Parker Colorado Is Exploding: 3 New Home Communities You Need to See

TL;DR

Parker, Colorado, is experiencing rapid growth with exciting new home developments offering some of the best new build deals in the Denver metro area. We're diving into three standout communities: Looking Glass, featuring diverse builders and competitive incentives; Cherry Creek Trail by Toll Brothers, ideal for low-maintenance ranch-style living; and the massive future development, Tantara, promising extensive open space and amenities.

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After helping numerous families find their perfect home in the Denver metro area over the past 5 years, we've seen firsthand how Parker Colorado new homes are at the epicenter of growth. This vibrant Douglas County suburb, just 25-35 minutes southeast of Denver, is not only known for its top-tier school district and small-town feel but also for some of the best new build deals in the region. The average home in Parker sits around the mid-$700,000s, but you can find a wide variety from high-$400,000s condos to multi-million dollar estates.

In our 5 years as licensed Denver real estate agents, we've analyzed the market trends and can confidently say that Parker is one of the fastest-growing suburbs. This resurgence in new build communities, particularly on the south and southwest sides, is transforming the area. We're here to guide you through three of the hottest new developments, two of which we've personally toured to give you an inside look, and one that's just breaking ground but promises to be massive. You might also be interested in exploring broader regional trends, which we discuss in The South Denver Boom: Mega Developments You NEED To See.

Are you wondering what makes Parker such a magnet for new construction and why these specific communities stand out? We'll break down everything from price points and builders to unique amenities and lifestyle benefits, helping you understand why Parker is an ideal place to call home. Let's dive into the communities that are shaping the future of this thriving Colorado town.

Why Parker, Colorado, is a Top Choice for New Homes

Parker, Colorado, offers a unique blend of small-town charm with big-city accessibility, making it highly desirable for those seeking new homes. Located in Douglas County, alongside Highlands Ranch and Castle Rock, Parker boasts an excellent school district, vibrant community events, and an extensive network of trail systems. Its strategic location provides quick access to major highways like I-25 for commutes north to downtown Denver or south to Colorado Springs, and E-470 for easy travel west to the mountains or east to Denver International Airport (DIA).

Over the past five years, Parker has experienced a significant boom in new construction, particularly on its south and southwest sides. This growth is driven by families and individuals seeking modern amenities, good schools, and a high quality of life. The town’s appeal lies in its ability to offer a tranquil suburban lifestyle without sacrificing convenience or connectivity. As we've seen the Denver metro area transform, Parker's development is a key part of this story, which you can learn more about in Denver Is Transforming: 4 Mega Projects You NEED To See.

Parker Colorado
Aerial photo of Parker, CO

Looking Glass: A Flagship New Community in Parker

Looking Glass is one of the most prominent new developments in Parker, located on the southwest side near Hess and Jordan Road. This community is a hotspot for brand new homes, offering an abundance of parks, quick access to trail systems, and a wealth of community activities. It’s an ideal choice for families, thanks to its proximity to elementary schools and easy highway access.

 

What to Expect in Looking Glass

  • Builders: Looking Glass features a mix of reputable builders, including Dreamfinders, LAR, Trioint, and Richmond, ensuring a diverse range of home styles and floor plans.
  • Price Ranges: Homes in Looking Glass typically range from the mid-$600,000s up to the mid-$900,000s, depending on the model, builder, lot size, and finishes.
  • Home Features: During our tour, we explored a Dreamfinders home that truly exemplifies the value here. This specific home, priced under $850,000, stood out with its:

Four-Car Garage: A unique offering in suburbia, designed with depth rather than width, providing ample space for vehicles, storage, or even a home gym. It even includes 220V routing for electric vehicles. - Incentives: We saw interest rate incentives as low as 1.9% on this home, making it an incredibly attractive deal. - High-End Finishes: Quartz countertops and other premium finishes are standard or available options. - Thoughtful Layouts: Features like oversized back patios backing open space, large front porches, private elevated windows in primary bedrooms for natural light, and spacious upper-level laundry rooms demonstrate a focus on modern living. - Flexible Spaces: Many homes offer lofts that can be used for kids' play areas or media rooms, with options to convert to higher ceilings if preferred. We particularly noted a walk-in closet in the loft area, perfect for internet servers or gaming setups.

