Just a few miles from beautiful Orchard Mesa, Colorado, students with the Western Colorado Research Center tend the grapes at Ram's Point Winery. Their work connects them to the best parts of the region and all the things that make Orchard Mesa a lovely place to call home. The scenery is spectacular and being so close to so many vineyards is just the cherry (or grape) on top.
Orchard Mesa is a small town adjacent to Grand Junction, CO
Just a few miles from beautiful Orchard Mesa, Colorado, students with the Western Colorado Research Center tend the grapes at Ram's Point Winery. Their work connects them to the best parts of the region and all the things that make Orchard Mesa a lovely place to call home. The scenery is spectacular and being so close to so many vineyards is just the cherry (or grape) on top.
Orchard Mesa is a small town adjacent to Grand Junction, CO. Approximately 6,900 people reside here, nestled between the mighty Colorado River and Gunnison River in full view of the hills on the border between Colorado and Utah. The town is a good mix of single-family houses and apartments, with various amenities sprinkled throughout the community.
Orchard Mesa is a great point of entry for anyone who wants a taste of the small town Colorado life. It's easy to get started there and it has a strong community, plus the convenience of Grand Junction for more urban excursions. It's a comfortable space that makes the most of Colorado's burgeoning wine country, from plentiful bottles to pleasant drives through vineyards. It's a fast-growing town, jumping in population almost 50 percent since 2000. It's been keeping up with the demand steadily, so expect to find a place there quickly but be prepared to show proof of employment with your application.
The heart of town is just off of Highway 50, home to shops, local dining like Dragon Treasure Chinese Restaurant and Randy's Southside Diner. There are also nearby community amenities like the Orchard Mesa Library and the Smiley Face Center.
South: The south side of town is dominated by Colorado State University. The university includes a lot of green space, including Intermountain Veterans' Memorial Park, Exposition Park, and the Mesa County Fairgrounds that hosts events throughout the year. Students live and work close by (that is, when they're not driving a few miles east to make wine with Ram's Point).
North: Village Nine, located in the northeastern part of town, is one of the most dense residential areas of Orchard Mesa. East: Crowned on the eastern end by Village Nine Park and by Lynwood Park to the west, the Village contains a variety of homes, condos and apartments for rent. It's close to Lincoln Orchard Mesa Elementary School and is a straight shot to the center of town.
Orchard Mesa is known for its low cost of living compared to the rest of Colorado and its very low crime rate. It's most certainly a car town, especially in the cold, snowy winters. Summers in Orchard Mesa are mild and dry, averaging in the mid-70s. Outdoor sports like golf, BMX biking, and skateboarding are popular in the area thanks to nearby courses and skate parks. Fans of fresh, local food will love the indoor and outdoor farmers markets with meat, eggs, dairy and produce from places like Okagawa Farms, and regional beer from the Edgewater Brewery. Orchard Mesa is also convenient to Colorado Mesa University the city of Grand Junction, for which it serves as a peaceful bedroom community. Happy hunting and sweet dreams of mountain views (or plentiful wine, if that's more your speed).
