Welcome to Parker
A vibrant, growing community with a small-town feel and sweeping mountain vistas
A couple of years ago, Money magazine added Parker to its long list of great places to live in the U.S. at #2. According to Money, Parker has a "gorgeous natural setting" with "breathtaking views and plenty of proximity to wildlife." That's true, but it's also a big town with a small community feel close to all of Denver’s amenities.
What to Love
- Gorgeous old Victorian architecture
- Parker Ice Trail, a 450-foot ice skating path that cuts through Discover Park
- Trails winding through the community
- Amazing views from almost anywhere, including Pike's Peak
- "Talk of the Town" newsletter
Local Lifestyle
Parker is a thriving mix of old and new neighborhoods, surrounded by views, open spaces, and hiking and biking trails. Many neighborhoods have their own golf courses, pools, and parks, but the community vibe is open and welcoming. Most of Parker’s residents are also from somewhere else, so don't be surprised if you find your new neighbors at the door with freshly-baked cookies in hand.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Parker Garage is the go-to in fine dining for the best chef-inspired cuisine. Check out their wine-pairing dinners for a special night out.
Great food in Parker doesn't always mean a fancy night out — Opa Grill combines Mediterranean tradition with American touches for a unique and casual dining experience. If a Greek-American combo isn't adventurous enough, make a reservation at Junz, where Japanese and French fusion creations please Parker palates night after night.
Sometimes you crave comfort pasta, and that's when you go to Trattoria Dionisia for the most authentic Italian on this side of Tuscany.
Parker residents love to shop locally. You can find high fashion designers just a shopping day away in Denver, but part of the laid-back vibe of Parker is from the local boutiques that highlight small designers. There are several small shopping centers with local artisans and craftspeople, but the Local is the hub for vendors to show off their wares at retail locations and area pop-ups.
Things to Do
Parker is home to many events year-round, and there's the brand-new PACE Center for live performances, lectures, and presentations.
Summer in Parker means festivals; in the spring, the town hosts an Easter Egg hunt; in October, there's an Oktoberfest and Main Street trick or treating; and finally, a Christmas parade to end the year.
The Cherry Creek Trail is a wide pedestrian walkway almost eight miles long, with trailheads interspersed along the way. There's also an adjacent equestrian path. The final trail will connect Cherry Creek State Park and Castlewood Canyon State Park.
Boondocks Food & Fun is a great place to spend a Saturday with the family, with laser tag, bowling, an arcade, and bumper boats.
Schools
The acclaimed Douglas County system serves Parker. Numerous elementary and middle schools feed into these three high schools.