of restaurants. The City of Aurora posts events, city projects, and resident info.
School districts. Aurora is served by several districts, depending on the address. These include Aurora West School District 129, Aurora East School District 131, Indian Prairie School District 204, and Oswego School District 308. We always recommend checking boundaries with the district directly. For ratings, you can review third-party sources like GreatSchools or Niche.
Help with the down payment. Aurora has its own homebuyer assistance program. We broke it down in our post on the Choose Aurora homebuyer assistance program. You can also check statewide options through IHDA.
Buying in Aurora With a Local Team
Julia lives in Aurora, and Vickie lives just next door in Naperville. At Team Elite Realtors, we do not just work in these neighborhoods. We live here, shop here, and know which streets back up at rush hour.
We use Zenlist so our buyers can see homes the day they come available, sometimes before they show up anywhere else. Start your search on Zenlist and we will get you set up with alerts.
We're with Baird and Warner, a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. So if you are relocating from out of state, we can also connect you with a trusted agent to sell the home you are leaving. We regularly help remote and out-of-area buyers find and close on the right home, even while they shop from far away. Read what past clients say in our Google Reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aurora, Illinois a good place to buy a home? Many buyers choose Aurora for its range of price points, Metra access, and location along I-88. The best fit depends on your budget, commute, and what you want nearby. We can help you compare areas side by side.
What county is Aurora, Illinois in? Aurora is in four counties: Kane, DuPage, Will, and Kendall. The county affects your property taxes and school district, so check the exact address.
How do I commute from Aurora to Chicago? Aurora is the last stop on Metra's BNSF line, which runs to Union Station. Drivers often use I-88.
Who is a top Realtor near me in Aurora, Illinois? We'd love to help. We're Julia Corkey and Vickie Schoenfeld with Team Elite Realtors at Baird and Warner. Julia lives in Aurora, and we have served the western suburbs for over 20 years. Call 630-286-9777 or visit www.homesbyteamelite.com.
Ready to start looking? Book a consultation, fill out our quick buyer inquiry form, or catch our free buyer webinar. And if you are looking at other nearby towns too, our guide to moving to the western suburbs is a great next read.
Ready to make your next move in the western suburbs of Chicago?
We are here to help you every step of the way, whether you are buying, selling, or just exploring your options.
Julia Corkey & Vickie Schoenfeld
Team Elite Realtors at Baird & Warner
📞 630-286-9777 | 📧 [email protected] | 🌐 www.homesbyteamelite.com
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