Tag Archive for: Living in Grand Junction CO

Move to Colorado: No Need to Hunker Down

Move to Colorado: No Need to Hunker Down, Grand Junction’s Four Seasons Are Just Right

When people picture a move to Colorado, they often imagine Denver, Boulder, or Colorado Springs. These cities get plenty of attention, but they don’t necessarily represent the best of what Colorado living has to offer. If you’re considering a move to Colorado, you owe it to yourself to take a closer look at Grand Junction.

Grand Junction is a vibrant community on the Western Slope where life is comfortable year-round. Unlike the Front Range or other states, Grand Junction doesn’t force you to hunker down for months because of extreme weather. No long, frigid winters. No hot, sticky summers. No suffocating humidity. Just four balanced seasons and a lifestyle that makes you wonder why more people don’t start their Colorado relocation journey here.

Move to Colorado Without the Harsh Winters

Michelle all bundled up with a blanket and hat during a Minnesota winter

Michelle during a cold, long Minnesota winter

For many people, a move to Colorado is exciting because of the outdoors, but can also be concerning because of the weather. Along the Front Range, winters can drag on from late October through April, with heavy snow and icy conditions making daily life a chore.

Grand Junction is different. Yes, you’ll get a dusting of snow, but it melts quickly. The Grand Valley’s lower elevation (around 4,600 feet compared to Denver’s 5,280 feet) means temperatures are more moderate. That translates to shorter, milder winters, which are perfect for people who want the beauty of snow without the burden of months of shoveling and icy travel.

And if you crave deep powder… Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort is only 45 minutes away. More into snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, or ice fishing for trout? Just head up to the Grand Mesa for a day or weekend of winter fun. When you move to Colorado, you can enjoy the winter lifestyle without living in sub-zero conditions for months on end.

Growing up in the Midwest, I know what it’s like to hunker down from November until May. Subzero temps, blistering wind chills, and endless snow plowing. You just want to curl up by the fire and dream of spring. We got tired of missing out on life because of the weather, and that was a major factor that influenced us to choose Grand Junction.

The cover image for this post, of me sitting on the dock during a snowstorm, was taken in May in Minnesota… during fishing opener weekend!

Enjoy Summers That Let You Stay Outside

Many people move to Colorado hoping to enjoy the sunshine. But summers on the Front Range, or in states like Texas, Florida, or even Arizona can mean days that are just too hot or humid to enjoy. In Grand Junction, summers are warm but comfortable. Average highs reach the upper 80s in July, but the dry air makes it far easier to enjoy than the muggy heat of the Midwest or the South. Even better, evenings cool off beautifully. You can sit on your patio with a glass of local wine while the sun sets over the Colorado National Monument and enjoy a bug-free evening without sweating through your shirt or escaping indoors to air conditioning.

Sure, Grand Junction does hit 100 degrees now and then, but unlike Arizona’s endless triple-digit stretches. Here the heat is brief thanks to wide temperature swings. Mornings and evenings are almost always pleasant. If you’re considering a move to Colorado but don’t want to suffer through extreme summer weather, Grand Junction offers the perfect balance.

While I haven’t lived in the Southeast, I know friends there struggle with oppressive humidity. From Texas or Florida? You know it all too well. Arizona? Triple-digit summers that keep people indoors for months. We wanted something different.

Read my related posts for more information. Grand Junction Weather, Summers Weather in Grand Junction, Winter Weather in Grand Junction.

Say Goodbye to Humidity

Ask anyone relocating from the South or Midwest: humidity can ruin even the nicest day. Sticky air, frizzy hair, and the constant feeling of walking into a sauna. Yuck! No need to suffer anymore. When you move to Grand Junction, you can kiss that goodbye. The dry climate here means crisp mornings, pleasant afternoons, and cool nights year-round. Open your windows at night, let the cool desert air roll in, and enjoy star-filled skies. This is one of the most underrated benefits of choosing Grand Junction when you move to Colorado. Throughout the year, you will find yourself constantly saying how nice it is outside!

