Aurora has a population of nearly 400,000 and is known for great schools, excellent health care, outdoor recreation, and a relaxing feel. It’s Colorado’s third-largest city.

A large military presence has existed in Aurora since the early 20th century. In 1918, Army General Hospital #21 (later renamed Fitzsimmons Army Hospital) opened, with the U.S. government expanding and upgrading the hospital facilities in 1941 just in time to care for the wounded servicemen of World War II.  Lowry Air Force Base was opened in 1938, straddling the border of Aurora and Denver. It eventually closed in 1994, and has been redeveloped into a master-planned community featuring residential, commercial, business and educational facilities. In 1942, the Army Air Corps built Buckley Field, which has been renamed Naval Air Station, Buckley Air National Guard Base, Buckley Air Force Base, and finally Buckley Space Force Base.  The base, home of the Buckley Garrison and the 140th Wing Colorado Air National Guard, is Aurora’s largest employer.