Want a neighborhood where you can step onto a paved trail, bike to a reservoir, and still be minutes from groceries and coffee? If so, Piney Creek in Centennial might fit your lifestyle. You get HOA-managed parks and courts, connections to Cherry Creek State Park, and a cohesive community feel. In this guide, you’ll see how the amenities, trails, and everyday rhythm of Piney Creek come together so you can decide if it’s a match. Let’s dive in.
Piney Creek at a glance
Piney Creek is a covenant-controlled, master-planned community of roughly 1,850 homes in the City of Centennial. It’s organized into several filings (micro‑neighborhoods) and overseen by two associations: a Maintenance Association and a Recreational Association. An Architectural Control Committee reviews exterior changes, so plan ahead if you’re thinking about paint, additions, or major landscaping. These structures keep common areas in good shape and set expectations around dues, pool access, and property updates.
HOA parks, pool, and courts
Piney Creek maintains two primary parks that anchor day-to-day recreation. At East Park, you’ll find the neighborhood clubhouse, a private swimming pool, and four tennis courts. West Park offers irrigated turf, a gazebo, a playground, and four lighted tennis courts. You can review park features and locations on the HOA’s overview of East and West Park amenities.
The clubhouse is a true community hub used for board meetings, resident gatherings, and private events. Capacity is listed at 96 with a simple reservation process; check current details on the clubhouse information page.
Pool access is private to Piney Creek’s Recreational Association members and managed with key cards and Avigilon Alta Open mobile entry. The pool typically opens around Memorial Day and closes after Labor Day. The neighborhood supports youth swim through the Piney Creek HEAT swim team, and seasonal lessons are offered via an outside contractor. Because schedules and rules can shift each year, always confirm the latest on the HOA pool page.
Tennis is a highlight with multiple courts at both parks. Pickleball programming has been referenced in HOA updates; confirm the current court setup, lighting, and reservation rules directly with the association.
Trails that connect your week
If you love to walk, run, or ride, Piney Creek Trail is a major lifestyle perk. This paved greenway runs through and near the neighborhood with few street crossings, and it links into the larger Cherry Creek Regional Trail system. That means you can go for an easy evening loop or a longer weekend ride toward Denver. See the route and core access points on the Piney Creek Trail overview.
Local connectors, including Sampson Gulch and neighborhood paths, extend your options for short loops and family rides. Many residents access the trail from nearby parks such as Red-Tailed Hawk or Larkspur, then branch out toward Cherry Creek State Park.
Regional recreation nearby
Cherry Creek State Park is the area’s recreation anchor and one of the biggest reasons Piney Creek stands out. The park spans about 4,200 acres with an 880-surface-acre reservoir, marina access, boating, camping, and miles of multi-use trails. It’s an easy drive or bike from Piney Creek, which makes early morning paddles, sunset walks, or weekend picnics simple to plan. Explore activities and maps on the Cherry Creek State Park page.
Beyond the HOA amenities, the Trails Park & Recreation District maintains parks and open spaces around the area. This includes fields, playgrounds, and community green space that Piney Creek residents use regularly. Browse locations on the TPRD parks page.
Community events and clubhouse life
Piney Creek’s Social Committee keeps a steady calendar, including a popular Fourth of July parade and seasonal gatherings. The clubhouse hosts many of these events, along with homeowner meetings and team activities connected to pool season. If being part of neighborhood traditions matters to you, keep an eye on HOA communications and calendars for dates and photos as each season approaches.
Homes, filings, and HOA basics
Piney Creek’s filings form a set of micro‑neighborhoods with different lot sizes and streetscapes. Names you’ll see include The Estates, The Glen, The Terrace, The Lower Knolls, The Upper Vista, and more. The HOA’s map set lists each filing with lot counts, which is helpful when you’re comparing inventory by street or section. For a planning snapshot, review the filings and lot-count maps.
Architecture ranges from traditional brick and wood to Tudor-influenced exteriors and modern-traditional updates. Estate-style homes appear in later phases, while earlier filings show classic suburban plans with mature landscaping. The result is a contiguous community with price and size diversity across blocks.
