Welcome to Centennial, Colorado, where Front Range beauty meets modern suburban living in the heart of the Denver metro area. Incorporated in 2001, this thriving city of approximately 108,000 residents represents one of Colorado’s newest and most dynamic communities, offering an exceptional quality of life just minutes south of Denver. Named after Colorado’s admission to the Union during America’s centennial year of 1876, the city combines contemporary planning with the natural splendor of the Rocky Mountain region—and just like homeowners here seek top flooring installation to match their lifestyle, Centennial delivers quality in every aspect of daily life.

Centennial’s location provides residents with year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. Cherry Creek State Park offers boating, fishing, and hiking just minutes from residential neighborhoods, while the extensive Cherry Creek Regional Trail connects the city to the broader Denver metro trail network. The city enjoys over 300 sunny days annually, encouraging an active outdoor lifestyle that includes cycling, hiking, and golf. Centennial Center Park serves as the community’s crown jewel, featuring playgrounds, an amphitheater, splash pads, and event spaces that host concerts and festivals throughout the year.

Life in Centennial reflects a strong commitment to safety, education, and community engagement. The city consistently ranks among Colorado’s safest communities, making it particularly attractive to families and professionals. Annual events like Brew-n-Que, Centennial Under the Stars, and the Chalk Art Festival bring residents together to celebrate the city’s vibrant community spirit. The Streets at SouthGlenn provides a walkable urban village atmosphere with shopping, dining, and entertainment options, while the Denver Tech Center creates thousands of employment opportunities within city limits.

Experience Centennial, where Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle meets the conveniences of modern metropolitan living, creating an exceptional place to establish roots.

Centennial’s Modern Character

Centennial, Colorado, masterfully combines suburban comfort with urban sophistication, offering an appealing lifestyle for families, young professionals, and retirees. The city’s planned development ensures well-maintained neighborhoods, abundant green spaces, and thoughtful infrastructure that supports a high quality of life. The Denver Tech Center, located partially within Centennial, hosts major corporations including Arrow Electronics, National CineMedia, and United Launch Alliance, providing substantial employment opportunities.

Cultural attractions flourish throughout the city, with venues like the Curtis Arts & Humanities Center offering art exhibitions, classes, and community events. The Museum of Outdoor Arts features unique indoor and outdoor installations that blend art with the natural landscape. The city supports a thriving performing arts scene, with easy access to downtown Denver’s concert halls, theaters, and cultural venues via light rail and highway connections.

Centennial takes pride in its extensive parks and recreation system. The city maintains over 108 acres of parkland, including Centennial Center Park, Willow Creek Open Space, and Parker Jordan Centennial Open Space. The High Line Canal Trail provides scenic walking and cycling routes through the city, connecting to a regional trail network that spans hundreds of miles. The South Suburban Family Sports Center offers ice skating, swimming, and fitness facilities, serving as a year-round recreation destination.

Centennial’s neighborhoods offer diverse living options across various price points. From established communities near Cherry Creek to newer developments in the southeast portions of the city, Centennial provides housing choices suitable for different budgets and lifestyles. The city’s median household income of approximately $128,000 reflects its affluent character, while the emphasis on quality schools, safe neighborhoods, and convenient access to both Denver and Colorado’s mountains makes it an outstanding place for families and professionals.

Whether drawn by its excellent schools, proximity to employment centers, or the stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop, Centennial delivers a lifestyle that balances metropolitan convenience with Colorado’s renowned outdoor recreation opportunities.

Neighborhoods and Zip Codes of Centennial, CO

Centennial, Colorado, consists of several distinct neighborhoods, each offering unique characteristics and community atmosphere. Here’s a guide to some of Centennial’s key areas and their corresponding zip codes:

SouthGlenn (80122)

SouthGlenn serves as one of Centennial’s most established and desirable areas, centered around the popular Streets at SouthGlenn shopping and entertainment district. This neighborhood features a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments, many built in the 1970s and 1980s with ongoing redevelopment bringing modern options. The walkable village atmosphere, combined with proximity to quality schools and parks, attracts young families and professionals seeking convenience. The area provides easy access to both downtown Denver via light rail and the Denver Tech Center for employment.

