Tag Archive for: Fruita

10-Day Grand Junction Challenge: Could Grand Junction, Colorado Feel Like Home?

ARTICLE 3: DAYS 8-10

 

The 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge: Discovering What Life in the Grand Valley is Really Like 

For the first seven days of the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge, Megan experienced mountain towns, national parks, off-road adventures, scenic drives and the incredible variety of places within reach of the Grand Valley. But there was one question we hadn’t fully answered: What would Grand Junction feel like when the adventures stopped and everyday life took over?

During the final three days, I wanted Megan to experience something just as important as the scenery: ordinary mornings, workdays, conversations with locals and the small moments that make a place feel like home. Because visiting Grand Junction, Colorado, and deciding whether you could actually build a life here are two very different things. And as Megan prepared to head home, it was time to consider the biggest question of the entire challenge: Could Grand Junction become a place she would want to call home?

Day 8 – Tuesday: An ordinary Tuesday

Realty One Group Western Slop office interior showing conference room and lobby

Realty One Group Office in downtown Grand Junction

The extended holiday weekend was over. It was time to go back to work. No national parks. No mountain passes. No RZRs. No two-state adventures.

Just Tuesday.

And that was exactly what I wanted Megan to experience.

Megan and I got up and out fairly early and headed to my office in downtown Grand Junction. I wanted her to experience something we hadn’t really done yet during the challenge: what it felt like to park, walk through downtown and actually go to work.

Bekah and Megan with matching tattoos

matching tattoos!

We both had plenty to get done, but I had also arranged a few meet-and-greets with some of my colleagues. One was born and raised in Grand Junction. Another had grown up in Ouray before eventually making her way to the Grand Valley. Different backgrounds. Different paths. Same place they had ultimately chosen to build their lives.

After a productive morning and more firsthand insight into what living in the Grand Valley is actually like, we ran a few errands.

Nothing particularly exciting.

We headed home for lunch, and then spent the afternoon working from home.

No agenda. No sightseeing. No big reveal.

Just a normal Tuesday.

That evening, we had a quiet dinner at home. No restaurant. No activity planned. No place we needed to be. And maybe because there was nowhere else planned for us to go, we ended up staying up late talking about the journey so far.

Eight days in, Megan had experienced an incredible amount of Grand Junction and the surrounding area. We talked about the places she’d seen, the people she’d met, the things that had surprised her and, perhaps most importantly, how her perception of the Grand Valley was changing as the days went by.

I had purposely built this day into the challenge because I didn’t want Megan to spend ten days falling in love with Grand Junction only because I kept taking her to the best places.

This day was designed so Megan could experience something we hadn’t really given her yet: the mundane. 

What would Grand Junction feel like when it was just Tuesday? 

Especially after a holiday weekend. We’ve all experienced that dreaded re-entry, day-after feeling when the fun is over, the calendar fills back up, and it’s time to get back to work.

Would the magic disappear? Would the reality of everyday life feel like a letdown after everything we’d experienced? Or would she discover that maybe a place doesn’t have to be extraordinary every day to be a pretty damn good place to live? 

Megan’s Take:  I like to think of day eight as my own personal recollection convention. This was the first day I was no longer exploring and digesting life in Grand Junction, but rather recapping everything I had experienced and how it was starting to give me my own developing perspective. It was a very relaxed day which allowed me to sit down, look at any notes I’d taken, and revisit feelings and ideas I’d put on the back burner. It was extremely beneficial to be able to share all of my insight with Paul, ask questions I had, and more. It was both an overwhelming but astounding realization to sit there and recap everything I’d experienced in just eight days, knowing the ordinary and extraordinary could coexist in everyday life in Grand Junction. 

Day 9 – Wednesday:  More Than a Vacation

As we got closer to the end of the challenge, Megan and I started talking about what she still needed to experience before she could make up her mind. The answer wasn’t another adventure. She needed more life. More time simply being in Grand Junction. More conversations with people who actually lived here. More glimpses of what her life might look like if she weren’t here as a visitor.

