Parker is a blend of urban, suburban and rural communities south of Denver, with walkable subdivisions and some homes with acres of land. “I like to talk about Parker more as rolling hills and ponderosa pines,” says Phillip Booghier, Global Real Estate Advisor with LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, licensed in 2021. “Many people that move to Parker want property, and it’s very common to find half-acre, five- and 10-acre lots." The city is growing, many drawn by its Douglas County address, placing it in a highly rated school district. In fact, the United Census Bureau reports that between 2020 and 2023, the population increased by 7.2%, amassing over 62,000 people. Many in the area work in the private sector, with almost 20% of the workforce employed in healthcare and education.
The city of Parker is located south of Denver and northeast of Castle Rock.
Parker's neighborhoods are extremely walkable with miles of trails and wide, set back sidewalks.
Rolling hills, mature trees and spectacular views are all found in Parker.
Finding a home with acreage is not too difficult in Parker.
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Old Town townhouses, subdivisions and properties with acreage
Parker’s residential areas are subdivided, with sidewalks lining cul-de-sacs. Most subdivisions have homeowners’ associations, with monthly fees between $100 and $750. The median cost of a single-family home is roughly $730,000, which falls far below Douglas County’s average home price of around $826,000. Single-family homes, including Craftsman and new traditional architectural styles, are widespread and cost between $400,000 and $1.9 million. “They have equestrian neighborhoods with easements between houses. I have horses and can jump on them, open the gate and ride,” Booghier says. Closer to Old Town, with more mixed-use zoning of residential and commercial, apartments and townhouses with median pricing of $470,000 are most common.
Parker neighborhood's are tree lined and filled with cul-de-sacs.
Most homes in Parker are newer construction and fairly large.
You can find horse friendly properties all over the city of Parker.
Parker also has townhomes for those not wanting a single family home.
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Douglas County education and Parker Arts partnerships
Douglas County School District No. RE-1, the state’s third largest district, serves Parker and receives an A-minus from Niche. The website also ranks the district as third best overall in Denver. “Parker Arts offers educators the opportunity to enrich their curriculum with live, low-cost performances which can be integrated into a teacher’s existing curriculum,” says Leslie Bonnell, marketing coordinator of Parker Arts, who has lived in town since 1997. Nearby is the University of Colorado Denver, which Niche reports is a top choice among many Douglas County School District No. RE-1 graduates.
Gold Rush Elementary School's main entrance in Parker.
Cimarron Middle School builds positive relationships to create a safe environment for students.
Discover exceptional education and a nurturing community at Legend High School in Parker, CO.
Lutheran High School prepares each student for future college and careers.
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Parker Recreation Center, Discovery Park and equestrian facilities
Parker’s 17 parks include sports complexes, traditional playgrounds, and 13 trails, some dedicated to horseback riding. Discovery Park has a play fountain open during the summer months and Parker Ice Trail open in the winter. Parker Recreation Center provides childcare and has an indoor pool and gymnasium. Horses trot at nearby equestrian facilities, including Salisbury Equestrian Park and McCabe Meadows, which has a path to the Cherry Creek Trail. Cherry Creek State Park spans 4,200 acres and has over 35 miles of mixed-use trail just north of Parker. At the park’s center, an 880-acre reservoir. O’Brien Park spans over 10 acres along Mainstreet and has basketball courts, playgrounds and the Parker Gazebo, where events like outdoor concerts and the Mayor’s Holiday Lighting are held. Well-maintained 18-hole golf courses surround the community as well, including Black Bear and Colorado golf clubs.
The Parker Recreation Center offers swimming, excersice classes and more.
Discovery Park in Parker plays host to many events, including ice skating during the Winter.
Parker's Salisbury Equestrian Park has sports fields in addition to an outdoor horse arena.
Parker is very much a horse friendly city.
