Fruit trees, mountain scenery and community in Orchard City
Known for its fruit tree orchards, Orchard City is a scenic farming community in the mountains of Colorado's Western Slope. Homes sit at the base of the Grand Mesa, with canyons, rivers and retail all within a short drive. While metropolitan amenities are limited, Orchard City offers a quiet atmosphere and a tight-knit community on the edge of Delta. "It's one of those areas where people are friendly, and everyone pitches in to help each other. It has a nostalgic, slower pace of life," says Rachel Reiher, a real estate agent with Western Colorado Real Estate. "It's a peaceful, small community off the beaten path, but it has a lot of opportunity."
Praries with abundant acreage and farmland
Prairies and shrublands surround the well-spaced homes in Orchard City, with farm-style, Craftsman and ranch-style architecture. Many recently sold listings have a date of construction in the 1970s and 1990s. Lot sizes can vary from 6,900 square feet to 80 acres. "We have a lot of cattle ranches and horse properties," Reiher says. "There are still apple, peach and cherry farms here." Home prices range from $140,000 to $820,000. Manufactured homes go for $100,000 to $460,000. "It's much more affordable to live around here," Reiher says. "Most people don't move too far away. If we do move, we end up coming back."
This area is prone to wildfires, and about 94% of properties may be affected over the next 30 years. Heat waves are common during the summer, often reaching temperatures higher than 90 degrees during July and August.
B-rated schools in Delta County
Cedaredge Elementary School earns a B-minus grade from Niche, and it offers "The Nature Connection," which connects students to the outdoors. Cedaredge Middle School receives a B-plus, and its gymnasium features a climbing wall. Cedaredge High School scores a B, and its marching band has won seven state championships in the 21st century.
Community green spaces and Applefest
Several green spaces are within reach, such as Orchard City Park, which has a 1.5-mile walking trail with baseball and soccer fields. Cedaredge Golf Course features an 18-hole layout at 6,000 feet, surrounded by panoramic landscape views. About 30 miles north, the Grand Mesa is the largest flat-topped mountain in the world, with alpine forests, wildlife areas and hundreds of pristine lakes. Less than 40 miles away, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a national park with steep canyons along the Gunnison River. "Black Canyon of the Gunnison is kind of like a miniature Grand Canyon with tons of wildlife," Reiher says.
Thousands of people come to Cedaredge Town Park for Applefest, a three-day festival on the first weekend of October. The festival features live music and more than 200 vendors, which showcase the local business scene. "Applefest has been a festival in Cedaredge for decades, with local orchards and apple-based goods," Reiher says.
Local restaurants and more options in Cedaredge
Orchard City's shopping and dining areas are primarily in nearby communities, and its local establishments could easily be mistaken for houses. The Graystone is a barn-style steakhouse serving smoked brisket, although it is only open one weekend per month. Route 65 is an automobile-themed burger joint with locally sourced ingredients. About 5 miles north, Cedaredge features bar-and-grill eateries and the Cedaredge Foodtown supermarket. "Cedaredge is a hub for the Orchard City area, and it is still up and coming," Reiher says. Delta is another city center with Mexican restaurants, a Safeway supermarket and a traditional downtown, roughly 10 miles south.
Getting to Delta, Montrose and the Grand Junction Airport
All Points Transit provides public transportation throughout Delta County, including passenger service in Orchard City and Cedaredge. State Route 65 is the area's main road, heading south to the nearest metropolitan areas. Delta is about 10 miles south on SR-65, and Montrose is about 30 miles south. The Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) is about 55 miles northwest, with domestic flights to cities such as Denver, Dallas and Phoenix.
