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Living In Grand Junction – What I learned in the first 3 months

What I learned in my first three months

Living in Grand Junction has been a better experience than my wife and I expected. There are lots of things to do in Grand Junction, Colorado that’s for sure! I want to share some things we’ve learned. They might help you, should you decide to live in Grand Junction, Palisade, Fruita or anywhere in Mesa County. Let me know what you think! Text/Call me anytime with your questions or share your story with me. 612-306-9558.

Save Money on Gas

We moved from a suburban area with a population of 100,000+. It was a 20-minute drive to the mall with major department stores, or 10-15 minutes to closer cities that served most of our needs. However, living in Grand Junction is saving us money on gas. Where we are located, going to Target, the grocery store or the mall is under a 2-mile drive. Getting to Main Street downtown takes 10 minutes. Because everything is so close, we are spending way less on gas for everyday services. That was a surprise.

Gas prices seem average overall. City Market gives a discount on gas when you shop there. Get their app. And even better, save on gas throughout the Grand Valley when you use the Upside App. Use my code to get you an extra $.15/gallon cash back the first time you fill up. Use code: UK3UT.

Elevation vs. Population

In Minnesota, as you approached a new city along the Interstate, the sign included the population. In Colorado, elevation takes center stage over population on road signs. At first, I thought that was amusing, but now I find it quite helpful. Grand Junction’s elevation is officially 4,646’ above sea level. We are surrounded by the Book Cliff Mountains, the Colorado National Monument, and the Grand Mesa. All mountains that increase the elevation another 1,000 to 6,000+ feet higher. As you drive into the mountains its fun to realize your elevation, especially as you drive over the scenic mountain passes.

You might also like these posts: What is the Grand Valley and How to Avoid Altitude Sickness.

Grand Junction Bike and Trail Map (click to enlarge)

Grand Junction is Bike Friendly

Because of the warmer weather, people ride bikes year-round here. That means you’ll likely see bikers on your regular car outings so keep your eyes open. Stay vigilant. When you approach a stoplight and you want to turn right, stay back until you know the crosswalk is clear of bikers and pedestrians. And watch over your shoulder as bicyclists can come up behind you quickly. And never pull up too far at any stoplight, stay out of the crosswalk because there are people everywhere, especially downtown. The city has done a good job adding specific bike lanes alongside traffic to keep riders safe. Here’s a great map from Mesa County so you can see which major streets have bike lanes. The map also includes trails like the Colorado Riverfront Trail. Grand Junction Bike and Pedestrian Route Map

Community Focused

I am amazed at the number of events and activities going on in Fruita, Grand Junction, Palisade, and all over Mesa County. Everyone is very friendly here and always willing to share what they are up to. There are so many websites, Facebook pages and other social media accounts you can follow to find out what to do in the Grand Valley. Dining, outdoor adventures, wine tours, hiking, biking and so much more. I subscribe to many of the sites and pages and appreciate the advanced notice for upcoming events.

The Business Times is a local paper that helps keep me informed about business related community news. I also follow the Grand Junction Economic Partnership on LinkedIn and I subscribe to their newsletter. There are a lot of start-up businesses in the area and many remote work-from home professionals. You’ll find book clubs, professional organizations and so many recreational outings and clubs. There is no shortage of community involvement. And I didn’t even touch on the many wonderful nonprofit organizations!

Tourism is important to the Grand Valley. 30% of Grand Junction’s sales tax revenue comes from tourism. There are 6300 employed in the tourism industry in Mesa County. At a recent Western Colorado Economic Summit, I heard from city and tourism leaders from Fruita, Palisade and Grand Junction. They all commented that they keep a balance between tourism and community and that community (residents and businesses) always come first, tourism second. I like that philosophy! And the representative from Visit Grand Junction said the most common comment they hear from visitors is that the people of the Grand Valley are so friendly, that’s awesome!

Blaine’s Farm Store near Palisade has fantastic produce and gifts

The Best Produce at Incredible Prices

There is so much local produce available for people living in Grand Junction. Of course, the Palisade peaches top the list, but the freshness and variety of plums, apples, pears and locally grown vegetables are all exceptional. When our daughter started at CMU, she said, “I don’t think I ever realized what a tree ripened pear tasted like until I started living in Grand Junction.” Amazing! I’ve also found that the prices on other produce not grown locally can be half the price I was paying in the Midwest and much fresher. Must be the proximity to California. Either way, be prepared to eat fresher, better, and less expensive produce when living in Grand Junction.

Everyone Has a Story

No matter who you talk to, everyone has a story about how they ended up living in Grand Junction. Some people attended Colorado Mesa University and never left. Others met their current partners elsewhere and came back home to live in Grand Junction. Some relocated for work or family, and many just fell in love with living the lifestyle the Grand Valley offers.