We started the morning with a long walk along the Riverfront Trail, beginning at Dos Rios. It was a beautiful way to start the day, but Megan was just as intrigued by the workout equipment scattered along the trail as she was by the views. People were out walking, running and exercising, with the Colorado National Monument rising in the distance beyond the Colorado River.

It wasn’t an attraction we had come to see. It was just part of a normal morning.

For lunch, I arranged for Megan, Michelle and me to meet a colleague at Las Marias, a Mexican restaurant near my office. This person grew up in Grand Junction, went to college here, got married and started a family here. In other words, she wasn’t someone telling Megan what Grand Junction was like from the outside. She was someone who had actually built a life here. The conversation gave Megan another valuable perspective on the community.

After lunch, we walked along Main Street through the middle of the workday. Downtown was busy enough to feel alive, but not so busy that it felt overwhelming. People were having lunch, running errands, heading back to work and going about their day.

Again, nothing spectacular was happening.

And that was becoming spectacularly important to this challenge.

That evening, there wasn’t another big outing or carefully planned experience. We spent our time talking, collaborating and getting everything ready for Megan’s flight home the following day.

The adventure was almost over.

But by this point, I was less interested in whether Megan had enjoyed Grand Junction.

I wanted to know whether she could imagine living here.

Megan’s Take: Like the day before, day nine was one of processing yet still grasping everyday life in GJ. The most important part about this day was that it was my last full day in Grand Junction and it was time to start asking myself some of the big questions that would ultimately determine whether or not I felt I could build a life here…

Day 10 – Thursday: The Final Question

The challenge was coming to an end. Megan was flying home later that afternoon, so we were intentionally playing the day by ear, while giving her plenty of time to pack, get organized and prepare for the trip home.

Then we received an unexpected invitation to lunch at Basecamp Provisions in Fruita from one of my coworkers, whom Megan had met a few days earlier. The two of them had hit it off immediately, and apparently one conversation wasn’t enough. So we squeezed in one last meeting over lunch.

And honestly, that felt like the perfect way to spend our final few hours. No itinerary. No big adventure. No box to check. Just lunch with someone she had met during her time here and a conversation that happened naturally.

Then it was time.

Megan with a sad face sitting in the car as we drive to the airport

The drive to Grand Junction Airport

We drove Megan to the airport and said our goodbyes. There were hugs, thank-yous and that strange feeling you get when something you’ve been looking forward to for a long time is suddenly over.

Ten days had gone by remarkably fast.

From the first time we spoke about the Grand Junction Challenge, the goal was to give Megan something very different from a typical vacation. I didn’t want her to simply see the best of Grand Junction. I wanted her to experience enough of the community: the spectacular, the ordinary, the people, the work, the weather, the food, the conversations and even the downtime, so she could begin to answer a much bigger question:

Could I actually build a life here?

I also knew I had something to learn.

Megan agreed to do this without knowing exactly what she was getting herself into. More importantly, she agreed to keep it raw and real. She wasn’t here to tell me what I wanted to hear, and I wasn’t interested in giving her a carefully scripted version of Grand Junction.

That made her questions and observations invaluable.

Over ten days, she asked things I probably wouldn’t have thought to ask. She noticed things I had stopped noticing. She challenged some of my assumptions. And she gave me a much better understanding of what someone experiences when they are considering leaving the place they know and building a new life somewhere completely different.

That may ultimately be the most valuable thing I took away from the challenge.

My wife and I moved to Grand Junction after doing several years of research. We knew what we were looking for. We knew why we wanted to be here.

But Megan reminded me what it feels like to not know. And that is something I never want to forget when I’m helping someone else make this same decision.

Because relocating isn’t really about finding a house. It’s about figuring out whether you can see yourself building a life in a new place.

Megan came to Grand Junction with a challenge for me:

“You keep telling me Grand Junction is the hidden gem of America. Prove it.”

I don’t know if I proved it.

That’s for Megan to decide.

But I do know that after ten days, she had something much more valuable than a vacation. She had experienced Grand Junction.

And now she gets to decide what she thinks.

