Centennial, incorporated on February 7, 2001, is one of Colorado’s youngest cities and is quickly emerging as a vibrant and dynamic community. Nestled within the thriving Denver South corridor, Centennial boasts a prime location that has fueled its rapid growth as a hub for both residents and businesses. The city’s close proximity to the Denver Tech Center (DTC), the Denver International Airport, and the Centennial Airport enhances its role as a key player in regional connectivity. With a population of approximately 108,400, Centennial is one of Colorado’s largest cities and is known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, excellent amenities, and a strong sense of community, making it an ideal place to live, work, and thrive.
Centennial Quality of Life and Community
Centennial is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Colorado, and for good reason. The city is known for its exceptional quality of life, strong community values, abundant parks, and excellent schools. Centennial schools – Cherry Creek School District and Littleton Public Schools – are known for their academic excellence and well-rounded extracurricular programs. With more than three dozen colleges and universities nearby, including the University of Denver and the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, students have access to a wide range of higher educational opportunities.
For the outdoor enthusiast, Centennial parks and trails offer over 100 miles of scenic pathways, including the popular Cherry Creek Trail. Just north of the city is the Cherry Creek State Park with its 880-acre reservoir, perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, and more. Residents can also enjoy the award-winning Centennial Center Park and amphitheater.
Economic and Business Development
As a thriving center for economic and business development, Centennial offers a business-friendly environment that attracts major companies across various industries, such as Comcast, United Launch Alliance, Arrow Electronics, Ineo, and Boom Supersonic. Centennial is a leader in innovation and has a strong presence in the aerospace, telecommunications, and technology industries. Also supported by numerous Tech Center businesses like RingCentral and Selling Simplified Inc., Centennial is driving advancements in technology, finance, and professional services, making it a cornerstone of Colorado’s economy.
The city fosters growth through its modern infrastructure, access to a highly skilled workforce, and commitment to innovation, positioning itself as an ideal destination for startups and established enterprises. This thriving economic ecosystem bolsters local employment opportunities and strengthens Centennial’s reputation as a dynamic business hub in the Denver South corridor.
Centennial Transportation and Infrastructure
Transportation in Centennial offers seamless connectivity through its robust infrastructure. The city offers easy access to major highways, including I-25 and E-470, which provide efficient links all the way from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins and through the Denver metro area. Centennial is also well-served by RTD light rail stops, making public transit a convenient and attractive option for residents and commuters. The city continually invests in improving road infrastructure and optimizing traffic flow through cutting-edge Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), which uses sensors, computers, electronics, and communication technologies and management strategies cohesively to enhance safety and efficiency for drivers.
In addition, Centennial transportation prioritizes sustainability, with bike-friendly streets, extensive trail systems, and green development policies that promote environmentally conscious growth. These initiatives reflect the city’s commitment to balancing economic development with sustainability, creating a forward-thinking, accessible, livable, and welcoming community.
Centennial Airport — located adjacent to the City — further enhances the city’s transportation network, serving as one of the nation’s busiest general aviation airports. It’s a vital hub for regional and business transportation, supporting corporate aviation, flight training, and aerospace operations.
Future Growth and Vision
Centennial, Colorado continues to be highly invested in technology and innovation with efforts such as ITS, working to become a Smart City. By leveraging advanced technologies to improve public services, traffic management, and sustainability, the city is positioning itself as a leader in forward-thinking urban development. Centennial’s leadership emphasizes this vision for growth, innovation, and community. The city’s mayor and Denver South board chair, Stephanie Piko, said during a 2023 State of our City speech, “Our citizens are our customers — and it is in the best interest of our customers that we leverage our strengths, embrace our opportunities, highlight our advantages to create a resilient city — in other words, we SOAR. And by doing so, we are able to deliver on our vision of being a connected community, where neighborhoods matter, education is embraced, businesses are valued, and innovation is absolute.”
In 2021, the city celebrated its 20th anniversary as one of Colorado’s youngest municipalities, marking two decades of incredible growth and progress. Looking to the future, Centennial remains committed to fostering balanced residential and business development. Plans include the promotion of mixed-use developments that integrate housing, retail, and office spaces to create flourishing, walkable communities. One key initiative driving this vision is the Midtown Centennial District, a transformative project designed to encourage a live/work/play environment for both residents and the workforce. This district will blend commercial, residential, and recreational spaces, supporting Centennial’s goal of becoming a vibrant, modern center for business and daily life. The city is also actively exploring strategies to address housing affordability and availability, ensuring that Centennial remains an accessible and attractive place to live for residents of all ages and income levels. Through these efforts, Centennial is shaping a future that embraces innovation, sustainability, and community connection.
