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Centennial, Colorado, is known for its parks and trails, easy access to Denver and the Denver Tech Center. However, like any location, it has drawbacks, such as a high cost of living and fewer late-night options.
This balanced exploration will explore these aspects in depth to help you make an informed decision about moving to Centennial, a city that offers a suburban feel with close ties to Denver's urban resources.
Is Centennial a good place to live? Prices, taxes and commute
- Prices: 288 homes are for sale in Centennial as of Oct 25, 2026 (MLS active and coming soon), asking $163,800 to $5,550,000, with a median of $625,000.
- Taxes: the city sales tax is 2.5%, 6.75% combined with the state, Arapahoe County, RTD and cultural-district taxes (City of Centennial). Property tax depends on the mill levy for each address (school district, parks district and any metro district); the Arapahoe County Assessor lists it by parcel.
- Commute: I-25 runs through the city and E-470 crosses its east side; downtown Denver is about 15 miles north. RTD light rail stops at Dry Creek Station, on the Southeast line between Arapahoe at Village Center and County Line.
The rest of this guide covers the trade-offs one at a time. The Kenna Group works out of the Keller Williams DTC office in Centennial.
Call or text 303-955-4220. A live person answers.
Pros of Moving to Centennial, CO
Ready to find your dream home in Colorado?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents. Find out what your home is worth in today's market.
Outdoor and Recreational Activities
Centennial, Colorado, offers many outdoor and recreational activities that cater to various interests, making it a prime location for nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts.
The city is home to the Trails Park and Recreation District, which provides residents with access to over 300 acres of natural areas, including 20 parks and about 25 miles of trails. These facilities are perfect for hiking, biking, and more organized sports and recreational activities.
Public School Districts
Centennial addresses fall in one of two public school districts, Cherry Creek School District or Littleton Public Schools, depending on the street. The MLS listing names the district for each home; confirm the boundary with the district before you rely on it.
Economic Opportunities
Centennial, Colorado, presents a dynamic economic landscape with various opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs. The city works closely with business communities and regional economic development partners to foster a vibrant and diverse economy.
Centennial offers resources and support to small businesses and entrepreneurs, demonstrating its commitment to fostering innovation and business growth. This includes initiatives like the SPARK Centennial program, facilitating community-led discussions and learning opportunities to spark positive economic impact.
A strategic focus on development and infrastructure further enhances the economic environment in Centennial, ensuring that businesses have the necessary amenities and support to thrive.
The local government's efforts include various grants and funding options to support small businesses and enhance regional economic activities. Additionally, the city's median household income is notably high.
This robust economic framework supports existing businesses and attracts new ventures, contributing to Centennial's reputation as a desirable place to live and work.
Parks, Shopping and Getting Around
Centennial became a city in 2001 and is mostly suburban neighborhoods with shopping centers along the main roads, including The Streets at SouthGlenn and the Arapahoe Road corridor.
I-25 runs through the city, E-470 crosses its east side and Arapahoe Road is the main east-west street. RTD light rail stops at Dry Creek Station, and downtown Denver is about 15 miles north. See the homes for sale near light rail in Centennial on this live search.
Cons of Moving to Centennial, CO
Living in Centennial, CO offers many advantages, but like any city, it has drawbacks that potential residents should consider. One significant con is the city's limited walkability and public transportation options.
Centennial's walk, bike, and transit scores are notably low, indicating that most errands would require a car. This could be a drawback for those who prefer a more walkable lifestyle or do not drive.
Cost of Living
Living in Centennial, CO presents specific financial considerations due to its higher-than-average cost of living. Centennial's overall cost of living is 23% higher than the national average, with housing being a significant factor at 75% higher than the national average.
This elevated cost is reflected in home prices and rental rates; for example, homes for sale in Centennial ask a median $625,000 as of Oct 25, 2026 (MLS), higher than the national median.
Despite these costs, the median household income in Centennial is also higher, at approximately $114,375, 42% more than the Colorado state average. This higher income level helps to mitigate some of the financial burdens caused by the elevated living expenses.
However, residents need to earn sufficiently to manage the cost comfortably, particularly in housing, where the recommended budget should be at most 28% of one's gross income according to general affordability rules. These financial dynamics make Centennial a potentially expensive option, particularly for those not earning from higher income brackets.
Weather and Climate
The climate in Centennial, Colorado, might pose some challenges, mainly if you are not accustomed to a varied climate with distinct seasonal changes. During the summer, temperatures can rise to an average high of around 89ยฐF in July, creating a warm and comfortable environment.
However, the winter brings a stark contrast, with average lows dipping to around 19ยฐF in January. This significant temperature fluctuation can be challenging for those not used to preparing for both hot summers and frigid winters.
Additionally, Centennial receives considerable snow, averaging about 73 inches annually, significantly higher than the U.S. average. The snowiest month is March, which can complicate transportation and daily activities due to heavy snowfall and the potential for icy conditions.
Despite these weather extremes, Centennial experiences many days throughout the year that fall into a comfortable temperature range, which many residents find enjoyable. While offering beautiful seasonal changes, this climate diversity requires readiness for various weather conditions, potentially adding to living costs and lifestyle adjustments.
Ready to find your dream home in Colorado?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents. Find out what your home is worth in today's market.
Limited Nightlife and Cultural Events
Centennial, Colorado, might not be the first choice for those seeking a vibrant nightlife or many cultural events. While the city hosts a range of community events and occasional festivals, such as the Art Rocks event by the Centennial Arts and Cultural Foundation, these are more sporadic than the daily or weekly cultural happenings available in larger, more urban environments. This limited scope of events might not satisfy those accustomed to a more active cultural scene.
Moreover, Centennial's suburban layout contributes to its quieter nightlife. Unlike nearby Denver, which offers a wide array of night-time activities, bars, live music venues, and late-night eateries, Centennial is more reserved and has fewer options for late-night entertainment.
This quieter atmosphere is ideal for those seeking peace and tranquility but might be a drawback for anyone looking for evening entertainment close to home.
Transportation
Transportation in Centennial, CO, presents many pros and cons. The city has a well-planned Transportation Master Plan to improve and expand transportation options for the next two decades.
This plan emphasizes the development of a more comprehensive multimodal network that includes roadway enhancements, the integration of advanced traffic management technologies, and improvements in public transit facilities.
Despite these forward-looking plans, Centennial's current public transit options are limited, especially when compared to larger metropolitan areas.
The city is serviced by the Regional Transportation District (RTD). Direct connections to significant areas like downtown Denver require transfers, which may not be ideal for daily commuters looking for a quick and smooth transit experience.
The RTD provides bus and light rail services, but the coverage might only be adequate for some residents, especially those living further from central transit lines. This situation can make car ownership almost necessary in Centennial, which could be considered a drawback for those used to more robust public transportation systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, moving to Centennial, CO, presents a mix of significant advantages and some potential drawbacks. You can make it your new home by looking for local movers near me who will assist in every step of the relocation.
Its parks and trails, access to I-25 and the Denver Tech Center, and economic opportunities draw many buyers. However, its high cost of living, snowy winters, limited transit and quieter nightlife could be considerations for some. Whether Centennial is the right place for you depends on your needs, preferences, and priorities.
