Centennial, Colorado is a city that often surprises visitors with its blend of suburban charm, modern development, and scenic views of the Rocky Mountains. While it might not be as widely recognized as Denver or Boulder, Centennial is a growing community with a strong identity of its own. For anyone wondering where Centennial, Colorado is located, it sits in the southern portion of the Denver metropolitan area. Known for its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and business-friendly environment, Centennial continues to attract new residents and businesses alike.
Geographic Location of Centennial, Colorado
Centennial is located in Arapahoe County in the state of Colorado, United States. The city lies in the central part of Colorado’s Front Range region, nestled just south of the capital city, Denver. Centennial was officially incorporated in 2001, making it one of the youngest cities in the state, yet it has quickly become one of the largest in Colorado by population.
Location Details
- Latitude: 39.5807° N
- Longitude: 104.8772° W
- State: Colorado
- County: Arapahoe
Centennial shares borders with several cities and towns, including Greenwood Village to the northwest, Highlands Ranch to the west, and Aurora to the north and east. Its proximity to Interstate 25 and E-470 makes it a well-connected city for commuting and travel within the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan area.
How to Get to Centennial
Reaching Centennial is convenient whether you’re coming from within Colorado or out of state. It benefits from easy access to major roadways and is not far from the state’s busiest airport.
By Car
Centennial is easily accessible by car, with several highways running through or near the city. Interstate 25 runs north-south along the western edge of Centennial, connecting the city to Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins. E-470, a toll highway, loops around the east and south sides of the Denver metro area and provides quick access to the Denver International Airport (DIA).
By Air
- Denver International Airport (DIA): About 3040 minutes northeast of Centennial by car.
- Centennial Airport (APA): A general aviation airport located within the city itself, serving private and corporate flights.
Centennial Airport is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the U.S., making the city an important hub for business travelers and private aircraft owners.
What Is Centennial Known For?
Though it may not have the name recognition of larger cities, Centennial has built a reputation as a well-planned, family-oriented, and business-friendly community. It consistently ranks among the best places to live in Colorado.
Key Features of Centennial
- Highly rated public schools
- Extensive parks and open spaces
- Low crime rates and strong public safety
- Proximity to Denver’s business and cultural centers
Centennial is also known for its emphasis on innovation and efficiency. It was one of the first cities in the U.S. to use a contract model for city services, aiming to reduce costs while maintaining high-quality public services.
Neighborhoods and Communities
Centennial is home to a variety of neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles and budgets. From quiet residential areas with single-family homes to modern developments near shopping centers, the city offers plenty of options for families, professionals, and retirees.
Popular Neighborhoods in Centennial
- Willow Creek: A family-friendly neighborhood known for its top-rated schools and well-maintained parks.
- SouthGlenn: A mixed-use area featuring homes, restaurants, and retail space, including The Streets at SouthGlenn shopping center.
- Foxridge: A quiet suburban neighborhood with easy access to trails and community facilities.
Many of these neighborhoods feature walking paths, nearby schools, and green spaces, adding to the overall appeal of living in Centennial.
Recreation and Nature
Centennial is a city that values outdoor living. With over 100 miles of trails and more than 2,500 acres of open space and parks, residents and visitors have endless opportunities to stay active and enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty.
Outdoor Attractions
- Centennial Center Park: A popular public park with water features, picnic areas, and an outdoor amphitheater.
- Cherry Creek State Park: Located just north of the city, offering boating, camping, fishing, and hiking trails.
- High Line Canal Trail: A scenic multi-use trail running through the city, perfect for biking and jogging.
With its location near the Rocky Mountains, Centennial is also a great base for weekend getaways to hiking trails, ski resorts, and mountain towns.
Education and Schools
Education is one of the strongest points of Centennial. The city is served by two top-performing school districts: Cherry Creek School District and Littleton Public Schools. These districts consistently receive high ratings for academic achievement and teacher quality.
Notable Educational Institutions
- Arapahoe High School
- Grandview High School
- Littleton Academy
- Heritage High School
In addition to public schools, there are several private and charter schools, as well as higher education institutions nearby, including Arapahoe Community College and the University of Denver.
Business and Economy
Centennial is a strong economic center within the Denver metro area. It is home to many businesses in technology, healthcare, and finance. The city supports its business community through streamlined permitting processes and public-private partnerships.
Major Employers in Centennial
- United Healthcare
- Arrow Electronics
- Comcast
- OppenheimerFunds
The presence of Centennial Airport also contributes to the local economy by attracting aviation-related companies and high-tech industries.
Centennial, Colorado is located in Arapahoe County, just south of Denver. It is a modern and thriving city known for its safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and outdoor lifestyle. With easy access to highways, public transportation, and airports, it is well connected to the rest of the Denver metro area and beyond.
Whether you’re considering a move, planning a visit, or simply curious, Centennial offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. Its strategic location, strong community values, and commitment to innovation make it one of the best places to live and work in Colorado.