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Located in southeast Metro Denver, Parker is one of the fastest growing communities in the country. Parker can trace its colorful recent history to the establishment of the Pine Grove Post Office by Alfred Butters around 1862. Prior to that time, the area was used for hunting by Indians, including the ancient (prehistoric) Indians, the Plains-Woodland Indians and later (circa 1800s) mostly Arapaho, Cheyenne and Ute Indians. Although courthouse records bring the dates into question, historical accounts generally agree that George Long traded the 20 Mile House to Nelson Doud in 1870 for a pair of mules. They sold the building in 1874 to James Sample Parker, an ex-bullwhacker and station manager who had been living in Kiowa. Under Parker’s ownership, the 20 Mile House grew and prospered. A blacksmith shop with equipment to shoe oxen and a general mercantile store were added to the facility, and it became the first official post office.
With more than 46,000 residents, the Town boasts a highly-educated population with average household incomes that exceed most of the Denver metropolitan area. Parker is a well-planned, progressive community that offers excellent opportunities for investors, retailers and developers to relocate or expand. Both businesses and residents enjoy the luxury of a multi-model transportation system, open space and trails, recreational amenities, opportunities for community involvement and great schools, while still having easy access to shopping, transportation and quality services.
The Town of Parker was incorporated in 1981 and included the Rowley Downs subdivision, the downtown area and the Parker Square and Parker Plaza commercial areas. The incorporated area encompassed approximately one square mile and included 285 residents. Soon after incorporation in 1981, the Town adopted zoning and subdivision ordinances.
The Town increased from one square mile at incorporation to 18.8 square miles currently. The Town’s population has increased from less than 300 at incorporation to more than 48,000 currently.
Parker is located in northern Douglas County twenty miles southeast of Denver. The municipalities of Lone Tree and Aurora are directly adjacent to Parker while Castle Rock?s future growth boundary is located just south of Town, south of County residential developments. Although our growth is significant, Parker is still a prime location for an individual looking for a small town setting, separate from the Denver Metro area with easy access to major employment centers such as the Denver Technological Center (DTC).
In addition to Parker?s close proximity to urban areas and employment centers, our community boasts a clean environment, natural beauty, views to the Rocky Mountains and accessibility to a wide range of recreational amenities including hiking along the Cherry Creek corridor which bisects the Town.
Parker?s residential communities include a variety of well-planned housing opportunities, ranging from entry level homes to luxury executive housing. Mixed use neighborhoods are being developed in Parker, as well has a variety of homes along golf courses, parks and open space.