Aurora-Heights, York

Aurora Heights is a well-established neighbourhood with a deep-rooted history and a strong community spirit. Originally a rural area, it was first settled in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The neighbourhood underwent a major transformation in the 1950s, transitioning into one of the first large-scale residential developments in the Town of Aurora. This marked its evolution from farmland to a suburban community.

The area is known for its family-oriented environment, with a layout characterised by numerous cul-de-sacs and crescents, which contribute to a quieter, more residential atmosphere. Bordered by key roads like Wellington Street West and Yonge Street, Aurora Heights is conveniently located yet maintains a sense of seclusion.

The neighbourhood offers an assortment of housing, including many bungalows, semi-detached homes, and detached two-storey houses. These homes, primarily constructed between the late 1950s and 1970, are set on spacious lots, providing ample outdoor space for residents. Recently, there has been some new construction in the area, with custom homes being built on the larger plots of land.

Aurora Heights is well-equipped with local amenities, such as the Aurora Community Centre, which hosts the Aurora Tigers Jr. A Hockey Club, and Machell Park, offering residents plenty of recreational opportunities. For shopping and dining, St. Andrews Shopping Centre and various businesses along Yonge Street are easily accessible. The nearby downtown Aurora Heritage District adds to the neighbourhood's appeal, featuring unique shops and restaurants.

The arts scene in Aurora Heights is anchored by Theatre Aurora, a community theatre that has been active since 1958. This theatre serves as a cultural centre, providing educational programmes and staging several productions each season.

Aurora Heights has a livability score of 82 out of 100. Here are some additional aspects of the neighbourhood:

Aurora Heights is notably safer than many other areas, with crime rates 44% below the national average and violent crime 42% lower. Residents have a 1 in 43 chance of encountering crime, reflecting the neighbourhood's strong security. Compared to other cities in Ontario, Aurora Heights ranks better than 62% for safety, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a secure and peaceful environment.

Aurora Heights is a culturally diverse neighbourhood, reflecting a rich blend of communities contributing to its lively social fabric. The area is home to a 5.10% Chinese population, 4.87% West Asian, and 4.05% African-American residents. This mix of cultures brings different traditions, cuisines, and festivals to the neighbourhood, enhancing the community's cultural richness.

Aurora Heights enjoys a strong economic standing, with median household incomes 20% higher than the national average and an unemployment rate 27% lower, highlighting a healthy job market. The income distribution in Aurora Heights shows that 5.5% of residents earn $20,000 or less, 10.3% earn between $80,000 and $100,000, while 7.1% have incomes of $300,000 or more. This blend of income levels reflects the neighbourhood’s affluence and economic stability, making it a well-rounded community with opportunities for growth across different income brackets.

There are many other notable neighbourhoods near Aurora Heights. Some of the major neighbourhoods nearby are:

• Hills of St. Andrew
• Aurora Highlands
• Aurora Estates
• Bayview Southeast
• Aurora Village

Schools

Aurora Heights offers a range of educational options, including reputed primary and secondary schools. Below are some of the schools nearby:

• Our Lady of Grace Catholic Elementary School
• Aurora Heights Public School
• Talent Montessori School
• Aurora High School
• Devins Drive Public School

Restaurants

Aurora Heights has a diverse dining scene, from cosy cafés to upscale restaurants offering international flavours. Some of the major restaurants are mentioned below:

• Golden Harbor Chinese Restaurant
• Osmow’s Shawarma
• Shushi Torii
• Bijoy’s Restaurant
• Aurora Artisan

Shopping Malls

Aurora Heights is close to several shopping malls that offer a range of stores, from big brands to local shops. These malls provide everything you need, from fashion and electronics to groceries and home goods. Some of them are -

• St. Andrews Shopping Centre
• Aurora Centre
• Smart Centres Aurora
• Aurora Gateway Centre
• Aurora Centre
• Bayview North Centre Plaza

Hospitals

Aurora Heights is well-served by nearby hospitals and healthcare facilities. These hospitals offer various medical services, including emergency care, specialist treatments, and routine check-ups. These include -

• Interro North Health Centre
• Aqua Health Clinic
• Aurora Medical Centre
• Enhanced Care Clinic
• Stevlanry Hospital

Aurora Cultural Centre

The Aurora Cultural Centre is a key cultural hub in the community, offering a range of arts and cultural programmes. Housed in a restored 1886 schoolhouse, the Centre features rotating art exhibits, workshops, and performances in genres like folk, jazz, and classical music. It’s a vibrant venue where all ages celebrate and enjoy the arts.

Aurora Town Park

Aurora Town Park is a lively community hub in Aurora, perfect for relaxation and social gatherings. The park comes alive throughout the year with events like the summer "Concerts in the Park," farmers' markets, and various festivals. It’s an ideal spot for families to enjoy outdoor activities, meet neighbours, and participate in local events.

