Aurora is only 40 km from Toronto, and it's a great place to live because it still feels like a small town. There are more than 1,000 businesses here, including 150 big industries. 

This is a great place for people who want the charm of other places but with less privacy and more noise and activity. Find out more about why Aurora is a great place to live and do business below.

 

History 

In 1795, Governor John Graves Simcoe decided to make Yonge Street wider. This was the start of Aurora's history. Friends and Loyalists began to move into the area. It was easier to get to because of Yonge Street.

In 1804, a man named Richard Machell built the first town on the land that is now Aurora. In memory of him, this first hamlet was named Machell's Corners.

Around the middle of the 1800s, many people moved into the town. When the railroad came to town in 1853, it sped up this growth. Along with its growth, the town became a hub for business. Many different things were made in the workshops, like tools, lumber, and furniture.

Everyone had a new start when the new railroad came to town. Charles Doan, a postal worker, felt this change and thought he should also change his name. He got the idea for Aurora from Greek mythology, where Aurora is the goddess of dawn who brings light back to Greece in the morning.

Many of the sites and intersections we still have today can be seen on this old map of Aurora, Ontario. The image comes from Creative Commons.

In the early 1900s, Aurora was home to Lester B. Pearson, the town's most famous resident. He went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957 and became Canada's prime minister from 1963 to 1968. You can still see the house where he lived with his family at the corner of Spruce and Catherine Streets.

With more people moving to the suburbs in the last few decades of the 20th century, the town grew little before then.

Aurora is one of the smaller towns in the York Region in southern Ontario. Even so, the town's business is strong and varied. This is possible because Aurora has a skilled and trained workforce.

Aurora has a lot of well-developed facilities. It's also in a good spot for business. Because of these things, it's easy to get to Southern Ontario's biggest markets.

Many businesses in a wide range of fields are located in this thriving town. Insurance, finance, advanced manufacturing, and retail are some industries. 

In town, there are a lot of little shops. Still, some companies have more than 1,000 workers. Magna International and State Farm Insurance are both this size of a business.

People from all over the world like Aurora. The town has big groups of Chinese, South Asian, and West Asian people.

 

Aurora homes for sale

This city's real estate market is on the rise. The town's homes are great for families. Nearly 6,000 new homes have been built in the town since 2000.

It's easy to see why Aurora's real estate market is so busy: the homes are beautiful and have lots of space. Most of these homes have three or more bedrooms, which is great for families who want to stay home.

If you want more about buying or selling real estate in Aurora, look at our ads or contact one of our agents.

 

Shopping in Aurora 

In Aurora, there are a lot of places to shop. Big-box shopping centers are the most common because they are most popular in the suburbs. There are many of these outdoor shopping areas all over town.

There are several big shopping centres between Yonge Street and Murray Street. This includes the Aurora Shopping Centre and SmartCentres Aurora South.

More open shopping malls can be found on Wellington Street and Highway 404. This is where SmartCentres Aurora North comes in at number one.

Aurora has a busy downtown business area and big box stores. There are a lot of shops, restaurants, and service companies there. At the corner of Yonge Street and Wellington Street is the downtown area. This place is great for shoppers who want to shop in a cute, historic setting.

 

Fun and games

Aurora is a place with lots of fun things to do. These include everything from parks and museums to public areas.

The town takes care of a large network of parks. There are more than 62 parks in this area, which covers more than 800 acres. In these parks, there are 62 km of walks and 44 playgrounds.

Regarding parks and walks, Aurora has a lot to offer people who love being outside. The Aurora Community Arboretum is one of the biggest green areas in town. 

This park has more than 100 acres, and it's called the Arboretum. It has ponds, trails, meadows, and sports areas. People who go to the park can also walk along the East Holland River.

The town also has great community centres with inside and outside services. The recreation places have various sports, fitness, and exercise programs.

Regarding size, the Aurora Family Leisure Complex is one of the biggest places in town. It has a weight room, a gym, and an ice rink, among other things. There are several swimming pools at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex. Lastly, the Aurora Community Centre has a theatre and several grounds.

The people can also attend many shows and programs at the Aurora Cultural Centre. It has f our gallery areas for displaying art. There are also a variety of classes for people of all ages at the center.

The Theatre Aurora is another important cultural building in the town. This community theatre has existed since 1958 and has been up for many awards. Every season, the theatre puts on five shows.

 

Colleges and schools

Four school boards serve families in Aurora. The town has two English school boards and two French school boards.

