Are you thinking about moving to Centennial CO? Located in the heart of the Denver metro area, Centennial was incorporated in 2001, making it one of Colorado’s newest cities. Despite its relatively young status, Centennial is steeped in history with roots tied to early ranching and farming settlements in Arapahoe County.
Today, living in Centennial Colorado is wonderful. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a business person, there are many benefits of living in Centennial Colorado. It also consistently ranks as one of the best cities near Denver. For nature lovers, Centennial’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains and local treasures like Cherry Creek State Park makes it a haven for Centennial residents seeking hiking, biking, fishing, and other recreational activities.
If you’ve ever wondered, “What is Centennial Colorado known for?” the answer lies in the city’s perfect balance of city amenities and natural beauty. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about living in Centennial Colorado. So why move to Centennial? Let’s dive in!
Is Centennial Colorado a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Centennial Colorado is a good place to live. Living in Centennial Colorado provides residents with a dense suburban feel with easy access to the Denver area. Centennial offers top-rated parks, excellent schools, and friendly residents.
Where Is Centennial Colorado?
What county is Centennial CO in? Centennial is located in Arapahoe County and is just 14 miles south of Denver. Nearby communities include Greenwood Village and Highlands Ranch. After moving to Centennial CO, you can enjoy easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Most residents living in Centennial CO own a vehicle, and it takes just 27 minutes to drive to Downtown Denver. Once you’re in Denver, you can take advantage of the RTD Light Rail and RTD bus system. Centennial is also home to Centennial Airport, one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world.
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Centennial CO Population & Demographics
How many people are living in Centennial Colorado? There are 108,418 people living in Centennial Colorado. Centennial is also a part of the Denver metro area, which has a population of 3 million. Centennial’s median household income is $128,167, which is higher than the Colorado median household income of $92,470.
A few notable people who were born or have lived in Centennial include actress Madisen Beaty, NBC News correspondent Tom Costello, and NFL player Sean Tufts.
Additional Centennial Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 50.1% male, 49.9% female
- Median age: 41.6
- Racial & ethnic composition: 79.3% White (75.6% non-Hispanic), 9.6% two or more races, 6.0% Asian, 2.6% Black or African American, 0.3% Native Hawaiian
- Foreign-born population: 9.4%
- Educational attainment: 97.1% high school degree (or higher), 61.9% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
Is Centennial CO safe? Let’s take a look at the Centennial crime rate:
- Overall crime rate: 2,307 crimes per 100,000 people (36.6% lower than state average and 0.7% lower than national average)
- Violent crime rate: 197 crimes per 100,000 (60.0% lower than state average and 46.7% lower than national average)
- Property crime rate: 2,110 crimes per 100,000 people (33.0% lower than state average and 8.0% higher than national average)
As you can see, living in Centennial Colorado is safe, with crime rates below the state and national averages. After moving to Centennial, you’ll be protected by the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office.
Centennial Colorado Cost of Living
With a higher-than-average cost of living, Centennial may feel a bit expensive to some. The Cost of Living Index in Centennial is 123.7, meaning that living in Centennial Colorado is 23.7% more expensive than the national average of 100. It is also 13.4% more expensive than the Denver cost of living.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Centennial Colorado would need to earn $126,088 per year to live comfortably in the area. This comes out to $10,507 per month.
Typical Centennial Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Cappuccino: $6.00
- Gallon of milk: $4.50
- Pound of chicken: $2.67
- Gallon of gas: $3.40
- Fitness membership (monthly): $50.00
- Average Centennial utilities per month: $240.00
Source: Numbeo
Are you thinking about purchasing real estate when living in Centennial Colorado? Because the city is in such a prime location, the Centennial real estate market is thriving! According to Redfin, the median home price in Centennial is $604,000, which is higher than the national average of $430,000.
If you’d rather rent in Centennial CO, then you’ll find great options at places like Compass Meridian Apartments and The Grove at Cherry Park. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Centennial CO is $2,050.
Neighborhoods in Centennial CO | Where to Live in Centennial
When living in Centennial Colorado, you’ll have plenty of great neighborhoods to choose from. Here are just a few.
Cherry Knolls | Beautiful Community With Top-Notch Amenities
Cherry Knolls is a fantastic community comprising just over 700 homes. You can enjoy the neighborhood's amazing amenities such as its beautiful parks and sparkling pool.
Downtown Centennial | Great for Young Professionals
Downtown Centennial Colorado is a hip, walkable area full of fun bars, restaurants, and independent ships. You’ll find several of the community’s best apartment complexes in this area.