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Shopping centers and local businesses along Mainstreet
Mainstreet in Old Town Parker is a walkable commercial area with restaurants and shops. South Parker Road runs through the city’s center and is dotted with shopping centers and box stores. In August 2024, Whole Foods joined other popular grocers in Parker, such as Trader Joe’s, Costco and Safeway. Local vendors sell produce and home products on Sundays at the Parkers Farmers Market, held annually along Mainstreet from Mother’s Day through Halloween.
Downtown Parker has some unique shopping options.
The Parker Farmer's Market brings the community together from Mother's Day to Halloween.
Parker residents have many options when it comes to grocery shopping, including Trader Joe's.
Target is just one of the many big box stores that can be found in Parker.
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Parker Arts, PACE Center and community events
Parker Arts displays a rotating selection of galleries at the Parker Arts Cultural and Events (PACE) Center and The Schoolhouse Gallery. It also provides art classes and camps throughout the year, ranging from pointe to puppetry. “We have a vibrant public art scene that includes more than 40 permanent sculptures around the Town as well as temporary installs through the Arts Encounters program,” Bonnell says.
Many of the town’s events are hosted by Parker Arts. “In addition to offering several free community events, including Discovery Park Free Summer Concert Series, Parker Honey Festival, Science Night, we also offer events for middle and high school students, which include Portfolio Day and Shakespeare Festival,” Bonnell says. “We also have outreach programs to help engage our adult population.” Other events put on by the town include Parker Fall Fest, a weeklong celebration with carnival games, a hay bale maze and food trucks.
The PACE Center is the central hub of Parker's art and theatre scene.
Parker's Schoolhouse Gallery has ongoing gallery shows that are open to the public.
You can find sculptures sprinkled throughout the city of Parker
Parker Day's is the cities longest running festival going into it's 49th year.
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DTC access and home to major county employer
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) serves the community with bus stops along the main north- and south-bound thoroughfare, Colorado state Highway 83—or CO-83—also known as “Parker Road.” RTD light rail lines to Aurora and downtown Denver, around 26 miles north, are accessible in nearby Lone Tree. The Denver Tech Center, where major employers include Arrow Electronics, is about 13 miles north along both Interstate 25 and CO-83. “Many pilots live in Parker because it’s off E-470, which is a tollway that never has traffic, and it’s direct to the Denver International Airport,” Booghier says. Denver International Airport is approximately 26 miles north and is the world’s third busiest airport, offering both domestic and international flights. AdventHealth Parker is one of Douglas County’s largest employers, according to its 2024 Economic Development Report, and is one of the closest hospitals. The city tends to experience between 70 and 80 inches of snow each year, as reported by the National Weather Service.
Policing and community programming in Parker
Parker Police Department reported increased totals of property and violent crimes between 2019 and 2023. Property crimes increased by over 41%, while violent crimes increased by almost 65%. Colorado’s Division of Criminal Justice reports that, within the same 5-year span, statewide property crime occurrences increased by over 3%, while violent crime reports were up by almost 17%. Parker Police Department remains active within the community, hosting Scout Nights to educate local Boy and Girl Scout troops.
