1. “Gateway To The Rockies” Is A Literal Term
Those who live in the city truly understand what Aurora’s nickname, “The Gateway to the Rockies” really means. The area is surrounded by those breathtaking Rocky Mountains, easily accessible from the Aurora area. And Aurorans sure do love their mountains and take advantage of being the gateway to them every chance they get. They spend plenty of time atop them, soaking up the beautiful scenery, hiking on the trails and skiing down the powdery slopes.
2. The Mountains Will Always Be Way More Reliable Than A GPS
Aurorans have got the best navigation system around--the Rocky Mountains. Locals don’t need to rely on maps or a GPS, they just have an innate knowledge of where they are based on the mountain range.
Don’t expect them to give you directions with specific attention to roads and streets though. They see no need for that.
3. The Ocean Is Overrated. All You Really Need Is A Few Good Reservoirs.
Who needs the ocean when you’ve got some awesome reservoirs of your own, just ready for some on-the-water fun? Aurorans sure don’t.
The city is home to two great reservoirs, Aurora Reservoir and Chery Creek Reservoir, and locals take advantage of them year round. They’re great for swimming, boating, camping, fishing or just sun tanning on the shores.
Aurorans have no need for the big salty waves of the ocean, they’ve got all the water activities they’d ever want, right in their home town.
4. Shorts Should Be Worn At All Times, Especially If It’s Snowing
Cold doesn’t mean a thing to Aurorans and, while the chilly weather may have some visitors running, locals love it.
They’re used to their chilly and unpredictable Colorado weather and have grown to be unbelievably tolerant of it. While an out-of-towner may be bundled up head to toe in every winter layer imaginable, don’t be surprised to see a local shuffling through the snow in flip flops.
Yes, warm coats, long pants, and proper winter footwear are optional in Aurora, and rarely encouraged.
5. And A Northface Is A Must Everywhere (And We Mean Everywhere)
Only true Aurorans understand the glorious beauty of a good Northface jacket. A Northface is like fashion gold in this city, and it’s practically a rule that you wear one of those insulating coats wherever you go.
Out sledding? You’ll need a Northface. Hanging with friends? Bring your Northface. Out on a hot date? Nothing says “I’m into you” like a Northface.
But really, you can find Aurorans donning those jackets all over the place and, if you don’t have one, you’ll likely stick out like a sore thumb.
6. Sports Are Essential To The Auroran Way Of Life
If you don’t play sports, you’re likely not a true Auroran.
There’s a reason that Aurora has been acclaimed as one of the top sports towns in the country, and it actually received the title of the official sports town of the nation in the Sports Illustrated’s 50th anniversary edition.
Aurorans understand that sports are just a part of the lifestyle and that it’s impossible to live in the city without participating in some sport activity. There are plenty of great options to choose from for all ages and experience levels, and the town also holds plenty of sports tournaments throughout the year.
7. Mac And Cheese Is The Ultimate Comfort Food
Nothing says comfort like a big bowl of steaming hot, gloriously cheesy mac and cheese to Aurorans. Most have great secret family recipes for it that could leave even Gordon Ramsay speechless, but they’ll also happily eat it out of a box.
Aurorans understand the true greatness of this delicious noodle dish, and will likely scour the menu of any restaurant in hopes of ordering just that. They surely prefer it over any other fancy schmancy food you have to offer, so you can keep your foie gras and caviar--Aurorans are perfectly happy with their mac and cheese.
8. The French Press Is The Best Place To Go For Breakfast
Locals know that there’s only one place to go for breakfast if you’ve got a hankering for mouth watering waffles and eggs in Aurora--The French Press.
It’s the prime spot for any morning outing, and you can feast on plates of hot, filling breakfast food as early as 6:30 am. Its delicious grub is renowned throughout the city, and really going anywhere else is pointless.
You’d understand too if you sunk your teeth into one of their many mouth-watering options, like perfectly poached crab cake egg benedicts, fluffy buttermilk pancakes or strawberry stuffed French Toast. Now, who’s hungry?
9. Being From Aurora Doesn’t Mean You’re Actually From There
A truly local Auroran is hard to find. It seems that people from all over the world are just scrambling to move to the city and make it their home. Aurora has a very high international immigration number and is home to plenty of thriving international businesses. Aurorans know that if someone claims they’re a local, they’re probably actually initially from some other far flung location.
10. Having An Inferiority Complex, Thanks To Denver
Aurorans constantly live in Denver’s shadow with their city often being called Denver’s suburb, despite all the great things Aurora has to offer.
When it comes down to it, Aurora could give Denver a run for its money--there’s plenty to see and do, it has great health care, the cost of living is low and it also happens to be one of the safest cities in the US.
