Denver metro, CO relocation guide
Moving to Central City, CO
About Central City
Central City (population 779 in 2020) is the Gilpin County seat, about 35 miles west of downtown Denver. Founded in 1859 at the Gregory Lode — "the richest square mile on earth" — it is one of Colorado's great preserved mining towns, with the 1878 Central City Opera House still hosting summer opera. Limited-stakes casino gaming, legalized in 1990, revived the town's economy alongside Black Hawk.
Home prices in Central City
The median list in Central City is $492,000.
Top places in Central City
- Central City Opera House — the 1878 opera house and summer festival (shown in the historic and modern Commons photos below).
- Main Street's 1860s commercial blocks.
- The town's casinos along Main Street.
- Hidee Gold Mine tours.
- The Central City Parkway and mountain views.
Commuting from Central City
- Approximate drive to downtown Denver: ~40–55 minutes (approximate; via I-70/Central City Parkway; longer with traffic or winter weather).
- No transit; mountain driving required.
Schools in Central City
Public schools: Gilpin County School District RE-1. For enrollment and performance data, see the state report card in Town links below. Confirm school assignment for any address directly with the district.
Central City FAQs
- What is the housing market like in Central City, CO?
The median list in Central City is $492,000. Median listing price · Sep 2026 - How is the commute from Central City, CO?
Approximate drive to downtown Denver: ~40–55 minutes (approximate; via I-70/Central City Parkway; longer with traffic or winter weather). - Which school district serves Central City, CO?
Central City is served by Gilpin County School District RE-1. See the state report card in Town links, and confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.
Town links
Schools
Transit
Official town resources. School report cards via the National Center for Education Statistics.