About Centennial, CO 80111 Real Estate
Outdoor living with a thriving lifestyle scene
Located south of Denver in Arapahoe County, Centennial is fêted for its award-winning school districts, outdoor recreational lifestyle, and stellar real estate opportunities. Centennial’s suburban amenities and proximity to the Denver Technological Center (DTC) make it one of Colorado’s best places to live.
Centennial spans quite a range from east to west
What to love
Centennial’s thriving dining and entertainment scene, along with a myriad of green spaces, makes the suburb a vibrant and lively community for residents of all ages. With so many recreational and cultural amenities to offer, real estate in the area is attractive to singles and families alike.
Centennial borders lush communities such as Greenwood Village, famed for its multitude of running, horseback riding, and walking trails. Greenwood Village and Centennial are connected by the leafy High Line Canal trail. Centennial’s proximity to facilities such as Park Meadows Shopping Center, the DTC, and Cherry Creek State Park make it an attractive suburb for real estate buyers.
History & Heritage
Centennial, Colorado, is one of the newest cities in the state, officially incorporated on February 7, 2001. Despite its relatively recent establishment, the area is steeped in history that dates back to the early 20th century. Originally a collection of unincorporated areas in Arapahoe County, Centennial was born out of a community-driven effort to avoid annexation by neighboring cities like Greenwood Village and Aurora.
The region's history is closely tied to the development of the Denver metropolitan area. The land that now makes up Centennial was initially agricultural, with farms and ranches dotting the landscape. However, as Denver expanded, so did the demand for suburban living, leading to significant residential and commercial development in the latter half of the 20th century. One of the most significant historical events was the opening of the Denver Tech Center in the 1970s, which brought businesses and professionals to the area, further boosting growth.
Centennial’s incorporation was largely driven by residents' desire for greater control over zoning, development, and tax rates, which has allowed the city to maintain a balance between growth and community identity. Today, Centennial is recognized for its high quality of life, excellent schools, and well-planned infrastructure, all rooted in the efforts of its early residents to create a city that reflects their values and vision.
People and Lifestyle
Centennial’s proximity to urban centers appeals to residents who seek an urban lifestyle within a suburban area. Residents benefit from easy commuting access to areas like downtown Denver, the Denver Technological Center, and Greenwood Village. Easy access to any number of work locations means Centennial residents spend less time commuting and more time relishing the area's exceptional lifestyle benefits.
Centennial’s exquisite dining and lively entertainment scene offer a plethora of experiences to be enjoyed once the workday is finished. Residents can choose from a multitude of amenities that fit their home and lifestyle needs.
The Streets at Southglenn Mall is celebrated as Centennial's premier dining, entertainment, and shopping hub. The Streets is a well-traversed hub amongst locals, boasting over 30 retail boutiques, outlets, and department stores, in addition to beauty spas and wellness salons. For entertainment, The Streets is home to a 14-screen movie theater as well as an evolving calendar of events. Events include live music, farmers’ markets, and seasonal programs such as ice skating and carriage rides.
When the family is done shopping and it’s time to eat, there are 20 bars and restaurants to choose from. Heaven Creamery is a local favorite famed for its waffles, gelato, and vegan ice cream options. Eco-friendly homewares and organic groceries are available at Whole Foods Market and various coffee, breakfast and casual lunch places such as Snooze and The Corner Bakery are within the outdoor walking complex. Across town from The Streets, MOD Pizza serves build-your-own pizzas in an industrial-chic restaurant with wood-burning ovens.
Local Attractions
Centennial offers a variety of attractions that appeal to both residents and visitors. The Streets at SouthGlenn is a major draw, offering a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options in an open-air setting. This lifestyle center is built on the site of the former Southglenn Mall, integrating modern amenities with a community-oriented atmosphere.
For history buffs, The Centennial Center Park is not just a recreational space but also a site that reflects the city’s commitment to preserving its history. The park features a historical timeline that traces the development of the region and serves as a reminder of Centennial's roots.
Another key attraction is the Centennial Airport, one of the busiest general aviation airports in the country. While it primarily serves business aviation, the airport also offers a chance for aviation enthusiasts to watch a variety of aircraft up close.
Topgolf Centennial is a popular spot for both serious golfers and those just looking for a fun outing. This entertainment complex combines golfing with great food and drinks, making it a perfect spot for social gatherings.
Things to Do
Centennial’s unique geographical position places it within easy access to numerous nature trails, playgrounds, parkland, golf courses, and creeks. Centennial residents relish the area's abundance of recreational activities with a copious number of outdoor spaces to explore and enjoy.
North of Centennial is Cherry Creek State Park, home to biking, jogging, and horseback riding trails along with an off-leash dog park, campsites and swimming spots. South of Cherry Creek State Park is Centennial’s most popular green space: Centennial Center Park. Considered to be a gem of the city, the park is a leafy 11-acre nature space with a children’s water playground, amphitheater, and expansive green spaces.
South Suburban Sports Center is a leading outdoor and indoor recreational complex. Its extensive amenities include two sheets of ice, a BMX track, indoor turf fields, four golf courses, and tennis courts – to name a few. Other notable recreational spots include Top Golf and Valley Country Club, an 18-hole traditional style golf course.
