RIFLE - Affordable housing is a relative term in Garfield and surrounding counties. With that in view, the new Willow Ranch Development is being touted as an affordable housing option in Rifle.

The first 34 units of 60 homes are currently under construction.

"While the cost of single-family homes has rapidly increased in Rifle, we have worked to keep these new homes affordable," said Jeff Koch of Willow Ranch Development LLC.

The homes, each with three bedrooms, two or three baths and a two-car garage, sell in the high $200,000 range. But that is more affordable than most housing in Garfield County.

Rifle has long been considered a bedroom community for people working in other distant locations like Aspen or Grand Junction. However, that is no longer the case.

"Now that Rifle has jobs and a rapidly expanding economy with the natural gas boom, new housing is a welcome addition," Koch said.

Koch stated that the first units were grabbed by teachers, professionals and workers who flocked to Rifle as the local industry needs grew.

The new subdivision is located off 26th Street in Rifle, on the west side of State Highway 13. It's two blocks from Wamsley Elementary School and near the new Deerfield Regional Park. The subdivision includes a playground and pocket parks, and each home has a yard and garages for a neighborhood feel.