Tag Archive for: Living in Grand Junction CO

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A Challenge to Prove Why Grand Junction Deserves a Closer Look

Before my wife and I moved from Minnesota to Grand Junction, Colorado, we spent nearly two years researching the area, visiting, and figuring out whether the Grand Valley was the right fit for us.

Since then, I’ve spent a lot of time talking about Grand Junction, whether I’m helping someone relocate, writing for this blog, or explaining to people back in Minnesota why we made the move. And I’ve discovered something:

It’s one thing to tell someone how great a place is.

It’s another thing to help them experience it for themselves.

That’s where an idea started taking shape.

A Challenge I Couldn’t Pass Up

Megan Jirele Independent Journalist and WriterMegan Jirele has known me her entire life. She’s an independent journalist and writer, an excellent observer of people and places, and someone who isn’t necessarily going to agree with me just because I feel strongly about something. Over time, she’d heard plenty about Grand Junction from me. Then, last spring, while I was back in Minnesota visiting, she challenged me to put my money where my mouth was.

“You keep telling me Grand Junction, Colorado, is the hidden gem of America. If I gave you 10 days, how would you prove it?”

Well, I wasn’t going to back down from that one. I sent Megan a plane ticket and invited her to spend ten days here. We call it the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge. I wanted to give Megan the opportunity to get to know the place I now call home, with Michelle and I as her hosts. But just as importantly, I wanted her to tell the story in her own way, in her own words.

Why I Wanted to Do This

As a REALTOR® with more than 25 years of experience, I spend a lot of time thinking about what makes someone choose one community over another. I specialize in helping people relocate to the Grand Valley, and I’ve always believed people deserve more than a sales pitch traditional agents give.

I’ve also been on the other side of that decision. Moving from Minnesota meant leaving behind familiar places, established routines, and the comfort of knowing how everything worked. Starting over somewhere new takes research, effort, and a willingness to consider possibilities you might not have thought about before.

I can share what I love about Grand Junction. I can point out the advantages of living here, explain the local real estate market, and tell people why Michelle and I chose to make this our home. But I can’t decide what matters most to someone else.

That’s what made Megan’s perspective so interesting to me. She has her own experiences, expectations, and preferences. She would be experiencing Grand Junction without the history I have with it, and I couldn’t script what she would think or feel. Nor would I want to.

For me, this was an opportunity to do something beyond writing another article about relocating to Western Colorado. It was a chance to share the experience through someone else’s eyes and let readers follow along.

Come Along for the Challenge

We documented Megan’s ten days in Grand Junction and the surrounding area, and we’ve organized the experience into a dedicated series here on MoveToGrandJunction.com.

I’m excited to share it because I think there’s value in seeing a place through someone else’s eyes. And, frankly, I’m curious to hear what you think about Megan’s experience, too.

Whether you’ve lived in the Grand Valley for decades, are thinking about moving here, or have never given Western Colorado much consideration, I hope you’ll take some time to explore the challenge.

Follow the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge →

I started this challenge because I believe Grand Junction deserves a closer look. I invited Megan to experience it for herself, and now I’m inviting you to follow along.

 

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

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10-Day Grand Junction, Colorado Challenge: What Did Megan Actually Discover?

ARTICLE 1: DAYS 1-3

 

I Didn’t Want to Give Her a Vacation. I Wanted to Give Her a Glimpse of Life on The Western Slope

When Megan accepted my offer for the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge, I had a challenge of my own: Give her both sides of Grand Junction, from the spectacular to the mundane.

I deliberately didn’t want to create a typical “I’m on vacation” visitor itinerary. I wanted Megan to experience Grand Junction the way someone considering a move here might experience it, by seeing the places that make people fall in love with the area, but also getting a glimpse of what everyday life actually looks like.

Day 1 – Tuesday: First Impression

Megan arrived in Grand Junction in the late morning, and I had a couple of goals for our first day. First, I wanted to give her some time to get acclimated to the elevation, and I didn’t want to overwhelm her like this was the first day of a typical vacation. The last thing I wanted was for her to feel miserable starting the challenge, so we were going to ease into things.

View from on top of a CMU campus building with the American Flag and Colorado Flag flying

CMU campus rooftop hangout spot overlooking campus

After picking her up at the Grand Junction airport, getting settled at our home and having some lunch, we headed to Colorado Mesa University (CMU) for a campus tour. I thought this was the perfect Day One activity for a few reasons. Coming from the Midwest, small college towns have a certain stigma attached to them. CMU in Grand Junction is the farthest thing from the stereotypical Midwestern small town college experience where the focus seems to be on drinking beer every weekend. Read my post about Parent Tips for CMU Families.