A Special Thank You to Megan

Paul Megan and Michelle Aspelin standing on a rock at the top of the Grand Mesa with alpine trees and a lake behind us

Grand Mesa Land O’ Lakes Overlook

Megan, thank you for saying yes, for being willing to experience the Grand Valley on its own terms, and for sharing your perspective so honestly. I hope the experience gave you as much to think about as it gave Michelle and me to appreciate all over again about the place we call home.

Whether you’re simply curious about Grand Junction or seriously considering a move here, I hope Megan’s experience gives you a useful starting point. And if you’d like to dig deeper, I’ve created this website to help you understand what living here is really like, so you make a more informed decision about whether the Grand Valley might be right for you. 

Thank you for following the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge!

As always, I am here to help.

Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®
Relocation Specialist since 2001

Consider one of these articles to continue your exploration of the greatest hidden gem in America.

Our Living in Grand Junction Experiment

What We Learned After Living in Grand Junction for Three Months

Why Retire in Grand Junction

Why People are Moving to Grand Junction

All blog posts – you can search for any topic that interests you or read the posts in your favorite category first.

 

Series: 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge

View the all of the posts and videos on the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge page.

Paul Aspelin REALTORPAUL ASPELIN
Your Grand Junction Relocation and Listing Expert
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES®, CNE

Call or Text (612) 306-9558 (locally based)
Connect with Paul on LinkedIn or send Paul an email

Megan Jirele Independent Journalist and WriterMEGAN JIRELE
Independent Journalist & Writer
Digital Storytelling & Content Creation
Connect with Megan on LinkedIn

 

© 2026 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®. MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

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Grand Junction Area Spotlight

Grand Junction Area Spotlight

When you move to the Grand Junction area, there are plenty of great spots in and around the area worth checking out. In this post I put the spotlight on a few of our favorite places or experiences, in no particular order. The main image on this post was taken on the Waterfowl Trail in the Connected Lakes State Park near downtown Grand Junction. I have a video about it on my Live Your Vacation Facebook Page.

Send me an email if you have any suggestions of places you think we should check out or you are curious about.

Parade of Lights (December)

Parade of Lights in Fruita CO - Xcel Energy truck covered in lights

Parade of Lights in Fruita

Our first Parade of Lights was officially in Fruita when we were staying there for 3 weeks during our Living in Grand Junction Experiment. It’s way too cold in Minnesota to attend a parade like this so it’s something we look forward to each December. Before the Grand Junction Parade of Lights starts, we head over to Main Street Bagels to get some authentic hot chocolate. Typically, we are joined by our daughter and son-in-law to enjoy the floats. It’s not too cold but you do want to wear a hat and gloves. Hot cocoa helps too!

Fruita Visitor Center

There is a Visitor Center in Grand Junction off Horizon Drive near the airport, but it’s just not as good as the Fruita Visitor Center. The GJ location went through a transition recently so they didn’t have as many brochures during that time. But the Fruita Visitor Center is always well stocked with information and volunteers to share their experiences. On one visit, we met a gentleman who lived just a couple of miles from where we grew up in Deephaven, MN. I sometimes stop in there to pick up guides, maps, and brochures for my visiting clients. I encourage you to go there yourself. We discover something new every time. They have information about all of Colorado, not just the Grand Junction area.

Colorado River Bridge

We often find ourselves drawn to the bridge over the Colorado River at Las Colonias Park near Camp Eddy. In the spring, we come to watch the powerful rush of snowmelt flowing through the river. By summer and fall, it’s the perfect spot to check water levels, relax, and watch people float by, soaking in the Grand Valley lifestyle. Sometimes we walk around the nearby Butterfly Pond. Michelle’s sister and brother-in-law stayed at Camp Eddy for 3 weeks in October. They loved being so close to the river and the Colorado Riverfront Trail. Read my post about the cons of living in the Grand Junction area where I mention the goat heads on the Riverfront Trail and how to avoid a flat tire on our bike.

