Welcome to Aurora, New York!

It also performs well for young singles and families, though first-time buyers may find it out of reach.

Lifestyle

Aurora, NY balances trendiness and tranquility with solid marks for luxury and urban polish.

demographics aurora ny

Home Stratosphere

Home prices are moderate compared to many parts of New York, but pretty steep, just the same.

The trend continues with steady, predictable gainssuggesting a stable and desirable market for both long-term homeowners and investors.

Housing stock in Aurora is older and full of character.

lifestyle aurora ny

Over three-quarters of homes were built before 1960, many with classic Victorian or colonial architecture.

Many homes are owner-occupied (around 78% of occupied housing units) as opposed to rentals.

Some houses are second homes or seasonal residences lake cottages used in summer.

median home prices over time aurora ny

Starter homes and fixer-uppers do come up occasionally, often at lower prices.

Overall, Auroras home prices are more affordable than Ithacas but higher than nearby small towns.

Cost of Living

Living in Aurora is relatively affordable compared to many parts of New York State.

Cayuga Lake Aurora NY

This lower cost of living is largely due to affordable housing and everyday expenses.

Overall, Aurora offers small-town affordability comparable to nearby Auburn and notably cheaper than Ithaca.

However, budget for New York States taxes, which affect the cost of living.

Aurora NY aerial view

This is the kind of village where neighbors know each other and look out for one another.

Violent crime is extremely rare in Aurora, with rates only about one-quarter of the national average.

Property crime things like theft or burglary is also low, about 42% of the U.S. average.

Residents often remark that they feel comfortable leaving doors unlocked and walking around after dark.

Compared to Ithaca and Auburn, Aurora stands out as especially peaceful and secure.

Crime is not a significant concern for Aurorans day-to-day, contributing to a tranquil living environment.

These venues host community events, live music nights, and wine tastings that villagers can enjoy year-round.

For everyday dining and hangouts, Aurora offers a handful of choices.

The Aurora Historical Society runs a small local history museum, great for learning about Auroras past.

Visitors can tour the whimsical farmhouse and gardens and shop for distinctive ceramics and furnishings.

Residents typically drive to Union Springs or Auburn for supermarkets, pharmacies, and department stores.

Broadband internet is available (essential for remote workers), though speeds can vary in the rural outskirts.

Cell phone coverage is decent in the village center but might get spotty in some country lanes.

For anything it lacks, larger towns nearby fill the gap.

But for commuting, shopping, or reaching nearby cities, youll be driving.

This road goes through the village as Main Street.

In terms of driving time, thats roughly 25 minutes to Auburn and around 4045 minutes to Ithaca.

Public transportation: There is no local bus system in Aurora.

The regional transit (Centro or TCAT from Ithaca) does not extend into Aurora regularly.

Taxis or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) are not commonly cruising the village.

Essentially, carpooling or driving yourself is the norm.

Traffic is virtually nonexistent in Aurora rush hour might mean getting stuck behind a tractor on Route 90.

Winters require caution on the roads, as snow and ice are common.

For longer travel, airports are within reasonable reach.

Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH) is about a 40-minute drive, offering daily flights to major hubs.

Syracuse Hancock International Airport is about 60 miles away (around a 1.25-hour drive) with more flight options.

One upside: the daily commute can be stunning.

Many Aurora residents commute to jobs in Ithaca, Auburn, or even Syracuse.

The drives are often through rolling farmland and lake vistas.

Overall, Aurora is car-dependent but uncongested a peaceful place for drivers, with manageable distances to key destinations.

New York is known for relatively high taxes.

Property Taxes: Property taxes in Cayuga County (and thus Aurora) are on the higher side.

This bill is a combination of county, town, village, and school district taxes.

The school district levy is especially significant.

Cayuga Countys property tax rates rank among the highest in New York.

The saving grace is that home values are modest, so the absolute dollar amounts are manageable.

State Income Tax: New York State imposes graduated income tax rates.

As of 2025, state income tax rates range from 4% to 10.9% on personal income.

Importantly, there is no additional city income tax in Aurora (unlike NYC).

Thats the New York State base rate of 4%, plus 4% county sales tax.

Groceries and prescriptions are exempt from sales tax in NY.

Gasoline has built-in taxes.

The STAR exemption for school taxes can provide homeowners a tax reduction on their primary residence.

There are also property tax breaks for seniors, veterans, etc., if you qualify.

Many residents feel the trade-off is worth it for the quality of life and services.

Economy and Jobs

Auroras local economy has historically revolved around education and tourism.

For many years, Wells College was the largest employer in the village.

The Inns of Aurora resort is now arguably the economic anchor of the village.

This collection of inns, restaurants, and a spa employs a substantial number of people.

There are also a few small businesses along Main Street shops, eateries, a brewery, etc.

