If you are a professional considering a transfer to Colorado, why not aim to make your destination Parker, CO,, the city named #4 on the Forbes Magazine list of Top 25 places to move? If you come from out of state, you won’t be alone, as 60% of its residents were born out of state or abroad.  Parker, a town of about 40,000 people, is a great place to live.  

Interestingly, Forbes did not award its placement in the Top 25 based on the usual criteria of income, housing prices, population growth, or school enrollments.  What factored in was having a population over 25,000, few seasonal residents like college students or tourists, the number of residents born out of state or abroad, the number who moved from a great distance

No. 4: Parker, CO Population: 36,975 Big city: Denver, 20 miles northwest. Major airport: Denver, 30 miles north Global employers nearby: Lockheed Martin, Agilent, Boeing, First Data, DirecTV, Nissan Motor White: 90.5%, Black: 3%, Asian: 2.5%, Hispanic: 6% Adults with bachelor's degree or higher: 44% Born in different state or abroad: 60% Came from out of state within five years, 2000 Census: 31% Median family income: $89,154 Median home value: $275,300 Read on for more on real estate, including Forbes' home of the week and lists and rankings, such as America's Most Affordable Places To Live.

in the last 1-5 years, and the number who transferred in for a job.  

The reason for the criteria is that Parker is considered a “reloville” – a newer city near corporate headquarters that attract young, upscale homeowners who transfer in from out of state.  It is so welcoming that transferees quickly feel at home. As Forbes puts it: 

“Compared with the rest of the U.S., the top 25 Relovilles that emerged from the analysis {done by Forbes} generally have twice the incomes, twice the home values and home sizes, twice the college degrees, twice as many youth and half as many elderly, twice the divorce rates and twice the numbers of residents who vote Republican. They have less than half as many blacks and more than twice as many Asians and have largely illusory historical roots--new buildings and town centers that overtake forests and prairies.”

Parker, 20 miles southeast of Denver Colorado is near several large employers such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, First Data, and DirecTV.  Many people live and work in Parker, but the city is a rapidly growing commuter town that houses many who work in the southeast section of the Denver Metropolitan Area.  The town actively welcomes new residents and works hard at maintaining a small time atmosphere where involvement in civic affairs is encouraged and where interesting local events dot the calendar. Created in 1992, the Parker Recreation Department offers excellent facilities and programs for residents of all ages to enjoy. Meanwhile, the Parker Economic Development Council works closely with businesses interested in moving or expanding to the Parker area. The city operates under the Parker 2025 Master Plan to analyze and plan for development in view of employment trends.

Founded in 1864, Parker was incorporated in 1981 as a Home Rule Municipality in Douglas County, Colorado and is now the 17th most populated city in the State of Colorado.   What draws people to Parker? Besides the proximity of being near a major city while maintaining the small town feel, Parker has a low crime rate, excellent city services, and schools of the highly acclaimed Douglas County School District where students are traditionally high performers. Like many Colorado cities, Parker offers spectacular mountain views and plenty of recreational opportunities. Even for the relocated, you can’t get much better than Parker!

Intrigued by beautiful, friendly Parker? The pros at Bandy Homes can show you Parker Colorado Real Estate that will make a perfect next home for your family.

Want to be closer to I-25? We can also show you Castle Rock, CO  which made #5 on the Forbes list!

Marianne Bandy

Relocate to Denver