South Aurora and Centennial are renowned neighborhoods in Colorado that offer a high quality of life. Both cities have their unique attributes that resonate differently with people considering relocation or a visit. While the shared Coloradan climate makes them similar in some aspects, differences are seen in crime rates, cost of living, job markets, infrastructure, real estate, and cultural experiences.
In terms of safety, both South Aurora and Centennial are below the national average for violent and property crimes, making them safe options. However, Centennial is widely considered safer than South Aurora with a crime rate that is significantly lower. Residents and visitors alike can therefore feel more safe and secure in Centennial.
Cost of Living
Comparatively, the cost of living in Centennial is higher than in South Aurora. This stems from higher housing and living costs. However, higher median incomes in Centennial often offset these extra costs, maintaining a good standard of living. For those looking for a more affordable living experience, South Aurora might be the better option.
Income Tax
The state of Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.63% applicable to both Centennial and South Aurora with no additional city taxes.
Property Tax
Contrarily to income tax, property taxes vary with Centennial's property tax rate being slightly lower than that of South Aurora.
Sales Tax
Both Centennial and South Aurora have higher sales taxes compared to the US average, with South Aurora's sales tax rate slightly higher than Centennial's. However, the difference is minimal and unlikely to greatly impact the cost of living.
Income
Type
South Aurora
Centennial
Estimated median household income
$80,212
$84,386
Estimated per capita income
$39,129
$45,812
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
110.1
102.2
If you make $50,000 in Centennial, you will have to make $53,865 in South Aurora to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Both Centennial and South Aurora are in the plains of Colorado with close proximity to the Rocky Mountains. The geographical conditions allow for a wide array of outdoor recreational activities, which is equally convenient for residents of both cities.
Education
Both cities boast an exceptional education system with high-rated public and private schools. In addition to this, both cities are home to several higher education institutions. However, the schools in Centennial have a slight edge in performance ratings over those in South Aurora which might sway relocators with education as a top priority.
While the employment opportunities are relatively balanced in both cities, there are some categorical differences. South Aurora has a dominant retail and healthcare industry, while Centennial is known for its robust tech scene. Thus, job seekers in the technological field may lean towards Centennial, while those focused on retail or healthcare may find South Aurora appealing.
Biggest Employers
In South Aurora, some of the largest employers are health-care related, like The Medical Center of Aurora and KPC Promise Hospital. Technology giants such as Zillow and Comcast are among the biggest employers in Centennial.
Weather
Both South Aurora and Centennial enjoy the classic Coloradan climate with plenty of sunshine, mild summers, and cold, snowy winters. This offers residents and tourists attractive seasonal activities such as hiking and skiing. The weather conditions are relatively identical in both cities due to their close proximity.
Weather and climate
Type
South Aurora
Centennial
Temperature - Average
49.9°F
49.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
50.6%
50.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
20%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
55.1%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
35%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
17.6 in
17.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
114 in
113.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.2%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
75.6%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
10%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
64%
64%
Wind speed - Average
8.6 mph
8.7 mph
Average climate in South Aurora, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
South Aurora
Centennial
South Aurora
Centennial
South Aurora
Centennial
South Aurora
Centennial
South Aurora
Centennial
South Aurora
Centennial
South Aurora
Centennial
South Aurora
Centennial
2018
99
100
0.37
0.39
21.6
21.9
31.9
33.0
N/A
N/A
29.2
29.2
8.5
8.3
0.7
0.7
2017
95
95
0.37
0.39
22.0
22.2
31.8
33.1
N/A
N/A
22.0
22.0
8.4
8.2
0.9
0.9
2016
90
90
0.43
0.44
24.0
24.2
31.3
32.7
N/A
N/A
22.6
22.6
8.1
8.0
1.0
1.0
2015
101
101
0.44
0.45
23.0
23.5
30.2
31.4
N/A
N/A
20.6
20.7
9.6
9.6
1.1
1.1
2014
94
94
0.43
0.44
22.0
22.6
30.3
31.4
N/A
N/A
22.7
23.2
10.1
10.1
1.3
1.3
2013
84
85
0.39
0.40
19.7
20.2
30.7
32.0
N/A
N/A
22.0
22.5
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.4
2012
90
91
0.34
0.34
18.9
18.9
31.4
32.5
N/A
N/A
24.3
24.5
N/A
N/A
1.2
1.3
2011
91
91
0.34
0.34
18.1
18.1
31.5
31.9
N/A
N/A
23.8
23.8
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.5