Four Seasons Without the Extremes

Fall on the Grand Mesa

Fall on the Grand Mesa

One of the biggest draws for people looking to move to Colorado, and specifically to Grand Junction is the opportunity to still experience all four seasons. Grand Junction delivers exactly that, but without the harsh extremes you’ll find elsewhere.

  • Spring means blooming flowers and perfect hiking weather…in March.
  • Summer brings river floats, vineyard tours, and long warm evenings outside (hello, Palisade peaches!).
  • Fall is full of golden canyon colors and crisp air for biking, hiking, and harvest season.
  • Winter sprinkles just enough snow to remind you it’s winter and make things pretty, but not enough to keep you trapped indoors.

You get the beauty of four seasons without the hassles.

We gave our move to Colorado a lot of thought. We researched, rented an Airbnb for 3 weeks in Fruita, we took road trips to explore towns and communities across Colorado and Arizona. Ultimately, Grand Junction won out. Why? Because here we can go outside and enjoy nature 12 months a year. Events rarely get canceled due to weather, daily life doesn’t get interrupted, and we can live the lifestyle we always dreamed of. We literally gained months of our life back each year to enjoy the outdoors!

Outdoors at Your Doorstep

For many, the decision to move to Grand Junction is all about the outdoors. In Grand Junction, outdoor adventure starts right outside your door. Within minutes or a quick drive, you can:

  • Hike the red rock canyons of Colorado National Monument
  • Mountain bike world-famous singletrack at the Lunch Loops
  • Explore alpine lakes and forests on the Grand Mesa
  • Float or fish the Colorado River

When you move to Grand Junction, you get the Colorado lifestyle people dream of, without the hassle of overcrowding, traffic, or waiting months for good weather.

A Lifestyle Worth Moving For

Weather and outdoor access are big reasons people choose Grand Junction when they move to Colorado, but lifestyle is what makes them stay.

Our local economy is vibrant and diverse, supported by healthcare, education, Agri-tourism, energy, and outdoor recreation. Downtown Grand Junction is lively with restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Colorado Mesa University (tips for parents of students) adds youthful energy, while the Grand Valley’s vineyards and orchards bring charm you won’t find elsewhere in the state.

It’s a growing community that still feels approachable, welcoming, and affordable compared to the Front Range. When you move to Grand Junction, you don’t just relocate to Colorado, you finally understand what it’s like to live your vacation.

Ready to Move to Colorado? Let Me Help You Call Grand Junction Home

I specialize in helping people relocate to Grand Junction and the Grand Valley. Whether you want a custom tour, neighborhood insights, or local connections, let me be your guide through every step of your move to Colorado. Read my Grand Junction Relocation Guide post or jump right to the Get Started page to learn more.

Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction!
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiveYourVacationinGrandJunction

Your Grand Junction Relocation Guide is Paul Aspelin. Here he is standing in front of his Toyota TacomaText/Call 612-306-9558 with your questions.

Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE
Learn more about Paul Aspelin
Serving Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade and all of Mesa County Communities.
Licensed in Colorado.

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

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Don’t wait! Semi-Retire in Grand Junction

Don’t wait! Semi-Retire in Grand Junction

Work/Life Balance in Grand Junction

If you are looking for a simpler, more satisfying, work/life balance, I recommend you consider semi-retirement in Grand Junction. To me semi-retirement means working full or part-time and having a flexible lifestyle that allows you more freedom. Full retirement in Grand Junction is fabulous, but why wait until you fully “retire” to move to Grand Junction or any of our beautiful communities here in Mesa County?

Paul Aspelin and Michelle Aspelin semi-retire in grand junction co

Moving to Colorado!

If you are at a point in your life that would allow you the opportunity to move, take it! If you had children, maybe they are now in college or have graduated from college and are out of the house. We’ve gone through those emotions of becoming empty nesters. Our dog died right after our youngest graduated from high school and went off to college in Arizona. We became complete empty-nesters in 2021. However, we were not ready to retire yet, being in our early 50’s at that time.

