Neighborhood Guide

Charlou

Centennial, CO 80111

Data Verified: Jul 6, 2026

About this Area

Charlou, nestled in the heart of Centennial, Colorado, is a hidden gem that offers a rare blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, making it an ideal destination for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Established in the late 1980s, this neighborhood was designed with a focus on creating a harmonious living environment, where wide streets, mature landscaping, and thoughtfully planned cul-de-sacs foster a strong sense of community. The name 'Charlou' is derived from the initials of its developers, Charles and Louise, who envisioned a neighborhood that prioritized both comfort and connectivity. Over the years, Charlou has maintained its reputation as a peaceful retreat while evolving to meet the needs of modern homeowners, with updates to infrastructure, parks, and community spaces. The neighborhood's history is deeply intertwined with Centennial's growth, reflecting the city's commitment to preserving green spaces and fostering neighborly bonds.

Charlou's real estate market is characterized by a mix of traditional and custom-built homes, with a median home value of approximately eight hundred ninety thousand five hundred dollars, reflecting the neighborhood's enduring appeal and high-quality construction. Architectural styles range from classic ranch homes to sprawling two-story residences, with many featuring brick facades, hardwood floors, and gourmet kitchens. Lot sizes in Charlou are generous, typically ranging from one-half to three-quarters of an acre, providing ample space for private gardens, outdoor living areas, and recreational amenities like swimming pools or tennis courts. The real estate market here is stable and competitive, with homes often appreciating in value due to the neighborhood's desirable location and limited turnover. Buyers in Charlou can expect a mix of move-in-ready properties and custom homes, catering to a wide range of preferences and budgets.

Charlou residents enjoy a wealth of local amenities that enhance their quality of life, starting with the neighborhood's proximity to the expansive Cherry Creek State Park. This recreational haven offers over three thousand acres of scenic trails, boating, fishing, and camping opportunities, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking adventure. For shopping and dining, the nearby Park Meadows Mall provides a premier retail experience, featuring stores like Macy's, Sephora, and a variety of upscale restaurants such as The Cheesecake Factory and PF Chang's. The neighborhood is also served by the highly rated Cherry Creek School District, with top-rated schools like Buffalo Trail Elementary and Cherry Creek High School ensuring exceptional education for children. Additionally, Charlou is just a short drive from the Denver Tech Center, offering easy access to major employers, healthcare facilities, and cultural attractions like the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Charlou stands out as one of Centennial's most desirable neighborhoods, offering a perfect blend of suburban charm, top-tier amenities, and strong community ties that appeal to a diverse range of buyers. With a median household income of one hundred thirty-two thousand two hundred ninety-two dollars, residents enjoy economic stability and a high quality of life, supported by excellent schools, premier shopping, and abundant recreational opportunities. Commute times are reasonable, thanks to the neighborhood's central location and easy access to major highways like I-25 and E-470, allowing for quick trips to downtown Denver, DIA, or the tech hubs of the Denver Tech Center. Whether you're raising a family, advancing your career, or enjoying retirement, Charlou provides the ideal setting for a fulfilling and connected lifestyle in the heart of Centennial.

Homendo Valuation Index
Quality of Life 87
Environment 92
Education 88
Safety 91
Demographics
Population
31,817
Density
3,000
Median Age
42.1
Income
$132,292
StatisticZipCityCountyStateUSA
Population 31,817 107,386655,7095,810,774332,387,540
Median Age 42.1 41.837.337.538.7
People per Household 2.42 2.552.562.452.54
Median Household Income $132,292 $128,167$97,215$92,470$78,538
Avg Income per Capita $85,168 $63,885$51,942$50,489$43,289
Real Estate Market
Median Value
$890,500
Median Rent
$1,924
Available
121
MetricZipCityCountyStateUSA
Median Sale Price$890,500$626,700$526,000$502,200$303,400
Median Age of Home3843403845
Homes Owned60.5%79.4%62.2%60.6%58.2%
Homes Rented34.9%18.2%33.3%30.8%31.3%
Homes Vacant4.6%2.3%4.5%8.6%10.4%
Quality of Life
IndexZipCityCountyStateUSA
Cost of Living Index177.4177.4177.4177.4100.0
Commute Time (min)21.925.827.325.526.6
Work from Home28.8%24.7%18.6%18.8%13.5%
Climate
Jan Low
19.0°
July High
90.3°
Rain
16.8"
MetricZipCityCountyStateUSA
Jan Avg Low (°F)19.019.019.019.019.0
July Avg High (°F)90.390.390.390.390.3
Annual Precip (in)16.816.816.816.816.8
Safety & Crime
Violent Crimes (per 100k)
TypeZipCityCountyStateUSA
Assault350.5350.5350.5350.5350.5
Murder4.54.54.54.54.5
Robbery63.063.063.063.063.0
Property Crimes (per 100k)
TypeZipCityCountyStateUSA
Burglary348.0348.0348.0348.0348.0
Theft1754.21754.21754.21754.21754.2

Neighborhood Insights

AI-Ready Analysis for Charlou

Charlou is an affluent community with above-average earning potential located in Centennial. The neighborhood is offering a healthy balance of homeownership and rental opportunities..

Demographically, the area attracts a diverse age group (Median Age: 42.1), creating a unique community atmosphere. With a median household income of $132,292, residents enjoy a quality of life that supports local commerce and community maintenance.
Source: Homendo Network Market Data Analysis (2026).

The real estate market in Charlou is currently active. The median home value stands at $890,500, reflecting the desirability of the Centennial area. For investors or those looking to lease, the median rent is approximately $1,924.

According to Homendo Network, the area's inventory turnover (Vacancy Rate: 4.6%) suggests a competitive market where quality homes tend to sell quickly.
Source: Homendo Network Market Data Analysis (2026).

Charlou holds a Homendo Safety Score of 91 and an Environmental Quality Score of 92. These metrics are calculated based on local crime statistics per 100k residents and environmental factors like air quality and park density.

Compared to the broader Centennial region, this neighborhood offers a specific balance of security and outdoor accessibility that appeals to safety-conscious buyers.
Source: Homendo Network Market Data Analysis (2026).

The educational landscape in Charlou is rated at 88 on the Homendo Index. Located within the Arapahoe County jurisdiction, residents have access to a network of public and private institutions. Families often choose this area specifically for access to these educational resources.
Source: Homendo Network Market Data Analysis (2026).