Aurora, IL, “City of Lights,” is quickly becoming home to many Illinoisans and out-of-states. There are countless things to do in the city, whether you visit the Aurora Regional Fire Museum, relax at the Phillips Park Zoo, check out the Aurora West Forest Preserve, or take in the river views at McCullough Park. It is not surprising that 180,500 people are living in dawn.
And if you are thinking of renting or buy a house in aurora, there are four things you should know. The housing market is somewhat competitive, the median home sales price is $275,000, the median sales price per square foot is $166, and the median rental price of a two bedroom apartment in aurora is $1,825.
If those prices don’t fit your budget, don’t worry. We’ve put together a list of the 7 best affordable suburbs in Aurora to consider living in, and they’re all less than a 25-minute drive from the city. That way, you can live close to Aurora and all of its unique activities without paying the premium price of owning a home there.
#1: Northern Lights
Median home price: $248,000
Average sales price per square foot: $174
Driving distance from Aurora: 10 minutes
Homes for sale in North Aurora, IL
Apartments for Rent in North Aurora, IL
North Aurora, with a median home sales price of $248,000, ranks number one on our list of affordable Aurora suburbs. Only about a 10-minute drive from Aurora, you won’t miss out on what the city has to offer. Living in North Aurora, you can explore North Aurora Island Park and hike Red Oak Nature Center.
#2: Montgomery
Median home price: $250,000
Average sales price per square foot: $169
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,145
Driving distance from Aurora: 25 minutes
Homes for sale in Montgomery, IL
Apartments for Rent in Montgomery, IL
Montgomery ranks second on our list. Just 25 minutes from downtown, you can tour the Aurora Regional Fire Museum in no time. Living in Montgomery, you’ll want to spend the afternoon at Jericho Lake Park, hike the trails at Blackberry Trail Park, or enjoy a meal by the river.
#3: Boulder Hill
Median home price: $257,000
Average sales price per square foot: $186
Driving distance from Aurora: 10 minutes
Homes for sale in Boulder Hill, IL
Apartments for Rent in Boulder Hill, IL
Just 10 minutes away, you’ll find the suburb of Boulder Hill. From parks and outdoor recreation to shopping, there are many things that make Boulder Hill a great place to live. If you decide to move to our third most affordable suburb, be sure to visit one of the many local shops and attractions.
#4: Yorkville
Median home price: $269,990
Average sales price per square foot: $158
Driving distance from Aurora: 20 minutes
Homes for sale in Yorkville, IL
Apartments for Rent in Yorkville, IL
Only slightly more expensive than Boulder Hill is Yorkville, the next suburb on our list. About 21,500 people live in this Aurora suburb, where you can explore Bicentennial Riverfront Park and visit the quaint downtown area.
#5: Oswego
Median home price: $340,000
Average sales price per square foot: $156
Driving distance from Aurora: 10 minutes
Homes for sale in Oswego, IL
Apartments for rent in Oswego, IL
Drive 10 minutes outside of Aurora and you’ll find suburban Oswego, another great area to add to your list. Home to 34,600 residents, this affordable city can be a great option for people looking to stay close to Aurora without paying the price of a home in the city. In Oswego, you can visit the Little White School Museum, attend the Oswego Heritage Days Festival, or take a fishing trip on the Fox River.
#6: Sugar Grove
Median home price: $395,000
Average sales price per square foot: $162
Driving distance from Aurora: 15 minutes
Homes for sale in Sugar Grove, IL
Apartments for rent in Sugar Grove, IL
Sixth on the list is another well-known Aurora suburb, Sugar Grove. Home to approximately 9,300 people, Sugar Grove is a great suburb to consider renting or buying a home. And you’ll have easy access to what makes this suburb special. Be sure to visit the Air Classics Museum or camp at the nearby Big Rock Campground.
#7: Saint Charles
Median home price: $460,000
Average sales price per square foot: $183
Driving distance from Aurora: 25 minutes
Homes for sale in St. Charles, IL
Apartments for Rent in St. Charles, IL
Rounding out our list of affordable Aurora suburbs is none other than St. Charles. With a population of nearly 33,100, St. Charles is a great area to live that’s smaller than Aurora. If you’re going to call this area home, plan time to take a scenic drive along the Fox River, tour the historic Arcade Theatre, visit the St. Charles Museum of History, and see the victorian houses from the historic district of St. Charles.
Methodology: Affordability is based on whether the median home sales price in a suburb or median sales price per square foot is less than Aurora and is less than a 25-minute drive from downtown Aurora. Data on the average sale price of the house in the Redfin Data Center during November 2022. Median rental data for rent.com November 2022. Population data obtained from United States Census Bureau.