Dining & Nightlife
Centennial’s dining scene is diverse, offering everything from upscale eateries to cozy cafes and casual dining spots. Izakaya Den is a must-visit for those craving Japanese cuisine, known for its sushi and modern take on traditional dishes. For Italian food lovers, Farro Italian Restaurant is a local favorite, offering a menu filled with classic pasta dishes and delectable desserts.
If you’re looking for a unique brunch spot, Snooze, an A.M. Eatery provides creative twists on breakfast classics in a vibrant atmosphere. Another great option for casual dining is ViewHouse Centennial, which offers American cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s rooftop patio is perfect for enjoying Colorado’s beautiful weather.
Nightlife in Centennial tends to be more laid-back but still offers plenty of options. Lone Tree Brewing Company, located just outside Centennial, is a popular spot for craft beer lovers, featuring a rotating selection of locally brewed beers. Resolute Brewing Company is another great option, known for its friendly atmosphere and wide variety of craft beers.
For those looking for a more traditional bar experience, The Sportsbook Bar & Grill offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of screens to catch the latest game, making it a popular spot for sports fans.
Parks & Recreation
Centennial is home to numerous parks and recreational facilities, offering residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Centennial Center Park is the crown jewel, spanning 11 acres and featuring an award-winning playground, water play area, and an amphitheater that hosts various community events throughout the year. The park is designed with families in mind, offering picnic areas, walking paths, and an educational garden.
For those who enjoy hiking and biking, the Willow Creek Trail is a scenic option that winds through the city and connects to the larger Cherry Creek Trail system. This makes it easy for residents to access a network of trails that lead all the way into downtown Denver.
Golf enthusiasts can take advantage of the Family Sports Golf Course, a public course that offers affordable rates and a relaxed atmosphere. The course also features a driving range and a sports complex with an ice arena, making it a versatile spot for various recreational activities.
DeKoevend Park is another popular destination, offering 73 acres of green space with sports fields, tennis courts, and the Goodson Recreation Center. This park is perfect for those looking to stay active, whether through organized sports, fitness classes, or simply enjoying a walk in the park.
For winter sports, the nearby South Suburban Ice Arena provides ice skating and hockey facilities, making it a popular spot during the colder months. Centennial's commitment to parks and recreation ensures that there’s always something to do, no matter the season.
Commute & Accessibility
Centennial, CO, is strategically located within the Denver metropolitan area, making it highly accessible and commuter-friendly. The city is bisected by several major highways, including Interstate 25 (I-25), which runs north-south and connects Centennial to downtown Denver to the north and Colorado Springs to the south. The C-470 beltway provides easy access to the western suburbs and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, while E-470 offers a convenient toll route that skirts the eastern edge of the city, linking up with Denver International Airport (DIA) and the northern suburbs.
Public transportation is well-served by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), which operates several bus routes throughout Centennial and the surrounding areas. The RTD Light Rail is a particularly valuable asset for commuters, with the Dry Creek, Arapahoe at Village Center, and County Line stations providing quick and efficient connections to downtown Denver and the broader metro area. The Light Rail system also connects to the Denver Tech Center (DTC), making it an ideal option for those working in one of Colorado’s largest business hubs.
For those who prefer driving, Centennial’s road network is well-maintained and offers multiple routes for navigating both within the city and beyond. Arapahoe Road is a major east-west artery that cuts through the city, providing direct access to numerous shopping centers, office parks, and residential areas. Parker Road (State Highway 83) is another significant route that facilitates north-south travel, linking Centennial with neighboring cities like Aurora and Parker.
Given its proximity to major highways, Centennial offers relatively short commute times compared to other suburban areas. On average, residents can reach downtown Denver in about 25-30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Access to Denver International Airport is also straightforward, with most trips taking around 35-40 minutes via E-470.
Walkability & Bikeability
Centennial is a city that values active lifestyles, and this is reflected in its infrastructure for walking and biking. While primarily a suburban area, Centennial has made significant strides in enhancing its walkability and bikeability in recent years.
In terms of walkability, Centennial’s Streets at SouthGlenn area stands out as one of the most pedestrian-friendly spots in the city. This mixed-use development is designed with walkability in mind, featuring wide sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and a compact layout that makes it easy to stroll between shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Throughout the city, sidewalks are common in residential neighborhoods, and many are connected by a network of greenbelts and trails that make it easy to walk or bike between parks, schools, and community centers. Centennial Center Park is a prime example of a well-connected green space, accessible via walking paths from nearby neighborhoods.
When it comes to biking, Centennial is increasingly bike-friendly, with a growing number of dedicated bike lanes and multi-use paths. The Willow Creek Trail and the High Line Canal Trail are popular routes that provide safe and scenic biking options. These trails connect with larger regional trail systems, offering cyclists the opportunity to explore beyond Centennial and into other parts of the Denver metro area.
The city’s Bike to Work Day and other cycling events further encourage residents to adopt biking as a viable mode of transportation. While the overall bike infrastructure is still developing compared to more urban areas, Centennial is committed to improving and expanding its network of bike lanes and trails.
For those who commute by bike, the RTD Light Rail stations are equipped with bike racks and lockers, making it easy to combine biking with public transportation. This integration of cycling infrastructure with transit options enhances the overall accessibility and convenience of biking in Centennial.
Schools
Centennial’s highly regarded public and private schools offer enriching academic programs that are especially attractive to residents of the area. Residents benefit from award-winning Cherry Creek School District and Littleton Public Schools. Both districts are greatly commended for their award-winning athletic and academic programs. Arapahoe High School is especially praised.
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