Written By
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Karl Brewick
Video By
Bill Jennings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Parker, CO sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Parker, CO over the last 12 months is $680,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning, move-in-ready home located in the prestigious Pradera neighborhood. This is one of the largest models in the community and features distinctive architectural curb appeal that sets it apart. The spacious floor plan includes a luxurious primary suite with a sauna system and soaking tub, perfect for relaxing and recharging.Professionally landscaped backyard features a private
Stunning Semi-Custom Ranch-Style Retreat on a Quiet Cul-de-Sac in Parker — with $5,000 Seller Concession!Welcome to 21906 Swale Drive—a beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bath ranch-style home tucked away on a peaceful cul-de-sac, offering privacy, space, and serious curb appeal. Set far back from the street on a long driveway, this home features a professionally landscaped yard that
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 11AM-1PM! Welcome to this stunning home perfectly situated on a premium corner lot in the highly desirable Meridian Village community. With over 5,000 finished sq ft, this home combines thoughtful upgrades, timeless style, and a layout designed for both entertaining and everyday living. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the beautifully landscaped yard and inviting
Welcome to 12918 S Molly Court, a beautifully updated home situated on a desirable corner lot in Parker's coveted Stroh ranch neighborhood. This move-in ready property has been thoughtfully refreshed featuring 4 bedrooms plus a bonus room, 4 bathrooms, refinished hardwood floors, new flooring throughout, updated bathrooms, and granite countertops in every room, blending timeless style with
This stunning 7,828 sq. ft. custom home sits privately at the end of a cul-de-sac on a .58-acre lot, offering four bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a three-car garage. Its stone and stucco exterior, multiple decks, and striking architecture create incredible curb appeal. A grand covered stone entry and custom wood door welcome you inside.The main level features wood floors, abundant natural
As the agent for this home, I previewed every competing home in Clarke Farms. This home has the following advantages – It is first & foremost in very good condition & the most updated / remodeled. The floor plan is highly functional. It has an abundance of natural light, a large yard, the best landscaping & the largest deck & patio. The wood floors, new in 2017, are high quality. The carpet is
Introducing superior apartment home living in the heart of Parker, Colorado. Welcome to Parker Flats at Old Town. Our address is among the city's most desired as we are conveniently located just a short drive away from Interstate 25, allowing easy travels across the state. We are near endless options for fine dining, superb shopping, and exciting entertainment. This is exactly where you want to
Welcome to this refreshed home with newer carpet, paint and appliances. Walk into the formal living room and dinning room. You'll then enter into the kitchen with new appliances. This overlooks the family room with a gas fireplace. Main floor laundry with a 1/2 bath. Upstairs you will find a large master with vaulted ceilings. Along with a five piece bathroom. additionally upstairs you will find
Alexis MassonPreferred Property Management and Real Estate, LLC
Nestled in a gorgeous, natural setting in Parker, Colorado, you will not want to miss The Depot at Twenty Mile. These beautiful apartment homes and townhomes are located in a prime neighborhood. Easy access to local highways connects you to nearby scenic locations, urban attractions, restaurants, and entertainment. If quality and location are at the top of your list, you have found it at The
In Cottonwood, convenience takes center stage. New residential communities and older classic-looking homes sit on spacious lots. This neighborhood offers luxury amenities, access to major routes and plenty of shopping. Cottonwood is in Parker, a suburban town with ideal access and convenience to nearby haunts and local hotspots, only 21 miles south of downtown Denver. With pocket parks and the Cherry Creek Trail system, plenty of outdoor activities keep homeowners active. This neighborhood provides a variety of lifestyles in one of the fastest-growing communities in Colorado.
Due to the development of residential communities, home styles are uniform in this neighborhood, offering ranch, split-level or new traditional-style dwellings, with occasional Tudors or cottages. Homes in Cottonwood range in price between $450,000 and $800,000, while condos and multifamily options begin in the $300,000s. On the community's south end, condo complexes like Prairie Walk offer a more communal lifestyle with amenities like an outdoor pool. Many of the communities in Cottonwood are not covenant-controlled like other surrounding areas where additional HOA fees or community expenses are required. According to local real estate professionals, this is also one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in the Denver area. "Parker is growing exponentially," says Erica Chouinard, who started her real estate career in Cottonwood and has lived in the area for two decades as a Team Leader at RE/MAX Professionals in Englewood. "Douglas County was the fastest-growing county coming out of the housing recession, and it hasn't particularly slowed down. Parker is expanding to the south and the east. These neighborhoods have been there for 20-40 years, and everything else is building up around them."
Most homes were built in the late 70s and mid-80s. Still, new development continues today with the construction of modern three-bedroom townhouse communities like Dove Village, located off Birch Run Lane in the neighborhood's southwest corner. Shae Brundige is a lifelong resident of the area and Assistant Manager at Broadstone Wren, a nearby apartment complex. When asked about the area's new development, Shae said, "It's brought quite a bit of new people to the area. You still have your Parker residents, like me, who were born and raised here, but you also have people who are brand new to the area. So, I think it is still a really good mix. The new builds bring new people to the area because they're expanding and allowing that space."