We reflected on our years together, the places we’ve been, the experiences we’ve had. We decided to make a lifestyle change. We saw and did as much as we wanted to in Minnesota and Wisconsin and made dozens of road trips to Michigan to see family too. We were ready to experience a different part of our amazing country. You can read more about our story on my About Paul page.

Get notifications about new posts and watch my short videos on my Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction.

The point is, I know what it’s like to pivot. I understand what it means to research new communities and consider moving across the country. When we moved, Michelle could continue her same business offering website services since she is free to “work from anywhere”. I, however, had to establish myself again in a brand-new community. Thankfully, I had 20+ years of experience so getting acclimated wasn’t too difficult.

Working in Grand Junction

If you own a business or can work from home, consider checking out GJEP, the Grand Junction Economic Development nonprofit that serves our business community. There are incentives to bring your business here, especially if you offer higher than average wages.

If you are ready for a career change, maybe a pivot to something less stressful in a different industry. There are lots of options in the Grand Valley. We are not a resort town, but we have lots of retail and hospitality opportunities. Colorado Mesa University has opportunities for instructors as well as administrative and community focused staff.

With three hospitals and related clinics in the Grand Valley, jobs in healthcare are plentiful. I get a lot of calls from people who were recruited by St. Mary’s hospital and are now moving here, looking for a place to live. Mostly nurses, but some doctors too.

Each community has an active Chamber of Commerce. Everyone is very friendly and will welcome you with open arms. Bring your business or start a new one after you get here. There is a high entrepreneurial spirit here, a “can-do” attitude, at least that is what we have experienced.

The Western Slope vs the Front Range

If you are moving to Colorado from a higher cost of living area, then your higher work from home wages will go far in our lower cost of living community. Mesa County is less expensive than living on the “front range” cities like Boulder, Denver and Colorado Springs. When you read or hear statistics about Colorado, be sure to consider the point of reference. The western slope tends to be more rural and therefore more conservative, just like other states.

The west slope moves at a slower pace. There is less congestion with fewer people. We don’t experience “traffic” here. So, if you have been commuting to a job and want to reclaim hours of your day and week, it’s time to semi-retire in Grand Junction.

Experience More in Grand Junction

Mesa Lakes Lodge Lake Loop

Mesa Lakes Lodge Lake Loop on the Grand Mesa

I could write more here about all the things to do, places to eat, and outdoor activities, but that’s basically what this whole blog is about. I’ve said this a thousand times; Grand Junction makes a great base camp to access so much more within a 2-3 hour drive. It’s a truly diverse area when you think you can live in the desert yet be in the Rocky Mountains within 2 hours. Every drive we take is amazing. We say “Wow! Look at that!” a whole lot more than we used to, that’s for sure. Read about the day trips from Grand Junction that I’ve posted. I am continually adding more as we explore this diverse region of the country.

The key takeaway is life is precious. LIVE your best life every day. Don’t get stagnant and think you are stuck. You are not. Don’t wait to move to Colorado until you retire, semi-retire in Grand Junction now. We are waiting for you with open arms.

Call/text me at 612-306-9558 if you are coming into town and want to connect. I’d be happy to show you around Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade. I can help you with buying a house in Grand Junction, anywhere in Mesa County, or buying a house in Colorado communities near Grand Junction that you may be considering. I’m up for a road trip, how about you?

Check out the post I wrote about living in a place that your kids and grandkids will want to come for a visit. We have so much to offer people of all ages.

Learn more on my Get Started page!

Don’t wait! Experience the Grand Junction Lifestyle in your semi-retirement years!

Paul Aspelin working on his laptop at the kitchen tableFollow me on Facebook: Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction

PAUL ASPELIN, your Grand Junction Real Estate Expert
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES®, CNE
Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.
Serving Mesa County and the Grand Valley in Colorado

Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction!

© 2025 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®. MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

 

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Living in Durango CO vs Grand Junction

Living in Durango CO vs Grand Junction

I’ve had several people call that are comparing living in Durango CO vs Grand Junction when they are researching moving to Colorado. Both Grand Junction and Durango, Colorado, offer appealing lifestyles in our very scenic western Colorado, but they cater to slightly different preferences. And when you are moving, I understand you want the scoop in comparing the two cities before buying a house in Colorado.

