If you're thinking about moving to the Denver South Metro — or just trying to figure out which neighborhood actually fits your life — you've probably noticed something: Englewood, Littleton, and Centennial all get mentioned a lot. But they're not the same. Not even close.
I'm Tammy Petit Loveland, and I've helped buyers find homes in all three of these communities. I live here, I work here, and I know what makes each one special — not just from the brochures, but from the people who actually live here.
So let's talk about why residents love these neighborhoods, what makes each one unique, and which one might be right for you.
Englewood: The Walkable Urban Suburb
Let's start with Englewood — the smallest of the three, but arguably the most walkable and transit-friendly. If you're someone who wants to grab coffee, hit the grocery store, and catch a movie without getting in your car, Englewood should be on your list.
What makes Englewood special:
Englewood is what I call an "inner-ring" suburb — it's right up against Denver, just south of the city limits. That means you get suburban living with urban convenience. The light rail runs right through it (CityCenter Englewood station on the C and E lines), and South Broadway (locals call it "SoBo") is lined with independent shops, thrift stores, antique dealers, and restaurants that range from dive bars to date-night spots.
The city has invested heavily in redevelopment over the last decade. CityCenter Englewood — built on the site of the old Cinderella City mall — is now a 55-acre mixed-use district with apartments above retail, name-brand stores, and the light rail station at its heart. It's the kind of place where you can live, work, and play without ever needing to commute.
Where residents hang out:
South Broadway (SoBo): This is Englewood's main drag, and it's got character. Think locally-owned coffee shops like Java Stop, bistros, breakfast spots, pizzerias, and quirky boutiques. It's not polished like Cherry Creek — it's real, eclectic, and fun.
Belleview Park: A 100+ acre park with a petting zoo, miniature train (yes, really), picnic areas, and sports fields. It's where families spend Saturday mornings and where you'll find community events throughout the year.
Englewood Recreation Center: Indoor pool, gym, basketball courts, and sports leagues. Plus Pirates Cove Water Park in the summer — a local favorite for kids.
The Wellness District: A hub for healthcare (Swedish Medical Center is right here) plus salons, alternative medicine clinics, and small businesses. It's part of what makes Englewood feel like a complete community, not just a bedroom suburb.
Who loves Englewood:
Young professionals who want walkability and transit access
Healthcare workers (Swedish Medical Center is a major employer)
Empty nesters downsizing from larger homes but wanting to stay in the area
Anyone who values convenience over square footage
The real estate:
Housing in Englewood ranges from 1950s–60s ranches and bungalows to newer townhomes and apartments in CityCenter. You'll find more attached housing and smaller lots here than in Littleton or Centennial — but you're also paying for location and walkability. Prices tend to be more affordable than Cherry Creek or Washington Park, but you're still in the Denver metro core.
Littleton: Historic Charm Meets Modern Amenities
Now let's talk about Littleton — the oldest of the three, with a downtown that feels like a postcard and a community that's fiercely proud of its identity. If Englewood is the urban suburb, Littleton is the classic small town that happens to be 20 minutes from downtown Denver.
What makes Littleton special:
Littleton's downtown is the real deal. Main Street is lined with brick buildings from the late 1800s, housing locally-owned restaurants, boutiques, bookstores, and bars. It's not a strip mall — it's a genuine town center where people gather for events, dinners, and weekend strolls.
The city hosts some of the best community events in the South Metro. The Downtown Littleton Wine Walks (monthly, May through October) let you sip and stroll through downtown shops. The Candlelight Walk and holiday parade in December transforms Main Street into a winter wonderland with carolers, dancing Christmas trees, hot cider, and Santa's reindeer. And Littleton Restaurant Week (September) showcases the city's incredible food scene with special menus and prix-fixe options.
Where residents hang out:
Downtown Littleton (Main Street): This is the heart of the community. Restaurants range from casual to upscale — think farm-to-table bistros, cozy coffee shops, craft breweries, and family-friendly spots. The Littleton Museum (free admission) offers a glimpse into the area's pioneer history with two living history farms.
Roxborough State Park: Just west of town, this 3,198-acre park has red rock formations, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. It's where locals go for sunrise runs and weekend hikes without driving to the mountains.
South Platte River Trail: A paved trail that runs along the river, connecting Littleton to Denver and beyond. Perfect for biking, running, or walking the dog.
Clement Park: Hosts concerts, festivals, and community events throughout the year. The Littleton Farmers Market (Saturdays, June through October) is a weekly ritual for many residents.
DeKoevend Park: Recreation center with indoor pool, gym, skate park, and sports fields. The city runs youth sports leagues, swim lessons, and summer camps here.
