Parker Information (schools/subs) (Denver, Highlands Ranch: house prices, neighborhood, elementary school)

[brannja]

Hello, I'm new here. My family and I are moving to the Denver area soon and we are narrowing down our home search. We have heard great things about Parker from ppl who live there. We are also considering Highlands Ranch, it seems a bit more sardined in and older/smaller homes. Our price range is low for Parker (250ish, topping out at 290ish), but it seems we can find a few decent places to choose from.

I'm looking for any opinions, experiences, recommendations on schools and subdivisions. In particular: Iron Horse elem, Pine Grove elem, Prairie Crossing elem, Cherokee Trail elem....and it seems there is a new elementary opening in this area this summer. Any information would be appreciated. I've browsed the site and haven't really found anything specific. My next order of business is calling these schools, but I expect I'll hear pretty similar information (I've already studied the Doug co schools handbooks/sites) and of course everyone will think their school is the best. So any personal offerings would be great!

I am doing all of this online, I'll probably only have one trip out to visit final choices before we make the move.

Thank you for any help!!

[brannja]

PS, I should add (in case it helps) that we are interested in being close to parks, trails, easy access to light rail, and I'd like any info about rec centers and where they are...

[Charles]

Originally Posted by brannja

I'm looking for any opinions, experiences, recommendations on schools and subdivisions. In particular: Iron Horse elem, Pine Grove elem, Prairie Crossing elem, Cherokee Trail elem....and it seems there is a new elementary opening in this area this summer. Any information would be appreciated. I've browsed the site and haven't really found anything specific. My next order of business is calling these schools, but I expect I'll hear pretty similar information (I've already studied the Doug co schools handbooks/sites) and of course everyone will think their school is the best. So any personal offerings would be great!

This is graphical test score data.

Colorado School Performance Maps

[Wyomiles]

You should be able to find a pretty nice place in Parker in that price range. There are lots of young couples with young kids here. My kids are older and we have had them in the school system since Junior High and the schools are pretty good, no problems to speak of. Parker has two rec centers and a new private rec center meaning not owned by the city. The "rec center" is off of lincoln between Jordan and Parker road next to a ballpark,soccer field. The "Field house" is more in the center of town between the Cherry Creek and Parker road. The private rec center is near the hospital off of parker road next to the E-470 toll road. Parker has trails all over the place. The light rail is about 5 miles west at I-25 and Lincoln ave. Busses travel to and from there.

[bhcompy]

for affordability and a good elementary school(actually 2, k-3 and 4-6 if i recall) i would check pinery glen in south parker. house prices under 290k for newer houses and a good family neighborhood

[brannja]

Thanks so much everyone...it really sounds like (from what I've been able to glean from misc. internet resources) that Parker is a good place to hone in on!

[Katiana]

Are you relocating for a job? If so, where is it?

[brannja]

Yes, relocating for a job, which is at the Tech center, however mainly our office is out of our home (most days/week), so while proximity is good, it's not primary. Mainly concerned about finding good schools, young family area, close to activities.

[sterlingj]

I really like two of the more established subdivisions in Parker - Stonegate and Clarke Farms. Both of these communities (especially Stonegate) are very well-maintained and centrally-located (close to Lincoln Ave. and E-470). They have extensive parks, trees, tennis courts, pools, etc. There are tons of families in both subdivisions. Both do beautiful holiday lighting in the winter, and there are extensive trails and open space throughout. Stonegate is pricier, but both are nice.

[brannja]

That is good to know...I am looking for a place that will be a solid investment. Does anyone have anything to say about the Pine Lane schools? The early one rates only as average, where most Parker schools rate high. Pine Grove is the only "excellent" elementary in Parker...hard to choose from so far away. And even when I come to visit the school, there is a good bit you can learn, but really nothing like attending there.