Nestled against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Aurora is one of Colorado’s most vibrant and diverse cities. With a population nearing 400,000, Aurora provides the perfect mix of natural beauty, urban amenities, and a thriving cultural scene. Here’s what makes Aurora a great place to live for auto enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.

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Looking for Buy Here Pay Here in Aurora? Econo Auto Sales is in Lakewood, but we’re an easy drive from Aurora. Just hop on I-225 or I-70, or take Colfax west to Wadsworth Blvd. We’re a short drive away. Proudly serving customers from Aurora and the surrounding areas.

Aurora’s Proximity to Nature is Ideal for Drivers

One of Aurora’s best attributes is its close proximity to nature. Located just east of Denver, the city offers quick access to spectacular mountain drives. Popular scenic routes include the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Driving these roads in a capable vehicle allows you to fully experience the majestic mountain views.

For those who drive cars and trucks less suited for mountain roads, Aurora still provides plenty of options to enjoy the outdoors. There are over 100 parks and open spaces within the city limits, including the picturesque Cherry Creek State Park. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is another convenient natural area, offering hiking trails and abundant wildlife less than 10 miles from downtown Aurora.

Owning an AWD or 4WD vehicle with adequate ground clearance is recommended for Colorado mountain driving unless it’s just summer driving on paved roads. For everyday commuting around the Front Range, all-season tires can handle Aurora’s streets year-round. During snowstorms, winter tires on all four wheels are advised for the best traction.

Arts and Culture Abound in this Denver Suburb

Beyond its natural attractions, Aurora has developed a thriving arts and culture scene over the past decade. The city’s Art in Public Places program brings creative sculptures and murals to parks and buildings across town. Popular mural tours allow you to spot stunning works of public art as you drive around Aurora.

Music and theater lovers can catch shows at venues like the Aurora Fox Arts Center and the newly renovated Stampede. Aurora’s multicultural community hosts events like the Global Fest, while the Aurora Symphony Orchestra provides classical concerts. The city also maintains an extensive public library system with branches across town.

Car Lovers Have Plenty of Local Events to Enjoy

In addition to arts and cultural happenings, Aurora offers plenty of events for auto enthusiasts to experience. A number of racing circuits are located just outside the city, including Bandimere Speedway and Colorado National Speedway. These tracks allow both racers and fans to enjoy drag racing, stock cars, and more during racing seasons.

Car shows and cruises take over local parks and parking lots during warmer months. The Havana Cruise is a popular Sunday evening tradition, with hundreds of custom cars on display. Meanwhile, the Aurora Art in Public Places program has integrated automotive designs into its exhibits. The city’s diverse neighborhoods also host smaller car shows representing specific cultures like lowriders or imports.

Whether you’re driving the roads along the Front Range, taking in Aurora’s thriving arts scene, or connecting with fellow car lovers, this Denver suburb has something for everyone. From mountain cruises to lowrider shows, life in Aurora is ideal for auto enthusiasts who want the best of both urban accessibility and natural escapes right at their fingertips.

Popular Vehicle Options for Mountain Adventures Near Aurora

Aurora’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains makes it a great home base for adventure seekers. When searching for a pre-owned vehicle to handle Colorado’s twisty mountain roads and high elevation terrain, there are a few features to look for:

SUVs and Crossovers: Top picks like the Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V provide higher ground clearance for rugged roads. All-wheel drive capability is ideal for mountain traction.
Trucks: Truck owners love exploring Colorado’s trails and slopes. The Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500, and Toyota Tacoma are all popular light-duty trucks for mountain recreation. Consider 4WD/4X4 options for added capability.
Jeeps: Few vehicles are as iconic for mountain adventuring as the Jeep Wrangler. Its off-road acumen, open-air design, and customization options make it a top choice for year-round alpine fun.

When using a capable vehicle to fully experience the Rocky Mountains, always pack emergency supplies and check road conditions before heading out. Modify driving to account for high elevation, blind corners, and wildlife near mountain roadways.

Fuel Efficient Cars for Aurora Commuting and Errands

With downtown Denver just a short drive away, many Aurora residents commute to the city for work. Aurorans also appreciate the convenience of zipping around town for errands and activities. For these driving needs, fuel efficiency is key. Here are some top used cars to consider:

Toyotas: Long revered for reliability and mpg, Toyotas like the Corolla, Prius and Camry offer a comfortable commute with fewer stops at the pump.
Hondas: The Civic and Accord consistently rank among the most efficient vehicles in their classes. Punchy drivetrains keep the fun factor alive.
Hyundais: Affordable sedans like the Elantra and Sonata deliver plenty of bang for the buck along with excellent fuel economy.
Hybrids: The Toyota Prius pioneered hybrid tech, but many brands now offer hybrid options. The Ford Fusion Hybrid and Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid match fuel sipping with practicality.

When shopping for an efficient commuter car, also consider safety features and driver-assistance tech that can reduce fatigue and stress during daily drives. Test driving models before purchase is also advised to ensure you find a car that perfectly fits your needs and commute style.

With over 381,000 residents as of 2019, Aurora is the third largest city in Colorado after Denver and Colorado Springs according to population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Visitors to Aurora can enjoy over 200 parks, open spaces, trails, and nature centers according to the City of Aurora Parks, Recreation & Open Space department. Popular outdoor spaces include Cherry Creek State Park which sees over 2 million visitors annually (Cherry Creek State Park).

The unemployment rate in Aurora fell to just 3.1% in late 2022, lower than both the national and statewide averages according to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE). This demonstrates Aurora’s strong local economy.

In 2021, Livability.com ranked Aurora among the Top 100 Best Places to Live citing the city’s diversity, cultural attractions, and active lifestyle (Livability). This supports Aurora’s reputation as a vibrant, engaging city for families and young professionals.

The Aurora Sentinel reports that the Housing and Building Association of Colorado Springs named Aurora the state’s 4th best real estate market thanks to its affordability, low unemployment, and key location along major transportation corridors.

Over 50 languages are spoken in Aurora Public Schools according to the Aurora Public Schools District. This highlights the highly diverse population and cultures found across the city.