I wanted Megan to see how much CMU contributes to the Grand Junction community. It’s more than a college campus. It’s a source of community pride, whether that’s rallying behind the Mavs, allowing the public to take advantage of the resources provided by the Outdoor Program, or even offering college classes for retirement aged adults at reduced rates. CMU is woven into the fabric of the community in ways that go well beyond its students.

From there, we took a quick tour of Los Colonias and the riverfront redevelopment that had taken place there a few years earlier. The butterfly pond. The amphitheater. The dog park. The swimming hole at the end of the lazy river. The open green space. The riverfront trail.

It’s one of those places where you don’t necessarily go because you have something you need to accomplish. You go to hang out. You can soak in the Colorado sun, spend time along the river, let the kids or dogs burn off some energy, walk or bike the riverfront trail, or simply find a patch of grass and do absolutely nothing.

That was intentional, too. I wanted Megan to start this journey by seeing Grand Junction as more than a collection of attractions. I wanted her to start seeing how people actually use the community.

Megan sitting in a chair with a glass of wine at the Carboy Winery in Palisade

Carboy Winery in Palisade

We continued easing into the valley by heading to Palisade for a glass of wine at Carboy Winery before driving back across the valley to Fruita to meet another local couple for dinner at The Hot Tomato.

By the end of Day One, Megan had already experienced three distinctly different parts of the Grand Valley: Grand Junction, Palisade and Fruita.

And that was exactly what I wanted. I didn’t want to overwhelm her with one big “WOW” experience on the first day. I wanted her to begin absorbing the valley as a whole.

And the Colorado National Monument? That could wait.

Because taking her up there immediately would have been the obvious thing to do if this were simply a vacation. I wanted Megan to discover Grand Junction gradually. To see what was spectacular, what was ordinary, and, eventually, to decide for herself whether she could imagine building a life here.

She now had her first glance of the Grand Valley. But seeing a place and understanding a place are two very different things.

Megan’s Take:  The first day in Grand Junction was an entire concoction of feelings. I was slightly overwhelmed by the newness of it all, but the newness sparked a lot of curiosity. I recall being in awe of the new space around me, but also feeling unable to develop any certain opinions as I was digesting so much at one time. But looking back on the experience, I have realized that even though on day one I felt like we were going nonstop, the reality is that it was one of the most relaxed days of the entire challenge!

Day 2 – Wednesday: The Landscape

As we awoke early on Day 2, I had some reservations about starting the day with a big hike that had some serious elevation gain. Megan, however, was feeling great. We decided we could always turn around if we needed to, so four of us met at the Liberty Cap trailhead in the Colorado National Monument.

I knew Megan had never really “hiked” in the Colorado sense of the word. I also knew this was an important part of the challenge. This was her first opportunity to experience the physical landscape of the Grand Valley. Not from the window of a car, but with her own two feet.

Hiking Liberty Cap with friends

Liberty Cap hike

By the time we reached the top of Liberty Cap, I could see the amazement on her face. Standing above the valley, Megan was looking out over a place she was actually evaluating as a potential home. From that vantage point, you begin to understand how the Grand Valley can feel both incredibly large and surprisingly small at the same time. You can see the transition from the city of Grand Junction to the orchards of Palisade, the ranches around Fruita, and the landscape stretching beyond.

But there was something else I wanted Megan to notice.

World class hiking isn’t something you have to drive out of the valley to experience. 

Many of the trailheads around Grand Junction are literally tucked into or next to neighborhoods. The outdoors isn’t necessarily a weekend destination. It can simply become part of how you live. I felt that distinction was important for her to experience firsthand and early in this challenge.

After hiking back down in the rain, we headed home for lunch while taking some time to regroup and work from home before heading back out later in the afternoon.

Our next stop was the Colorado National Monument.

Big Horn Sheep crossing the road in the Monument

Colorado National Monument

The Monument is one of the Grand Valley’s undeniable gems, and one of the things that makes it so remarkable is how close it is to everyday life. We decided to enter through the Fruita entrance and make our way through the Monument back toward Grand Junction.

Within minutes, Megan had her first wildlife encounter of the day when she spotted a herd of about 20 bighorn sheep along the side of the road. The wildlife sightings never get old around here. 

We stopped at several overlooks, took a few short hikes, and made our way to the Visitor Center, which is worth the stop for the interactive displays and the opportunity to learn about the history of the area.

And then there were more bighorn sheep.

And more incredible views.

The Colorado National Monument is obviously high on the list for anyone visiting Grand Junction. It’s one of those places you almost always have to show someone when they come to town. But that wasn’t really the point of taking Megan there.

Colorado National Monument looking at Independence Monument on a blue sky day

Colorado National Monument – Independence Monument

I wanted her to experience the difference between visiting a place once and imagining living next to it.