"This is killer. What a killer home for that price point. Huge laundry room. I love it."

Looking Glass is designed for those who want a brand-new home with all the modern conveniences, surrounded by nature and community amenities. It’s a perfect illustration of why Parker Colorado new communities are drawing so much attention.

Looking Glass NeighborhoodLooking Glass Neighborhood in Parker, CO

Cherry Creek Trail: Luxury Ranch-Style Living by Toll Brothers

Moving southeast from Looking Glass, we arrive at Cherry Creek Trail, an exclusive community by Toll Brothers. Known for their luxury design builds, Toll Brothers has created a more intimate neighborhood here, consisting of about 102 homes. This community is unique because it exclusively offers ranch-style homes, making it ideal for those looking to downsize, retire, or for young professionals seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle.

What Sets Cherry Creek Trail Apart

  • Exclusivity: All homes are built by Toll Brothers, ensuring consistent quality and luxury design.
  • Ranch-Style Homes: This community caters to an active adult lifestyle, offering single-level living with basements. Main levels typically span 1,700 to 2,000 sq ft, with similar space in the basement.
  • Low Maintenance: Yards are intentionally smaller, and HOA fees include snow removal, freeing up residents' time. This focus on low-maintenance living is a significant draw.
  • Active Amenities: While there isn't a large community center, residents enjoy pickleball courts and direct access to Cherry Creek Trail. This 47-mile trail is incredibly popular, stretching from Franktown to downtown Denver, perfect for biking, walking, and staying active right from your doorstep.
  • Pricing and Location: Homes in Cherry Creek Trail range from the mid-$600,000s to about $800,000. We toured a quick move-in home listed at approximately $730,000, which also came with interest rate incentives. The location offers a quieter setting further from the busiest parts of Parker, yet still provides quick access to highways and Parker Road.

"This community, my opinion, is specifically built for people that want to stay active and get out and they've got some time to get after all those things, don't necessarily want to spend all of their time gardening or maintaining certain lot sizes."

Cherry Creek Trail embodies a modern, tactical approach to home design, where every square foot is utilized efficiently. It’s a testament to the diverse options available within hottest new developments Parker has to offer.

Cherry Creek Trail
Cherry Creek Trail

Tantara: The Future of Parker's New Communities

While Looking Glass and Cherry Creek Trail are already making waves, the community everyone is talking about for the future is Tantara. Currently, it's mostly dirt, with initial grading and underground infrastructure underway, but its plans reveal it will be the next biggest and greatest thing to come to Parker.

What Tantara Promises

  • Massive Scale: Tantara is planned for approximately 1,200 acres, including a remarkable 286 acres of open space and 50 acres of neighborhood parks at full buildout. This emphasis on green space and outdoor living is a hallmark of new Colorado developments.
  • Central Amenities: The main community park amenity will feature a clubhouse, pool, playground, and sports courts. An extensive trail system will meander throughout the community, connecting residents to nature.
  • Rutder Hess Reservoir Proximity: Residents will have easy access to the Rutder Hess Reservoir recreation area, offering even more outdoor activities.
  • Thoughtful Design: The community map shows Hess Road bordering the north and Chambers to the south, with a planned school in the middle, a central community park, and trails surrounding various sections (filings) of the neighborhood.
  • Trailhead Park: A 30-acre neighborhood park designed with multi-level play areas, a single-track bike trail, multi-purpose turf areas, shade structures, and a pool. This park celebrates nature and the land's innate form.
  • Builders: Anticipated builders include Richmond, LAR, and Trumark Homes.
  • Expected Pricing: While not finalized, pricing is expected to align with the area, starting in the $600,000s and going up to the $900,000s.
  • Multi-Year Buildout: Tantara will be a multi-year project, perfect for those who are planning a move to Colorado within the next year or two and want to get in on the ground floor of a major new development. This kind of large-scale transformation is part of a broader trend, as highlighted in Inside the Future of Denver | From Parker to Cherry Creek’s $1B Makeover.