Castlewood | Perfect for Families
Castlewood is a popular choice among families living in Centennial Colorado. Here, you’ll find gorgeous single-family homes ranging from $500,000 to $800,000. This neighborhood is also within walking distance of top-rated schools such as Dry Creek Elementary School and Homestead Elementary School.
Centennial CO Weather & Climate
When living in Centennial Colorado, you’ll experience a continental semi-arid climate, with dry, hot summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall. Here are a few climate statistics you’ll want to know before moving to Centennial.
- Average summer Centennial temperature: 78ºF
- Average winter Centennial temperature: 22ºF
- Average annual snowfall in Centennial: 73 inches
- Average annual rainfall in Centennial: 18 inches
Things to Do in Centennial CO
When living in Centennial Colorado, you’ll find no shortage of fun things to do. From shopping centers like Park Meadows to grocery stores like King Soopers, you’ll always have what you need. These are a few fun things to do in Centennial Colorado.
This indoor ski and snowboard area is perfect for those who want to practice winter sports or learn how to hit the slopes.
6955 S York St Ste 404, Centennial, CO 80122, (303) 872-8494
This 11-acre park is a must-visit when living in Centennial Colorado. Centennial Center Park includes a water playground, nature areas, and an amphitheater.
South Suburban Sports Dome
South Suburban Sports Dome features a fully covered athletic field as well as a family sports center with two ice rinks.
6959 S Peoria St, Centennial, CO 80112, (303) 754-0541
Additional Centennial Attractions
Still aren’t sure what to do in Centennial Colorado? The South Suburban Parks and Recreation District has several locations across the city and puts on dozens of community events throughout the year.
Centennial Restaurants
When living in Centennial Colorado, you’ll find several incredible places to eat. From quaint coffee shops to elegant steakhouses, there’s always a good spot to grab a bite. These are the best restaurants in Centennial CO.
ViewHouse Centennial is a lively American restaurant with outdoor tables. Sit out on the patio and enjoy a burger, salad, or sandwich.
7101 S Clinton St, Centennial, CO 80112, (303) 790-8440
This popular brewhouse is a must-visit after moving to Centennial. Stop by for a crisp beer and pub food.
6460 S Syracuse Way, Centennial, CO 80111, (720) 573-8142
Nolia is a favorite among those living in Centennial Colorado. This restaurant features modern European fare like agnolotti en brodo, venison chops, and steelhead trout.
8100 S Quebec St b16, Centennial, CO 80112, (720) 315-9828
Centennial Jobs
Are you thinking about finding a new job when living in Centennial Colorado? Centennial is home to several major employers, such as Comcast, Arrow Electronics, United Launch Alliance, and CommonSpirit Health. When living in Centennial, you’ll also be in the Denver Metropolitan Area, meaning you’ll have easy access to the Denver Tech Center.
The Denver Tech Center is a business and economic trading center located in the heart of Denver, containing companies like Zoom Video Communications and DISH. You’ll also have easy access to other major Denver employers like Denver Public Schools and UCHealth.
If you’re interested in finding jobs when living in Centennial Colorado, then check out City of Centennial jobs on the city job board or search for ‘jobs in Centennial CO’ on Indeed.
Schools in Centennial CO
Are you moving to Centennial with school-aged children? Most of Centennial is zoned to the Cherry Creek School District. The Cherry Creek School District is the primary Centennial school district and serves over 55,000 students across 69 schools. This district is home to some of the best Colorado high schools, including Cherry Creek High School and Grandview High School.
According to US News, the Cherry Creek School District is the number one school district in the Denver area, the number one school district for athletes in Colorado, and the third-best school district in all of Colorado.
There are also plenty of private schools in Centennial CO. A few top options include St. Thomas More Parish School, Highlands Baptist Academy, and Centennial Christian Academy. If you have older children living in Centennial Colorado, then you can enjoy several nearby colleges at places like Arapahoe Community College and Columbia College - Denver.
When living in Centennial Colorado, you can grab a good book or find a quiet place to study at the Koelbel Library.
Centennial CO Statistics & Information
- County: Arapahoe County
- Centennial CO area: 29.867 square miles
- Centennial CO zip code: 80015-80161
- Centennial CO area code: 303, 720, 983
- Centennial CO elevation: 5,722 feet
- Centennial CO time zone: Mountain Time Zone (UTC -6 and -7)
- Closest airport to Centennial CO: Centennial Airport (APA), 2.5 miles away
Centennial CO Map
You can refer to this map when living in Centennial Colorado.
Ready to Start Living in Centennial Colorado?
Is Centennial a good place to live? Absolutely! Living in Centennial Colorado has never been better! If moving to Centennial is in your future, then let the experts at Move 4 Less assist you! Our Centennial movers will get your belongings safely to your new home in no time! Give our team a call today at (702) 381-1200.