For the rest of her visit, I hoped that she would look at the red rock cliffs of the Monument from anywhere in the valley and be reminded:

“This is literally in my backyard. I could go back there whenever I want.”

That’s a very different way of experiencing a place. And that was exactly what I wanted Megan to start thinking about.

After an incredible afternoon exploring the Monument, we met friends for dinner at Trail Life Brewing in Downtown Grand Junction. Then we walked Main Street, explored some of the shops, and took in the evening.

It had been a very Colorado kind of day.

But, this wasn’t just a vacation day.

It was another glimpse at what an ordinary day in Grand Junction could look like if this became home.

Megan’s Take: Day two was a big day for me. I’m not typically an early riser so leaving as the sun came up to go for not just any ordinary hike, but my very first REAL hike was both exciting and nerve racking. I vividly remember walking to the beginning of the actual mountain, already sweating and controlling my breathing, thinking oh boy… We haven’t even touched rock yet and I’m already burning calories! Slowly but surly, I was able to get into the swing of things and the adrenaline and endorphins running through me not only made the experience unforgettable, but already rewarding in the moment. 

Once we made it to the top, the only word that left my mouth was, “Wow.” I think it was starting to hit me that Grand Junction was not a city that just happens to have outdoor recreation nearby. The recreational landscape is part of the identity of this place. And that statement stood to be true as we later on drove from Fruita back to Grand Junction observing the Colorado National Monument. One of the biggest things that stood out to me was the CMU mountain biking team zooming past us multiple times. It was truly incredible seeing their talent, but even more astounding to realize this place is likely one of their regular routes. I’m on one side of the road freaking out over the big horn sheep trotting around without a care in the world, while the bikers are probably hoping and praying for one ride where they’re not interrupted by a road block! The clear distinction between my perspective and what one of the locals may be was eye opening to say the least.

Day 3 – Thursday: People and Community

After a couple of days, it was time to settle into some ordinary life.

Megan, my wife Michelle and I started the day by meeting a local resident and colleague for coffee at Kopeka Coffee in Grand Junction.

This was just one of numerous conversations I had planned for Megan throughout the 10-day challenge. I wanted her to speak directly with people who had relocated here, people who went to college here and never left, people who grew up here, and people who eventually retired here.

I wanted her to hear a variety of perspectives straight from the source: the people who actually live here. Megan was incredibly inquisitive, asking about everything from daily life, work and schools to quality of life and what it’s like to raise a family in the Grand Valley.

After our morning coffee meeting, it was time for some real estate work. Megan shadowed me as we visited a home I had listed for sale, drove through some neighborhoods, ran some errands and eventually headed back home for some work-from-home time for both of us.

That’s when Megan said something that made me realize she was beginning to experience Grand Junction differently. Not just as a visitor, but as someone trying to imagine what it might be like to actually live here.

“I know we’re playing things by ear to some extent, but could you give me some idea of what might be on the agenda for the next few days?”

It was the first time I realized how difficult it must be to simply show up somewhere you know nothing about and take each day as it comes without knowing what’s next.

And maybe that was the point.

When you’re on vacation, you usually have a plan. You research the restaurants, book the activities, map out the sightseeing and make a list of the things you don’t want to miss. You try to make every minute count.

That’s not how real life works.

When you actually live somewhere, you work. You run errands. You sit on the deck. You change your plans. You decide at the last minute to go somewhere for an hour. You come home and have friends over for dinner.

Initially, we had intentionally kept the agenda quiet. I didn’t want Megan to research what was coming or form expectations before experiencing it.

Michelle and Megan sitting in chairs at the Colterris Winery in Palisade

Michelle and Megan at Colterris Winery in Palisade

For this challenge to stay unbiased, fresh, raw and as un-vacation-like as possible, I wanted her to simply go with the flow. I did give in a little and give her a glimpse of a few things that were coming up, mostly so she could prepare, but I didn’t want her knowing exactly what was around every corner.

After an afternoon of working from home, we realized we had enough time to sneak over to Palisade for a visit to the Colterris Winery before two couples arrived for an early dinner at our home.

This was mostly a spur-of-the-moment decision, and that was the beauty of it.

We could simply hop over to Palisade, have a glass of wine, enjoy the views and be back home in time to entertain guests. We didn’t need to dedicate an entire afternoon or evening to the experience.

On the way home, we took the Fruit and Wine Byway so Megan could get a firsthand look at just how much agriculture surrounds Palisade, along with a glimpse of the area’s 30-plus wineries.

It literally made the day.

We scheduled dinner early because we also wanted to make it downtown for Thursday night’s Market on Main. Dinner was filled with wonderful conversations about living in the Grand Valley. Everyone had a different story about how they ended up here.

