Neighborhood Guide

The Highlands

Centennial, CO 80122

Data Verified: Jul 6, 2026

About this Area

The Highlands in Centennial, Colorado, exudes a timeless charm that blends suburban tranquility with modern sophistication, making it a coveted destination for families and professionals alike. Established in the late 1990s, this neighborhood was meticulously designed to foster a strong sense of community, with winding streets, lush green spaces, and architecturally diverse homes that reflect both contemporary and traditional styles. The area’s name pays homage to its elevated terrain, offering panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, which add to its serene and picturesque ambiance. Residents enjoy a peaceful yet vibrant lifestyle, with a mix of young families, retirees, and working professionals who appreciate the neighborhood’s safe, welcoming atmosphere and its proximity to Denver’s bustling urban core. The Highlands’ rich history is evident in its well-maintained infrastructure and community-driven events, such as seasonal festivals and farmers' markets, which further strengthen neighborly bonds.

The real estate market in The Highlands is characterized by a diverse range of homes, with a median home value of $599,400, reflecting the neighborhood’s desirability and high demand. Architectural styles here are varied, including spacious single-family homes, elegant townhouses, and luxury condominiums, each designed to cater to different lifestyles and preferences. Lot sizes typically range from 0.15 to 0.35 acres, offering ample space for outdoor living and gardening. Many properties feature modern amenities such as open floor plans, gourmet kitchens, and energy-efficient systems, while others boast classic designs with hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, and expansive decks. The neighborhood’s well-planned zoning ensures a harmonious blend of residential and green spaces, making it an ideal choice for buyers seeking both comfort and style.

The Highlands is brimming with amenities that cater to every aspect of daily life, from top-rated schools to premier shopping and recreational opportunities. Families will appreciate the proximity to highly acclaimed schools like Cherry Creek Schools, which provide exceptional education and extracurricular programs. The neighborhood is also home to several parks and trails, including the expansive Highline Canal Trail, which offers scenic walking, biking, and jogging paths. For shopping and dining, residents can explore nearby Centennial Center, a bustling retail hub featuring stores like Target, Whole Foods, and a variety of local boutiques and restaurants. Additionally, the area is just a short drive from the Denver Tech Center, providing easy access to corporate offices, healthcare facilities, and entertainment venues like the Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre.

Buyers choose to live in The Highlands for its perfect balance of suburban charm, modern convenience, and economic stability, with a median household income of $120,181 ensuring a thriving community. The neighborhood’s strategic location in Centennial offers easy access to major highways like I-25 and E-470, making commutes to Denver, DTC, and surrounding areas a breeze, typically ranging from 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Its strong real estate market, characterized by steady appreciation and low turnover, makes it a sound investment for long-term growth. The Highlands’ commitment to safety, education, and community engagement further solidifies its reputation as one of Centennial’s most desirable neighborhoods, attracting buyers who value both quality of life and financial prudence.

Homendo Valuation Index
Quality of Life 91
Environment 86
Education 98
Safety 80
Demographics
Population
31,575
Density
3,200
Median Age
43.1
Income
$120,181
StatisticZipCityCountyStateUSA
Population 31,575 107,386655,7095,810,774332,387,540
Median Age 43.1 41.837.337.538.7
People per Household 2.46 2.552.562.452.54
Median Household Income $120,181 $128,167$97,215$92,470$78,538
Avg Income per Capita $62,481 $63,885$51,942$50,489$43,289
Real Estate Market
Median Value
$599,400
Median Rent
$1,942
Available
126
MetricZipCityCountyStateUSA
Median Sale Price$599,400$626,700$526,000$502,200$303,400
Median Age of Home4743403845
Homes Owned80.9%79.4%62.2%60.6%58.2%
Homes Rented15.8%18.2%33.3%30.8%31.3%
Homes Vacant3.3%2.3%4.5%8.6%10.4%
Quality of Life
IndexZipCityCountyStateUSA
Cost of Living Index139.0139.0139.0139.0100.0
Commute Time (min)23.625.827.325.526.6
Work from Home24.8%24.7%18.6%18.8%13.5%
Climate
Jan Low
14.1°
July High
90.6°
Rain
15.8"
MetricZipCityCountyStateUSA
Jan Avg Low (°F)14.114.114.114.114.1
July Avg High (°F)90.690.690.690.690.6
Annual Precip (in)15.815.815.815.815.8
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 The Highlands

The Highlands is an affluent community with above-average earning potential located in Centennial. The neighborhood is characterized by a very high stability rate, with 80.9% of residents owning their homes. This typically indicates a long-term, established neighborhood structure..

Demographically, the area attracts a diverse age group (Median Age: 43.1), creating a unique community atmosphere. With a median household income of $120,181, 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 The Highlands is currently active. The median home value stands at $599,400, reflecting the desirability of the Centennial area. For investors or those looking to lease, the median rent is approximately $1,942.

According to Homendo Network, the area's inventory turnover (Vacancy Rate: 3.3%) suggests a competitive market where quality homes tend to sell quickly.
Source: Homendo Network Market Data Analysis (2026).

The Highlands holds a Homendo Safety Score of 80 and an Environmental Quality Score of 86. 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 The Highlands is rated at 98 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).