Parker at No. 2 in list of best places to live in America

The city of Parker has been ranked No. 2 by Money. com on its 2020 Best Places to Live in America list.

Money describes the Douglas County municipality, the county’s second most populous city behind Castle Rock, as a “gorgeous natural setting” with “breathtaking views and plenty of proximity to wildlife.”

Castle Rock has a population of more than 64,000 residents and Parker has more than

55,000.

Economy, income, health and safety considerations helped propel the city, a Denver suburb, to the second spot on Money’s list.

Jake Minturn, who runs Downhill Brewing, 18921 Plaza Drive, told Money: “The city’s blowing up.”

In June 2020, unemployment in Parker was at 8.7%, according to Money, compared to the national average of 11.1%.

Despite a skyrocketing population, Parker has managed to maintain a small town sense of community, the publication said.

“Parker is thrilled to be ranked as one of America’s best places to live,” commented Mayor Mike Waid in a news release. “We are proud of our fantastic community and are excited to be recognized for all of the great things that Parker has to offer.”

Money staffers considered communities with populations of at least 25,000 using a variety of criteria, including employment, housing, economy, cost of living, diversity, health and safety, education, weather and lifestyle, ease of living, amenities and leisure activities, according to the city’s release.

No. 1 on the list is Evans, Ga., and No. 3 is Meridian, Idaho. The City and County of Broomfield ranked No. 18 on the list and Cheyenne, the state capital of Wyoming, ranked 36.