Aurora, IL, “City of Lights,” is quickly becoming home for many Illinoisans and out-of-staters alike. There are countless things to do in the city, whether you visit the Aurora Regional Fire Museum, relax at Phillips Park Zoo, check out Aurora West Forest Preserve, or take in the riverfront views at McCullough Park. No wonder 180,500 people are living in Aurora.
And if you’re considering renting or buying a home in Aurora, there are four things you should know. The housing market is somewhat competitive, the median home sale price is $275,000, the average sale price per square foot is $166, and the average rent price for a two-bedroom apartment in Aurora is $1,825.
If those prices don’t fit into your budget, don’t worry. We’ve rounded up a list of the 7 best affordable suburbs near Aurora, IL, to consider living in – and they’re all under a 25-minute drive from the city. That way, you can live close to Aurora and all its unique activities without paying the premium price of owning a home there.
#1: North Aurora
Median home price: $248,000
Average sale price per square foot: $174
Driving distance from Aurora: 10 minutes
North Aurora, IL homes for sale
North Aurora, IL apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $248,000,North Aurora, takes the number one spot on our list of affordable Aurora suburbs. Just about a 10-minute drive away 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 through Red Oak Nature Center.
#2: Montgomery
Median home price: $250,000
Average sale price per square foot: $169
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,145
Driving distance from Aurora: 25 minutes
Montgomery, IL homes for sale
Montgomery, IL apartments for rent
Taking the second spot on our list is Montgomery. Only 25 minutes from the city center, 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 grab a meal along the riverfront.
#3: Boulder Hill
Median home price: $257,000
Average sale price per square foot: $186
Driving distance from Aurora: 10 minutes
Boulder Hill, IL homes for sale
Boulder Hill, IL apartments for rent
Just 10 minutes away, you’ll find the suburb of Boulder Hill. From parks and outdoor recreation to shopping, there are lots of things that make Boulder Hill a great place to live. If you decide to move to our third most affordable suburb, make sure to visit one of the many local shops and attractions.
#4: Yorkville
Median home price: $269,990
Average sale price per square foot: $158
Driving distance from Aurora: 20 minutes
Yorkville, IL homes for sale
Yorkville, IL apartments for rent
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 the Bicentennial Riverfront Park and check out the quaint downtown.
#5: Oswego
Median home price: $340,000
Average sale price per square foot: $156
Driving distance from Aurora: 10 minutes
Oswego, IL homes for sale
Oswego, IL apartments for rent
Drive 10 minutes outside of Aurora and you’ll find the suburb of Oswego, another great area to add to your list. Home to 34,600 residents, this affordable town can be a great choice for people looking to remain close to Aurora without paying the price for 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 sale price per square foot: $162
Driving distance from Aurora: 15 minutes
Sugar Grove, IL homes for sale
Sugar Grove, IL apartments for rent
Sixth on the list is another one of the well-known suburbs near Aurora, IL, Sugar Grove. Home to roughly 9,300 people, Sugar Grove is a great suburb to consider renting or buying a home in. And you’ll have easy access to what makes this suburb special. Make sure to visit the Air Classics Museum or go camping at the nearby Big Rock Campground.
#7: St. Charles
Median home price: $460,000
Average sale price per square foot: $183
Driving distance from Aurora: 25 minutes
St. Charles, IL homes for sale
St. Charles, IL apartments for rent
Rounding out our list of affordable suburbs near Aurora, IL, is none other than St. Charles. With a population of nearly 33,100, St. Charles is a great area to live in that’s smaller than Aurora. If you’re going to call this area home, plan time to take a scenic stroll along the Fox River, tour the historic Arcada Theatre, visit the St. Charles History Museum, and check out the Victorian homes of the St. Charles Historic District.
Methodology: Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s median home sale price or average sale price per square foot is less than Aurora and under a 25-minute drive from downtown Aurora. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during November 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com November 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.
