ARAPAHOE COUNTY
County Offices
5334 South Prince Street
Littleton 303-795-4400
https://www.arapahoegov.com
Chamber of Commerce
6840 South University
Littleton 303-795-0142
www.bestchamber.com
As a leading county within southern metro Denver, Arapahoe County claims an eclectic mix of communities that offer a kaleidoscope of lifestyles, housing options, environments, and employment opportunities. Modern business parks, beautiful residential neighborhoods, entertainment attractions, and arts or event centers are expanding in this rapidly growing region. Around every corner in Arapahoe County, revitalization, renovation, and vibrant new development are evident. Long-established suburbs like Littleton and Aurora contrast with fledgling master-planned cities that offer resort-style living in exclusive enclaves.
In step with the progressive, farsighted attitude that marks the rest of the metro area, Arapahoe County is largely driven by its high-tech prowess. The proliferation of leading companies has allowed engineers, technicians and executives the luxury of living close to their place of employment, enhancing the quality of life and reducing the congestion that results from heavily concentrated business centers. The substantial cities of Aurora, Englewood, and Littleton all boast booming economies in a cross-section of sectors. Even the small community of Glendale welcomes a daytime “working” population that exceeds 30,000.
Services
Dedication to the youth is evident throughout Arapahoe County, where public and private schools produce graduates who set impressive records for leadership and career success. Charter schools, along with independent and parochial schools, provide a wide range of alternative educational environments. Throughout Arapahoe County, test scores, college-bound seniors, and percent of high-school graduates are all well above the national average. Higher education is available close to home in quality institutions from community colleges to major universities and public or private colleges. Arapahoe Community College, Community College of Aurora, Columbia College, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University are all located in Arapahoe County.
The finest of modern health care is available in major hospitals and medical centers throughout the county, including Littleton Adventist Hospital, the Medical Center of Aurora’s main and north campuses, Centennial Medical Plaza, and Swedish Medical Center in Englewood. Highly acclaimed specialized facilities like Craig Rehabilitation Hospital in Englewood or the Jefferson Hills-Aurora Residential Center anchor a myriad of support facilities and services. Aurora is also home to the University of Colorado Hospital Anschutz Centers for Advanced Medicine at Fitzsimons.
Lifestyle
Residents of Arapahoe County enjoy the best of all worlds: Efficient transportation facilities to all corners of the Denver metro area but also a wide spectrum of choices for small-town, semi-rural, urban, or country living. A few minutes beyond the front door awaits a world of professional sports competition, fine museums, wonderful science and nature centers, historic attractions, exclusive shopping areas, cultural arts centers, parks and gardens, and a vast array of outdoor recreational opportunities. Public transit is readily available by bus or light rail, and Denver International Airport provides state-of-the-art air travel service.
Nearly every community boasts a full-service recreation center, and the more highly developed cities offer a full complement of parkland, tennis courts, skating rinks, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, golf courses, sports fields, and organized leagues. Private clubs, country clubs, and upscale communities focused around recreational amenities combine with dude ranches with equestrian activities in this varied region. The 71-mile Highline Canal that meanders across Arapahoe County features a 58-mile trail—an oasis in the city for hikers, bikers, joggers, walkers, horseback riders, and nature enthusiasts. From the dynamic metropolis of Aurora to delightfully intimate enclaves like Columbine Valley, Arapahoe County shines as brightly as the Colorado sun.
Aurora
Municipal Offices
303-739-7010
www.auroragov.org
Chamber of Commerce
303-344-1500
www.aurorachamber.org
Spilling over the border into Adams County, Aurora is the state’s largest city in area, one of the largest in population, and claims one of the metro area’s most dynamic business environments. The powerful presence of the University of Colorado Health Science Center & Medical School, blue-ribbon schools, an excellent transportation network, and attractive neighborhoods have all contributed to Aurora’s ranking of 9 in the book, 50 Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family. Wonderful attractions like the state’s official aviation museum, lush golf courses and parks, Cherry Creek and Aurora Reservoirs, hundreds of restaurants, and a pleasing mix of housing ensure the finest of suburban lifestyles. Whether you prefer a handsome townhome on a quiet cul-de-sac or an executive home on a spacious lot, the ideal address is waiting in Aurora. Most residential neighborhoods are located within a 30-minute drive from Denver International Airport, downtown Denver, or the Denver Tech Center.