Downtown Grand Junction

Main Street Bagels

Main Street Bagels is a favorite

There is just something about walking downtown Grand Junction from end to end. We have many favorite shops and restaurants downtown and would be happy to meet you in any location downtown! Sometimes when we are running errands, we’ll just drive through downtown to see what’s going on. Attending the Sunday Farmers Market in Palisade the best, but we also go to the Thursday evening Farmers Market in Grand Junction several times a year.

Parking is easy, drive to Colorado Avenue, just a block off main street. You can usually find a spot to park in the lot behind the Rockslide Brewery. The lot is free after 4pm and on weekends. Keep a couple of quarters in your vehicle in case you need to pay for parking. It’s very reasonable. My Realty One Group Western Slope Real Estate Office is located in downtown Grand Junction, and I frequently pay to park in the area. Let me know if you have question about the parking apps.

Mesa County Libraries

We are constantly researching the area and we read business and marketing books as a hobby. We’ve been to the Fruita, Grand Junction, Clifton, Orchard Mesa, and Palisade Libraries. Libraries are a great resource for the community. Read my post about Mesa County Libraries and the Friends of the Mesa County Libraries. I even started a Little Free Library in Las Colonias, visiting it often to make sure it’s still filled with books, and Michelle usually finds one for herself.

Colorado National Monument Favorite Stops

Paul Aspelin standing near the top of the Serpent’s Trail in the Monument

Take the Fruita (west) entrance into the Colorado National Monument. Just before the Visitor Center, turn left at the Saddlehorn Campground. At the “Y” in the road, veer left and follow the loop around to the parking spaces in front of the Book Cliffs View. Walk out about 50 feet for some incredible views. There are a few short trails nearby, one leads to the Visitor Center. It’s one of our favorite spots to bring guests and it’s typically not crowded.

Another favorite is Otto’s Trail. It gives visitors a chance to stretch their legs and get emersed in the canyons of the Monument. A stop at the top of Serpent’s Trail is another great spot but there are only 4 parking spaces so it’s not always available when you drive by. If you can stop, walk for about 50 yards down the trail and enjoy the view! Serpents Trail is the original road to get to the top of the Monument. It’s a great hike, but a lot of elevation gain. Watch for big horn sheep, mostly along the western side of Rimrock Drive through the Monument.

Palisade Sweet Spots

Clark’s Distillery at Sunset looking at Mt. Garfield

Outside of Grand Junction, we visit Palisade the most. We always enjoy the Sunday Farmers Market, and we have some favorite restaurants if you are looking for recommendations. One of our favorite spots is to sit outside in the Adirondack chairs at Clark’s Distillery and watch the sun set over the Colorado River. The setting sun makes the Book Cliffs glow. They have great food and a variety of beverages. Another spot to sit and soak up the view is at the Colterris Winery. The winery is at the far eastern edge of Palisade on N. River Road. You are at the base of the Book Cliffs and the Grand Mesa, peering into the De Beque Canyon. Most days there is a gentle breeze due to the micro-climate of this area. It’s very peaceful.

I’ve got a few more favorite spots in the Grand Junction area, and I’ll usually mention them when I give clients a tour. If they are interested, I add them to the itinerary. Some are quick stops, overlooks, high points, special views, and unique features to point out. As a CMU alumni parent, we always enjoy pulling into the parking lot at the Outdoor Program building and watching the students walk about campus. You can get breakfast at the CMU Library building nearby. I have a post with some tips for CMU parents if your child is considering attending this fabulous Western Slope University.

Do you have a favorite spot in Grand Junction, Fruita, or Palisade? Send me an email and we will check it out!

Move to Grand Junction and Live Your Vacation Every Day!

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PAUL ASPELIN, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE
Learn more about me and how I serve my clients.
Serving Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade and all of Mesa County.
Licensed in Colorado.

© 2025 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR® MovetoGrandJunction.com. Copyright protected. All Rights Reserved.

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What is the Grand Valley?

