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City of Aurora Illinois
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Named, The City of Lights, Aurora , Illinois is the second largest city in the state of Illinois , second only to nearby Chicago, IL. The City of Aurora began by a westward pioneer who, in 1834, made a campfire in a river valley that is now downtown Aurora , IL . Aurora was the first city in the United States to use electric lighting to light the entire city and was thereby named, The City of Lights. What began as an overnight campsite with two brothers has grown into a thriving city with over 157,267 citizens, full of modern day amenities and still preserving its modest and rich history. The City of Aurora is spread out on more than 39 square miles and unlike more densely populated cities, 60504 has a population density of 3,711 people per square mile. The city also extends into four counties, Kane, DuPage, Will and Kendall counties. The population of Aurora , Illinois living in Kane County is 110,000 and the population of the city living in DuPage County is 42,000 people. The Aurora populations in Will and Kendall counties have roughly a few thousand people between the two counties. Today, there are four historic districts in Aurora , Illinois. One such historic district is Stolp Island and is home to 20 significant historic structures. The island is not only the heart of the city, but is at the center of the rich history of Aurora. The island has a story of its own beginning. In the beginning of the development of Aurora , IL the city was split into two villages, one on the east side and one on the west side of the Fox River. The founding pioneers who famously lit their campsite fire which sparked a city originally owned the land on either side of the river. They eventually sold the west side to another family. As the towns grew, they depended on one another and grew into one city. However, still split by a river, the two sides did not find a common ground on which to begin building their public buildings and commerce. They compromised by erecting the buildings on Stolp Island, which laid in the middle river. Today, many historic buildings still stand on the island, although the original city hall and post office, dating back to 1837, are now replaced by a parking garage. Other historic places in 60504 Illinois include Downtown Aurora , where there are nationally recognized historic theatres. The history of the downtown area is a story that is beginning to take a turn for the better. When railroad shops began to close in 1974, many manufacturing jobs were lost. Soon after the loss of jobs, the decline of downtown 60504 began. The manufacturing plants that once fed the city are now being repurposed as warehouses. Redevelopment of the city begun in 1993 when a new casino was built downtown and this lead to the development of housing more than 70,000 citizens in the suburbs of Aurora , Illinois . Today, the city is divided into the West Side, the East Side and the Fox Valley. Neighborhoods in the East Side of 60504 include Copleyville, one of the most densely populated areas in Aurora. Dutchtown was originally populated by German immigrants. Other neighborhoods of the East Side include Near East Side and Pigeon Hill. Uptown is the center of the city’s Latino culture and has many large homes and shopping stores. Neighborhoods in the West Side of Aurora , Illinois are the Riddle Highlands, Near West Side and Little Italy, which was populated primarily by Italian immigrants and still has homes dating to the late 1800’s. Sans Souci is an upscale area with newer homes only 50 years old, compared to the historic neighborhoods in the area. Cherry Hill is an upper middle class neighborhood which seems to have an ill-fated relationship with Mother Nature. The neighborhood was severely damaged in a flood in the late 1990’s and ten years later a tornado damaged many roofs and exterior siding of the homes. However, the neighborhood has shown its true colors by rebuilding and standing together through the difficult times. The Fox Valley area has neighborhoods such as Frontenac and Newport Hill. Foxcroft is a middle class region with single family homes and townhomes. The Foxcroft neighborhood was built with the intention of becoming a central point of growth, but that dream was not realized fully and it remains primarily residential. The residents of 60504 Illinois are served by 46 public schools, which are divided into 4 districts. In addition to the 46 public schools, there are 22 private schools that also serve the area, some of which are Roman Catholic Schools and other Protestant Christian school programs. Primary education is not the end of the learning experience in Aurora , Illinois . Universities and colleges within the city offer degrees in everything from nursing and medical doctor degrees, to forensic science degrees, art degrees and music degrees, business school and more. Aurora business and employment opportunities grew and many manufacturing jobs were available. The city’s manufacturing jobs were the largest employer for over 100 years of Aurora’s history. Immigrants from across the world came to Aurora , Illinois to live their American dream. Goods made during the industrial age of America were manufactured, sold and shipped across the country thanks to the railroad system in the city. The railroad system may be gone since the days of the Industrial Age, however, Aurora is not in the Stone Age when it comes to transportation. Aurora has a municipal airport and there are two nearby international airports in Chicago, Illinois . The highway system in Aurora has several inlets and outlets to and from the city from all sides. Major highways make commuting and traveling quick and convenient. There are also several secondary highway systems. Public transportation is provided by a bus service and a commuter rail service, which can be taken into Chicago. Private transportation providers are also available as well as car rentals, taxis and limousine services. The city was always diverse and rich of ethnic backgrounds. It has also historically held a progressive approach toward education, religion and equality. In fact, Aurora , Illinois was the first to have a free public school in the Illinois and followed with a high school for girls in 1851, when educating women was a controversial topic. The diversity of the city is now made up of 68 percent White, 11 percent African American, 3 percent Asian American, and less than one percent Native American or Pacific Islander. This leaves over 14 percent in other race groups. A large percentage of the population (more than 32 percent) are Hispanic or Latino. The workforce in 60504 averages $61,113 per family, which is well above the national average. As much equality as Aurora , Illinois stands for, the average income for men versus women is still skewed, with the average male making over $11,000 more than the average female per year. Working is not the only thing to do in Aurora, IL. The 60504 city has many museums and parks. Aurora even has a zoo for residents and tourists to enjoy. A science museum is also one of the many favorite attractions of the area. Getting outside the big city for a while is a nice way to wind down from a busy week at work. Enjoying a bed and breakfast retreat in a quiet little town a few miles past the suburbs is a great way to brush off the burdens you might have carried around all week long. The country and rural areas on the outskirts of Aurora and throughout Illinois are lovely during all seasons. Some of the simpler things in life are most enjoyable, like picking peaches for a pie or biting into a crisp apple you plucked from a tree. Antiquing is also an enjoyable and rewarding treasure hunt that you can enjoy during a weekend getaway to the country. One need not have a to-do list when in the country. Taking a drive down a lazy road and looking at the trees as they turn their shades of red and gold is more attraction and beauty than the hustle and bustle of city light can offer. However, finding relaxation a few steps from your door in 60504 is as close as your neighborhood spa. The Aurora area has an endless list of spa businesses, ranging from very reasonable rates and all the way up to full service, upscale spa resorts. A trip to the spa is the perfect way to prepare for your wedding day. Gathering the bridesmaids and pampering the wedding party with pedicures and massages is an amazing way to relieve all the stress it took planning and paying attention to every detail. Letting all the worries melt away so you can enjoy your big day is no problem with so many wedding venues nearby the spas located in Aurora , Illinois . Whether you enjoy your big city life and choose to stay in the bustling energy and creativity within it, or find solace in a weekend retreat at the end of a gravel road, Aurora Illinois offers access to relaxing living and with all the amenities and nuances of a diverse city. Sponsored in Parts by: Self Storage Units Directory : http://www.storageconcierge.com and Local Self Storage Marketing : : http://www.phone-smart.info |