Cottonwood kids can attend classes at Pine Lane Elementary, which maintains an overall grade of B-plus on Niche. Pine Lane, the largest elementary school in the Douglas County School District, hosts the district's only gifted and talented program. After graduation from Pine Lane, students can join a painting club, jazz band or run track at Sierra Middle School, maintaining an overall B-plus grade. After training hard, students can gain support to start a new club or join the highly ranked football or basketball teams at Chaparral High School, which boasts a spot in the Top 50 best public high schools in Colorado with an overall grade of A. Students can also apply to attend any Douglas County school as part of the district's open enrollment program.
Wandering minds can take focus to a new level by walking on a red gravel base bordered by stones at the meditation labyrinth in Cottonwood Park East. Kids can stay active by lacing up their skates at the inline hockey rink. Children can visit the baseball diamond and basketball courts or try the climbing wall at the playground in Cottonwood Park West. Cherry Creek connects the two parks and flows through the center of the neighborhood. From either side of Cottonwood Park, hikers and cyclists can use the 40-mile Cherry Creek trail system to reach the peaceful forest path in the Parker Jordan Centennial Open Space, 1 mile north. Further north on the trail will land outdoor enthusiasts in Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park, which provides an informational trail through a diverse wetland habitat of reeds and cattails around stone formations in the creek's rapids. Pocket parks are located throughout the neighborhood's communities, like Birch Run Park, Dove Ridge Park, Dove Village Park and Prairie Meadows Park, each with colorful playgrounds for all ages.
Residents can find all the retail essentials, dining options and entertainment in the shopping plazas surrounding the intersection of Cottonwood Drive and Parker Road. "Geographically, Cottonwood is really central, and it's that accessibility to shopping and all the basics that make this area so popular," says Phoebe Nason, a broker with RE/MAX Edge and a resident of Douglas County. Families can throw strikes at the bowling alley, drive go-karts or put a hole-in-one at Boondocks Food & Fun Parker, a nearby amusement park in the shopping strip on Cottonwood Drive. After having a blast at the arcade, famished thrill-seekers can order the prime rib at Saltgrass Steakhouse, a regional favorite known for its soup, steak and seafood dishes. Residents can cool off with a refreshing drink from Los Dos Potrillos, a brewpub with classic Mexican fare and handcrafted lagers. Locals can pick up groceries to meal prep for the week at King Soopers Marketplace, Trader Joe's or Costco Wholesale, all located on Cottonwood Drive. Whole Foods Market is also being built in the area and will open in August 2024. Arapahoe Crossings is a popular shopping center with more shopping and dining options about 4 miles north on Parker Road.
Parker Days is an annual carnival featuring live music, 200 vendors and over 45 carnival rides. Fall Fest takes over downtown Parker for seven days with food trucks, games like axe throwing and a hay bale maze just 5 miles south. The Parker Farmers Market brings life to the area every Sunday morning, with local art, craft goods, meat and produce available from regional vendors on Mainstreet.
Cottonwood is bordered by E-470, which circles the entire Denver metropolitan area and provides access to other suburban towns. Parker Road takes traffic north through the Cherry Creek neighborhood toward Denver without having to get on the interstate. Interstate 25 is about 5 miles west, making an accessible route through Centennial to the city center. Commuters can find Regional Transit District (RTD) bus stops along Parker Road. The Denver International Airport is 28 miles north.
Stonegate residents have the luxury of location with nearby shopping centers, hiking trails and access to downtown Denver, only 23 miles north of this up-and-coming neighborhood. Stonegate is just outside Parker’s downtown, with a long-standing tradition of bringing the community together through events, festivals and its thriving small business scene. With 14 miles of trails, this neighborhood has amenities centered around a healthy and comfortable lifestyle.