Walnut Hills (80112)

Walnut Hills represents a premier residential area known for its well-maintained properties and family-friendly atmosphere. This neighborhood offers predominantly single-family homes on larger lots with mature landscaping. The area features proximity to top-rated Cherry Creek schools, multiple parks, and convenient access to E-470 for commuters. Residents appreciate the neighborhood’s quiet streets and strong sense of community, making it popular with families prioritizing education and safety.

Willow Creek (80121)

Willow Creek encompasses residential neighborhoods surrounding Willow Creek Open Space, offering direct access to natural areas and trails. This area features a variety of housing options including established single-family homes and townhome communities. The neighborhood attracts outdoor enthusiasts who value immediate access to hiking and biking trails while maintaining suburban conveniences. Schools, shopping, and dining options are easily accessible throughout the area.

Highlands Ranch Border Area (80126, 80130)

The southern portions of Centennial border the Highlands Ranch community, creating a seamless residential area with similar character and amenities. This area offers newer construction options with modern floor plans and amenities. Families appreciate the Douglas County schools serving this area, along with proximity to parks, recreation centers, and shopping. The neighborhood provides easy access to C-470 for commuters traveling to Denver or south to Castle Rock.

Cherry Creek Valley (80111, 80112)

Cherry Creek Valley neighborhoods offer proximity to Cherry Creek State Park and the reservoir, appealing to residents who prioritize outdoor recreation. This area features a mix of established homes and newer developments with various architectural styles. The neighborhood provides convenient access to Cherry Creek schools and maintains easy connections to both Aurora and Denver via major highways. Residents enjoy water sports, hiking, and cycling opportunities within minutes of their homes.

Tech Center Area (80111)

The Tech Center area encompasses neighborhoods near the Denver Tech Center employment corridor, attracting professionals seeking short commutes. This district offers apartments, condominiums, and townhomes suited to young professionals and those preferring lower-maintenance living options. The area provides walkability to employment, dining, and entertainment, with light rail access facilitating travel throughout the metro area. Modern amenities and urban conveniences characterize this contemporary neighborhood.

East Centennial (80015, 80016)

East Centennial includes more affordable residential options while maintaining access to quality schools and community amenities. This area features a mix of housing styles from different eras, providing entry points for first-time homebuyers and families seeking value. The neighborhoods offer parks, schools, and shopping within easy reach, while E-470 access facilitates travel to Denver International Airport and employment centers throughout the metro area.

With its diverse neighborhoods offering everything from urban convenience to outdoor-focused living, Centennial provides extensive housing options to accommodate any lifestyle. Whether drawn to walkable village districts, quiet residential streets, or nature-adjacent communities, Centennial has a neighborhood ready to welcome you.

Income and Education in Centennial, CO

Centennial, Colorado, stands as one of the Denver metro area’s most affluent and educated communities, with a robust economy driven by technology, professional services, healthcare, and financial sectors. The city’s median household income of approximately $128,000 significantly exceeds both state and national averages, reflecting the concentration of highly educated professionals and thriving businesses within the Denver Tech Center and surrounding areas. This strong economic foundation supports a comfortable standard of living and makes Centennial an attractive destination for professionals, entrepreneurs, and families seeking opportunity.

Education plays a central role in Centennial’s identity and appeal, with approximately 62% of residents holding bachelor’s degrees or higher and over 93% completing high school. The city is served primarily by Cherry Creek School District 5, widely recognized as one of Colorado’s premier public school systems, along with portions of Littleton Public Schools District 6 and Douglas County School District RE-1. These districts consistently rank among the state’s best, offering rigorous academic programs, comprehensive extracurricular activities, and high college acceptance rates.