Additionally, agriculture and wineries in the surrounding area contribute to the economy.

For professionals, job opportunities within Aurora are limited.

Some work remotely from home.

Entrepreneurship is another avenue some residents operate B&Bs, home-based consultancies, or craft businesses.

In the village itself, health care access is limited to a small community medical clinic.

This clinic is open limited hours and can provide routine care.

For anything beyond basic care, youll be traveling to nearby towns.

The closest hospital is Auburn Community Hospital, about 18 miles north.

In an emergency, this is likely where youd be taken.

For more advanced care or specialists, many Aurora residents go to Ithaca or Syracuse.

For very specialized treatments, Syracuses hospitals (about 50 miles northeast) are used.

The village is served by volunteer EMS (ambulance) and a volunteer fire department.

For senior care, the nearest nursing homes or assisted living facilities are in Auburn or Ithaca.

Home health services operate in the area for in-home care.

In summary, health care for Aurorans is a balance of tranquility and travel.

Day-to-day, you have a doctor in town for routine care, and a hospital close enough for emergencies.

But you may be driving 3060 minutes for specialist appointments or major medical procedures.

Although Wells College closed in 2024, the legacy of education lives on.

Public Schools (K-12): Aurora is served by the Southern Cayuga Central School District (SCCS).

The schools are small, with roughly 700 students district-wide from PK through 12th grade.

Class sizes are generally small, allowing for personal attention.

Southern Cayuga High School offers the basics and a few Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

It performs around the state average academically.

Parents often praise the tight-knit nature of the school community.

With limited enrollment, students can join multiple activities and get leadership roles.

The trade-off is fewer elective courses or specialized programs than a bigger district might have.

The graduation rate is usually strong, often 90% or above.

Some families consider private schools in Ithaca or Auburn, though that involves a commute.

Ithaca has highly regarded options, and Auburn has a Catholic school (Tyburn Academy) and others.

Higher Education: Aurora had been synonymous with Wells College, a liberal arts college founded in 1868.

As of the 2020 Census, the villages population was 607 people.

Lifestyle in Aurora is laid-back and community-oriented.

There is a notable presence of intellectual and artistic interests book clubs, community theater, art workshops.

Community events are a highlight of life in Aurora.

Around the holidays, expect charming traditions like tree lighting, caroling, and craft fairs.

The socioeconomic profile of Auroras residents skews higher income and educated compared to the county at large.

The median household income in the village is about $80,800, significantly above the Cayuga County median.

Many residents have bachelors or advanced degrees.

Youll find professors, writers, and professionals living next to farmers, carpenters, and hospitality workers.

One thing to mention is that Aurora can feel very quiet, especially in winter.

Some people love that the tranquility, the sense that you have a whole beautiful village almost to yourself.

Others, particularly younger singles, might find it too sleepy.

Those who appreciate nature, a slower pace, and tight community bonds thrive here.

Outdoor Activities

If you love the outdoors, Aurora is a little slice of paradise.

In the summer, residents and visitors enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking.

Theres a public boat launch just south of the village at Long Point State Park.

Fishing is excellent Cayuga Lake is known for trout, bass, and other species.

Swimming is typically done at Long Point State Parks beach.

On hot days, a quick dip in the lake is refreshing.

Parks and Trails: Long Point State Park is a gem just a couple minutes drive from Aurora.

A popular stroll is along Main Street by the lake.

You might see white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and the occasional fox.

Birding is especially rewarding songbirds in the woods, waterfowl on the lake, and raptors overhead.

Seasonal Activities: Aurora experiences all four seasons vividly.

Winter brings snow, so activities shift to cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and sledding.

Spring is beautiful with blooming trees.

Aurora sits on the Cayuga Wine Trail, one of the Finger Lakes wine countrys premier routes.

Final Thoughts: Aurora vs. Aurora is all about small-town charm.

You get a safe environment, beautiful lakefront scenery, and a slower pace.

The cost of living is lower and the community is close-knit.

Ithaca, by comparison, is a bustling college town.

There are more job opportunities in tech, education, and research.

But Ithaca comes with a higher cost of living and more traffic.

Auburn is a small city with an industrial history.

Living in Auburn gives you immediate access to supermarkets, chain stores, and services.

The cost of living in Auburn is low similar to Aurora or even slightly cheaper.

Auburn has more crime than Aurora, but generally moderate levels for a city its size.

Culturally, Auburn has attractions like museums and a revitalizing downtown.

That said, Auburn lacks the lakefront panoramas and quaint atmosphere of Aurora.

In essence, if you move to Aurora, you are choosing the lake breezes over city lights.

For those considering a move, Aurora offers a unique and wonderful lifestyle.

Families will find it safe and supportive, though their teens might crave more excitement at times.

In Aurora, life is lived a little slower and sweeter.