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Parker

Colorado · Denver Metro
Elite Dance4-SeasonMid Cost
78
/ 100 match score

Parker has a charming historic Main Street alongside newer planned residential neighborhoods. Douglas County schools are excellent. One of the safest communities in the Denver metro with strong community character.

Match Score Breakdown
Cost of Living
13/20
Family Safety
20/20
State Tax Burden
6/10
Healthcare Quality
13/20
Dance Training
12/12
Musical Theater
6/8
Career / Remote
8/10
Financial Snapshot at $360K Income
State income tax
4.4%
$15,840/yr
Est. after-tax income
$251,335
incl. FICA + federal
Annual living costs
$93,000
$72,000–$114,000 range
Annual surplus
+$158,335
King: 2.7×
Rent: 3BR family home
$2,200–$3,500/mo
Median SFH purchase price
$600,000
Dance Training
Colorado Ballet accessible 30 min north. DCPA Conservatory programs. Parker has strong local dance studios and an arts district that hosts performances at the PACE Center.
Healthcare
Parker Adventist Hospital is full-service and well-regarded. Sky Ridge Medical Center (Lone Tree) nearby. Children's Hospital Colorado accessible.
Career & Remote Work
CO flat income tax 4.4%. Parker is a bedroom community for Denver tech and aerospace employers — E-470 access to DIA and the entire metro. Strong remote worker base.
Musical Theater
Strong
Parker Arts, Culture, & Events Center (PACE) has youth programs at the local level. DCPA Denver 35 min north for conservatory and competition-level training programs. Douglas County school performing arts growing. Multiple private MT studios in the Parker-Highlands Ranch corridor. Active Colorado competition circuit. Good training environment with Denver as the hub.
Safety
Violent crime rate:70 per 100KVery Safe

US national average: ~370/100K. Lower suburbs are typically 50–80% safer than city-wide averages shown.

Pros
  • +Historic Main Street with character
  • +Very safe — low crime
  • +Colorado Ballet access
  • +Top Douglas County schools
  • +PACE Center performing arts venue
Cons
  • −CO income tax 4.4%
  • −Commute to Denver takes time on I-25/E-470
  • −Limited local employment
  • −Winters cold
  • −Altitude adjustment
Quick Stats
School rating
9/10
Healthcare rating
8/10
Tech job market
good
Remote friendly
Yes

Financial estimates assume $360K gross income: FICA 7.65% + rough federal bracket + state rate shown. Does not include city income taxes, municipal taxes, or deductions. Actual tax liability varies. Consult a CPA.