The town has English-language public schools run by the York Region District School Board. In Aurora, English-language Catholic schools are run by the York Catholic District School Board.

The town also has a French-language Catholic board and a French-language open board. Conseil scolaire Viamonde runs French public schools in Aurora. The Conseil Scolaire Catholique MonAvenir runs the French Catholic schools in the town.

 

Getting Around 

Since Aurora is between Highway 400 and Highway 404, it is easy to get to work. But there are also many ways to get around Aurora if you want to avoid driving.

 

Transit by a car

Highway 404 goes from north to south on the east side of town. In the north, Highway 404 goes from Aurora to Keswick, which is on the southern end of Lake Simcoe.

The highway links the town to Toronto in the south. It runs next to the 401 in Toronto and is linked to it. It changes to the Don Valley Parkway south of the 401.

The west side of town is crossed by Highway 400, which also goes north to south. The highway goes from Aurora in the south to Barrie in the north. 

The highway links the town to Toronto in the south. In Toronto, the 400 is linked to the 401. You can also get to Black Creek Drive, the 427, and Allen Road from the 400.

Toll Road 1, also known as Yonge Street, is another important road in Aurora. From north to south, it goes straight through the middle of town. It goes through Newmarket on the way to the north. In the south, it goes through the middle of Toronto through Richmond Hill.

 

Public Transportation 

The public transportation in Aurora is also very good, so you don't need to drive your own car. There is public transportation in the town run by York Regional Transit.

Aurora can get to other towns in York Region with the help of York Regional Transit. Viva Blue provides express bus service in the area. You can join the YRT to the TTC, Brampton Transit, and Durham Regional Transit.

 

Transit by Train

People who want to avoid traffic can also take the train to and from Aurora. Aurora's rail service is run by GO service.

GO trains go through Richmond Hill and North York to get to Union Station from the south. They also take people up to Barrie in the north.

Commuters can connect to GO Transit and VIA Rail at Union Station. VIA Rail trains go all over Canada.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Aurora, Ontario:

Q1. What is the history of Aurora, Ontario?

Aurora's history dates back to 1795 when Governor John Graves Simcoe widened Yonge Street. The town saw significant growth in the mid-1800s with the arrival of the railroad. Notably, Lester B. Pearson, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and former Canadian Prime Minister, lived in Aurora in the early 1900s.

Q2. What is the real estate market like in Aurora?

Aurora's real estate market is thriving, with nearly 6,000 new homes built since 2000. The city offers spacious homes, often with three or more bedrooms, making it an ideal place for families.

Q3. What industries are prominent in Aurora?

Aurora hosts a diverse range of industries, including insurance, finance, advanced manufacturing, and retail. Major companies like Magna International and State Farm Insurance operate in the town.

Q4. How is the cultural scene in Aurora?

Aurora boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with attractions such as the Aurora Cultural Centre, Theatre Aurora, and various art galleries. The community actively engages in shows, programs, and classes for all ages.

Q5. What recreational opportunities are available in Aurora?

Aurora provides ample recreational opportunities, with over 62 parks covering more than 800 acres. The Aurora Community Arboretum, recreation complexes like the Aurora Family Leisure Complex, and various sports and fitness programs cater to outdoor and indoor enthusiasts.

Q6. What schools are available in Aurora?

Aurora is served by four school boards, offering both English and French-language education. The York Region District School Board and York Catholic District School Board manage English-language schools, while French-language education is overseen by Conseil scolaire Viamonde and Conseil Scolaire Catholique MonAvenir.

Q7. How is transportation in Aurora?

Aurora is conveniently located between Highway 400 and Highway 404, facilitating easy access to Toronto and other areas. The town also has well-developed public transportation, including York Regional Transit and GO trains connecting to Union Station and Barrie.

Q8. What shopping options are available in Aurora?

Aurora offers diverse shopping experiences, from big-box shopping centers like SmartCentres to charming downtown areas with local shops and restaurants. Popular locations include the Aurora Shopping Centre, SmartCentres Aurora South, and SmartCentres Aurora North.

Q9. What is the demographic makeup of Aurora?

Aurora attracts people from around the world, with significant communities of Chinese, South Asian, and West Asian residents contributing to its cultural diversity.

Q10. How can I find more information about buying or selling real estate in Aurora?

For real estate inquiries, you can explore advertisements or contact local agents for assistance in buying or selling properties in Aurora.