Megan and Michelle walking down Main Street at the Market on Main in Grand Junction

Market on Main in Grand Junction

Talk about a melting pot. But there we all were, sitting around the same table.

After dinner, we made our way back downtown to stroll Main Street and take in the vendors, live music and strong sense of community.

This wasn’t a one-time event created for tourists. The Grand Junction Market on Main happens every Thursday night during the summer and early fall. It’s a place where people gather. And the vibe is hard to describe until you’re standing in the middle of it.

For Megan, I was hoping this day provided another important distinction.

She wasn’t just being shown what Grand Junction has to offer.

She was getting a glimpse of how people actually live here.

It was another perfect ending to an ordinary Thursday in Grand Junction.

Megan’s Take:  Truthfully, I enjoyed every day for different reasons but if I were forced to make a top three list, day three would be up there! Day three was full of, for a lack of better words, experiencing the mundane. Although, I don’t even think mundane is the correct term but rather experiencing a real example of routine. I had the pleasure of meeting a local and picking their brain on life in GJ, followed by getting to shadow Paul through what a real day on the job calls for. 

For some reason, doing the most ordinary things sparked curiosity to know what was in store for me in the days to come. Not because I wanted to prepare for anything but because I was finally feeling settled and wanted to know more about the place I was calling home for the next week. 

I experienced my first Grand Junction dinner party which was wonderful to meet even more locals, ask questions and hear honest truths about the people who know the place best. This dinner in particular gave me a plentiful list of things to think about. Not a projection of opinion I was going to identify with, but important questions to ask myself during and after this journey in order to help me develop and understand my own perspective. We then ended the night with a quick drive to Market on Main where I get yet another glimpse of the kind of community GJ has to offer. 

The Challenge Continues

By the end of Day 3, Megan had experienced the landscape, explored different communities around the Grand Valley, met people with very different stories, and gotten a glimpse of what an ordinary workday could look like here.

But we were just getting started.

Over the next several days, she’d discover just how much of the Western Slope was within reach of Grand Junction, and experienced some adventures that would push her well outside her comfort zone.

CONTINUE TO…
the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge: Days 4–7 — Discovering the Western Slope and Beyond

Want to understand Grand Junction from Megan’s perspective? Read her entire independent account of the challenge, including what surprised her, what questions she was left asking, and whether she could imagine building a life here.

CONTINUE TO…
Could I Actually Build a Life in Grand Junction? A 10-Day Challenge

 

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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10-Day Grand Junction Challenge: Exploring Beyond Grand Junction

ARTICLE 2: DAYS 4-7

 

The Grand Junction Backyard: Mountains, Small Towns and National Parks

What if you could spend Friday exploring the San Juan Mountains, enjoy a relaxing Saturday on the Grand Mesa, spend Sunday driving off-road trails, and visit a national park in Utah on Monday, all without taking a vacation? That’s exactly what I wanted Megan to experience during Days 4–7 of the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge. As we explored mountain towns, discovered familiar scenery, experienced the thrill of getting off the pavement, and crossed state lines for a day trip, I wanted her to see something bigger than the destinations themselves. I wanted her to understand what makes living in Grand Junction, Colorado, different: the freedom to explore an extraordinary variety of places without having to travel far from home.

Day 4 – Friday: Your Backyard Is Bigger Than You Think

What does Grand Junction’s location make possible?

Megan looking out to the Million Dollar Highway in the San Juan Mountains at the Bear Creek waterfall

Bear Creek Falls overlook with the San Juan Mountains in Ouray, CO

By Friday, everyone had agreed that we would start the Labor Day weekend a little early. It was time for Megan to experience her first real day trip of the challenge, taking us 100 miles south into the San Juan Mountains and the towns of Ouray and Telluride.

In one of our conversations before Megan arrived, she mentioned that she wanted to visit Switzerland someday to see the mountains. I took that as the perfect invitation to introduce her to our own “Switzerland of America” on the Western Slope.

This day was the biggest itinerary challenge of the entire 10 days. There was simply too much to experience and nowhere near enough time to do it all. So, I thought long and hard about what I wanted Megan to get out of this experience.

Most importantly, I wanted her to understand something: When you live in Grand Junction, monumental vacation-like experiences can become simple day trips. Grand Junction isn’t just a place to live. It’s a basecamp for experiencing unforgettable moments.  

We got an early start and headed directly to Ouray for our first stop.

Red Mountains along trail in the San Juan Mountains

Red Mountain Mining Trail view from the top of the Red Mountains in the San Juan Mountains

This quaint little mining town tucked into the heart of the San Juan Mountains will literally take your breath away. And then there’s the adrenaline rush and sheer amazement of driving the Million Dollar Highway toward Silverton. Megan was getting to see the eye candy that people come to Colorado for. But I didn’t just want her to see the mountains. I wanted her to experience them.