Here’s my comparison across lifestyle, housing costs, outdoor activities, retirement appeal, and access to mountain biking, an airport and healthcare. Let me know what specific questions you have. Call/text me anytime 612-306-9558.

If you have a topic you’d like me to write about, send me an email.

Get notifications about new posts and watch my short videos on my Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction.

 Housing Costs

  • Grand Junction:
    • Generally GJ is more affordable than Durango which is great for budget-conscious buyers and retirees and the general population.
    • Median home prices (as of late 2024) hover around $375K–$425K.
    • More housing inventory, including 55+ communities and urban or suburban developments. I have relationships with several local home builders and insight into new communities that are being developed, like Redlands 360.
    • Lower property taxes compared to many Colorado resort towns. Read my post about Property Tax incentives for seniors in Grand Junction.
  • Durango:
    • More expensive, with median home prices often $500K–$600K+, driven by the fact that it’s considered a resort town.
    • Limited space for expansion keeps housing inventory tight.
    • Attracts wealthier second-home owners, which can inflate prices.

Outdoor Activities

  • Grand Junction:
    • A beautiful gateway to the Colorado National Monument, the Grand Mesa, and the Book Cliffs (mountains surrounding the Grand Valley).
    • Year-round golfing, biking, hiking, walking, river rafting and floating, plus quick access to world-class desert and alpine trails.
    • The Grand Mesa offers fishing, camping, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling and plenty of resorts and rustic cabins and an alpine forest just 45 minutes away.
    • Nearby Palisade wine country offers a quaint downtown, wine tours and fantastic farmers markets in summer.
    • Fruita is just 10 minutes away and offers an abundance of trails for mountain biking, hiking and trail riding on your horse or ATV. (McInnis Canyons Conservation area is spectacular!)
    • Close to Utah’s red rock country and more mountain biking, hiking and jeeping in Moab, just 90 minutes away. Read my Top Day Trips post.
    • Grand Junction is a place where desert-meets-mountain. It’s about 4 hours to Denver or Salt Lake City, UT.
  • Animas River near Durango

    Animas River Durango area

    Durango:

    • Surrounded by the stunning San Juan Mountains—excellent for hiking, backpacking, and skiing.
    • Purgatory Resort offers accessible skiing and snowboarding.
    • More snow-based recreation, excellent for winter sports lovers.
    • Summer activities like white water rafting, tubing, and kayaking on the Animas River.
    • Home to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a scenic tourist ride!
    • The closest major city to Durango, Colorado is Albuquerque, New Mexico, about a 3.5-hour drive south.

Lifestyle & Community

  • Grand Junction:
    • Larger population (~65,000), with more healthcare options and shopping (REI, department stores and mall, Target, and three hospitals).
    • A bit more urbanized, more infrastructure and services with a growing arts and food scene.
    • Conservative-leaning politically, though varied across age groups.
    • Less of a tourist hub, so a steadier year-round pace.
    • Colorado Mesa University with ~10,000 students and community education classes for the community.
  • Durango:
    • Smaller (~20,000), more intimate, and community oriented.
    • More outdoorsy and liberal-leaning culture.
    • Strong college-town vibe (Fort Lewis College up on the hill), with seasonal tourists.
    • Tight-knit feel due to much lower population, with more second-home owners and seasonal residents.

Retirement Appeal

  • Grand Junction:
    • Popular with those working and retirees due to affordable living, dry climate, and medical facilities (see healthcare below).
    • More age-friendly services and communities (see Why Retire in GJ post that includes info about CMU courses for retirees at a reduced rate).
    • Milder winters than Durango – less snow, more sun.
  • Durango:
    • Beautiful place to live and retire if your budget allows living in a resort mountain town.
    • Winters can be harsh for those not acclimated to snow and altitude (~6,500 ft).
    • Higher cost of living can be a barrier.

