Aurora can be found in the Chicago metropolitan region. It is situated mainly in DuPage and Kane Counties and is the second most populated city in Illinois, following Chicago. In terms of overall population, it ranks as the 144th most populous city in the United States. 

Aurora originated from two separate villages: East Aurora, which was established on the east side of the river and incorporated in 1845, and West Aurora, which was formally organized on the west side of the river in 1854. These two towns merged in 1857 and became the city of Aurora. There was a disagreement among representatives regarding the location of the public buildings, hence, the majority of them were constructed on or near Stolp Island, which is situated in the center of the river.

Aurora’s geographic coordinates are 41°45′50″N 88°17′24″W (41.7637855, -88.2901352).

Aurora, historically considered as part of Kane County, encompasses areas from DuPage, Kendall, and Will counties as well. In Illinois, Aurora is among the three cities, along with Barrington Hills and Centralia, that extend across four counties.

From a political standpoint, the city has been divided into 10 wards. Three distinct regions can be identified within Aurora, encompassing significant areas of the city.

The area on the western side of the Fox River is known as the West Side. On the other hand, the East Side refers to the region located east of the Fox River, with its boundary ending at the DuPage County line. Lastly, the Far East Side specifically refers to a part of Aurora that is situated to the east of the DuPage County line.

Periodically, the city can be subjected to heavy snowfall and encounters blizzards.

According to the 2020 census, the city had a population of 180,542 individuals, with 65,128 households and 47,579 families. The population density was calculated to be 3,932.26 people per square mile. There were a total of 62,763 housing units, with an average density of 1,367.00 units per square mile.

Aurora is located on the outskirts of the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor. The city has a rich history of manufacturing, much like many other areas within the Chicago metropolitan region.

The AACVB, a nonprofit organization, is committed to actively promoting and advertising the region as a top choice for overnight stays.

Aurora’s city center is brimming with notable buildings and significant historical sites. Among them is the prominent Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple of Greater Chicago, a significant Hindu temple. Additionally, Aurora boasts its very own zoo, known as Phillips Park Zoo, situated within Phillips Park.

In the heart of Aurora, you will find the Paramount Theatre, a grand live performance venue listed on the prestigious National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, the Hollywood Casino adds to the vibrancy of downtown. Another notable landmark is the Leland Tower, a former hotel that once held the title of the tallest building in Illinois, excluding Chicago. This architectural gem has also earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

There are several museums in Aurora, including the Aurora Historical Society, Aurora Regional Fire Museum, The Aurora Public Arts Commission, Grand Army of the Republic Hall, Phillips Park Zoo, David L. Pierce Art and History Center, and the Schingoethe Museum of Native American Culture.

Wayne’s World is a comedic movie that takes place characters that originated from a sketch on the television series Saturday Night Live.

Aurora University offers various sports teams including men’s and women’s basketball, golf, tennis, track and field, cross country, lacrosse, football, and baseball. They also have women’s softball and volleyball teams. The athletics program at Aurora University is classified as Division III.

For many years, Aurora has served as a central transportation center in the region. The transportation system in Aurora links its inhabitants and tourists to nearby towns and cities. The city is conveniently reachable by car thanks to the presence of several major roads, such as Interstate 88 and Illinois Route 59. Moreover, Aurora provides a range of public transportation choices, including two Metra commuter stations, Pace Bus services, and an increasingly growing network for cyclists.

Interstate highways, such as Interstate 88, are an important part of the road network. In addition, US highways like US 30 and US 34 play a significant role in connecting different areas. Meanwhile, Illinois highways, including Route 25, Route 31, Route 56, Route 59, and Route 110, are vital for local transportation within the state.

In Aurora, there are two medical facilities available: Ascension Mercy Medical Center located on the western side, and Rush-Copley Medical Center situated in Fox Valley.

IMSA is an educational institution that focuses on math and science, and is supported by state funds. It is a residential school for students in grades 10 to 12. Although IMSA shares the same location as West Aurora High School North Campus, it is run separately and is not affiliated with other public schools in Aurora. Any student from Illinois who meets the qualifications can apply to attend IMSA without having to pay tuition.

The Aurora Public Library consists of the central library, two satellite locations, a quick service center, a facility for assistance, and a mobile library.

Founded in 1846, the Beacon-News holds the distinction of being Aurora’s longest-running establishment. It falls under the Tribune Publishing umbrella and comprises two distinct editions: one for Aurora and another for Kendall County. Its exceptional quality has been consistently acknowledged by esteemed organizations such as the Associated Press, Illinois Press Association, Northern Illinois Newspaper Association, and the Chicago Headline Club, solidifying its status as one of the premier daily newspapers in Illinois.

Aurora, similar to other major cities in the Midwest that formerly depended on manufacturing for their economy, has a significant amount of unused buildings and empty plots of land, particularly in the older parts of the city. There are continuous endeavors being made to renovate and revive these areas.

The city of Arlington Heights is served by two train stations, Arlington Heights and Arlington Park, on the Union Pacific Northwest Line of Metra. This rail line offers daily service between Harvard, Illinois and Ogilvie Transportation Center. Prospect Heights is also nearby and can be accessed via the North Central Service. Arlington Heights benefits from its convenient location with Interstate 90 and Illinois Route 53 running along its southern and western borders, respectively. These highways provide easy access to O’Hare International Airport, the city of Chicago, and other surrounding suburbs.

Lucas (1986) was filmed at the previous Arlington High School, featuring various scenes shot in the former Grace Gym and Foyer. A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010 film) used John Hersey High School for its high school scenes. The Lucky Ones (2008), Normal Life (1996), Uncle Nino (2003), Bernadette (2018), and The Founder were also filmed at different locations.