Moving Companies Aurora, IL

Aurora, Illinois

Situated just 37 miles west of Chicago, the city of Aurora is the crossroads of big-city action and country charm. One of Illinois' most vibrant regions, those moving to Aurora will discover many unique features and living advantages, including savory dining, unique architecture and hundreds of other options for a top-rate living experience.

History:
Two separate settlements on either side of the river were merged in 1857 to form the town of Aurora, Illinois. The town quickly developed into a manufacturing town, first known for textiles and later for heavy machinery and machine shops. In 1849, the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad extended its line to Aurora. Soon after, the railroad became the town’s largest employer. Socially, Aurora was progressive from the beginning. The town experienced the arrival of European immigrants in the latter half of the 19th century, drawn by its industrial jobs. Abolitionist organizations appeared in Aurora before the start of the Civil War, and out of 20 congregations in 1887, two African American churches thrived. In 1881, Aurora was the first town in Illinois to light its streets with electric lights, which gave the city its nickname, "The City of Lights." Aurora continued to be a manufacturing leader through both World Wars and the Great Depression. In the 1980s, many of the city’s factories begin closing, and the unemployment rate saw a drastic increase. The city responded by welcoming a riverboat casino to its downtown, developing the area around the casino and creating multiple business parks on the outer edges of the city. Today, businesses and residents continue to move and expand within the city.

Economy:
Heavy industry helped build the city of Aurora, with the Fox River serving as a power source to run saw and textile mills. As the Industrial Revolution developed and the railroad came to town, Aurora became a major producer of railroad cars, including some of the first dining cars built in the country. Heavy industry remains significant in Aurora today; and in total, the Fox Valley Industrial Association lists more than 150 manufacturers located in the area. With the surge of office and industrial park construction during the 1980s and 1990s, the city has become a major distribution channel for auto parts, dry goods, industrial gases and construction equipment. In addition, the city’s warehouse and distribution centers play a key role in the success of the local economy.

Tourism:
Begin your adventure at the Phillips Park Zoo. A free attraction with exhibits highlighting native animals of the surrounding area, the Phillips Zoo is hours of fun for the entire family. If you are looking to shop, there are two shopping malls located in Aurora: The Fox Valley Mall, a large indoor mall surrounded by many shopping and dining complexes, and the Chicago Premium Outlets Mall, which, despite its name, lies fully within Aurora city limits. Downtown Aurora is home to the Paramount Arts Centre, a large live performance theater, the Hollywood Casino and the SciTech Interactive Science Museum. During the summer months, “Downtown Alive,” a festival that includes live music and a variety of food booths, is held every Friday night. For the sports fan, head over to Walter Payton’s Roundhouse Complex, where Chicago Bear legend Walter Payton renovated this historic roundhouse into a complex that contains America's Brewpub, America's Brewing Company, America's Banquets, the Walter Payton Museum and an open-air performance courtyard.

Colleges/Universities:
• Aurora University
• Robert Morris College
• Rasmussen College

Interesting Facts:
• In 1881, the city became one of the first cities to use electricity for street lighting.
• Aurora is the Roman name for Eos, the Greek Goddess of the dawn.
• The first public flight demonstration took place at the Driving Park in Aurora when a Wright Brothers plane did demonstrations for the city's 1910 Fourth of July celebration.

Helpful Links:
• Aurora Real Estate
• Aurora Storage Facility
• Aurora Insurance
• Aurora Dental Offices
• Aurora Moving Guide