Embracing the term “Grand Valley” as you consider a move to Grand Junction, Fruita, or Palisade

As you embark on the adventure of moving to Grand Junction, Colorado like I did, you’ll quickly become familiar with the locals’ affectionate term for the area – the Grand Valley. Comprising the charming cities of Grand Junction, Palisade, and Fruita, the Grand Valley is a region unlike any other. It’s defined by its unique geographical features, rich agricultural heritage, and a vibrant community spirit.

Geographical Marvels

The Grand Valley owes its title to its strategic geographical location. Bounded by the Grand Mesa (elevation: 11,332′), the Colorado National Monument (4,000-7,000’ elevation), and the Book Cliff Mountains (starting at 5,500’ elevation). This three-sided valley is a natural wonder. The Book Cliffs continue into Utah and rise to over 8,500’.

The Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, stretches over 500 square miles and has over 300 lakes and a variety of lodges and cabins. Conversely, the Colorado National Monument showcases stunning red rock monoliths and breathtaking canyon views. A great place to go for a drive or take advantage of the many hiking trials. The Book Cliff Mountains complete the panorama, extending over 250 miles into Utah. I am constantly in awe at the diversity of eco systems and opportunities to enjoy so much in the Grand Valley.

You can learn more about the geology and paleontology of the area by visiting the Museums of Western Colorado.

Colorado River Connection

The lifeblood of the valley, the Colorado River, weaves through this picturesque landscape, contributing to its geographical and recreational significance. The term “Grand” in Grand Valley and Grand Junction itself stems from the Colorado River, formerly known as the Grand River, and the confluence with the Gunnison River at the heart of the valley.

Agricultural Abundance

Fertile soil is the heartbeat of the Grand Valley, making it an agricultural haven. Orchards, vineyards, and vegetable farms thrive here, producing some of the finest fruits and vegetables. Literally some of the best fruit and produce you have ever tasted comes out of the Grand Valley. The farm-to-table dining scene, especially the renowned Palisade peaches, adds a delightful flavor to the culinary experience. Don’t get me started on the Palisade peaches, oh my! Learn more by reading our Palisade post.

Scenic Diversity

The valley is a visual feast, offering a diverse landscape within a short drive. From the high desert red rock monolith formations to the alpine feel of the Grand Mesa and the classic Colorado mountains. The region captivates with its varied beauty, all within a 45-minute radius. You can literally ski at Powderhorn Mountain Resort in the morning and drive back down into the Grand Valley for a game of afternoon golf. How cool is that! The change in elevation makes a big difference. Check out my post on how to avoid altitude sickness.

Taken from the airplane as we left GJT airport

Grand Junction’s Central Role

Grand Junction, the largest urban center in the Grand Valley, serves as a hub and reference point for the entire region. Described as the “biggest small town.” Grand Junction seamlessly blends big city amenities with small-town charm, creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere. Many of the Mesa County service offices are in Grand Junction, Colorado.

The Happy Valley

I met a gentleman at the downtown Grand Junction Farmers Market and told him my relocation story from Minnesota. He said, “Welcome to the Happy Valley”. I said, “isn’t it welcome to the Grand Valley?” He responded with “only until you truly understand how special this place is”.

Historical Roots

The term “Grand Valley” has deep historical roots, dating back to the late 19th century when the area witnessed significant settlement and development. Shaping its identity and character. According to Wikipedia, “George Addison Crawford (1827–91) purchased a plot of land. On July 22, 1882, he incorporated the town of Grand Junction. He planted Colorado’s first vineyard near Palisade, Colorado, causing the area to become known as the Colorado Wine Country.” The name “Grand Valley” has been associated with the area since the mid-nineteenth century.

Cultural Emblem

Over time, “Grand Valley” has evolved into more than just a geographical term; it embodies the cultural identity of the region. The name reflects the unique combination of geography, history, and community that defines this hidden gem in Colorado.

As you immerse yourself in the Grand Valley’s wonders, from its geographical marvels to its agricultural bounty and vibrant community, you’ll come to understand why locals cherish it and proudly call it home.

Welcome to the Grand Valley, where every corner tells a story, and every day is an opportunity to embrace the grandeur that surrounds you. If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Valley to consider a possible relocation, I’d love to help you make the most of your time while you’re in town. Call me for a tour!

