Welcome to Centennial, CO
Centennial, CO, is a vibrant and family-friendly city located in the southern suburbs of the Denver metropolitan area. Established in 2001, Centennial is one of Colorado’s newest cities, yet it has quickly grown into a thriving community with a population of around 108,000 residents. The city spans 28 square miles and is known for its well-planned neighborhoods, excellent schools, and easy access to both downtown Denver (approximately 15 miles north) and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Centennial is often recognized for its high quality of life, with beautiful parks, top-rated schools, and a strong sense of community. It consistently ranks among the best places to live in Colorado, offering a mix of urban convenience and suburban tranquility. The city has a balance of residential areas, commercial hubs, and outdoor recreation, making it a prime destination for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
History
Although Centennial was officially incorporated as a city in 2001, the area has a much older history dating back to the early 19th century when it was primarily home to Native American tribes, including the Arapaho and Cheyenne. As settlers moved westward in the mid-1800s, the region became a hub for ranching and agriculture, with its fertile plains supporting farming communities.
By the mid-20th century, suburban development began to take off as Denver expanded southward. Areas that now make up Centennial, such as Arapahoe County, Southglenn, and Willow Creek, saw rapid residential and commercial growth throughout the 1960s and 1970s. However, Centennial remained an unincorporated area until local residents voted to form an official city in 2001. Since then, it has become one of the most affluent and desirable suburbs in the Denver metro area.
The city’s name, Centennial, was chosen to reflect Colorado’s nickname as the “Centennial State,” as Colorado became a U.S. state in 1876, exactly 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Local Culture
Centennial boasts a laid-back yet active lifestyle, with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation, community engagement, and family-friendly activities. The city is home to over 100 parks and 36 miles of trails, including the scenic Cherry Creek State Park, where residents enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and water sports.
The local culture is a blend of modern suburban convenience and Colorado’s love for the outdoors. Residents are passionate about healthy living, sustainability, and outdoor adventure, with many embracing an active lifestyle that includes skiing, hiking, and cycling.
Centennial is also home to a growing arts and food scene, with a variety of local eateries, breweries, and coffee shops. The Streets at SouthGlenn, one of the city’s most popular shopping and entertainment districts, offers a mix of dining, boutique shopping, and cultural events throughout the year.
Community events, such as the Centennial Chalk Art Festival and Summer Concert Series at Centennial Center Park, bring residents together and highlight the city's commitment to arts, music, and local businesses. The city also has a strong focus on education, with highly-rated schools in the Cherry Creek and Littleton Public School districts, contributing to its family-friendly reputation.
Local Attractions
Centennial, CO, offers a mix of family-friendly attractions, shopping hubs, and outdoor adventures. Some of the most popular destinations include:
- The Streets at SouthGlenn – This vibrant outdoor shopping center is a favorite among locals, featuring a mix of retail stores, restaurants, a movie theater, and seasonal events. It’s a go-to spot for shopping and entertainment.
- Centennial Center Park – A beautiful 11-acre park that serves as a hub for community events, concerts, and outdoor fun. It features an interactive water playground, amphitheater, picnic areas, and walking trails.
- Cherry Creek State Park – A massive 4,000-acre park with a large reservoir, perfect for boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, and camping. It’s one of the best outdoor attractions in the Denver metro area.
- Topgolf Centennial – A popular golf entertainment venue where visitors can enjoy high-tech driving ranges, a lively bar, and delicious food.
- Family Sports Center – A top attraction for families, featuring an ice arena, climbing wall, mini golf, and an arcade. It’s also home to The Avalanche Practice Facility, where fans can watch the Colorado Avalanche hockey team train.
- Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary – Located just outside Centennial, this nonprofit farm animal sanctuary provides an opportunity to learn about rescued farm animals and ethical farming practices.
- Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre – Just north of Centennial, this outdoor concert venue hosts major music acts and events throughout the year.
Dining and Entertainment
Centennial has a thriving food scene with a diverse selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Whether you're craving classic American fare, international cuisine, or craft cocktails, there are plenty of options to explore.
Best Restaurants & Cafés:
- ViewHouse Centennial – A lively sports bar and restaurant with an extensive menu, rooftop patio, and great views.
- Los Dos Potrillos – One of the most beloved Mexican restaurants in Centennial, offering delicious tacos, burritos, and margaritas.
- Izakaya Den – A trendy Japanese restaurant and sushi bar known for its authentic flavors and fresh seafood.
- The Perfect Landing Restaurant – Located at Centennial Airport, this unique dining spot offers upscale American cuisine with panoramic views of planes taking off and landing.
- Toast Fine Food & Coffee – A favorite for breakfast and brunch, offering gourmet pancakes, omelets, and fresh coffee.
- India’s Kitchen – A must-visit for lovers of authentic Indian cuisine, known for its flavorful curries and naan bread.
Bars & Nightlife:
- The Centennial Taproom – A cozy neighborhood bar featuring a rotating selection of Colorado craft beers.
- Grist Brewing Company – A local craft brewery with a relaxed atmosphere and great IPAs and stouts.
- Resolute Brewing Company – Another popular brewery, offering a great selection of locally brewed beers and a welcoming community vibe.
- Jake’s Brew Bar – A great place for craft cocktails, wine, and beer, with an intimate setting perfect for a casual night out.