Sheppard’s Bush

Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area in Aurora spans 65 acres and includes over 3 km of hiking trails, and 11 soccer fields. It also features historic buildings, including a maple syrup evaporator hut and the Sheppard family house. The area has mostly forests and a ravine along the East Holland River. It's a popular spot for picnics, walking, and enjoying nature throughout the year.

Willow Farm, Lakeview, and Wimpey Trail

The Willow Farm, Lakeview, and Wimpey Trail in Aurora is an interconnected network of urban trails linking neighbourhoods, parks, and open spaces in the forested hills of St. Andrews. Spanning 3.5 km, these trails feature paved and gravel surfaces. The trails offer scenic views and are popular for hiking and cycling, providing a peaceful escape within the urban landscape.

Patrick House Art Studio and Gallery

The Patrick House Art Studio and Gallery, located in Aurora, Ontario, is a charming heritage site dating back to the 1860s. This space serves as a personal studio and a public gallery, where owner Sue DiGioacchino creates and showcases her artwork. The studio offers a variety of workshops and private lessons, catering to art enthusiasts of all levels. While part of the gallery is undergoing renovations, Sue offers off-site workshops and client appointments by request.

The location offers convenient access to major routes and is well-connected to nearby transportation hubs. It's just a short drive to essential services and facilities, making commuting quick and efficient. Some of the nearby landmarks include -

• The Toronto Pearson International Airport is approximately 41 minutes away.
• Sheppards Bush is just a 7-minute drive from the locality.
• Magna Gold Club is only 13 minutes away.
• Educational Institutes like Our Lady of Grace Catholic Elementary School and Aurora Heights Public School are just a few minutes away.
• Aurora Medical Centre and Aqua Health Clinic are just 4 minutes away, providing healthcare facilities in the region.
• Golden Harbor Chinese Restaurant and Sushi Torii are just a 10-minute walk from the community.
• Central Food Market is within a 4-minute drive for household essentials and groceries.

Summerhill Market

Summerhill Market, a well-known gourmet grocery chain in Toronto since 1954, is known for its high-quality speciality foods, fresh meals, bakery items, and unique products. With multiple locations, including a new store in Aurora, it offers premium products and a welcoming shopping experience.

Aurora Farmers' Market

The Aurora Farmers' Market is a vibrant, seasonal event in Aurora featuring fresh produce, locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors to shop, enjoy live entertainment, and support local businesses.

Arzon Supermarket

Arzon Supermarket, often called Super Arzon, is a popular grocery store in Toronto that has become a beloved spot for the Persian community and those seeking Middle Eastern products. Located in North York, this market is known for its wide range of products, including fresh produce and Persian baked goods. It also has a hot food counter offering authentic dishes like kebabs and Persian rice. The supermarket also features a unique selection of saffron ice cream, a customer favourite.

Aurora Heights has a population density 140% higher than the rest of Aurora, indicating a more urbanised and concentrated community. The median age in the neighbourhood is 12% higher than in Aurora, reflecting a generally older population.

Residents with kids and pets can indulge in various activities and visit some of the popular landmarks in and around Aurora Heights. These include -

Eldred King Woodlands

Eldred King Woodlands near Ballantrae offers about 18 km of trails, ideal for hiking with dogs. This peaceful and expansive woodland has gentle paths suitable for all fitness levels, making it a great place for a relaxing walk with your furry friend.

Milne Dam Conservation Park

Milne Dam Conservation Park in Markham is a dog-friendly park with a 2.3 km trail through forests and wetlands. Dogs must remain on a leash to explore wide-open spaces and wildlife to experience different sights and smells. It is a perfect spot for walking dogs.

Air Riderz Trampoline Park

Air Riderz Trampoline Park in Aurora is a 22,000-square-foot facility with trampolines, a Climb Zone, dodgeball courts, slam dunk basketball lanes, a Foam Pit, a Stunt Bag, and a Trapeze area. It’s perfect for all ages, including toddlers, making it an ideal spot for family outings, birthday parties, and corporate events.

Aurora Heights offers a cost of living 5% lower than the Aurora average, making it a more affordable option within the area. However, it's 6% higher than the national average. Housing in Aurora Heights is particularly appealing, with costs 2% below the national average, making it a balanced choice for those seeking affordability and quality living.

The real estate market in Aurora Heights is actively growing, with a range of housing options that cater to different budget levels. The average sale prices for homes in Aurora Heights range from $1.18 million to $2.59 million, reflecting the area's desirability and diverse property offerings. For those looking to rent, the average monthly prices range between $3,000 and $5,000, indicating a healthy demand for rental properties. The housing market in Aurora Heights is attractive, especially given that housing costs are slightly below the national average, making it an appealing choice for buyers and renters.