Who loves Littleton:
Families who want top-rated schools (Littleton Public Schools is highly regarded)
History buffs and anyone who appreciates small-town character
Outdoor enthusiasts who want trail access without living in the mountains
People who value community events and a walkable downtown
The real estate:
Littleton's housing stock is diverse — from historic Victorian homes near downtown to 1970s–90s subdivisions in the hills west of town, to newer construction in the southeast part of the city. You'll find larger lots than in Englewood, more mature trees, and a range of price points depending on the neighborhood. Areas closer to downtown and the river trail tend to be more expensive, while the hills offer more space and mountain views.
Centennial: The Family-Friendly Master-Planned Suburb
Now let's head east to Centennial — the newest of the three (incorporated in 2001) and the largest by population. If Englewood is walkable urban and Littleton is historic small town, Centennial is the quintessential modern suburb: spacious homes, top-rated schools, and more parks than you can count.
What makes Centennial special:
Centennial was designed with families in mind. The city has over 100 parks and more than 100 miles of trails, many of which connect to the broader Denver metro network. The crown jewel is Centennial Center Park — an 11-acre community hub with a state-of-the-art playground, splash pad, amphitheater, pavilion for events, and open green spaces for sports and recreation. This is where the city's July 4th celebration, summer concert series, and food truck events happen.
The schools are a major draw. Centennial is split between the Cherry Creek School District (east side) and Littleton Public Schools (west side) — both highly rated. Arapahoe High School, Smoky Hill High School, and Heritage High School all serve parts of Centennial, and they're consistently ranked among the best in the state.
Where residents hang out:
Centennial Center Park: The community's living room. Families bring picnic blankets for concerts, kids play on the splash pad in summer, and the amphitheater hosts events year-round. It's the kind of place where you run into neighbors every weekend.
Cherry Creek State Park: A 4,000-acre reservoir on Centennial's eastern border with 12 miles of paved trails, boating, swimming, camping, and one of the best off-leash dog parks in Colorado. It's where locals go for weekend recreation without leaving the city.
Highline Canal Trail: A 71-mile crushed gravel trail that runs through the western part of Centennial (and the entire metro area). Popular with walkers, runners, and mountain bikers, it's a linear park that connects neighborhoods to parks, schools, and shopping.
SouthGlenn: A mixed-use development with Target, Whole Foods, restaurants, and shops — plus SouthGlenn Park with a playground, tennis courts, and a small pond. It's the kind of place where you can run errands, grab lunch, and let the kids play without getting back in the car.
DeKoevend Park: Recreation center with indoor pool, gym, skate park, and sports fields. The city runs youth sports leagues, swim lessons, and summer camps here — same as Littleton's facility, but on the Centennial side.
Golf courses: Walnut Creek Golf Preserve and Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Course are both public courses that attract local golfers year-round (weather permitting).
Who loves Centennial:
Families with school-age kids (the schools are a huge draw)
People who want newer construction and larger homes
Anyone who values parks, trails, and outdoor recreation
Commuters who work in the Denver Tech Center (DTC) — Centennial is right next door
The real estate:
Centennial's housing is predominantly single-family homes on larger lots, with many neighborhoods built in the 1990s–2000s. You'll find more square footage for your money here than in Englewood or Littleton, plus newer construction, three-car garages, and backyard space. Neighborhoods like SouthGlenn, Piney Creek, Foxfield, and Heritage Greens are popular with families. Prices vary widely depending on the neighborhood and school district, but overall, Centennial offers good value for families who want space and amenities.
Comparing the Three: Quick Breakdown
Why This Matters for Your Lifestyle
Here's the thing: choosing a neighborhood isn't just about the house. It's about the life you want to live.
Do you want to walk to coffee on Saturday mornings and catch the light rail to a Broncos game? Englewood might be your fit.
Do you want a downtown with character, community events that feel like traditions, and trail access that rivals the mountains? Littleton could be it.
Do you want top-rated schools, a backyard big enough for a trampoline, and a community park where your kids can run free? Centennial is worth a look.
And beyond the lifestyle, you're thinking about the long-term. You're imagining holiday gatherings in a kitchen that fits your whole family. You're planning summer evenings on a patio overlooking a park or trail. You're thinking about property values, school districts, and whether this is a place you can see yourself five or ten years from now.
That's why I always tell my clients: don't just buy a house. Buy a neighborhood. Buy a community. Buy a life.
Ready to Explore These Neighborhoods?
If you're thinking about buying in Englewood, Littleton, Centennial, or anywhere in the Denver South Metro, let's talk. I'll help you find homes that match your lifestyle, show you the neighborhoods that fit your priorities, and guide you through every step of the process.
Call or text me at (720) 331-2355, or email [email protected]. Let's find your Denver home — and the neighborhood that feels like yours.