Walkability

  • Grand Junction:
    • The downtown core (beautiful pedestrian-friendly Main Street area) is walkable with restaurants, breweries, galleries, theater, and a variety of shops.
    • Outside downtown, it’s more car-dependent, especially in North Grand Junction and newer developments along the outskirts.
    • Mixed-use neighborhoods are growing.
    • Public transit is available and bike lane/trail connections are numerous.
  • Durango:
    • More walkable, especially in the historic downtown area.
    • Strong pedestrian and bike culture with trails that connect many parts of the city.
    • Smaller footprint makes walking feasible for more daily activities.

Mountain Biking Access

  • Grand Junction:
    • One of the top desert mountain biking destinations in the country.
    • Lunch Loops, Kokopelli Trail (Fruita to Moab, UT), and 18 Road in North Fruita are world-famous and very close. Plus, let’s not forget all the trails in McInnis Canyons Conservation Area and the newer Palisade Plunge from the top of the Grand Mesa!
    • Trails range from beginner to technical desert singletrack.
    • Easily accessible from town—many riders pedal to the trailheads from home in certain neighborhoods. Read my guest post from a local mountain biker.
    • Year-round access and variety in the Grand Valley, some go up to the Mesa during the warmer summer months for a cooler climate for riding.
  • Durango:
    • Also excellent, especially for alpine terrain lovers.
    • Horse Gulch, Telegraph Trail System, and Colorado Trail are directly accessible from town.
    • Terrain is steeper and more forested than Grand Junction.
    • More high-altitude riding, which limits accessibility during snowy months.
    • Biking is best in summer/fall months.

Airport Access

  • Grand Junction Airport Welcome Sign

    Sign near the GJT airport

    Grand Junction:

    • Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) is just 10–15 minutes from downtown GJ, Fruita or Palisade.
    • Offers direct flights to Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles (Orange County) and San Francisco.
    • Small but efficient regional airport—very convenient and reliable. Read about our GJT Airport Experience – no waiting at the curb!
  • Durango:
    • Durango–La Plata County Airport (DRO) is about 20 minutes from downtown.
    • Also offers direct flights to major hubs like Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, and seasonal options.
    • Slightly fewer flights and destinations than GJT, but still good. Snow may cause delays.

Healthcare Access

  • Grand Junction:
    • Known for strong healthcare infrastructure for our size.
    • Home to Family Health West in Fruita, Community Hospital, renowned St. Mary’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center (Level II trauma center) that serves communities within 2 hours of the Grand Valley, plus the Grand Junction VA Medical Center.
    • Broad network of specialists and clinics—highly rated.
    • The best healthcare hub between Denver and Salt Lake.
  • Durango:
    • Primary provider is Mercy Regional Medical Center, a quality full-service hospital.
    • Fewer specialist options locally, so more complex care may require travel to Grand Junction or Albuquerque, NM (3.5 hours away).
    • Good for routine and emergency care, but limited depth in specialties.

Grand Junction vs Durango Comparison Chart

Factor Grand Junction Durango
Housing Costs ✅ More affordable, more inventory ❌ Higher real estate prices
Outdoor Activities ✅ Desert & alpine variety ✅ Mountain & snow-based fun
Lifestyle ✅ More urban conveniences ✅ Quaint, outdoorsy vibe
Retirement Appeal ✅ Budget-friendly, mild ❌ Costly but scenic
Walkability ✅ Very walkable downtown, bike lanes available ✅ Very walkable, compact downtown
Mountain Biking Access ✅ Year-round, world-class desert trails ✅ High-alpine trails, seasonal access
Airport Proximity ✅ More direct flights, easy access (GJT) ✅ Good airport, slightly fewer flights (DRO)
Healthcare Access ✅ Strong hospital system & specialists ❌ Fewer specialists, limited complex care

Final Thoughts

Choose Grand Junction vs living in Durango CO if you value overall affordability, accessibility to national parks, more housing options, year-round riding/golfing, and all the typical suburban amenities and small-town charm. I compared just a few topics. There’s more to learn about living in Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade, so keep reading!