Grand Valley Overlooks

Photo taken from a McInnis Canyons trail overlooking Fruita

The first place that comes to mind to see much of the Grand Valley is to drive Rim Rock Drive in the Colorado National Monument. You can stop along the way at the pullouts and get spectacular views of the canyons and the whole valley as you look East towards the Book Cliff Mountains. The Palisade Rim Trail provides a wonderful elevated view of Palisade. Or if you are brave, climb Mount Garfield!

You can start at the trailhead for Dinosaur Hill in Fruita. There’s a picnic spot at the top with panoramic views of the Grand Valley and interpretive signs along the way about the dinosaurs found on that site along the Colorado River.

Learn more about the area by visiting our posts about Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade. Plus monthly average temps in our weather post!

I post short videos and announce new website posts on my Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction.

Call or text me with your questions! 612-306-9558

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE

© 2023 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR® MovetoGrandJunction.com. Copyright protected. All Rights Reserved.

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Wealth is Where Your Friends Are

Wealth is Where Your Friends Are

Guest Post by Michelle Aspelin

Have you heard the phrase “wealth is where your friends are”? I first read about it in a book called How to Retire Happy, Wild and Free by Canadian author Ernie J. Selinski. The author didn’t focus on retirement finances and investments in his book but more on happiness and lifestyle. He describes retirement, or pre-retirement, as a time to become much more than you have ever been. He explains how important it is to discover the world around you while you still have your health and physical capabilities to explore all you want to see and do.

Mailbox painted by Emma Aspelin close up

Your friends will send you mail!

Chapter 6 is titled “Your Wealth is Where Your Friends Are”. I think it applies to the concepts on this website about moving to Grand Junction, or Mesa County in general. Above all, friends make life complete. For some, moving to the Grand Valley means they are moving towards family or friends, and that’s fabulous! But for others, it means you are moving away from family and friends. To a place where you know very few people, if anyone at all. Let’s talk about that.

Moving away from your home town

When Paul and I moved to Grand Junction it was a little of both. Of course, we were leaving our friends in Minnesota, and my parents, sister, brother-in-law and nephews along with Paul’s mom. Our parents are in their early 80s and it was tough to move away from them. However, we were also moving towards our children. Our oldest daughter graduated from Colorado Mesa University in 2022 and she still lives in this area. As of 2023, our youngest daughter lives in Tempe, AZ while she’s finishing up her degree at Arizona State University. They both chose the southwest. We were in Minnesota. When they said they were not planning to move back to Minnesota after they got their degrees, we were shocked at first. We always thought we would grow old with lots of family around us.

Now, you are probably familiar with the fact that Minnesota winters are cold. Maybe you’ve even heard of a polar vortex. Minnesota winters are also long and dreary with lots of cloudy skies and don’t get me started about wind chill factors. You can google it if you aren’t familiar. Let’s just say it gets so cold your face hurts on your way to the mailbox at the end of the driveway. So, we understood why our kids didn’t want to settle in Minnesota after living in the southwest and we started to ask ourselves why we were staying too. It took us a long time to come to the decision to move, and lots and lots of research until we finally chose Grand Junction.

In retirement, as well as in life in general, being near friends and family is important for our happiness and wellbeing. If you are moving to Grand Junction because of a job relocation or other opportunities, and you don’t know anyone here except the contact with your employer, I want to say, don’t worry.

Discovering the Grand Valley

Grand Junction from the Colorado National Monument

I took this photo of Grand Junction from the Colorado National Monument

What we discovered is that everyone in the Grand Valley is very helpful, friendly, and more than willing to share their experiences with you. We moved here in the month of September, which was the perfect time for hiking. There are many short trails for us beginners and we met people along the way as we started to hike in the area. We discovered that many people have a story about when they moved to Grand Junction too. It’s fun to learn about where they lived before and what brought them here. Paul even has past clients he served in Minnesota that now live in Fruita.

