Centennial is a city of more than 100,000 along the I-25 corridor, 15 miles south of Denver. The community’s roads and trails wind amid varied topography, including hills, ravines, and open spaces.
Denver’s cityscape graces the northern horizon. It’s known as the Mile High City because the 13th step on the west side of the state capitol building is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level. By comparison, Centennial’s 5,837-foot elevation surpasses Denver’s by more than 500 feet. To the west, 14,000-foot peaks majestically rise above the high plains to the east.
7 Reasons to Move to Centennial, CO
Here are some key reasons to consider a future in this thriving community south of Denver:
1. Great location
Centennial’s location along I-25 offers ready access to Denver to the north. Attend games of the NFL’s Denver Broncos, the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, and the MLB’s Colorado Rockies. Colorado Springs, including the U.S. Air Force Academy, is about an hour to the south. Residents enjoy day trips to Rocky Mountain National Park and Pikes Peak. The legendary ski resorts of Summit County are about 90 minutes to the west via I-70.
2. Competitive cost of living
Centennial’s cost of living is 2.7% lower than the state average. Grocery and health costs are similar, although housing costs are higher. According to Zumper, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,000, down 5% in the last year. The median rent of three-bedroom apartments is 2% less than one year ago.
3. Excellent employment opportunities
The community is rich with high-tech jobs. The City of Centennial notes that its major employers include Comcast, United Healthcare, Nordstrom, and Travelers. Another is ULA, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Boeing.
Centennial’s workforce is highly educated, with more than 50% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Arapahoe County’s unemployment rate stands at 3.2%. This is the same as the statewide rate and significantly below the nationwide rate of 3.8%.
4. Quality educational opportunities
The Littleton Public Schools and the Cherry Creek School District serve the community’s students. U.S. News ranks Arapahoe High School #33 of 522 Colorado high schools. The graduation rate is 93%. Homestead Elementary School ranks #20 among Colorado’s 1,116 elementary schools. It offers a 15:1 student-teacher ratio.
Thinking about education beyond high school? More than three dozen colleges and universities are within 15 miles of Centennial. The prestigious University of Denver is eight miles to the north. U.S. News ranks it the 38th most innovative university in the country. The Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design is in Lakewood, CO, about 20 miles from Centennial. The University of Colorado – Denver offers 120 degrees at its eight schools. The school notes that it is Colorado’s “premier urban research university.”
5. Endless recreational and entertainment opportunities
There are endless hiking and skiing opportunities along the Front Range and up into the mountains. Minutes to the north is Cherry Creek State Park and its 880-acre reservoir. Frolic along the imported sand beach. Enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, sailing, and jet skiing. Hike, run, or cycle along 35 miles of trails. The 71-mile Highland Canal Trail also winds its way through the area. It runs from the foothills to the southwest to Denver’s airport to the northeast.
The sprawling Family Sports Center includes two ice rinks, a double-decker driving range, an 18-hole mini-golf, and more. There are more than 50 tennis courts under the jurisdiction of the South Suburban Parks and Recreation Department. Before heading to the slopes, perfect your technique at Snobahn, an indoor ski and snowboard facility.
There are more than a dozen public golf courses within a ten-mile radius of the city. South Suburban Golf Course includes an 18-hole regulation layout and a nine-hole par-3 course. Hone your golf skills at TopGolf, near the Denver Tech Center.
6. Plentiful arts and entertainment
Since 2011, the Lone Tree Arts Center has presented nationally recognized artists while also producing award-winning theatrical events. Minutes to the north of Centennial is Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, a 17,000-seat venue replete with awesome Rocky Mountain views. Scheduled 2024 performers include Hozier, Hootie and the Blowfish, and Creed. The world-renowned Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a spectacular concert venue just 30 miles west of Centennial.
Residents also enjoy ready access to Denver’s dynamic arts and culture scene. Art lovers journey to the Denver Art Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Meow Wolf Denver combines a 488-seat performance venue with an unforgettable immersive art experience.
7. Diverse selection of restaurants and craft breweries
Denver’s wide-ranging cuisine beckons a modest distance to the north. Centennial residents will also find some enjoyable eateries in their own backyard. For example, Farro Italian Restaurant offers a wide selection of authentic Italian cuisine.
Try Big Bill’s for New York pizza that’s “hand-tossed and thin enough to fold.” Or, select a thick Sicilian pie if you prefer. The menu also includes calzones, heroes, and more. One of Doug’s Day Diner’s seven locations is in Centennial (15444 E. Orchard Rd). Stop by for a tasty Tex-Mex breakfast or a bison burger at lunchtime.
Centennial’s selection of craft breweries includes Halfpenny, Resolute, Blue Spruce, and Two22. Halfpenny Brewing specializes in English and German-style beers served in three distinct sections: the English Snug, German Beerhall, and American Tasting Room. Resolute is a Centennial microbrewery offering barrel-aged, seasonal brews.
Luxury Apartment Living in Centennial
Centennial, Colorado, is home to The Wright, an amenity-rich apartment community just north of Arapahoe Road. Units include plank-style flooring, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, an in-unit washer/dryer, and a private patio/balcony. Residents are within walking distance of the 11-acre Centennial Center Park.
In-demand community amenities include:
- Resort-style pool and spa
- Outdoor kitchen, grilling stations, fire pit lounge
- Upscale clubhouse with fitness center
- Basketball court and playground
- Dog park and pet washroom
Draper and Kramer is a full-service real estate firm founded in 1893. D&K manages luxury apartment properties in the central and western United States, including Illinois, Arizona, Missouri, Texas, and Colorado. Browse our complete selection of properties here.