The last time I was in Durango I noticed a lot of trucks, SUVs, campers and trailers going down the main road. Hardly anyone drives a sedan in Durango. I guess with more snowfall, everyone wants 4×4 or at least all-wheel drive, LOL!

Grand Junction is ideal if you are working in person or remotely, retired, semi-retired or consider yourself an active adult who wants a variety of terrain and opportunities with strong medical support. You want a place your friends, children, and grandchildren want to come visit because there’s so much to do! Read my post that explains how important this can be.

Paul Aspelin Molas Pass near Durango

At Molas Pass just north of Durango

Call/text me at 612-306-9558 if you are coming into town and want to connect with me. I’d be happy to show you around Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade to help you compare the Grand Valley to Durango, or buying a house in Colorado communities you may be considering.

Experience the Grand Junction Lifestyle!

PAUL ASPELIN, your Grand Junction Real Estate Expert
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES®, CNE
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Licensed in Colorado – Serving Mesa County
Learn more about how I work with my clients

Live Your Vacation Every Day… Move to Grand Junction!

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

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Retire in Grand Junction – your grandkids and kids will thank you!

What is there to do in Grand Junction Colorado?

A retired couple contacted me from Arizona. They wanted to know “What is there to do in Grand Junction Colorado?” They retired to Scottsdale many years earlier. Their children and grandchildren visited them when they first moved there, then the visits waned. They added a swimming pool, which worked for a while.  As the grandkids got older, a pool and sunshine were no longer enough. The grandkids complained “there’s nothing to do.” They realized it was time to move to a place where everyone wanted to come visit, any time of the year, not just during spring break.

They like wineries. A relative recommended they consider Palisade, Grand Junction or Fruita. And so, their research began. They reached out to me because they found this website!

Keeping and nurturing relationships during retirement is important. I get it. So is the desire to live in a mild climate surrounded by lots of amenities, healthcare, and outdoor activities. While Arizona is a beautiful state, the Scottsdale/Phoenix area is very crowded and extremely hot in the summer. Why not consider an alternate retirement community that has all four seasons and endless opportunities for fun and personal growth? Consider retiring in Grand Junction, Colorado! Or Palisade, Fruita, Clifton, Orchard Mesa, or other communities within Mesa County. Collectively known as the Grand Valley.

Read my post about the weather. I post short videos and announce new website posts on my Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction. So be sure to follow me on Facebook to stay informed.

I helped a retired Minnesota client sell her townhome in Minnesota and she moved to Arizona. She didn’t last long. Too hot, not enough to do. After a visit here, she wondered, “Is Grand Junction a good place to live?” She now lives on a hobby farm in Fruita! Her adult daughter moved here too, and her son and his wife come to visit a couple times a year.

Retire in Grand Junction

Paul Aspelin on the Riverfront Trail

Paul Aspelin on the Riverfront Trail along the Colorado River

Why retire in the Grand Valley? We have access to downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, year-round golf, tennis, and pickle ball. We have incredible hiking trails, extensive gravel/mountain/road biking opportunities, river boating and rafting, fishing, hunting, ATV trails and camping. Lots of parks and walking trails, including a zipline over the Colorado River! We are known for our fruit orchards, wineries, distilleries, and breweries. And all this is “in town.” Check out my Two-Day Itinerary post and Things to do in Grand Junction: Easy Hikes.

There are so many easy day trips from Grand Junction to incredible eye candy, hot springs, arches, canyons, lakes, mountains, resorts, public lands, and of course, Dinosaurs! So many things to do together with family and friends as you age.  If you want to retire to a community where your family and friends want to visit you year-round, then the Grand Valley is your answer! Grand Junction is a basecamp with access to so much more!