Bow Mar
Municipal Offices
303-794-6065
Chamber of Commerce
303-795-0142
www.bestchamber.com
Location is a prime advantage for this small southern metro Denver community, boasting its own private beach on Bowles Lake. Bow Mar is situated near Marston and Bowles Reservoirs, ensuring that residents can spend the warmer months of the year picnicking, swimming, boating, or cheering on the sailing vessels in local regattas. Planners and residents are dedicated to preserving the community’s rural atmosphere and country charm. Barring streetlights and sidewalks as well as annexing additional land for open space reflect the commitment to a pristine environment. Wildlife and an abundance of birds make this a nature lover’s paradise. Most homes in Bow Mar are ranch-style on spacious lots of one acre or more. Some multi-million dollar estates harmonize with more modest residential options for a pleasing mix of architectural styles and price ranges.
Centennial
Municipal Offices
303-734-4567
www.centennialco.gov
Chamber of Commerce
303-795-0142
www.bestchamber.com
Located south and southeast of Denver in Arapahoe County, Centennial is one of Colorado’s newest and largest municipalities. The community was named for Colorado’s nickname of the “Centennial State” and encompasses a pleasing variety of tranquil residential neighborhoods and smartly planned business corridors. This fast-growing area offers easy access to downtown Denver’s cosmopolitan attractions but also to ski resorts and outdoor recreational sites. Closer to home, residents take advantage of quality facilities in lush parks and several recreational districts. Cherry Creek School District and Littleton Public Schools provide an excellent education, although private schools ensure opportunities for alternative learning environments. One of the regional highlights is water-sport recreation at the 880-acre lake at nearby Cherry Creek Lake State Park. Home choices include well-kept older properties in traditional ranch styles with sweeping yards, handsome new construction on golf-course fairways, and stunning luxury townhomes.
Cherry Hills Village
Municipal Offices
303-789-2541
www.cherryhillsvillage.com
Chamber of Commerce
303-388-6022
http://cherrycreekchamber.org
Known for its rural atmosphere and exceptional quality of life, the residential community of Cherry Hills Village is completely surrounded by the “big city.” Still, consistent attention to aesthetic and environmental issues has preserved the unique “open country” setting and amenities that include bridle trails. The community has established an extensive trail system that forms links to adjacent jurisdictions and several regional trails. Many of the area’s lovely homes are nestled in private enclaves that are tucked away along meandering, tree-shaded lanes. A strong desire to maintain a residential setting without the bustle of commerce has combined with strict zoning laws and careful planning to create an idyllic village atmosphere. Every imaginable commercial convenience is available within minutes from a home in Cherry Hills Village.
Columbine Valley
Municipal Offices
303-795-1434
www.columbinevalley.org
Chamber of Commerce
303-795-0142
www.bestchamber.com
Nestled in western Littleton, Columbine Valley began with a homeowner’s association of 17 families who built handsome homes around the Columbine Valley Country Club in 1955. Today, nearly half of the residents of the community maintain a membership in the private club for golf, swimming, and tennis. A significant number of residents also belong to the neighboring Polo Riding Club just beyond the city limits. This small but meticulously landscaped community is enhanced by efforts of the Columbine Valley Garden Club. The group maintains the proliferation of blooms that brighten the roadways of the city. Strict regulations ensure a pristine, uncluttered environment, which includes prohibiting overnight parking of cars on the streets. Newcomers will be required to join the nearest of four homeowner’s associations that all require dues and mandate specific covenants.