Tantara represents a significant investment in Parker's future, offering a vision for integrated living where nature, community, and modern homes coexist. If Parker is on your radar, Tantara is definitely a community to watch.

City buildings under blue sky during daytime
City buildings under blue sky during daytime

Key Takeaways

  • Parker's Explosive Growth: Parker, Colorado, is one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the Denver metro area, offering a blend of small-town feel, excellent schools (Douglas County), and quick access to major highways (I-25, E-470).
  • Looking Glass Community: This flagship development on Parker's southwest side features homes from mid-$600,000s to mid-$900,000s by builders like Dreamfinders and Richmond, with notable incentives such as 1.9% interest rates and unique features like four-car garages and EV charging readiness.
  • Cherry Creek Trail by Toll Brothers: An exclusive community of approximately 102 ranch-style homes, priced from mid-$600,000s to $800,000. It's designed for low-maintenance living with HOA-covered snow removal, pickleball courts, and direct access to the 47-mile Cherry Creek Trail.
  • Tantara: The Future Megaproject: Currently in development, Tantara will span 1,200 acres with 286 acres of open space, 50 acres of parks, a clubhouse, pool, and extensive trails. Expected to feature homes from the $600,000s to $900,000s by builders like Richmond and Trumark Homes, it's ideal for future movers planning within 1-2 years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What new communities are available in Parker Colorado?

A: Parker, Colorado, is currently booming with new developments. Key communities include Looking Glass, offering diverse builders and family-friendly amenities; Cherry Creek Trail by Toll Brothers, specializing in luxury ranch-style homes; and the upcoming master-planned community of Tantara, which is in its initial grading phase but promises extensive open spaces and amenities.

Q: Where is Looking Glass community in Parker located?

A: Looking Glass is situated on the southwest side of Parker, Colorado, specifically near the intersection of Hess Road and Jordan Road. This area is a hub for new development and offers excellent access to parks, trail systems, and major highways.

Q: What are the price ranges for new homes in Parker?

A: The average home price in Parker, Colorado, sits around the mid-$700,000s. However, in new communities like Looking Glass, you can find homes ranging from the mid-$600,000s up to the mid-$900,000s. Cherry Creek Trail, with its luxury ranch-style homes, typically ranges from the mid-$600,000s to $800,000. Future developments like Tantara are expected to fall within a similar $600,000s to $900,000s range.

Q: What builders are featured in Looking Glass Parker?

A: Looking Glass in Parker, Colorado, features a variety of esteemed builders. These include Dreamfinders, LAR, Trioint, and Richmond. This diversity allows for a wide selection of home styles, floor plans, and finishes to suit different buyer preferences.

Q: Are there any new build incentives in Parker Colorado?

A: Yes, new build communities in Parker, Colorado, often offer attractive incentives. For example, during our tour of a Dreamfinders home in Looking Glass, we noted interest rate incentives as low as 1.9%. Builders frequently provide special offers to buyers, so it's always worth inquiring about current promotions when considering a new construction home.

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Watch the Full Video

For more insights, watch the complete video: Parker Colorado Is Exploding: 3 New Communities You Need to See 2!

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Making Your Move Easier

Moving forward does not have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance and support, you can navigate this journey smoothly. Eli Schmidt and Will Grimes are ready to help you every step of the way.

Here's how to get in touch:

📧 Email: [email protected]

📞 Phone: 720-419-0224

💻 YouTube: Living in Denver - The Mile High Property Brothers

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