Welcome to Parker
Rated as one of the top cities to live with a quaint downtown and plenty of activities.
Parker, Colorado, is rated as one of the best cities in the nation to live. It has a family-friendly atmosphere and a zest for small-town community and charm. Residents here enjoy a nice mix of small-town living with the convenience of being close to amenities offered by the big city.
The residents in Parker include young families, older residents, and young professionals. The welcoming atmosphere is felt in every nook of the town, which is why this neighborhood has been a sought-after community for the past couple of years.
What to Love
- Quaint downtown area
- Lots of annual events and activities
- Conveniently located near downtown Denver
Local Lifestyle
The local lifestyle in Parker is down-to-earth, connected to nature, and welcoming. Because it's located on the outskirts of Denver, residents enjoy plenty of space with lots of quiet and calm. Outdoor recreational activities are a big draw for residents here, and the nearby local and state parks make it easy to access the national wonders of Colorado. Residents especially enjoy how they can get the best of city living while residing in a quaint environment. Downtown Denver is 23 miles away and is a great way for families to venture into the city for a day of fun. Of course, there's also plenty to do in and around Parker.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Downtown Parker is the”go-to” destination when it comes to great dining, entertainment, and shopping. The downtown area is populated with a collection of shops and restaurants for residents to enjoy. This business district has a strong commerce, hospitality, and arts and theater scene. Throughout the year, the downtown transforms into a magical space depending on the events and holidays that the calendar brings. Popular restaurants locals enjoy include
Rory's Diner and
West Main Taproom and Grill. There are plenty of bakeries and cafes for those looking to get their morning fix.
O’Brien Park & Pool is one of the most popular destinations to pass the time, especially on a hot summer's day. The splash pad, pool, different athletic fields, park's gazebo and ground space are the perfect places to host a birthday party or enjoy an outing with your family and friends. There are also plenty of trails to explore along the park as well.
Residents can always count on the
PACE Center to host the latest arts and cultural events. Residents appreciate performances by local and national musical groups and much more.
Hidden Mesa Open Space is another popular destination for outdoor lovers. This natural park offers hours of entertainment as hikers explore the unique geography and walking trails. Just bring plenty of snacks and water because you can easily spend a whole day out there.
Things to Do
The close-knit community feel of Parker means there are plenty of annual events that bring residents together.
Parker Days is one of the town's most anticipated experiences of the year. This community event provides live music, great food, and family fun. There are so many attractions to check out, including carnival fun, rides, activities for kids and adults, and much more.
The
Stars & Stripes Celebration is a fun-filled event to celebrate our nation's independence. Residents look forward to an array of activities, live music, festivities, and much more.
Parker’s Fall Fest is another highly anticipated event to welcome the October harvest. Residents head out to
Flat Acres Farm and pick out their pumpkins and celebrate the start of fall. Other activities for children and families include a petting zoo, food vendors, and much more.
As you would expect with any small-town community, the holidays are perhaps one of the greatest causes for celebration. Parker rings in the season each year with their
porch parade event. Residents decorate their porch to show off their hometown spirit, and the rest of the town chimes in for a vote to crown the winner.
Schools
Parker is served by the
Douglas County School District, one of the largest school districts in Colorado. Douglas County operates 90 elementary and preschools combined, plus about 20 high schools, five alternative schools, and 18 charter schools. Even with its size, Douglas County is one of Colorado’s highest-performing school districts, with Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) test averages that outpace the state average.