Private and specialized schools throughout the area provide alternative educational approaches to meet diverse learning needs. The city also benefits from proximity to numerous higher education institutions including the University of Denver, University of Colorado Denver, and Metropolitan State University, all within easy commuting distance.

These institutions offer comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs, ensuring a skilled workforce that drives Centennial’s continued economic growth and innovation. With its focus on educational quality and strong economic opportunities, Centennial remains a community where individuals and families can achieve their goals and build successful futures.

Schools in Centennial, CO

Public Schools

Cherry Creek School District 5

Cherry Creek School District 5 serves the majority of Centennial students, educating over 52,000 students across 71 schools throughout the district. The district offers programs designed to meet diverse educational needs and consistently ranks among Colorado’s top school systems.

Cherry Creek High School: One of the district’s four comprehensive high schools, serving approximately 3,700 students in grades 9-12. The school offers extensive Advanced Placement courses, International Baccalaureate programs, and career pathways through the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus. Students benefit from competitive athletics, award-winning fine arts programs, and numerous extracurricular activities.

Arapahoe High School: Located in Centennial, this comprehensive high school serves approximately 1,800 students in grades 9-12. The school emphasizes college preparation through rigorous coursework, including numerous AP and concurrent enrollment options. Arapahoe offers strong athletics and arts programs while maintaining a supportive learning environment.

Smoky Hill High School: Serving students in grades 9-12, Smoky Hill offers comprehensive academic programs including honors and Advanced Placement courses. The school features career and technical education pathways, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities.

Eaglecrest High School: This comprehensive high school provides education for grades 9-12 with emphasis on academic achievement and college readiness. Students can access AP courses, career pathways, and diverse extracurricular programs.

Middle Schools: The district operates numerous middle schools serving Centennial students in grades 6-8, including Campus, Newton, Euclid, and Powell Middle Schools. These schools provide transitional education with exploratory programs in arts, technology, and world languages.

Elementary Schools

Cherry Creek operates over 40 elementary schools throughout the district, with many serving Centennial neighborhoods. Schools like Dry Creek, Heritage, Homestead, Walnut Hills, and Willow Creek Elementary provide foundational education through grade 5 with emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional development.

Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC): This specialized facility opened in 2019, offering career-focused education for high school students in pathways including aerospace manufacturing, business services, criminal justice, health and wellness, hospitality, infrastructure engineering, and information technology. Students attend CCIC part-time while remaining enrolled at their home high schools.

Littleton Public Schools District 6

Portions of western Centennial fall within Littleton Public Schools, which serves approximately 13,450 students across 24 schools.

Arapahoe High School: Also serving Littleton district students, this school provides comprehensive education with strong academic programs and community connections.

Goddard Middle School: Located in Littleton but serving some Centennial families, this middle school offers quality transitional education for grades 6-8.

Several Littleton elementary schools serve Centennial neighborhoods, providing quality early education with small class sizes and dedicated teaching staff.

Douglas County School District RE-1

Southern portions of Centennial fall within Douglas County schools, which operate 89 schools serving over 61,000 students across the county. The district offers strong academic programs with numerous schools receiving top ratings.

Private Schools

St. Thomas More Catholic School: This Catholic elementary and middle school serves students from prekindergarten through grade 8. The school combines faith-based education with strong academic standards, small class sizes, and a supportive community environment.

Academy of Charter Schools: Several charter schools operate in the Centennial area, offering alternative educational approaches including project-based learning and specialized curriculum focus.

Higher Education

Arapahoe Community College: Located in nearby Littleton, ACC serves as an accessible pathway to higher education, offering associate degrees, certificate programs, and transfer opportunities to four-year universities. Programs range from liberal arts to technical training, serving both traditional students and working adults.

University of Denver: Located approximately 15 miles from Centennial, DU offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs in business, law, arts and sciences, education, and engineering.

University of Colorado Denver: Situated in downtown Denver, CU Denver provides extensive undergraduate and graduate programs with strong connections to Colorado businesses and industries.