Here’s the best part. Because there is so much to do in western Colorado and eastern Utah, we have friends and family already making plans to visit us here from other states. We made sure our new place had a guest room to encourage visitors and we’ve hosted three different couples in the first three months we were here, with the promise of more to come! Read my post about what I learned in the first three months of living in Grand Junction.

Why Live in Grand Junction, Fruit or Palisade?

Another advantage of living in Grand Junction, Fruita, or Palisade is that they all have very active Chambers of Commerce, business groups and clubs, events and nonprofits. Once you start to follow their Facebook pages, browse their websites, or follow them on LinkedIn, you’ll see there are so many opportunities to become a part of the community. You can attend events, volunteer, join groups or clubs or just hang out at popular local establishments and parks.

Paul and I are on LinkedIn, and we find it a very useful tool for connecting with other local business owners and professionals, learning about local events, and staying in touch with our network connections back in the Twin Cities too. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn. One of our first connections was with our local banker when we opened up our new bank accounts here in Grand Junction. Ask Paul about our new local, community-focused bank! Read our post about Why Move to Grand Junction.

Take Advantage of Local Rental Shops

Paul on 4 Wheeler in Moab Utah

Paul on a 4 wheeler (ATV) in Moab, Utah near Canyonlands National Park

There are plenty of rental shops for bikes, ATVs, RVs, etc. so don’t feel like you need to buy a lot of stuff to experience the outdoors when you get here. I like the phrase “try before you buy” and there are a lot of choices here for that. Even the Outdoor Program (OP) at Colorado Mesa University offers equipment rentals to the public at very low rental rates. The OP is CMU’s headquarters for outdoor adventure and education. That’s how our daughter got started as a CMU student with camping, backpacking and climbing equipment. And after she graduated, she and her friends went back to “the OP” to rent canoes and larger coolers for a weeklong trip down the Green River in Utah. Colorado Mesa University students, staff, faculty, and alumni receive discounted prices! Might be a great place to work when you move here!

So, please don’t worry about leaving your friends and family when you move to Fruita, Palisade or Grand Junction. It’s a very welcoming community with so much to see and do locally and within a few hours’ drive of the Grand Valley. You too will soon have a wealth of friends around you and who knows, some may even follow in your footsteps and move here too after they hear you talking about all the wonderful things you are experiencing in Grand Junction and western Colorado!

Learn about the local area

Below are a few links to local TV stations you can follow as well as see the local news topics and weather report. Ahh, the weather, that’s a whole other blog post about this “high desert” climate. Let me just say, we are very happy to leave the humidity and excessive mosquito population behind in Minnesota. Hardly any bugs here and the mild climate is absolutely wonderful. Something we are thankful for every day we are here. And most of those days boast a brilliant blue sky and maybe some white puffy clouds.

KKCO is a television station in Grand Junction, Colorado, affiliated with NBC and Telemundo.

KREX-TV is a television station in Grand Junction, Colorado, serving as the CBS affiliate for Colorado’s Western Slope region.

KJCT-LP is a low-power television station in Grand Junction, Colorado, serving Colorado’s Western Slope region as an affiliate of ABC and The CW Plus. Owned by Gray Television, it is a sister station to dual NBC/Telemundo affiliate KKCO.

Get Started

Ready to take the first step toward your move to Grand Junction? Visit the Get Started page or learn more about Paul Aspelin, then give him a call! He would love to tell you about the area and share our research and experience when we decided it was time for us to move to a warmer climate.

P.S. Chapter 8 in this book is called “Relocate to Where Retirement Living is Best” Uhhh, Check! And Chapter 9 is “Happiness Doesn’t Care How You Get There” Check again! Grand Junction checks a lot of boxes as a wonderful place to live, work and explore!

Move to Grand Junction, we are waiting for you!

Guest Post by Michelle Aspelin
growyourmindshare.com
Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn

Photo Credit: The picture at the top is of a custom painted mailbox by artist Emma Aspelin, ask me for details!

© 2023 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR® MovetoGrandJunction.com and Michelle Aspelin. Copyright protected. All Rights Reserved.

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