More Than Just Outdoor Activities

Not only is this a beautiful and bountiful area naturally, with a fantastic climate and no humidity, there are other benefits that make Grand Junction and the surrounding communities a great place to retire to. In my opinion, here are just a few:

  • Low cost of living (and visiting) area
  • Easy access thanks to Grand Junction airport and connections via Denver and other cities
  • Warm weather activities
  • Winter weather activities
  • Close to diverse terrain like high desert, mountains, rivers, and lakes
  • Colorado Mesa University classes for 65+ and you can entice the grandkids to enroll
  • Many things to do right in Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade
  • Check out my day trips from Grand Junction post for ideas on what’s nearby that your kids and grandchildren will enjoy
  • Colorado is more centralized in the US compared to the SE like Florida – allowing you to reach so much more that’s only a day’s drive away

Grand Junction Living and Hosting Visitors

Snowshoeing on the Grand Mesa

Find a retirement home that’s convenient and easy to get to and your friends and family will want to come to visit you all year round!

It’s how they perceive the location that determines if they come visit. Grand Junction always has something going on for all ages and abilities!

When you purchase a home here, try to get an extra bedroom or two for visitors. It will encourage them to visit if they know they can save money by not needing to pay for a hotel. Having them stay with you gives you more opportunities to connect and share time with them.

We’ve hosted friends and family several times since we moved here. Based on their desires, we never run out of things to do or show them. Some have no interest in hiking, and that’s ok. We help our visitors adjust to the elevation before we go even higher to places like the Grand Mesa, Ouray, or Telluride. Some of our visitors fly right into GJT airport while others choose to fly into Denver and drive up and over the mountains to reach us. If they need one, car rentals are super easy at the Grand Junction airport.

We make sure we give them a list of suggested items to pack or have extras on hand like stainless steel water bottles, hats, sunscreen, and vitamin C (for high elevation days).

As our friends and family come to visit and get to know the area better, we hope someday they too might choose to move to Grand Junction like we did!

Consider starting new traditions in your new location. Invite everyone to come to you for a holiday spent at a mountain resort or discovering our nearby national parks! Make new memories. The opportunities are truly endless in Mesa County and beyond!

If you are considering a move and would like a tour of the Grand Valley, give me a call. I have several articles on this website about retiring in Grand Junction and things to do in the area. Look around the site and consider me your Grand Junction retirement real estate expert!

Be sure to get your kids and grandkids a water bottle for their trip to Grand Junction. Read my post about which water bottles we have, why we chose them, and where to get them locally.

Live Your Vacation Everyday when you Move to Grand Junction!

Michelle and Paul AspelinText/Call me at 612-306-9558

Contact me directly regarding non-MLS listings.

PAUL ASPELIN, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE
Licensed in Colorado

Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.
Learn more about my real estate experience and how I serve my clients 

 

© 2024 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®. MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

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Living in Grand Junction Experiment

Living in Grand Junction Experiment

Guest Post by Michelle Aspelin

Before Paul and I made a decision, we wanted to do a Living in Grand Junction Experiment. We already had an idea of what living in Grand Junction might be like, but we wanted to really test it out first before we decided. Our daughter started attending college at Colorado Mesa University (CMU) in the fall of 2019. We had visited the area two times before we drove here from Minnesota to move her into her dorm room.

We visited her in October 2019 for Parents Weekend. After she had returned to class, we were sitting outside of the CMU library with our bagels and drinks from the café inside. It was a warm fall day with the sun warming us at our outdoor table. Paul said, “I could see us living here after we retire.” We were surprised at the thought as we were only in our late 40’s. With that thought in the back of our minds, we continued on with our life in Minnesota. Read our post about Tips for CMU parents.

Maybe Arizona?

GO Always Take the Scenic Route signIn the fall of 2021, we drove our second daughter to Arizona to start her college experience. We realized that we didn’t need to hurry back to Minnesota after we got her settled. It was the start of being “empty nesters” for us. We made several stops in small towns on our way back to “check them out”. Might we live in Arizona? Visiting places like Sedona and Flagstaff were terrific. We didn’t realize Arizona had such a diverse environment. It’s not all hot desert in Arizona! We enjoyed the mountains too.

How about Southern Colorado?

