Neighborhood Guide

The Knolls

Centennial, CO 80122

Data Verified: Jul 6, 2026

About this Area

The Knolls is a serene and well-established neighborhood in Centennial, Colorado, known for its peaceful ambiance, mature landscaping, and a strong sense of community that has developed over its 40-year history. Originally developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s, The Knolls was designed to offer a suburban retreat with a focus on family-friendly living and natural beauty. The neighborhood’s name reflects its gently rolling terrain, dotted with mature pine, oak, and maple trees that provide a canopy of shade and seasonal color. Over the decades, The Knolls has maintained its charm while evolving to meet the needs of modern homeowners, with many original residents still calling the area home. The community’s history is celebrated through annual events like the Knolls Neighborhood Picnic, which fosters connections among long-time residents and newcomers alike. This blend of tradition and stability makes The Knolls a sought-after address for those seeking a quiet, well-connected place to live.

The Knolls features a robust real estate market with a median home value of $599,400, reflecting the neighborhood’s enduring appeal and high demand among Centennial buyers. The housing stock is primarily composed of single-family homes built between the late 1970s and early 2000s, with architectural styles ranging from classic ranch and tri-level designs to more contemporary custom builds. Lot sizes in The Knolls are generous, averaging between 0.3 to 0.7 acres, providing ample space for gardens, play areas, and outdoor living. Many homes in the area have been lovingly updated by their owners, featuring modern kitchens, expanded living spaces, and energy-efficient upgrades that appeal to today’s buyers. The market here is competitive, with homes often receiving multiple offers within days of listing, particularly those in move-in ready condition or with desirable features like updated bathrooms or finished basements.

Residents of The Knolls enjoy a wealth of amenities that enhance their quality of life, from well-maintained green spaces to top-tier educational institutions. The neighborhood is home to several parks, including the expansive Knolls Park, which features playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails, and sports fields for baseball, soccer, and tennis. For fitness enthusiasts, the nearby Centennial Center Park offers a state-of-the-art aquatic center, fitness gym, and indoor track, while the Highline Canal Trail provides a scenic route for jogging, biking, or leisurely strolls. Families in The Knolls benefit from the highly regarded Cherry Creek School District, with nearby schools like Buffalo Trail Elementary and Thunder Ridge Middle School consistently earning top ratings for academics and extracurricular programs. Shopping and dining options are conveniently located at nearby Centennial Mall and the bustling Arapahoe Crossing shopping center, offering everything from grocery stores to boutique shops and restaurants.

The Knolls is a hidden gem in Centennial, offering a perfect blend of suburban tranquility, community spirit, and convenient access to Denver’s urban amenities. With a median household income of $120,181, residents enjoy financial stability and a high quality of life, with median commute times of just 22 minutes to downtown Denver. The neighborhood’s mature landscaping, well-planned layout, and strong homeowners’ association contribute to its appeal, making it an ideal place for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Whether you’re drawn to the area’s top-rated schools, the abundance of outdoor recreation, or the close-knit community feel, The Knolls provides a rare opportunity to live in a well-established neighborhood that continues to thrive. For those seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle in Centennial, The Knolls stands out as a premier choice with lasting value.

Homendo Valuation Index
Quality of Life 88
Environment 81
Education 86
Safety 80
Demographics
Population
31,575
Density
2,800
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 Knolls

The Knolls 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 Knolls 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 Knolls holds a Homendo Safety Score of 80 and an Environmental Quality Score of 81. 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 Knolls is rated at 86 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).