On pricing, third‑party portals often place Piney Creek’s median values in the low to upper 700 thousands, with individual listings ranging from the mid 500 thousands to well over 1 million depending on size, condition, and location within the community. Treat those as broad markers only. Always ask your agent for a fresh MLS check before touring so you’re working with current, local data.
For dues, buyers typically see two recurring line items: a Maintenance Association fee and a Recreational Association fee. Sample listings suggest combined monthly charges often near the low hundred-dollars per month, but exact amounts vary by filing and whether a property participates in both associations. Confirm dues, inclusions, and transfer fees with the HOA and your title review before you make an offer.
Schools and enrollment notes
Many Piney Creek addresses are commonly associated with Indian Ridge Elementary, Laredo Middle School, and Smoky Hill High School in the Cherry Creek School District. Laredo Middle School is slated for a district bond-funded rebuild, so families should note potential timing and transition updates from the district. To learn more about programs and contact details, start with the Indian Ridge Elementary school page, and verify exact school assignment for any specific property directly with the district.
Everyday errands and commuting
For shopping and dining, Southlands is the major nearby hub with an open‑air main street, restaurants, services, and seasonal events. You can preview tenants and events on the Southlands directory. Smaller centers with groceries like Sprouts and King Soopers sit along Smoky Hill and Orchard.
By car, you have quick access to Parker Road, Smoky Hill, E‑470, and I‑225. Commutes to the Denver Tech Center, Buckley, DIA, and downtown Denver typically range from roughly 20 to 35 minutes depending on time of day and weather. Transit options are limited in this suburban pocket, so most residents plan daily errands and school drop‑offs by car.
Tips for exploring on your first visit
- Start at East Park to see the clubhouse, pool, and courts, then walk the surrounding greenbelts.
- Hop on Piney Creek Trail for a short out‑and‑back toward Cherry Creek State Park. Notice street crossings and access points you’d use daily.
- Drive to Cherry Creek State Park to gauge real-world timing for boating, beach access, and trailheads.
- Cruise a few filings, such as The Estates and The Glen, to compare lot sizes and architecture.
- Stop by Southlands for a quick lunch and to get a feel for weekly errands.
- If you’re a court-sport player, confirm tennis and potential pickleball details with the HOA before you set your routine.
- Call us to align what you saw with current pricing, taxes, and HOA dues so you can act confidently.
Work with a local guide
If Piney Creek is on your shortlist, you deserve clear, current advice tailored to how you live. Our family-led team pairs deep neighborhood knowledge with data you can trust, from true comparables and HOA nuances to commute checks and school verification. When you’re ready, we’ll walk you through the listings that fit and advocate for you at every step. Connect with Gerlock Homes to request a free home valuation or schedule a no‑pressure consultation.
FAQs
What amenities are exclusive to Piney Creek residents?
- The HOA’s private amenities include the clubhouse, the seasonal pool with key card/mobile entry, and multiple tennis courts at East and West Parks; see the HOA parks overview and clubhouse details for what’s included and how to access.
How does Piney Creek Trail connect to Cherry Creek State Park?
- Piney Creek Trail is a paved greenway with limited street crossings that ties into the larger Cherry Creek Regional Trail, offering bikeable access toward the reservoir; review the trail overview and plan park time via Cherry Creek State Park.
What should I expect for HOA fees in Piney Creek?
- Many homes carry two dues lines: a Maintenance Association fee and a Recreational Association fee, with combined charges often near the low hundred-dollars per month; verify exact amounts and inclusions with the HOA and your title documents.
Which schools serve homes in Piney Creek?
- Addresses commonly align with Indian Ridge Elementary, Laredo Middle School, and Smoky Hill High School in Cherry Creek School District; always confirm assignment with the district and start with the Indian Ridge Elementary page for contacts.
Where can I swim or play tennis nearby?
- Inside Piney Creek, the HOA pool and tennis courts are at East and West Parks; check hours and rules on the HOA pool page and parks overview. Regionally, TPRD maintains additional parks for open play at the TPRD parks list.
What housing styles and lot sizes will I find?
- You’ll see traditional brick and wood exteriors, Tudor-influenced designs, and modern-traditional updates, with lot sizes varying by filing; browse the HOA’s filings map to compare sections before you tour.