After driving much of the Million Dollar Highway, we took a mountain-pass detour that put us into four-wheel drive low and well off the beaten path. We were taking Megan over Red Mountain Pass, climbing to elevations of more than 11,000 feet and into some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Colorado.

Backroad exploration is part of living in Colorado. But on the Western Slope, it can also become part of everyday life. I wanted Megan to realize that there was an entire layer of Colorado that most visitors never get to experience. I didn’t want her driving past trailheads filled with people unloading their RZRs and ATVs, wondering where they were going and what they were seeing that the average tourist never gets to experience.

Because getting there is part of the experience. The drive up these mountain roads can be spectacular in itself, but what I really wanted Megan to understand was that some of the most incredible places I’ve experienced during my time in Colorado weren’t found along the paved highway. They were off the beaten path.

There are places people visit on vacation. And then there are places locals go exploring.

Halfway through our up-and-over adventure, we stopped for a picnic lunch, explored the remnants of some old gold and silver mines, and eventually made our way back toward Ouray, stopping at the ghost town of Ironton along the way.

Megan enjoying hot chocolate at a coffee shop in Mountain Village, CO

Enjoying hot chocolate at a coffee shop in Mountain Village, CO

Our original plan was to take the heart pumping, off road, Ophir Pass into Telluride, but it was closed for some maintenance work. And, frankly, after some of the anxiety-inducing driving we’d already put Megan through, I think she was perfectly happy to take the longer paved route.

On our way to Telluride, we pulled over at the Double RL Ranch overlook. Megan was amazed to learn that the ranch is owned by Ralph Lauren of fashion industry fame.

Then we arrived in Telluride. The town was hosting a film festival, so it was busier than normal. We parked and immediately headed for the gondola to go up to Mountain Village. There may not be a better way to experience the incredible mountain scenery of Telluride than from the gondola. It was spectacular.

We first got off at the San Sophia station to explore the empty ski slopes and soak in some views before hopping back on and continuing to Mountain Village.

My wife, Michelle, tells everyone that Mountain Village feels like Santa’s north pole village.

Paul riding the Gondola in Telluride CO

Telluride free gondola up to Mountain Village

She’s not wrong. It’s spectacular, upscale and almost surreal. Walking through the village during the off-season offers a completely different experience than being there during ski season, but the scenery and atmosphere are always impressive. As we wandered through the European-inspired village, we stopped for some Telluride hot chocolate, found an empty table outside, and simply soaked it all in. 

And then, because this day apparently wasn’t already full enough, we noticed our barista taking pictures of someone outside. We soon realized there were some A-list celebrities in town for the film festival. Megan’s eyes lit up. “I literally cannot believe this right now.” It was one of those completely unplanned moments that you couldn’t have put on an itinerary if you tried. But it made the day for her and us too. 

We took the gondola back down to Telluride, walked the shops along Main Street and eventually headed out of town. And since this day had already been one surprise after another, of course we spotted a herd of roughly 50 elk in a field on our way out.

Seeing one elk for the first time is memorable. Seeing fifty of them together? That’s something else entirely.

By the time we finally made it home, it was late. We were tired. We were exhilarated. And we had packed an absolutely ridiculous amount of Colorado into a single day. For most people, a day like this would be the highlight of a two-week Colorado vacation.

For Megan, it was only Day 4. 

This wasn’t about how much we could cram into one vacation. It was about showing her what could be possible when Grand Junction was your home base.

Megan’s Take: Boy oh boy there is so much I could say about day four. I think I lived ten different lives that day. Day four was the day of firsts, the day of high blood pressure, and the day of wondering if this is real life? We had another early wake up call in order to hit every stop Paul had planned for the day, which I was ready for! 

It started with the San Juan Mountains in Ouray and when I say I felt like I was in Switzerland, I mean it. Pictures will never do what my own eyes saw, justice. My life flashed before my eyes on the million dollar highway as I was both in awe of the scene around me but concerned if I moved even one muscle I was going to flip the car over the mountain. One of the most incredible parts about that morning in Ouray was making our way through the Red Mountain Pass, where I experienced my first natural bathroom break, riding at what felt like a 90 degree angle in a moving vehicle, and exploring a gold mine. The fact that I experienced all of that in the span of a few hours was incredibly surreal.

And then there was Telluride… I still sometimes can’t comprehend how ALL OF THESE PLACES are just a couple hour drive at most from Grand Junction. This town was one I see in my dreams to be honest. The energy of the town, the endless shops and restaurants, and then you hop on the gondola that takes you to one of the most incredible places I have ever been too. It is like its own little oasis, and I felt like I was in a movie scene. I was in complete awe with every single thing I experienced that day.