Stonegate is a planned community in the town of Parker with grand 21st-century homes across eight subdivisions, all built in the last 40 years. Humble 2-bedroom ranch-style homes begin at around $550,000, with 5-bedroom brick craftsman and new traditional homes selling as high as $1.1 million. Due to brand-new construction and the presence of HOAs, the price of homes in Stonegate may be slightly higher than in other neighborhoods. These homes are low maintenance, with newer facilities and services the neighborhoods provide. Townhouse communities have attached or detached garages to protect automobiles from the harsh Colorado winters. Multifamily units and condos have sprouted up in this neighborhood with options like the Stonegate Commons, a newly built condominium building on Askins Loop directly off Extension 470.
Fast-casual eateries, cafes and grocery stores are located at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Jordan Road. Lil’ Ricci’s NY Pizza & Pasta is a local favorite for Italian food on Keystone Boulevard. Those craving a classic breakfast will enjoy the Stonegate Café. King Soopers on Lincoln Avenue has all the essential grocery items, as does Safeway on South Parker Road in downtown Parker. Brick brownstone buildings house locally owned establishments in a walkable stretch with live music, performance venues, homey taverns and community parks on Mainstreet. “The charming thing is that downtown Parker has a lot of locally owned businesses,” says Erica Chouinard, a Denver local who has worked in real estate for over 20 years and is a Team Leader at RE/MAX Professionals in Englewood. “It’s all walkable. After you go to an art gallery, you can go across the street and have lunch or walk down to get some ice cream or frozen yogurt. It’s small-town America in a five-block stretch where you get to support your local businesses and see all kinds of people.”
Downtown Parker is Stonegate’s primary venue for annual events. The Parker Farmers Market closes down Mainstreet from Parker Road to Pine Drive each Sunday in an essential community event with food trucks, artwork, home décor and farm fresh produce every Sunday from May to October. Parker Days is nearly a 50-year-old June tradition with live music, roller coasters and over 200 vendors. Fall Fest is an Autumnal celebration with a hay bale maze, carnival games and food trucks in at O’Brien Park.
Children who live in Stonegate may attend Douglas County Schools. Kids can join a Spanish enrichment program at Pine Grove Elementary School, which has an overall Niche grade of B-plus. After graduating from Pine Grove, students can practice brushstrokes in the painting club or make music in the jazz band at Sierra Middle School, which holds a B-plus overall grade. Chaparral High School maintains an A overall grade and is in the Top 40 best public high schools in Colorado. To begin a career in news and media, students can write for the school newspaper, the Chaparral Chronicle.
Visitors of Stonegate Village Park can toss the frisbee at the 10-hole disc golf course or walk alongside the creek on a paved path. Athletes can practice their serve on the tennis courts or shoot hoops at Lincoln Park, and there are two playgrounds with equipment of varying difficulty to accommodate kids of all ages. Dog owners will enjoy walking around the other green spaces in Stonegate, including Aventerra and Stonebriar Park, which are well-landscaped with simple trails. On a hot summer day, members at Stonegate North Villages can cool off at the private pool. The Parker Recreation Center offers lap swimming, a leisure pool, weightlifting or volleyball, about 1 mile east. Additionally, spectators can watch a soccer game on the turf field at Challenger Regional Park, connected to the rec center with ball fields and basketball courts.
Stonegate’s northern border is Extension 470, a toll road that circles the suburbs of the Denver metro and provides a quick trip to other towns without facing the traffic. The entrance to Interstate 25 is about 4 miles west of Stonegate, giving residents a straight shot to downtown Denver and the Denver Tech Center, a business district 10 miles north. Commuters can catch the Regional Transit District (RTD) bus system from the stops on Lincoln Avenue or South Chambers Road. Passengers can take the light rail train into the city's downtown from Lincoln Station, 4 miles west. The Denver International Airport is 30 miles north on E-470.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
