Aurora, IL is located approximately 38 miles from downtown Chicago. It was the first city in the United States to use electric lights to illuminate the city streets, back in 1881 (hence, its nickname, "City of Lights"). Aurora is the second largest city in the state of Illinois (next to Chicago). It's a thriving city which is located right along the I-88 (East/West Tollway) corridor, just west of Naperville. The city has much to offer businesses and the local residents. The City is a recognized as being the environmental leader in the Fox River Valley area. The city's designations and awards include The Clean Air Counts Platinum Award, EPA's Green Fleet and Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA. A number of sustainability plans are in the works such as the Seize the Future Master Plan, Riverfront Vision Plan, Countryside Vision Plan, RiverEdge Park Master Plan, the revised FoxWalk Overlay District, ANPI Neighborhood Plans and numerous other efforts to make Aurora a self-sustaining community. The city even has its own "Green Team."
 
Architectural gems in downtown Aurora include the Art Deco style Paramount Theatre (1931) designed by Rapp and Rapp and Leland Tower, former hotel which in its day had been the tallest building in Illinois (outside Chicago). Johnny Depp filmed a scene from the movie Public Enemies at the stunning Paramount Theater. The Leland Tower Hotel (1921) was the former home of the Sky Club Blues recording studio and it's now residential apartment rentals. Strolling around downtown, you'll find many commercial buildings designed by George Grant Elmslie (Prairie-style architect who studied under famed architect, Louis Sullivan). Most of downtown Aurora was developed in the late 1800's, at a time when architecture really made a statement. The Hollywood Casino now operates in Aurora and brings some big-name talent and entertainment and dining options to the area.
 
They hold many local festivals which include the Holiday Magic Event, Downtown Alive!, Blues on the Fox, Aurora Art Walk, Cruise Night, Farmers Market, Flag Day Concert, Summer Band Concerts, Independence Day Gala, Taste of Aurora, Phillips Park Fall Festival (pony rides, petting zoo, live entertainment, Oktoberfest fare, sunken garden, pumpkin patch fun). Phillips Park Zoo sits on 325 acres and has a Mastodon Gallery, Mastodon Lake for fishing/jogging/biking, Golf Course, waterfall, historic World War I cannons and veteran monuments. The zoo at Phillips Park has a wide range of exhibits, which include, reptiles, cougars, wolves, elk, fox, llama, peacocks and much more.
 
School Districts: 129, 131, 204, 302, 308
 
 
www.aurora-il.org