Thirty-five miles west of Chicago, Aurora is the largest city in the Fox River Valley. Aurora developed as an independent city and still sees itself as such, but suburban sprawl has reached westwards from Chicago, and Aurora is now considered part of the broader "Chicagoland" area. While residents escape the rush and the housing prices of nearby Chicago, they're also finding Aurora has much to offer in terms of economical advantages, education, recreation, and overall quality of life—all the while still being close enough to a major city for a day trip or workday commute.