Aurora adopted the one mantra in 1908 – “The City of Lights.” The reason was due to the city’s street lighting structure. The city was one of the first in the nation, in 1881, to build an all-electric system.

Prior to the arrival of white settlers, the area was populated by Native Americans. As settlers moved into the area, commerce began to develop. Resting on the banks of the Fox River, Aurora was ripe for trade in its early years. With the arrival of more settlers came manufacturing, and jobs, and more people … and in 1837 Aurora became official with the advent of the town’s post office.

The population is estimated at over 168,000. Here you’ll find museums, public libraries, hospitals, a history of entertainment, The Beacon News, low crime, diverse neighborhoods and a clean environment. The city sits on the cusp of the Illinois Research and Development Corridor, a magnet for technology development. Sports are a big deal in Aurora, since East and West Aurora High Schools have been rivals for longer than the last 100 years.

Soccer is a highly competitive sport in Aurora. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams of the Waubonsie Valley High School in the Aurora Indian Prairie School District have won the regional championship most years since 1987. Soccer doesn’t begin and end at the high school, however. There are a number of youth soccer clubs that have teams standing in the top 5% of the Northern Illinois Soccer League. The city hosts three exceptional-quality indoor soccer spots that offer year-round training and competition for kids and adults. Many of the area’s soccer coaches and trainers were professional players who played for teams that won the World Cup.

Although, soccer is a huge focus in Aurora, there are lots of other things to do in a city this size. Visit the zoo, a water park, go bowling, ice-skate, take in a show, fish or take a walk at Mastodon Lake. You’ll never run out of activities in Aurora.

Over the years, Aurora has made its mark in pop culture,too. Wayne’s World, Mike Meyers’ most notable early film, was based on two men who lived in the city. Prison Break, a Fox network TV show, is filmed in the city. Public Enemies, starring Johnny Depp, filmed a scene at Paramount Theater in Aurora’s historic downtown.

As far as real estate goes, you can’t find better quality or values than in Aurora. Check out neighborhoods like Cherry Hill, Dutchtown, a densely populated neighborhood like Copleyville, Frontenac, Little Italy, a newer award-winning community like Hometown, Pigeon Hill or the charming homes in Riddle Highlands. If you’re looking for upscale living, explore the serene splendors in Sans Souci. You’ll find the gamut of homes in Aurora with affordable price ranges to fit anyone’s budget.

Open your arms to Aurora. Here you’ll find a City Second to None.

Looking to live where Wayne from Wayne’s World did? Click Aurora, IL Homes For Sale and MLS Listings to find where.