Englewood
Municipal Offices
303-762-2300
https://www.englewoodco.gov
Chamber of Commerce
303-789-4473
http://myenglewoodchamber.com
Englewood is centrally located just south of Denver, a city that blends the quiet charm of mature residential neighborhoods with manufacturing, service, and industrial sectors. The presence of outstanding health-care facilities like Craig Rehabilitation Center and Swedish Medical Center contributes significantly to the economic vitality of the community. The community also benefits from close proximity to economic power centers like Greenwood Village and Denver Tech Center. Englewood is known for its beautiful parks, municipal golf course, award-winning recreation programs, and the annual Englewood Holiday Parade. New to the city, the innovative, mixed-use development called CityCenter incorporates retail, residential, civic, cultural, open space, and light rail elements. Residents and government planners enjoy the Englewood Civic Center—housing the city hall, public library, and the Museum of Outdoor Arts—and the station with impressive pedestrian bridge for the RTD Southwest Light Rail Line.
Glendale
Municipal Offices
303-759-1513
www.glendale.co.us
Chamber of Commerce
303-388-6022
www.cherrycreekchamber.org
The community of Glendale is unique in its “island” position as a municipality that is totally surrounded by the City of Denver. The modest population of this small city increases dramatically during the working hours to approximately 35,000. Others are drawn to Glendale for its legendary nightlife and shopping in the evenings and on the weekends. The city benefits from a location just one mile from the popular Cherry Creek Mall, where more than 120 upscale shops and fine restaurants lure thousands of shoppers. Truly an “island of opportunity,” Glendale enjoys a central location and convenient access to Interstate 25 for easy commutes to key destinations throughout the metro area. The major arteries of Colorado Boulevard, Leetsdale, and Alameda place Glendale at the crossroads of travel to Aurora from downtown Denver. The quality health-care institutions of University Hospital and Rose Medical Center are just two miles north.
Greenwood Village
Municipal Offices
303-486-5751
www.greenwoodvillage.com
Chamber of Commerce
303-795-0142
www.bestchamber.com
South of Denver and Cherry Hills Village, the former rural community of Greenwood Village has matured into a dynamic blend of urban and residential areas that encompass urban and residential areas. Nationally recognized business parks combine with 30 select neighborhood associations to maintain the high standards within this urban-rural environment. Open space and lush parkland complement the serenity of low density residential development. More than 310 acres of parks combines with an extensive trails system and greenbelts to offer a kaleidoscope of sports and recreational activities. Residents are especially proud of the Curtis Arts & Humanities Center, a venue that preserves historic architecture while offering a diversity of activities and events. The daytime population of Greenwood Village swells to approximately 75, 000 as employees pour into this vital center for business and commerce.
Littleton
Municipal Offices
303-795-3700
www.littletongov.org
Chamber of Commerce
303-795-0142
www.bestchamber.com
One of Denver’s more established suburbs, Littleton is known for its three-block expanse of beautifully restored turn-of-the-century buildings in the downtown district. The Town Hall Arts Center and Littleton Historical Museum combine with a 14-acre site of living history farms. Abundant recreational opportunities include the 625-acre South Platte Park, South Platte River, High Line Canal Trail, Lee Gulch, Arapahoe Greenway, and the Carson Nature Center. A wealth of parks, golf courses, two-rink enclosed ice arena, miles of biking trails, a multi-purpose recreation center, and swimming pools are included in the first-rate amenities. This bedroom community demands quality education, which is reflected in the local school system. Littleton provides the metro area with thousands of job opportunities in extensive commercial areas that provide residents with goods and services. Major corporations like Qwest and Lockheed Martin also call Littleton home. Housing options range from well-maintained older homes to larger lots with semi-custom or custom designs. Careful planning has preserved the area’s small-town feeling and strong community spirit. Residents will proudly announce that they are from Littleton—not Denver!
Sheridan
Municipal Offices
303-762-2200
www.ci.sheridan.co.us
Chamber of Commerce
303-795-0142
www.bestchamber.com
The small community of Sheridan offers a quiet, residential atmosphere surrounded by the bustling metropolitan cities of Denver, Englewood, and Littleton. The city is primarily comprised of tree-lined neighborhoods with older single-family homes in a variety of architectural styles that reflect the community’s growth and expansion since its founding in 1890. Although Sheridan blends well the metropolis that surrounds it and relies on nearby cities for a wealth of amenities, the community maintains quality services like an independent police department and paramedic rescue team. Residents have the advantage of living in a closely knit small town that offers close proximity to world-class entertainment and cultural events. Local celebrations and festivities add to the quality of life and spirit of camaraderie.