Parker, CO is a small city located in Douglas County. It is known for its rural charm and proximity to the extensive trails found in the adjacent Cherry Creek State Park. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Parker such as hiking, cycling, horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, and more. The charming downtown area offers boutique shopping, dining options and entertainment. Additionally, there are local wineries and breweries that attract visitors from all over the area.
The reviews of Parker are generally very positive. People find it to be a great place to live due to its close proximity to Denver while still being far enough away from all the hustle and bustle of city life. People also enjoy the laid-back atmosphere in town combined with all the outdoor activities available nearby. Numerous locals praise the sense of community here as well as all the unique attractions that make Parker stand out from other cities in Colorado.
based on 28 ReviewsGet to know Parker with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Parker
Do your research. Things change. - 11/4/2021
I'm not a CO native. I didn't move here from CA. We've been here over 16 years.
We are looking to move.
Now that I said that, I'll say this: This is a nice small CITY but the expansive growth has not been welcome to most who have lived here awhile. Housing prices are very high. Public schools are good. Crime is low but rising. Plenty of jobs within 30 miles or so but the traffic now is bigger city traffic and it can take awhile to get to Denver for work. Great if you work from home.
It's sunny most of the time. It's also smoky most of the summer from wildfires. I wouldn't recommend this area if you have breathing/lung problems.
You can still see the mountains and Pike's Peak in the distance but not like you used to be able to do partly due to the over development and partly due to the smoke in the summer and summers have been like this for YEARS.
We are both retired USAF. Buckley AFB is nearby. There are a lot of military and retired military veterans
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Start Your Review of Parker
Do your research. Things change. - 11/4/2021
I'm not a CO native. I didn't move here from CA. We've been here 16 years.
We are looking to move.
Now that I said that, I'll say this: This is a nice small CITY but the expansive growth has not been welcome to most who have lived here awhile. Housing prices are very high. Public schools are good. Crime is low but rising. Plenty of jobs within 30 miles or so but the traffic now is bigger city traffic and it can take awhile to get to Denver for work. Great if you work from home.
It's sunny most of the time. It's also smoky most of the summer from wildfires. I wouldn't recommend this area if you have breathing/lung problems.
We are both retired USAF. We moved here for the large town, small city feel, good schools for our daughters, jobs and colleges nearby AND the wide-open spaces.
We don't have much space around here anymore.
Much of the open spaces, horse pastures, etc. that were supposed to be protected are now filled with overpriced but
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GOOD, but become less. - 10/19/2021
This is my 15th year in Parker, CO. Very nice initially. VERY EXPENSIVE to buy a home now. I rented all this time and despite making over $100,000 per year, cannot buy a home here. This is a growing problem everywhere to be fair. The climate is dry, sunny, warm, little snow, and good access to the highways to go North or South in the state. 15 years ago, I would recommend Parker 1st, but Castle Rock is somewhat more pleasant
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Growing City - 1/10/2016
We moved to Parker a year and a half ago from Oregon. So far the sun and wide open ranges have been very nice. Parker has a mixture of open land, farms and communities and apartments. Cherry Creek runs right through it so it is great for walking or bike riding.
The down side is that there is a great deal of growth happening and every parcel of land in town is for sale. In about 10 years the city will be pretty covered with buildings unless you are in the eastside where the larger lots and homes are (which is more expensive). The schools are so-so. The school board has been awful and teachers and principals have left in droves. My son's high school lost over 20 teachers in one year. They hire teachers fresh out of school.
The diversity is at a bare minimum, and this is frustrating. You need to go into Denver for the diversity and cultural experience.
Cheerful people for the most part as the sun keeps you feeling good.
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dry - 11/13/2015
not enough rain
no humidity
skin peeling off fingers and feet it is so dry and
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Cost of living is pretty high - 12/8/2014
In Douglas County Colorado the cost of living is among the highest in Colorado. You would be hard pressed to find a house for less than $300k with most decent houses in the $500k or higher range. Water & Sewage are high enough that you REALLY want to conserve water.
It is a very beautiful, but costly place to
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Parker, Colorado - 2/2/2013
Winters have tamed down 2009 to present. Summers are very dry and mild-hot.
Cost of living offers something for every family.
Crime (i. e. youth drugs) remains an issue and concern.
Arts and culture is coming alive with the new Parker Arts Center. Nice.
Parker operates within a reasonable economy.
Parker offers good public and private school choices. 30 minutes - 2 hour radius to excellent colleges.
Air and water quality is excellent as reported by Army Corp of Engineers.
Housing options range from low-income apartments to breath-taking homes. That's Parker, something for every family.
Best mayor in Colorado 2004-2012, in my opinion. Involved, accessible, for the people.
Good quality of life - Denver jobs; international airport; modest housing price changes; fantastic outdoor recreation.
Reasonable drive to mountains; new water reservoir 2013; excellent bike paths between Parker and CO State Parks
Most religious
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schools cost - 8/12/2010
If you live in Parker you are in the Douglas County school district. This district does not give the schools the money they need. This year we lost Spanish and are being charged a bus fee per bus ride. Its too bad they can't put more money into the schools nobody is poor in this
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