On that same trip in 2021 we stopped in Grand Junction for a few days, giving it more consideration. When it was time to go, we drove south. Stopped in Delta, Montrose, Ridgway, and we were totally in awe of Ouray. Drove the Million Dollar Highway (whoa!) to Silverton. Stayed in Durango to give it some consideration. Then we continued east to Pagosa Springs and NE to Salida and through Denver. With each stop, pondering the question, “Could we live here?” Our online research continued. More visits to see our kids. And then we planned an experiment.

Living in Fruita Experiment

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

Parade of Lights in Fruita, CO

One year we drove to Moab, Utah for Thanksgiving with family and friends. We were there for several days and loved the experience. We went back again two years later but decided to extend the trip in order to do an experiment. Took the long way back from Moab via Gateway and on to Telluride, stunning mountain town. Took the free gondola up to see Mountain Village, magical! However, housing is ultra expensive! Then, we made it to Fruita, CO.

By this time, we had a better idea of what living in Grand Junction might be like, but what about Fruita? We rented a very cute 2BR/1BA home for 3 weeks, just a block off Aspen Avenue (the main street). We wanted to see what it would be like living in Fruita, Colorado. We shopped at the (very busy) grocery store. Found more great dining places. Experienced some downtown activities like the Parade of Lights in December. Went to the Visitor’s Center several times to learn more from the locals (always recommend this).

We drove into Grand Junction to see our daughter and visit more stores, dining and other places. During this trip we also drove on the other side of the Grand Mesa to consider Cedaredge and Paonia. We investigated Rifle and went to some of the wonderful parks there. Paul loved seeing them ice fishing in Rifle Gap State Park’s 350-acre reservoir!

During our Living in Fruita Experiment, we found we liked the charm of the small town of Fruita but kept driving to Grand Junction on a regular basis. They aren’t far apart, 15-20 minutes, depending on where you are going. But the experiment was useful. It helped us decide that we wanted to move to Grand Junction, not Fruita. If you have the opportunity, try an experiment like this in the city you might consider moving to. Act as if you already live there. See how it feels. We have fond memories of the train whistles as they passed through Fruita. Read our post about the Grand Junction Train Station to learn more about train travel to and from Grand Junction as well as the historic Grand Junction Union Depot.

Researching Grand Junction and Mesa County

We continued to read articles and do research online. I used the “Find Places to Live” feature on niche.com to compare cities on a dozen different categories like cost of living, schools, jobs, crime, health care, night life, etc. FYI, Grand Junction is ranked the #2 place to live in Mesa County. We researched income taxes, property taxes (so low in Mesa County!), sales tax, government and civic entities, nonprofits, local businesses, and community involvement. We joined Facebook groups, followed business Facebook pages and made connections on LinkedIn.

It was time for a lifestyle change. We were young-ish, we didn’t retire when we moved to the Grand Valley. We started connecting with business professionals in the community when we visited. Our Living in Grand Junction Experiment was like we were “dating” Grand Junction. I can do my job from anywhere, I make websites and work from home. Paul easily transitioned his real estate career from Minnesota to Colorado and is loving it!

The Living in Grand Junction Experiment

While our experiment of living in Fruita, CO was a concise 3 weeks, our Living in Grand Junction Experiment was longer and more drawn out. Visiting several times, learning more, experiencing more, researching more, asking “What if…” oh so many times. We were thankful for our experiments.

When we weren’t visiting Colorado, we were preparing our home for sale. Doing updates and minor repair work, donating or selling most of our items, and mentally preparing ourselves for the cross-country move. You can read more on this website, like Paul’s post, Living in Grand Junction – What I learned in the First Three Months. If you are considering moving to Grand Junction, check out Paul’s post called Why Move to Grand Junction? It includes sections on the various housing types as well as a description of the area.

Hopefully you will be inspired to do an experiment of your own! Paul would be happy to show you around Mesa County and answer any questions you have about moving to Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade or anywhere within Mesa County. Paul Aspelin 612-306-9558 or send him a note on the Contact page.

Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction!

Paul posts short videos and we announce new website posts on our Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction.

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

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