A presidential air emanates from East Aurora village in western New York, the location of thirteenth President Millard Fillmore's home and political beginnings. Modern day visitors can explore the Fillmore House at 24 Shearer Avenue, a National Historic Landmark owned and maintained by the Aurora Historical Society. Built by President Fillmore himself, this is an amazing glimpse into the industrious president's home life with items spanning his time here and well into his White House years.
East Aurora Village in Erie County, New York, packs a powerful punch in only 2.5 square miles. It is home not only to the Millard Fillmore House, but also to the Fisher-Price toy company, the founder of Master Charge and Master Card, and to an array of other prolific persons including Elbert Hubbard, founder of the Roycroft Art Movement. Founded in 1804, East Aurora has maintained its unique identity through preservation of the town's historic sites, successfully blocking unwanted big box stores, and maintaining a thriving Main Street. Winter sports are a part of the village's identity. Festivals and a variety of local food and farmers markets also flourish in this vibrant village, which is perfectly perched between Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
Moving to East Aurora
A small town with a population of 6,236 in 2010, East Aurora has a great rental scene. Over 20% of its housing serves as rental property with vacancy rates around the national averages. Finding a house rental or apartment to rent here is about average in terms of difficulty, but still allow about 3 to 4 weeks to have enough time to conduct a thorough search and fill out all the paper work.
What You Need
Rents for apartments fall slightly below the national average, while rental prices for homes can climb much higher depending upon the square footage and amount of property included with the house. Since East Aurora is a historical town spanning over two centuries, about half of the residential properties were built before 1940. Decide if you prefer the charm and character of an older home or the new home smell of newer builds. Whether you opt for studio apartments or rental homes in East Aurora, most require an application that asks for past rental and work history, financial information, references, and names of all residing in the home. Some apartments here require a reservation deposit to be submitted with the application. It can be refunded if denied or applied to the deposit of first and last months' rent when approved.
Extra Amenities
Opting for an apartment over a private home offers some extras that can be quite appealing to those without the time or interest in maintaining the exterior of a property. Snow removal during the winter months is a big plus for many, as is landscaping and maintenance services. Either type of property can include utilities such as heat, gas, and water. Inquire about the extras that are most important to you before settling on a place.
Neighborhoods of East Aurora
The village of East Aurora isn't sectioned off into neighborhoods, but residents tend to refer to Main Street in terms of West End and East End. Considering the village itself in those same terms of East and West is an easy way to understand the perks of each part of East Aurora. Another way to search for an apartment rental is to focus on specific complexes.
West End of East Aurora: On Main Street the West End includes the traffic circles--this section of the village extends to Riley Street. Knox Farm State Park and Hamlin Park offer residents lots of green space and recreational options. Most Roycroft related landmarks are also found here.
East End of East Aurora: Living in the easternmost section of the village is ideal for those who prefer the cul de sac scene and the Sinking Pond Wildlife Sanctuary. Fisher Price and Vidler's 5&10 also call this part of East Aurora home.
Top Apartment Complexes
Aurora Village Apartments: All units here are 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, located in the far West End with views of Cazenovia Creek.
Hickory Hill Estates: West End fans will find 1-2 bedroom apartments at this complex with utilities included in the rent. Some units come with extra square footage and cathedral ceilings for a higher rent.
Living in East Aurora
East Aurora really supports the local food scene by keeping it fresh with farmers and flea markets, along with a cooperative mini market. Stock up on fresh produce or become a regular at local culinary favorites Riley Street Station, Rick's on Main, and Arriba Tortilla. With many options for dining out or at home, aspiring chefs or those who use the kitchen for storage will be well fed. It's not all about the eats in East Aurora; locals also have a great arts scene, outdoor offerings, and several museums to keep busy.
Arts in East Aurora
The Aurora Players stage productions throughout the year to entertain theatergoers. Annual arts festivals offer something for every type of art enthusiasts with the East Aurora Music Festival, Roycroft Chamber Music Festival, and Roycroft Summer Arts and Crafts Festival. Plus, the poems of James Schuyler and paintings of Carl Illig allow potential residents to get a glimpse of the East Aurora scene.
Outdoors in East Aurora
Skiing, ice-skating, and hockey abound in the winter, while Knox Farm State Park offers the chance to go birding, hiking, biking, or picnicking year round. The Knox Farm features the usual farm animals plus llamas. Hamlin Park has fields for most team sports, and the hand drawn map on the village website is one of the charms of small town life.
Museums
Explore and More Children's Museum is geared for those 10 and under with exhibits encouraging guests to touch. Roycroft Campus and Elbert Hubbard Museum are a must for architecture and art lovers. Millard Fillmore House, the 5&10, and the Roycroft Inn are a few other local highlights.