Day 5 – Saturday: A Little Taste of Home

After a long day on Friday, we were all ready to sleep in and have a little downtime. Saturday morning was exactly what we needed. We had coffee, made a big breakfast, did some laundry, and Megan went out for a quick run. There was no set in stone agenda for the day other than dinner at my daughter and son-in-law’s house that evening.

We would simply play things by ear. And that’s exactly what I wanted Megan to experience.

After a slow morning at home, we decided to take the afternoon to explore the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain and home to more than 300 lakes. I was especially excited about this one because I knew it would give Megan a little taste of northern Minnesota right here on the Western Slope.

One of the things I wanted Megan to experience throughout the 10-day challenge was just how dramatically the landscape can change within a relatively short drive of Grand Junction. There aren’t many places where you can snow ski in the morning and play golf in the afternoon. But that’s possible here, with Powderhorn Mountain Resort only about 45 minutes from Grand Junction.

After our slow morning at home, we were caught up on our chores and ready to head up the mountain. 

The leaves were just beginning to change, but the views were already impressive. And, because apparently we were becoming magnets for wildlife, we spotted a few bighorn sheep soon after we exited I-70.

We drove through the small town of Mesa, and our first stop was Powderhorn.

Although the ski season was still months away, the resort was open for its summer activities, with mountain bikers using the chairlift to get to the top before riding back down. We wandered around for a while, talking about all the activities Powderhorn offers beyond skiing, including events like Color Weekend and Oktoberfest. It really is a fun place even if you don’t ski.

Megan had downhill skied before, but this was her first time standing at the bottom of a Colorado ski run and looking up at the terrain around her. A bit intimidating to say the least.

From there, the elevation really started to climb. Our next stop was Mesa Lakes Lodge. Michelle and I love walking around Beaver Lake because the water is so clear that you can actually see trout from the shoreline. On this particular day, the lake was alive with people fishing from shore and others out enjoying the water in kayaks.

Megan immediately recognized something familiar. That was another thing I loved about watching her experience the Grand Mesa. It wasn’t Minnesota. But there were pieces of it that I’m sure felt surprisingly comfortable.

Megan on top of rocks on the Land o' Lakes trail on the Grand Mesa with expansive mountain views behind her

Land o’ Lakes Trail on the Grand Mesa

Next, we headed to the Land o’ Lakes trailhead for a short quarter-mile hike to an incredible overlook of Island Lake. 

From the overlook, you can see the Elk Mountains and the San Juan Mountains stretching out in the distance. A must-see overlook when visiting the Grand Mesa. 

A few more quick stops at Grand Mesa Lodge and Mountain Top Resort gave Megan an even better feel for the whole “Up North” Western Slope experience.

And then, just like that, our relaxing little afternoon was getting away from us. 

We headed back down the mountain and made one more stop in Palisade at Clark & Co.’s Distillery. Megan had never visited a distillery before, so this was another first for her. It’s one of our favorites, and the combination of unique drinks, incredible food, the riverfront setting and views of Mount Garfield makes it a pretty great place to spend an hour.

By now, we were officially running out of Saturday. We quickly headed home to get cleaned up and ready for dinner.

We had a wonderful relaxing evening at my daughter and son-in-law’s house, filled with good food, great conversation and, of course, some fresh Palisade peach cobbler to finish things off.

It had been a completely different kind of day than Friday.

Just coffee, breakfast, laundry, a little exploring, family, dinner and peach cobbler.

And somehow, we still managed to squeeze a pretty incredible amount of Colorado into it. That was the point, too. Not every day in Grand Junction has to be an adventure. Sometimes, it’s just Saturday. And that’s pretty damn good.

Megan’s Take:  Day five was another perfect day to grasp what a free day could look like as a Grand Junction local. I really appreciated that we got to have a slow morning but still do some exploring. This day was another experience I didn’t quite realize until the ten day test was over, just how possible adventure can be in Grand Junction if you desire. You can sip your coffee and relax on the porch, but still get a hike in and observe the mountain beauties on the same day while not feeling rushed. Or you can wake up and say I want to do absolutely nothing and have a total change of heart hours later and still go on that adventure. The lakes were the perfect slice of home and also mind boggling to me just how diverse the environment in and around Grand Junction was.

Day 6 – Sunday: Getting Off the Pavement

Palisade Farmers Market showing booths and Mount Garfield in the backdrop

Sunday Palisade Farmers Market

By now, Megan was starting to get a pretty good feel for what everyday life in the Grand Valley could look like. But there was still another part of the local lifestyle I wanted her to experience. 