2010
81
82
0.41
0.41
16.3
16.3
29.3
29.7
N/A
N/A
26.6
26.5
N/A
N/A
1.0
1.0
2009
79
79
0.37
0.37
14.1
14.1
27.3
27.8
0.005
0.005
22.6
22.5
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2008
85
85
0.41
0.41
17.3
17.3
29.1
30.1
0.008
0.008
25.5
25.4
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.6
2007
96
96
0.41
0.41
20.6
20.6
25.7
27.2
0.007
0.007
28.9
29.1
N/A
N/A
1.2
1.2
2006
89
89
0.50
0.50
19.0
19.0
25.4
26.8
0.026
0.022
28.0
28.0
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.4
2005
86
86
0.57
0.56
21.3
21.3
22.7
23.5
0.106
0.099
29.6
29.7
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.5
2004
82
82
0.61
0.60
21.2
21.2
21.6
22.5
0.035
0.031
28.6
28.6
N/A
N/A
1.8
1.8
2003
106
106
0.61
0.59
21.2
21.2
23.4
24.3
0.038
0.033
32.6
32.6
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.9
2002
86
86
0.64
0.64
19.2
19.2
23.0
23.9
0.027
0.024
35.7
35.7
N/A
N/A
2.5
2.5
2001
95
95
0.79
0.79
23.8
25.8
20.8
21.9
0.029
0.025
32.6
32.6
N/A
N/A
2.6
2.6
2000
93
93
0.77
0.77
13.7
14.9
21.7
22.8
0.032
0.028
12.2
12.2
N/A
N/A
2.1
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
South Aurora
Centennial
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
137.7%
129.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
797.1%
807.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
10%
10%
Transportation
Public transit is well-available in both areas, with South Aurora served by R-Line Light Rail, and Centennial by multiple RTD bus lines. Overall, commute times are shorter in Centennial due to its smaller size and efficient road networks.
Transport
Type
South Aurora
Centennial
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
0
98
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
8
Means of transportation to work
Type
South Aurora
Centennial
Bicycle
0.2%
0.4%
Bus
3.5%
0.8%
Carpooled
12%
8.1%
Car alone
78.6%
87.3%
Railroad
0%
0.4%
Subway
0%
0.2%
Walked
1.3%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
South Aurora
Centennial
Average
27.5 min
29.6 min
Real Estate
Centennial has a higher real estate value than South Aurora due to its attractiveness and higher standard of living. However, South Aurora's real estate market offers more affordable options ideal for first-time homebuyers or those with a lower budget.
Neighborhoods
Centennial neighborhoods like Willow Creek and Foxridge are highly rated for their sense of community and aesthetic appeal. South Aurora neighborhoods, such as Cherry Creek and Meadow Wood, although not as prestigious, offer a good blend of affordability and quality of life.
Houses and residents
Type
South Aurora
Centennial
Houses
119,373
41,114
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.6
Houses occupied
115,977 (97.2%)
39,660 (96.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
76,163 (65.7%)
31,356 (79.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
39,814 (34.3%)
8,304 (20.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,519
$2,100
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$836,561
$1,031,511
Estimated median house or condo value
$439,151
$481,500
Renting percentage
38.4%
16.5%
Household income disparities
40.8%
37.8%
Housing units without a mortgage
6,903 (10.6%)
576 (2.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
358 (0.6%)
2,837 (12.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
57,942 (89.4%)
22,665 (97.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
5,373 (8.3%)
81 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
10,116 (15.6%)
3,241 (13.9%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.4%
1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
8,665
3,795
State government workers
4,200
1,597
Unpaid family workers
351
118
Industries and Occupations
South Aurora predominantly revolves around healthcare, retail trade, and the accommodation sector. Centennial, on the other hand, has a strong presence of technology companies. Therefore, prospective residents’ choice may depend on their occupation and industry preference.
Health Care
Healthcare services are top-notch in both cities, with South Aurora housing the renowned Medical Center of Aurora. Centennial, however, has a greater number of healthcare facilities.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure in both South Aurora and Centennial is well-developed, hosting a number of facilities and amenities. However, Centennial has a slightly better infrastructure due to its status as a newer and more planned city. This results in better parks, libraries, and civic areas.
Infrastructure
Type
South Aurora
Centennial
TV stations
14
14
Culture and Food
Both cities showcase diversified food scenes with a variety of local and international cuisines. While South Aurora offers a multicultural blend of culinary influences, Centennial is known for its farm-to-table restaurants reflecting Colorado’s agricultural bounty.
Sports Teams
Colorado's professional sports teams play in Denver, a short drive from both cities, making access to games and sports-related activities equally convenient for residents of South Aurora and Centennial.
South Aurora, CO and 
Centennial, CO : 7.2 miles
South Aurora, CO and 
Centennial, CO : 7.2 miles
