AURORA, Illinois (July 15, 2008) – The City of Lights has once again been named one of the best places in the country to live by Money Magazine.
The August, 2008 edition of the magazine lists Aurora as number 74 out of 100 best places to live. Only five Illinois cities made the list of best small cities: Naperville (3); Bolingbrook (32); Wheaton (54); Aurora (74), and Orland Park (92).
To find America's best places to live, Money Magazine considers data on housing affordability, job growth, education quality, public safety and recreational opportunities, among other things.
"For the second time in a row, Aurora is getting the national recognition it deserves," said Mayor Tom Weisner.
Money Magazine rates small cities (population 50,000 to 300,000) every other year. Last year, the magazine looked at small towns with populations between 7,500 and 50,000. Aurora was ranked in the top 100 for the first time in 2006.
“Great things began happening in Aurora a couple years ago, and Money Magazine sat up and took notice,” Weisner said. “Credit has to go to our city council, whose members work tirelessly to make this a great place to live and work, as well as to our employees, business owners, community groups, schools and especially citizens. People don’t spend time and energy improving their communities because they think they will receive an award, but national recognition is always a bonus. It is a well-deserved honor for our entire community.”
Aurora's Economic Development Director Sherman Jenkins commented on the positive impact this type of recognition can have on future investment, adding, “Aurora remains a prime destination for business growth and development. This recognition just confirms what many developers and businesses have acknowledged for years.”

ABOUT THE AACVB:

The Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau serves as the tourism marketing and management organization for Aurora, Batavia, Hinckley, North Aurora, Montgomery, Plano, Sugar Grove and Yorkville. This not-for-profit organization provides numerous travel resources to visitors via the Web site at www.enjoyaurora.com and a toll-free number 1-800-477-4369