We started the morning in Palisade at the Sunday Palisade Farmers Market. Megan was really excited about this one.

The Palisade Farmers Market runs from early June through early October, and Michelle and I probably make it there about three weekends out of every month. It’s one of those things that has become part of our own routine.

We wandered through the streets of Palisade, stopping at the different vendors, visiting storefronts, and just taking our time. There is a vibe to this market that is difficult to explain until you’re there. Megan grabbed a coffee with sweet peach cream, which seemed like a pretty appropriate way to start a Sunday morning in Palisade. “When in Rome” as she stated a few times over her visit. 

And then there was the produce. Oh, my. If you’ve never had fresh Palisade peaches, I’m not sure you’ve really experienced what a peach can taste like. All of the local produce at this market is something else.

But what I really wanted Megan to experience was the community.

The market is incredibly easy to attend. You don’t have the parking headaches you might expect at a similar event in a larger city. You’re not packed shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of people trying to navigate through the crowd. Instead, you can park, walk around, talk to vendors, run into people you know, get what you came for, and simply enjoy the morning.

It feels relaxed. 

It feels local.

And it feels like something local people actually do, not something created just for tourists to come experience. That’s part of what I love about Palisade. There is a genuine sense of community here, and the Farmers Market captures it perfectly. After spending some time wandering the market and enjoying a slow Sunday morning, it was time to shift gears.

Polaris RZR side by side off road vehicle

Polaris RZR side by side off road vehicles

It was time to get off the pavement.

Megan, Michelle and I rented a side-by-side RZR and headed toward Rabbit Valley in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area near the Utah border with our daughter and son-in-law, who joined us in another RZR.

This was going to be a first for Megan. She had never driven an ATV, much less a RZR, and I wasn’t quite sure what she was going to think once we got out on the trails.

For the first half hour, I did the driving. The trails were incredible, but the machines were even more impressive. These things can climb, maneuver and tackle terrain that would make you think twice about taking a regular vehicle anywhere near it.

After about 30 minutes, we pulled over and I asked Megan if she was ready to take the wheel. She reluctantly said yes, with a smile.

“Just take it slow and drive at your own pace.” 

She did great. But I knew she was nervous.

There was a lot to take in. The terrain was unfamiliar, the RZR was incredibly capable, and we also had another RZR leading us that was being driven by someone who was very experienced and fast! Keeping up was a little intimidating.

At our next stop, I asked how she liked it so far. She said, “When we descended that one hill, I think I closed my eyes for part of it.” Oh my!!!! I took the wheel again for the next leg. 

We eventually stopped for lunch overlooking the Colorado River. Sitting there, high above the canyon walls, soaking in the incredible scenery, it was hard not to appreciate how different this experience was from simply driving through the area.

After lunch, I asked Megan if she was ready to give it another try.

“I think I am OK,” she said.

I encouraged her a little, not wanting to push too hard. She reluctantly climbed back behind the wheel. This time, I could tell something changed. She was still cautious, but she was starting to figure it out. She was getting a feel for the machine, learning what it could do and becoming more comfortable with the terrain.

Then we got separated from the other RZR. We were following the same trail when we suddenly lost sight of the vehicle in front of us. We continued for a while, but after about ten minutes we still hadn’t seen them and the trail was getting rougher.

Had we taken a wrong turn? We weren’t sure.

Eventually, we came to a particularly technical section of trail and decided to stop. The other RZR was stopped up ahead waiting to see if we needed guidance or help on this next obstacle. 

Megan was still driving.

The RZR was sitting at what felt like a 45-degree angle from side to side, and directly in front of us was a huge mud hole with an immediate climb up on some rocks beyond it.

You could see the deep tire tracks coming out the other side showing us others had struggled to get through. Apparently, we weren’t the first people to wonder whether this was a good idea.

Megan looked at the obstacle.

Then she looked at me.

“I’m not sure I can do this.”

My advice was pretty simple.

“If you’re going to go for it, just don’t stop. If you hesitate in the middle, we might get ourselves into trouble.”

I hadn’t even finished the sentence when Megan essentially had a “hold my beer” moment.

She hit the gas and plowed straight through the obstacle. Like an absolute pro. We cheered with excitement as she came out the other side. I still haven’t ever asked if her eyes were open on that one. But, I think I know the answer. 

Right then, I was so proud of what had just happened. That was her moment. She had gone way outside her comfort zone, trusted herself, trusted the machine and absolutely crushed it.

Sometimes you just need a little experience before something that initially feels intimidating starts to feel like fun. And sometimes you need someone sitting next to you saying, “You’ve got this. Go.”

That was exactly what happened with Megan.

