Whats the scoop on Parker? (Denver, Highlands Ranch: sales, HOA, houses)

[IL to Denver]

I'm still trying to narrow down my search of cities in the Denver area to relocate to from IL. I am really considering Parker. I have been researching the area and I have been very impressed with it so far. Does anyone on here live in Parker or know info about it? I know they have excellent schools which is my main concern, but what about, shopping, sports, gyms, recreation, restraunts, and the best areas in Parker to live. Also, I have been looking at a few houses online on the outside of Parker off the main roads. I was wondering if the secondary roads get cleared when the snow comes.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Where's work?

[bhcompy]

Parker is pretty big and Parker Rd is the main thoroughfare. There is plenty of shopping, restaurants, etc off Parker Rd and there's a little outdoor recreation to be had with Cherry Creek(trails along the creek and parks and such) and whatever your HOA provides in terms of services(some have pools, ball fields, etc). There's also trail rides, a big waterslide on Main Street, and it's not too far from Cherry Creek State Park either. There were some youth sports options as well, but I only recall pee wee football(I recall neighboring Highlands Ranch has lacrosse, so Parker might as well).

As far as where to live, it totally depends on your budget, land size desires, home age, how far you want to be from work, etc. You're going to add extra time to your commute if you're going in to Denver and you live in the Pinery compared to living in the Cottonwood development since there isn't a freeway to get down to the southern end.

[shukertj]

If you were to describe your ideal home and neighborhood, what would it be like? This might help us figure out if Parker is the best place for you. Also, where will you be working, and what would be your ideal commute?

I have friends who are very happy raising their families in Parker--excellent schools, friendly communities, and even a little bit of wildlife in their back yards. Parker is fairly large and diverse in terms of lifestyle--you can get everything from newer, cookie-cutter developments on small lots with nearby amenities such as community pools and tennis courts to a horse property on several acres. Generally, the farther you are from town the more space you will have. The only drawback to Parker that I can see is its relative distance from Denver. You'd have about a 45-minute commute for cultural amenities such as theatre, symphonies, art museums, etc., but if this isn't a priority, Parker has just about everything else a family could want. If you're into shopping, Park Meadows in Highlands Ranch is a nearby upscale retail mecca.

[Count David]

IIRC, the OP will be working at I-70/Havana.

I will say nothing else.

[2bindenver]

Park Meadows Mall is in Lone Tree. Highlands Ranch is a subdivision in northern Douglas County, not in a city.

[chilicheesefries]

Originally Posted by 2bindenver

Park Meadows Mall is in Lone Tree.

But it didn't used to be until Lone Tree annexed them in one of the biggest sales tax grabs in recent memory, but that's a different rant.

[outside1]

I know they have excellent schools which is my main concern

Saying all of somewhere as big as Parker has excellent schools is a bit like saying all restaurants in the city of New York are excellent.

Don't make the mistake of assuming that what district you find matters more than what teacher and principle you end up with at what school.

[cowboyxjon]

It's too far away from everything, in my opinion, but it's a nice town otherwise.

[IL to Denver]

I will be working off of Florence st. in Denver. I would like at least an acre of land with my home. I have seen a few homes in the Parker area with land that I will look at when I get there in the near future. My son enjoys all sports so it is a must that the area have a good sports program. I don't mind being on the outskirts of town as long as the roads get cleared when it snows. I don't really care to be in a subdivision where the houses sit on top of each other. I like to have my space. It doesn't matter if there is a pool. Also what is the deal with the water in the area and is there some areas better than others?