Every time I meet someone new, they ask what brought me to the Grand Valley. I always answer with “A desire to be closer to our children. And weather, and scenery, and quality of life, and location and the sense of community and the Palisade peaches and…” the list goes on and on! I’ve learned that almost everyone decided on living in Grand Junction for the quality of life, and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors year-round and experience all four seasons.

Diverse Housing and New Construction

Living in Grand Junction, or anywhere in Mesa County, you have many choices for housing. In fact, we are finding it hard to choose exactly where we want to live in Grand Junction. Or maybe we end up in Fruita or Palisade. Modern, traditional, and historic homes coexist. Homes were first built in the late 1800’s or early 1900’s. We have an abundance of homes currently under construction today. Numerous neighborhoods and varying price ranges cater to different preferences. You can choose an urban lot, a little larger suburban lot, or there are lots of stunning acreage lots for sale in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, Loma, Mack, Orchard Mesa, East Orchard Mesa and beyond.

What we have found helpful is to ask people where exactly they live in Mesa County and why. We want to know what they like and don’t like about where they live now. Ask me about homesteading in Whitewater along Kannah Creek! It’s really helping us to narrow down our geographic choices. When you look at sites like Realtor.com, just remember that not all properties are listed on the MLS or advertised on the Internet. I collaborate with local agents. I know when there are properties coming on the market well before the public knows. So, if you have certain criteria and you just aren’t finding it online, text or call me.

House Hacking is Alive and Well in Mesa County

If you are looking for ways to lower your monthly out of pocket expense for housing, then consider some of these house hacks. Many cities in Mesa County allow ADUs, an Accessory Dwelling Unit. That means you can legally have a second residence on your property. ADUs are allowed on single-family properties that are greater than 6,500 square feet in size. The size of the ADU is limited depending on the primary structure size. Call the Planning Department at 970-244-1636 with the address to discuss the limitations and process. The second unit could be a tiny house, a converted garage or other small structure. It’s a way to earn rental income to offset your housing costs. Read my post about ADUs in Grand Junction.

Another hack is roommates. Consider a property with a mother-in-law suite within the primary residence where your renter has their own private entrance. Or rent your spare bedrooms. You can even rent garage space or allow someone to store an RV on your property for a fee. All of it can create rental income to offset your cost of living. Many homes by Colorado Mesa University have been remodeled to maximize bedrooms and rental opportunities for landlords.

As I tour more properties in the Grand Valley, I see so much potential. Living in Grand Junction can be as diverse as you’d like it to be when it comes to housing.

The Temperature isn’t the Temperature

Adjusting to the Colorado desert climate involves understanding temperature nuances. Coming from the Midwest, we had to deal with humidity in the summer. Not as much as the southeast, but it made a difference. Ninety degrees and high humidity is not like ninety degrees with low humidity. The high desert allows me to enjoy those 90-degree days outdoors instead of wanting to stay inside with air conditioning. So far, the fall has been fabulous. December in the Grand Valley is like October in Minnesota. Every time we walk out the door, we are thankful to be here to enjoy the mild temps. Depending on where you are moving from, living in Grand Junction or Mesa County could be a big change for you too. I share the average monthly temperatures in my post called Grand Junction weather.

When it’s 40 degrees outside, I reach for my hat and gloves before I walk out the door, like I used to do. But so often, I don’t need them because 40 degrees feels warmer here than in the Midwest. The proximity to the sun at higher elevations intensifies its effects, makes it feel warmer than what we think it should feel like. When you step into the shade, you can really feel a drop in the temperature. We are still adjusting to it. Always dress in layers. And the locals have taught us, if you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes and it will change. And it does!

Always be prepared!

Keep Toilet Paper in Your Car

Yeah, this is a strange one. If you go exploring, you can’t count on a vault toilet or outhouse to have toilet paper for you or your passengers. And sometimes you are just lucky to have a facility at all. Road trip essentials. Keep toilet paper in your car, hand sanitizer or wipes, and other necessities that public restrooms might not supply. With the dryer weather, I also recommend some hand lotion. And it’s important to use sunscreen during the winter because the glare off the snow can cause sunburn. We keep extra sunglasses in our glove box for our “adventure trips” in case our passengers don’t have any. We stopped at many rest areas and visitor centers where there was no toilet paper. And remember, when you hike, pack it in and pack it out. Do not leave toilet paper in nature. Bring a bag for all of your trash. Oh, and if you haven’t been advised yet, bring lots of water!

Be sure to read my Top Day Trips from Grand Junction post where I share our personal experiences and tips for you. And the Grand Junction airport experience!

Your Story

Discover your story in Grand Junction. Reach out to me at 612-306-9558 for more insights and guidance on making Grand Junction your home. Ask me about the time the sheep got out in Fruita and blocked traffic on I-70! I have plenty of stories to share. I’d love to show you around the Grand Valley and help you discover the perfect place to call home.

Let me help you… Move to Grand Junction!

Check out my custom license plate!