Entertainment Venues:
- Regal SouthGlenn Movie Theater – A modern cinema showcasing the latest blockbuster movies with luxury recliners and IMAX screenings.
- Monster Mini Golf & Laser Tag – A fun-filled indoor entertainment center with glow-in-the-dark mini-golf and laser tag.
- Bowlero Centennial – A modern bowling alley with a lively bar, arcade games, and billiards.
Parks and Recreation
Centennial is known for its abundance of parks, trails, and outdoor recreational spaces, making it a perfect place for nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts.
Top Parks & Outdoor Spaces:
- Centennial Center Park – The city's flagship park, featuring an interactive water play area, climbing structures, and scenic picnic spots.
- Cherry Creek State Park – The ultimate outdoor retreat, offering miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, plus a lake for boating, swimming, and paddleboarding.
- Willow Creek Park – A serene park with walking paths, a playground, tennis courts, and picnic areas.
- Arapahoe Park & Equestrian Center – A great place for horseback riding, offering lessons and open space trails.
- DeKoevend Park – A popular park for jogging, cycling, and family outings, with a beautiful trail that connects to the High Line Canal Trail.
- High Line Canal Trail – A 71-mile trail that winds through Centennial, providing biking, running, and scenic walking routes.
Recreational Facilities:
- South Suburban Sports Complex – A state-of-the-art facility featuring ice rinks, a gym, a fieldhouse, and sports leagues for all ages.
- Family Sports Golf Course – A great public golf course that’s perfect for beginners and experienced players alike.
- Centennial Gun Club – One of the premier indoor shooting ranges in Colorado, offering training courses and firearm rentals.
Schools and Education
Centennial, CO, is served by two of the top-rated school districts in Colorado: Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) and Littleton Public Schools (LPS). These districts consistently rank among the best in the state, known for their strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and excellent extracurricular opportunities. Many of the public schools in Centennial receive A or B+ ratings from education ranking websites like Niche and GreatSchools.
Some of the top public schools in the area include Arapahoe High School, which is recognized for its college prep programs and strong athletics, and Grandview High School, a highly rated school known for its STEM programs and AP courses. Cherry Creek High School, located just outside Centennial, is another standout, often ranked among the best high schools in Colorado, offering advanced placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and competitive sports teams.
For younger students, Dry Creek Elementary, Willow Creek Elementary, and Homestead Elementary are all well-regarded for their strong academic curriculum and high parent satisfaction ratings. Centennial is also home to several charter and private schools, such as Aspen Academy, a highly rated independent school, and Regis Jesuit High School, a private Catholic institution offering rigorous academic and leadership programs.
Higher education opportunities are within a short drive, with Arapahoe Community College in nearby Littleton and the University of Denver just a 20-minute drive away. The city’s access to top-notch educational institutions makes it an ideal place for families prioritizing quality schooling and academic excellence.
Commute and Accessibility
Centennial is strategically located with easy access to major highways and public transit, making it a convenient place to live for commuters. The city is bordered by Interstate 25 (I-25), E-470, and C-470, offering direct routes to downtown Denver (15 miles north), Denver Tech Center (DTC, 5 miles away), and Denver International Airport (DIA, 30 miles away).
For those commuting to Denver, I-25 serves as the primary north-south corridor, with travel times averaging 25-35 minutes during rush hour. E-470 and C-470 provide toll road alternatives that help commuters bypass congestion and reach Denver International Airport in about 35 minutes.
Public transportation is also accessible, with the RTD Light Rail (E, F, and R lines) providing service from the Dry Creek and County Line stations. These light rail routes connect residents to Denver Tech Center, downtown Denver, and beyond, offering a convenient alternative to driving. RTD bus services also run through Centennial, serving local routes that connect neighborhoods with business districts, shopping centers, and transit hubs.
For those who prefer biking or walking, Centennial has a network of trails and bike lanes, including sections of the High Line Canal Trail and Big Dry Creek Trail, which allow for scenic, pedestrian-friendly commuting options. With its efficient roadways, public transit, and bike-friendly infrastructure, Centennial is well-equipped for both car and transit commuters.
Utilities and Services
Centennial provides residents with reliable and well-managed essential services, including electricity, water, waste management, and internet providers. Xcel Energy is the primary electricity provider in the area, offering a mix of traditional and renewable energy options, while Black Hills Energy supplies natural gas to many households.
Water and sewer services are managed by various local districts, depending on the neighborhood. Some of the main providers include the Southgate Water and Sanitation District, Arapahoe County Water and Wastewater Authority (ACWWA), and Parker Water & Sanitation District, each ensuring clean and safe drinking water and efficient wastewater management.
Waste collection and recycling services are provided by Republic Services, Waste Management, and other local providers, offering weekly trash pickup, recycling programs, and yard waste disposal services. Centennial also promotes eco-friendly waste solutions, with multiple drop-off recycling centers and composting programs available to residents.
For internet and telecommunications, high-speed fiber and cable options are widely available, with providers like Xfinity, CenturyLink, and T-Mobile 5G Home Internet offering fast and reliable connections. The city is also a leader in smart city initiatives, with projects like Centennial FiberWorks aiming to expand high-speed internet access across the area.
Public safety services are managed by the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, which provides policing and emergency response for Centennial, ensuring a low crime rate and safe community environment. Fire protection is handled by the South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR), known for its quick response times and advanced fire suppression technology.
Real Estate in Centennial, CO
