As technology continues to permeate our lives, the need for skilled tech workers is only growing daily. However, while tech hot spots like Seattle and Silicon Valley are getting more expensive, other areas are picking up their slack. Parker, Colorado being one of them. Parker is a great city for remote workers and tech professionals, and because of this, it's been expanding and developing rapidly.
If you're interested in moving to where your talents are in high demand, it might be time to look at moving to Parker, CO. Let's break down why.
What is the Tech Scene in the Denver Metro Area Like?
One of the problems with many tech-centric cities such as San Francisco or Seattle is that the cost of living is high as compared to the rest of the country’s cities. Denver, on the other hand, is much more affordable in comparison, which is why it's consistently ranked as one of the best cities for tech workers.
Since 2012, the city and the surrounding metro area (including Parker) have seen steady population gains, even as major tech companies were shedding staff members and cutting costs. In fact, Denver has been ranked as the 10th-best city in the 2023 Scoring Tech Talent Report.
Overall, most tech workers are getting higher wages than workers in other industries while the cost of living remains relatively lower than the cost of living in cities like Seattle. Simply put, living in Parker, CO and the Denver Metro area offers more bang for your buck than its counterparts.
Why Living in Parker CO is a Good Choice for Tech Workers
If you're in the tech industry and looking for a better quality of life, you may be searching for a great city for remote workers. Let’s explore why Parker, CO should be at the top of your list.
Cost of Living
When looking at the overall cost of living in Parker, CO, it's a bit higher than the national average (13 percent higher). However, much of that is related to housing, where the median home price is about 37 percent higher than the rest of the country. But, in other ways, Parker is much more affordable, especially when compared to other tech hubs.
For example, groceries cost an average of six percent less than the national rate, and utility prices are even lower. Even healthcare is a little bit cheaper in Parker, CO.
Although housing is more expensive here than compared to the national average, it's nothing compared to hot spots like Seattle or San Francisco. Seattle's cost of living is about 50 percent higher than the national average, and San Francisco's is a whopping 79 percent higher. So, if you're currently living in these areas, Parker would appear incredibly cheaper.
Job Opportunities
As of the end of 2023, Parker's unemployment rate is roughly three percent. Better yet, the job growth forecast projects that Parker and the surrounding area will see up to 48 percent growth in the next few years. The tech sector is contributing heavily to these gains, but there are other job opportunities in the legal, healthcare, and hospitality industries.
Also, because of Parker's close proximity to Denver, living in Parker allows you to take advantage of the tech boom while living outside the city center. Basically, you can have a higher quality of life in a smaller town but still enjoy access to the opportunities in Denver.
Networking
Networking is a great method of finding high-paying jobs, particularly in the tech industry. Being able to rub elbows with higher-ups at different tech companies allows you to leverage your experience for a better position.
Fortunately, Denver hosts a variety of tech-centric events, such as TechCon, Techspo, and the Electronic Components and Technology Conference (ECTC). Any of these events can help you connect with fellow tech workers and managers, enabling you to position yourself as a high-demand worker in a growing field.
Quality of Life
Did you know that Parker ranked as the second-best place to live in 2020, according to the website Money.com? There are a few reasons for this ranking, such as:
- Natural Beauty – Parker is surrounded by hillsides and tons of natural amenities. Whether you're into hiking, biking, or just sightseeing, you can do so from the comfort of your own backyard.
- Small Town Feel - Parker only has about 57,000 residents, making it one of the smaller towns in Colorado. So, you feel like you're part of a tight-knit community, not lost in a concrete jungle.
- Safe - Parker has a pretty low crime rate (safer than 23% of US neighborhoods to be exact) so you can feel safe no matter where you are in the city or the time of day.
- Nightlife - If you want attractions and nighttime entertainment, Parker has some excellent options, or you can venture into Denver for live shows, fantastic restaurants, and live sports.
Amenities
Before moving to Parker, CO, you need to make sure it has everything you need to thrive as a tech worker. Because the city is mostly residential, it offers a wide array of amenities to keep you connected and productive. Everything you need is within a short distance, including grocery stores, electronics retailers, shopping centers, and restaurants.
Parker is one of the best cities for remote workers because you can access all the essentials without having to venture far from home or your office space. In fact, you can even work out in nature at one of the many parks within the city limits.
Proximity to Denver Tech Center
Although remote work allows you to be productive from anywhere, many tech companies still want their employees to come to the office from time to time. So, moving to Parker, CO makes sense because you're only a short drive from the Denver Tech Center. This way, you can enjoy the comforts of home on remote days and have a relatively easy commute on the days when you need to be onsite.
Also, as we mentioned, Denver hosts numerous tech events and conferences throughout the year, so it's easy to attend these events when you're just half an hour away.
Parker, CO Can Be a Great Choice for Tech Workers
Overall, tech workers may want to consider finding a new home in Parker, CO. Due to its proximity to the Denver Tech Center, job opportunities, and great quality of life, it is the ideal choice for those who want a tech job and a dose of beautiful nature. Compared to crowded and expensive hubs like Seattle and San Francisco, Parker is a breath of fresh air.
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