About Rifle, Colorado

The growing western slope town of Rifle is booming with growth and business, yet maintains a small-town atmosphere and local community spirit. Quaint downtown Rifle is a combination of turn-of-the-century brick buildings and new construction. A diverse cross section of local professionals, rig workers, ranchers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts walk past an equally eclectic mix of diners, cafés, country stores, and sporting goods shops. All are drawn to this beautiful place alongside the Colorado River by the high quality of life afforded by its moderate climate, distance from the hustle of big-city life, proximity to the thriving oil and natural gas industry, and access to year-round outdoor activities.

For those who yearn for big-city conveniences, just across the river is a modern commercial hub consisting of fast food eateries, a Super Wal-Mart, a Sears hard goods store, Starbucks, and more.

To learn more about Rifle, Colorado, click here
www.riflechamber.com

Education
The Garfield School District No. Re-2 operates the public schools in Rifle. It is a district of high expectations and high standards that is in the persistent pursuit of quality. In addition to the new Graham Mesa Elementary School located at The Farm, Rifle Middle School and Rifle High School are located within a short bus ride of The Farm. For more information about the Garfield School District No. Re-2, visit www.garfieldre2.k12.co.us.

Higher education opportunities are also nearby in Colorado Mountain College’s new West Garfield Campus located near the Garfield County Airport in South Rifle. Programs at the West Garfield Campus of CMC include professional and technical certificates, as well as associate degree programs. The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees include the Colorado Statewide Guaranteed General Education Curriculum which guarantees transfer to Colorado’s four-year colleges and universities. In addition, a vigorous workforce training program serves the energy industry.

For more information about programs at CMC’s West Garfield Campus, please call (970) 625-1871 or visit the Colorado Mountain College Website at www.coloradomtn.edu.

Transportation
Rifle is located along the I-70 corridor, so there is a direct route to the cities of Grand Junction (63 miles away) and Denver (184 miles away). Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) offers bus service from Rifle to Glenwood Springs and Aspen, plus points in between.

Rifle is home to the Garfield County Airport, a friendly and accommodating airport for general aviation. Open 24 hours, the Garfield County Airport provides terminal area forecast and heated hangar space.

Rifle residents flying commercial airlines can choose from several area airports: Grand Junction Regional Airport, Aspen Airport, Eagle-Vail Airport, or Denver International Airport.

Medical Facilities
Access to state-of-the-art medical care and facilities is another factor adding to the quality of life in Rifle. The Grand River Hospital District provides services in several locations including a modern hospital facility that offers emergency care, inpatient and outpatient surgery, advanced radiology, rehabilitation, cardiopulmonary services, and acute care. An 80,000 square foot expansion scheduled for completion in early 2009 will house an expanded primary care center, rehabilitation department, and support services. The hospital has also implemented a nuclear medicine program.

St. Mary’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center is less than an hour away in Grand Junction, Colorado. As the largest medical center between Denver and Salt Lake City, St. Mary’s Hospital contains over 350 beds. It employs approximately 2,000 staff and 300 active physicians, representing more than 40 specialties provide high-level and compassionate care.

For more information on either medical facility, click here www.grhd.org for Grand River Hospital District or www.stmarygj.org for St. Mary’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center.

Churches
Residents of The Farm can choose from 19 houses of worship located in Rifle. Catholic, Mormon, Jehovah’s Witness, and various denominational and non-denominational protestant churches are represented.