Centennial is the newest city in Colorado. It was incorporated in 2001 and includes portions of commercial and residential areas that used to exist within “Unincorporated Arapahoe County.” The main reason that Centennial became a city was that the City of Greenwood Village was attempting to annex the area that now makes up Centennial, which would have taken tax dollars away from Unincorporated Arapahoe County, and sent the money to Greenwood Village’s government.

To prevent the Greenwood Village annexation, there was a huge political push to incorporate Centennial into its own city, and voters overwhelmingly agreed with an almos t 80 percent approval! Centennial is located south of the City of Denver. It’s close to Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch Lone Tree, and many other communities in the southern Denver Metro area.

Centennial Economy

Centennial is home to Centennial Airport, which was once a small facility but is now one of the most used private airports in the country. This is a huge asset to Centennial’s economy.

There are many stores, shopping malls, restaurants and other retail establishments within Centennial’s city limits. Due to its large residential population and close proximity to DTC a wide range of people use Centennial’s retail and other business establishments.

There are many different types of neighborhoods in Centennial, ranging from older homes to newly constructed ones. Residents of Centennial receive city services such as public libraries, many parks and recreation areas, and fire protection, which are all provided by special districts. Police protection is provided by Arapahoe County.

Residents of Centennial who utilized the public school system normally send children to either Cherry Creek Public Schools or Littleton Public Schools. There are also several private or religious schools in the area.