Things to do in Parker When You're... (Denver, Aurora: apartment, renting)

[relocatingtoco]

My husband and I are relocating to Parker in the fall, we currently live in Chicago and before that lived in LA. We are in our early 30's, no kids and are moving for his job and because his family is there as well. As a city person, I am quite nervous about a move to the suburbs. From all I have heard and seen, about Parker, it seems to be a very family-oriented exurban town, lined with strip malls and corporate chain stores. We had considered also renting a small apartment in the city to be closer to the action, but that would not be immediate. Since the move has already been decided, I am putting on my game face and searching for the silver lining. My interests include the culinary industry (that is my current career), as well as films, film festivals, great restaurants, wine bars...etc. I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for me about where I will be able to find these things in (or around) Parker. I know there is a lot going on in Colorado, I just need to know where to find it!!! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Since no one else has responded, I'll jump in. I think you correctly labeled Parker as "exurban". They do have a cute downtown Main Street, but most of the activities there are aimed at families and the old fashioned small town kinds of things. I'm sure you could find some great restaurants in Parker and around Park Meadows mall.

The good news is that you can be in downtown Denver, where those things you describe are happening, in 30-45 minutes during non-rush hour depending on where you live in Parker. You could drive over to the light rail station at Lincoln Avenue and take the train downton. There are also film festivals, great restaurants, wine bars, etc. in scattered areas such as Cherry Creek, BelMar, etc.

[downtownnola]

I certainly agree with the previous poster... the Park Meadows Shopping Center area located near Parker has some good restaurants, entertainment, etc. The majority of the "city" activities like wine bars and art galleries are located in the downtown and Cherry Creek areas, but that's not to say that you can't find these things outside of downtown.

IMO, Parker is a nice area... it's clean, has lots of evergreen trees scattered on the hills and feels less hectic than many areas in the metro area. I don't know if you will find all of the urban oriented things you are seeking in Parker. If you don't like the suburbs, Parker may be a bit of an adjustment. Depending on your circumstances, you may be happier finding a place in the city. Like the previous poster stated, the drive to downtown from Parker really isn't bad during non-rush hour times (30-45 minutes), and the light rail to and from downtown now goes south to Lincoln, about a 5 or 10 minute drive from Parker.

Best of luck!

[relocatingtoco]

does you reccomend where one can walk to all the restaurants, etc.?
Thanks for the advice so far!

[soonermeteor]

Originally Posted by relocatingtoco

does you reccomend where one can walk to all the restaurants, etc.?
Thanks for the advice so far!

Just head to 16th street. There is a free shuttle that runs up and down its length which includes a lot of places to eat.

[vegaspilgrim]

Great thread title! Just curious why you chose Parker-- it's a great choice particularly if you have kids or plan on having kids soon, but otherwise why would you want to live there? On the positive side though, I'm sure you'll be able to find your own niche there. While the areas east of Parker (with those nice hills and ponderosa trees) are definitely semi-rural and ex-urban, Parker itself is now firmly sub-urban. There's a lot of development going on, a new hospital and "power center"-- a retail and restaurant complex by Parker Rd & E-470. Parker is now just as firmly entrenched within the metro area as Highlands Ranch, Aurora, or any other suburb. Here's my #1 suggestion: 1. Don't be so quick to write off the strip malls-- there are a lot of locally owned, unique businesses located in some of the older strip malls in Parker and other south/ southeast metro suburbs. A couple miles north on Arapahoe Rd in Greenwood Village/ Centennial there are a ton of ethnic restaurants, hidden gems tucked away in strip malls. Try out Sahara, Shiraz, and El Parral for starters. There are some awesome Indian and Korean restaurants in Aurora. There's a really good wine bar, again, in a strip mall, also a few miles north, by Parker Rd & Orchard, called Al's. At first glance the area might seem totally boring, but the longer you live there and start becoming a local, the more you'll discover these types of unique establishments and find your niche.

[LoveBoating]

We have lived in Parker for the last 3 years. Parker is a nice "town", but growing extremely fast into (someday) a regular city. What is there to do in Parker.......basically NOT MUCH. The town of Parker sure isn't Park Meadows or downtown Denver by no means. If you are looking for some "action", you'll have to drive out of Parker into one of those other areas. We are in our late 50's (58/59) and Parker is fine for us, but the word "action" just isn't really a word in Parker's language. Parker isn't too much into the 30's "action" scene, but people who have kids do love living there.
Good Luck

[relocatingtoco]

Thanks for all of the responses. VegasPilgrim, the reason it would be Parker is that there is a low-cost housing option available to us, but I am not sure if I want to "sacrifice" my quality of life simply for cheap rent! I think we have planned spend a few months in Parker, getting acclamated and looking for a place in the city. What are some areas in Denver where one can walk out their door and find a plethora of restaurants, etc?

[tfox]

Originally Posted by relocatingtoco

What are some areas in Denver where one can walk out their door and find a plethora of restaurants, etc?

Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Congress Park, Highlands, Wash Park, Platt Park, DU/University would be excellent choices. Or, just look at Westword or 5280's "best of" guides to get an idea of what's out there in the restaurant scene.

[GunGirlCO]

Well if you are looking for low cost housing...you dont belong in Colorado to begin with! I live in parker and love it...actually moving to franktown...yeah there is not much to do in the immediate area but..it is quiet...