We’ve been waiting for you!

Text/Call 612-306-9558 with your questions.

Paul Aspelin, Realtor®
GRI, SRES®, CNE
Serving Mesa County

by Paul Aspelin, REALTOR

More to Know

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness

A Breath of Fresh Air: Navigating Altitude on Your First Visit to the Grand Valley including Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade, Colorado

Driving through the tunnel

Before you travel to Colorado, know how to avoid altitude sickness. Embarking on your maiden voyage to the breathtaking landscapes of Grand Junction, Colorado, promises a feast for the eyes and a retreat for the soul. However, the higher altitude of this enchanting destination comes with its own set of challenges. Particularly the risk of altitude sickness for those arriving from lower elevations. This information will be useful to know before you head out on any side trips. Read my post about the Top Day Trips from Grand Junction for some fun places to go. I add tips based on my experience.

The Grand Valley sits at 4,646’ above sea level at the valley floor and it just goes up from there. This region has the lowest elevation in Colorado because of the Colorado River.

For instance, the first time I flew into Denver and rented a car to drive I-70 to Grand Junction I felt sick. I starting to feel queasy after I crossed over the Continental Divide through the Eisenhower Tunnel.

My wife and I pulled into a gas station in Silverthorne looking for some altitude sickness relief. We found a two-pack of pills for $5.99. After taking them, I looked on the back of the package. Oddly, I was amazed to find out it was nothing but a vitamin C supplement. Regardless, a half hour later we both started feeling better. We quickly learned a key tip on how to avoid altitude sickness!

Consider taking Vitamin C before you travel. Check with your doctor.

In our numerous trips visiting Grand Junction before moving here, we started amping up the vitamin C and water intake a few days prior and haven’t really had any further issues. Oh, and always carry snacks, like a bag of mixed nuts. Eat those if you start to feel sick, even if you aren’t hungry.

If you haven’t driven here before, you will love the signs as you enter a new city. In Minnesota the signs included the size of the population, but not here in the rocky mountains, the city signs include the altitude and when you hit the peak, or a “pass” the elevation of the pass has a special sign so you can tell your friends back home how high up you were.

If you have concerns, fear not! Here’s a guide to avoiding and managing altitude sickness, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience in and around Grand Junction.

Acclimatize Gradually

Ease into your Grand Junction adventure by arriving a day or two before diving into strenuous activities. Give your body the time it needs to acclimatize to the higher altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

Stay Hydrated

Our YETI Stainless Steel Reusable Water Bottles are also dishwasher safe

Grand Junction’s elevated atmosphere can be deceptively dry. Stay ahead of dehydration by drinking plenty of water. Minimize alcohol and caffeine intake, as they contribute to dehydration.

Avoid Overexertion

Resist the urge to conquer the heights immediately. Take it slow during your first day or two, especially if you’re not accustomed to the altitude. Keep in mind, strenuous activities can wait until your body is acclimated.

Eat Lightly

High-altitude can affect digestion. Opt for light, easily digestible meals, and steer clear of heavy, greasy, or spicy foods that might exacerbate altitude sickness symptoms.

Medications

Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or aspirin can alleviate altitude sickness symptoms. If necessary, consult a healthcare provider before your journey for guidance on prescription medications.

Altitude Sickness Medications

Consider medications like Acetazolamide (Diamox) under the guidance of a healthcare professional. This medication can aid in preventing and treating altitude sickness, offering an extra layer of precaution.

Stay Warm

Layer up to combat temperature fluctuations common at higher elevations. Shield yourself from wind and cold to minimize stress on your body, enhancing your overall comfort. If you go up to the Grand Mesa, that’s over 10,000’ in elevation.

Descend if Symptoms Worsen

Should symptoms of altitude sickness intensify, descend to a lower elevation immediately. If problems persist, seek medical attention promptly.

Oxygen

Some accommodations and clinics in high-altitude areas provide supplemental oxygen. Avail yourself of this option if altitude sickness becomes challenging to manage. Occasionally, we saw oxygen available for purchase when we visited Telluride in the San Juan mountains.

Consult a Healthcare Professional

If pre-existing medical conditions raise concerns about your ability to handle high altitudes, consult a healthcare provider before your trip. Their personalized advice ensures a safer journey.

Know the Symptoms

Familiarize yourself with the signs of altitude sickness—headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Early recognition empowers you to take corrective action before symptoms escalate.

Watch for AMS

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a common form of altitude sickness that can manifest at elevations as low as 8,000 feet. Take AMS symptoms seriously and respond promptly to ensure your well-being.

Remember, altitude sickness doesn’t discriminate based on age or fitness level. I’ve seen very young fit people ignore these recommendations and experience flu like symptoms after thinking it would never affect them.

With these proactive measures, you can confidently navigate the higher elevation of living in Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade ensuring your visit is not only safe but also a truly memorable experience.

Happy travels!