Buy or Sell a Business in Aurora, IL | Illinois' Second Largest City

Aurora Economic Overview

Aurora, the "City of Lights," is Illinois' second largest city and a major economic center in the Fox Valley region. With a diverse population and economy spanning manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and services, Aurora offers abundant opportunities for business buyers and sellers.

The city benefits from excellent transportation access via I-88 and Metra commuter rail, a diverse workforce, and ongoing downtown revitalization. Aurora's mix of established industries and emerging sectors creates a dynamic business environment with opportunities across multiple price points.

Aurora Business Market Data

Metric	Value
Population	180,542
Total Businesses	8,500+
Average Business Sale Price	$295,000
Median Time to Sell	10 months
Top Industries	Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail, Restaurants, Professional Services
Region	Chicagoland (Fox Valley)
Counties	Kane, DuPage, Will, Kendall

Selling a Business in Aurora

Aurora's size and diversity create strong opportunities for business sellers:

Aurora Seller Advantages

Large market: Second largest city provides substantial customer base
Diverse buyers: Attracts buyers from multiple backgrounds
Strategic location: Access to Chicago and western suburbs
Growing economy: Continued development and investment

Aurora-Specific Considerations for Sellers

Neighborhood dynamics: Different areas have distinct characteristics
Bilingual market: Hispanic community creates unique opportunities
Downtown revitalization: Riverfront development adds value
Competition: Differentiate from Naperville and other suburbs

Complete Selling Guide →

Buying a Business in Aurora

Aurora offers excellent value and diverse opportunities for business buyers:

Aurora Buyer Advantages

Affordable entry: Lower costs than Naperville or Chicago
Large workforce: Access to diverse talent pool
Growth potential: Expanding population and economy
Variety of options: Businesses across all sectors and sizes

Aurora-Specific Considerations for Buyers

Location selection: Downtown, east side, and west side differ significantly
Cultural competency: Understanding diverse customer base
Transportation access: Proximity to I-88 and Metra valuable
Development plans: Research city's growth initiatives

Complete Buying Guide →

Top Industries in Aurora

🏭 Manufacturing

Industrial production and distribution.

🍽️ Restaurants

Diverse dining options including authentic ethnic cuisine.

🛍️ Retail

Shopping centers and specialty stores.

🏥 Healthcare

Medical practices and healthcare services.

Aurora Business Resources

Local Organizations

Frequently Asked Questions: Aurora Business Sales

Aurora offers more affordable real estate and labor costs than Naperville, with a larger and more diverse population. While Naperville has higher household incomes, Aurora provides excellent value and access to a broader customer base. Many businesses successfully serve both markets.

Aurora's downtown and riverfront areas have seen significant investment and revitalization. The Paramount Theatre district, RiverEdge Park, and new residential developments are creating opportunities for restaurants, entertainment, and retail businesses.

Yes, Aurora's diversity is a significant advantage. The large Hispanic community supports authentic restaurants, specialty retail, and professional services. Businesses that understand and serve diverse communities often find strong customer loyalty and growth opportunities.

Buy or Sell a Business in Aurora, Illinois

Aurora Business Market at a Glance