Metropolitan State University of Denver: MSU Denver offers affordable higher education with numerous undergraduate programs and strong focus on career preparation.

Red Rocks Community College: Serving western metro Denver, RRCC provides associate degrees and certificate programs with affordable tuition and transfer pathways.

Centennial’s educational landscape reflects its commitment to academic quality and opportunity. From outstanding public school districts to respected private institutions and accessible higher education, Centennial provides exceptional educational resources for students of all ages, fostering a knowledgeable and skilled community that drives the city’s continued success.

Public Transportation and Major Highways in Centennial, CO

Centennial, Colorado, benefits from comprehensive transportation infrastructure connecting the city to the greater Denver metropolitan area and beyond. The combination of light rail service, bus routes, and highway access provides residents and visitors with multiple transportation options.

Public Transportation

Regional Transportation District (RTD)

Regional Transportation District operates bus and light rail service throughout the Denver metro area, including routes serving Centennial. The system connects Centennial to downtown Denver, surrounding communities, and Denver International Airport.

R Line (Aurora/I-225 Rail): The R Line light rail serves multiple stations in Centennial, including Dry Creek, Southmoor, Arapahoe at Village Center, Orchard, and Sky Ridge stations. The line connects riders to the broader RTD network, providing access to downtown Denver via transfers and direct service to Aurora and Lone Tree. The R Line opened in 2017 and operates throughout the day with increased frequency during peak commute hours.

RTD Bus Routes: Multiple bus routes serve Centennial neighborhoods, providing local service and connections to light rail stations. Routes include connections between residential areas, shopping districts, and employment centers. The system offers regular service during weekday peak hours with reduced schedules on evenings and weekends.

Park-n-Ride Facilities: Several Park-n-Ride facilities serve Centennial commuters, including locations at light rail stations and major intersections. These facilities provide free parking for transit users, facilitating multimodal commuting options.

RTD Fares and Passes: RTD operates a zone-based fare system with options for single rides, day passes, and monthly passes. Discounted fares are available for seniors, students, and disabled riders. Mobile ticketing through the RTD Mobile Tickets app provides convenient fare payment options.

Major Highways

Interstate 25

Interstate 25 forms Centennial’s western boundary, serving as the primary north-south highway through the Denver metro area. The interstate provides direct access to downtown Denver (approximately 15 miles north), Colorado Springs (60 miles south), and Fort Collins (approximately 80 miles north). Multiple interchanges serve Centennial, including exits at Orchard Road, Dry Creek Road, Arapahoe Road, and County Line Road. I-25 carries heavy commuter and through traffic, with high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes operating during peak hours.

E-470

E-470 is a tolled beltway highway running along Centennial’s eastern edge, providing a bypass route around the Denver metro area. The highway offers convenient access to Denver International Airport (approximately 25 miles northeast) and connects to I-25 at both northern and southern ends. E-470 facilitates regional travel and provides an alternative to congested I-25 during peak hours. The toll road uses electronic toll collection with ExpressToll accounts or License Plate Toll for visitors.

Colorado Boulevard (State Highway 2)

Colorado Boulevard runs north-south through western Centennial, providing access to local businesses and neighborhoods. The route connects to Denver and continues south through the metro area.

Arapahoe Road

Arapahoe Road serves as a major east-west arterial through Centennial, connecting I-25 to E-470 and points east. The route provides access to numerous commercial districts, residential neighborhoods, and employment centers including the Denver Tech Center.

Orchard Road

Orchard Road runs east-west through northern Centennial, connecting I-25 to E-470. The route serves residential areas and provides access to Cherry Creek State Park.

Yosemite Street

Yosemite Street serves as a major north-south arterial through Centennial, connecting various neighborhoods and commercial districts. The route provides an alternative to I-25 for local travel.

Airports

Centennial Airport

Centennial Airport, located adjacent to the city, serves as one of Colorado’s busiest general aviation airports. The facility accommodates private aircraft, charter flights, and flight training operations. While not offering commercial airline service, the airport supports business aviation and recreational flying.

