Relocate to Rifle? If so, where in town? (Grand Junction, Sterling: apartment complexes, rentals)

[kadams00]

Hi folks,

My husband just got a teaching job in Rifle, and we are relocating from Ann Arbor, MI next month. We have never been to the area, and have lots of questions.

We are trying to decide our best options for a move... we are thinking that renting would be best (we are newlyweds and would like to stay flexible if we decide the area's not for us). A lease option would be ideal, but we will go with an apartment if that is a more feasible option for the area -- what do you recommend?

That said, where area(s) of Rifle would you recommend? I know it's not big, but I'd imagine some places are more suitable than others. Are there neighboring towns that you'd recommend? Particular apartment complexes? Realtors? What do you make of Battlement Mesa, near Parachute? Anything would help.

Further, we have some friends who insist that we would go stir crazy in such a small town, and suggested we move to Grand Junction, which would result in about an hour communte (each way) for my husband. (Would you say that's about the distance? I know google maps aren't always 100%.)

Phew... I think that's it for now. Any info/insight you have is much appreciated.

[sterlinggirl]

DO NOT buy a house there right now! Prices are starting to drop a little bit off their bubble level, but they still have a long way to go. If you sign a lease, try to make it a short one because rental prices are dropping too.

I wouldn't suggest living in Grand Junction. Rifle is big enough to give you most of what you need, and it makes a lot more sense to drive to Grand Junction every other week for some fun and shopping than to drive from there to Rifle every day for work.

Prices tend to be more expensive going east, and less expensive going west.

[Tigerstripe]

You just got some very good advice. She knows what she's talking about.

Commutes of any distance in the winter can be a real adventure on some days as well.

[delta07]

Moving to Rifle from Michigan is going to be a big transition for you. It's pretty brown and dry most of the year. I definitely would not buy a house, even if you find one that seems like a good deal. As SterlingGirl said, prices are still falling. Plus it will give you a chance to really decide if you like the area. I had several friends who also got teaching jobs in Rifle when we finished school (I went to Mesa State in Grand Junction), and they have since moved on. Rifle has experienced a large population boom with the energy work that has moved in. I know it was tough for them to find housing in Rifle or any of the surrounding communities. One girl commuted for a while from Grand Junction, but she would never recommend it. Don't do it! Personally, after living in Grand Junction for almost 6 years I couldn't wait to move away.

I'm sorry that I don't have any specific recommendations for where in town to look. Again, a couple of years ago it was tough to find any rentals, so you may have to take what you can get. Good luck on your move!

[kadams00]

Thanks for the advice, folks! It makes a lot of sense. I think we are pretty set on finding a rental in Rifle, or within a reasonable distance.

If anyone else has details on where in town I should consider (or avoid), please let me know.