Centennial, CO

Touted as one of the best places to live by multiple publications, Centennial, Colorado, offers the best of living in the Centennial State. With a population of just over 100,000, great schools and neighborhoods, and proximity to Denver, Centennial offers great experiences for residents of all ages. It’s also a new city, having been incorporated in 2001 from portions of Arapahoe County.

Centennial is served by two school districts, primarily by the Cherry Creek public schools, which serves students in multiple communities. School assignments are based on residential address. There are 12 elementary schools within Centennial, along with Eaglecrest High School, though students may attend schools outside the community based on geographic proximity.

Some students in the western portion of the city attend the Littleton Public Schools, which has four middle schools and three high schools. There are also several private school options in the area, including several Christian and Baptist schools.

Centennial is a member of both the South Suburban and Arapahoe parks and recreation districts. The South Suburban district features more than 100 miles of trails, more than 100 parks and 3,800 acres of open space. The Goodson Recreation Center features 83,000 square feet of courts for pickleball, basketball, volleyball and gymnastics, a pool, cycling area, indoor running track and a fitness area. The Family Sports Center features arcades, miniature golf, climbing wall, bumper cars, ice rinks, laser tag, and a golf course and pro shop.

Arapahoe has 14 parks, 300 acres of open space, 14 miles of trails, a skate park, and the Trails Recreation Center.

The weather in Centennial is seasonal and typical of life in the mountains. The average high in January is 44 degrees; in April, 60 degrees; in July, 87 degrees; in October, 65 degrees; and in December, 43 degrees.

Centennial Center Park, an 11-acre, award-winning facility, is a popular spot for resident and tourists alike. Movie nights, a car show and concert, chalk art festival, and holiday celebration are among the many activities offered throughout the year.

The Denver Broncos football team’s training facility is in nearby Englewood, allowing you to see an NFL team during the summer as it prepares for the season ahead.

Residents can also take advantage of being close to Denver, which is just 15 miles away, and other neighboring communities within the county.

Time and Money magazines and USA Today have all touted Centennial as one of the best places to live in the United States. Many neighborhoods have homeowners’ associations (HOAs) that coordinate various administrative functions, while the Centennial Council of Neighborhoods includes community organizations, HOAs, and government officials and focuses on safety and quality of life issues within the city.

Among the larger and more active neighborhoods are:

• Piney Creek
• Foxridge
• Arapahoe Highlands
• Homestead Farm

Would-be homebuyers in Centennial can choose from a range of single-family homes, condos, and townhouses. There’s also a healthy mix of new construction and established homes in this growing, vibrant Colorado community.