Denver International Airport (DEN)

Located approximately 30 miles northeast of Centennial, Denver International Airport serves as Colorado’s primary commercial airport. The airport offers extensive domestic and international flight options through multiple airlines. Access from Centennial typically takes 35-50 minutes via E-470 or I-25/I-70.

Things To Do in Centennial, CO

From outdoor recreation to family entertainment, Centennial offers diverse experiences for visitors and residents. Here are five exceptional attractions that showcase the city’s character.

Cherry Creek State Park

Cherry Creek State Park provides 4,200 acres of outdoor recreation just minutes from Centennial neighborhoods. The 880-acre Cherry Creek Reservoir offers boating, sailing, windsurfing, and fishing for walleye, bass, and rainbow trout. The park features a swim beach with lifeguards during summer months, making it perfect for family outings. Over 35 miles of paved and natural surface trails accommodate hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through diverse terrain. 

The park supports year-round camping with modern facilities including electric hookups. Bird watchers can observe over 300 species throughout the seasons, including numerous waterfowl and raptors. Winter activities include ice fishing and cross-country skiing when conditions allow.

Centennial Center Park and the Streets at SouthGlenn

Centennial Center Park serves as the city’s premier community gathering space, featuring 11 acres of award-winning design. The park includes multiple playground areas designed for different age groups, an interactive water feature operating during warm months, and an amphitheater hosting concerts and community events throughout the year. The Viewfinder Walk provides an educational experience about Colorado geography and natural features.

Just steps away, the Streets at SouthGlenn creates a walkable urban village atmosphere with over 60 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The mixed-use development features popular retailers, local boutiques, diverse dining options ranging from casual to upscale, and a modern movie theater. The outdoor plaza hosts seasonal events including concerts, holiday celebrations, and community gatherings.

17 Mile House Farm Park

The 17 Mile House offers a window into Colorado’s pioneer history as one of the few remaining stage stop structures from the Denver-Colorado Springs route. The restored 1860s trail house, barn, silo, and milk house provide authentic glimpses of frontier life. Visitors can tour the buildings by appointment, viewing period furnishings and learning about early settlers who traveled the Cherokee Trail. 

The site’s twelve acres feature interpretive displays, historic windmills, and connections to the Cherry Creek Regional Trail. The picnic area provides a peaceful setting for outdoor lunches while surrounded by preserved agricultural history. Special programs throughout the year include living history demonstrations and educational activities for children.

South Suburban Family Sports Center

The South Suburban Family Sports Center serves as a premier year-round recreation facility featuring two NHL-sized ice rinks, an indoor aquatics center, and comprehensive fitness facilities. The ice arenas host public skating sessions, hockey leagues, figure skating programs, and special events throughout the year. The Colorado Avalanche NHL team practices at the facility, occasionally offering opportunities for fans to watch professional athletes train. 

The aquatics center features a competition pool, leisure pool with water features, and therapy pool. The fitness center offers cardio equipment, strength training machines, group exercise classes, and personal training services. The facility welcomes all ages and skill levels, making it an accessible recreation destination for the entire community.

Centennial Gun Club

As one of Colorado’s largest indoor shooting ranges, the Centennial Gun Club provides a safe, controlled environment for both novice and experienced shooters. The facility features 50 climate-controlled shooting lanes accommodating handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Comprehensive safety training programs ensure proper firearm handling for beginners, while advanced courses help experienced shooters refine their skills. 

The retail shop carries firearms, ammunition, accessories, and safety equipment. Membership options provide various benefits including priority lane access, discounts on ammunition and classes, and exclusive member events. The club regularly hosts competitive shooting matches, allowing enthusiasts to test their skills against others. Certified instructors offer private lessons covering basic firearm operation, defensive shooting techniques, and concealed carry preparation.

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• Prides Crossing, CO

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