I also understood why she was nervous. This wasn’t a gentle scenic drive. We were bouncing over trails, climbing rocky terrain and navigating a landscape that looked very different from anything she was used to driving. But that’s part of what I wanted her to experience.

Group photo of Michelle Paul Megan and more with helmets on with Colorado River Valley in the background

RZR ride in Rabbit Valley – Colorado River view stop for a snack at the Knowles Overlook Campground

Outdoor trail riding is a big part of the culture on the Western Slope. People explore on mountain bikes, motorcycles, RZRs, ATVs, four-wheel-drive vehicles and just about anything else capable of getting beyond the pavement.

For someone moving to Grand Junction, I think that’s an important part of the equation to understand. This isn’t just a place where you can look at the outdoors. It’s a place where you can actually get out into it. 

As our afternoon was coming to a close, we loaded up the RZRs and headed back toward Grand Junction. Megan had gone from being nervous about what these machines could do to understanding why people on the Western Slope enjoy them.

And that was another piece of the puzzle I wanted her to notice. The Grand Valley isn’t just surrounded by incredible scenery. There is an entire culture built around getting out and experiencing it.

By the time we got home, we got cleaned up, had some appetizers, talked about the day’s adventures, and enjoyed a quiet dinner at home.

Another day. Another completely different experience.

Suddenly, this entire challenge was starting to feel less like we were trying to show Megan everything Grand Junction has to offer and more like she was simply beginning to experience what life here could actually look like.

Six days in.

And we still had four to go.

Megan’s Take:  I woke up on day six ready for whatever was in store! There are a few lessons that have truly stuck with me from my ten day experience and this day provided one of them. The morning was filled with dare I say the best farmers market I have ever been to. The community at the Palisade farmers market was one I’d never seen before between every single stand being a small or locally owned business, to the energy just walking down the street. 

Afterwards I experienced my first ever RZR as both a passenger and driver. Like Paul mentioned in the day six debrief, I had a major “hold my beer moment.” I won’t lie, I was freaking out, not sure whether or not I would be able to make it through as the driver. The anxiety and stress of the mudhole situation definitely made me uncomfortable, but afterwards I felt like I was on cloud nine. The adrenaline and joy I felt was an incredible reminder that sometimes you just have to go for it. Sometimes you’re left with no option but to just step on the gas and pray you make it. This experience reminded me to do things even when you’re scared because if you don’t, you’re likely going to miss out on some of the best lessons, greatest adventures, and some awesome stories. 

Day 7 – Monday (Labor Day): Two States. One Day.

Colorado in the morning. Utah for the day. Back home in Colorado by evening. 

Paul and Megan standing on the side of I-70 at the Welcome to Utah road sign

Day seven started with what has become something of a rite of passage for our out of town guests whenever we head west from Grand Junction.

A stop at the Welcome to Utah sign for pictures and proof. 

We had crossed the state line, and just like that, we were off to explore another state for the day. But this wasn’t going to be an overnight trip. We weren’t packing a suitcase. We weren’t booking a hotel. We weren’t even particularly far from home.

We were headed to Moab and Arches National Park.

One of the things I wanted Megan to understand during the 10-Day Challenge was that Grand Junction’s location isn’t just a nice bonus. It fundamentally changes what a normal day can look like. Moab is only about 90 miles from Grand Junction. Only an hour’s drive if you ask some local people. I know…Feel free to do the math. 

And because we were coming in from the Colorado side, we were able to enter Arches through what I think of as the park’s back door. That little geographic advantage would essentially give us another hour or more in our day. Instead of driving all the way to the main entrance and then backtracking, we could enter from the north, work our way through the park, and keep moving. 

And we were going to need it.

Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch in Arches National Park

The hike to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park

First up was the quintessential Utah experience: Delicate Arch.

If you’ve seen pictures of Arches National Park, or even a Utah license plate you’ve probably seen this one. But pictures don’t really prepare you for standing there. The hike has such a “moment” attached to it because you come around the corner on a cliff-like ledge of a trail and “BOOM”…the arch is right there in all its glory.

We stopped at the arch for a half hour, took in the scenery and let Megan experience one of the most recognizable landscapes in the Southwest for herself. And then, because apparently one famous arch wasn’t enough, we kept going.

We explored a few more incredible arches, stopped for a picnic lunch, and took in more of the park before eventually making our way toward the visitor center.

By then, we were all getting hungry. So we headed into Moab.

You might enjoy this post about going in the back door to Arches and hiking Tower Arch.

A Little Bit of Moab

The first priority was iced coffee.

Then we did what we always like to do when we’re in Moab: wander through some of our favorite shops along the main drag. One of those stops was the Made in Moab store, where we took our time looking around. We didn’t need to rush through town just to check another box off the itinerary.

That was another little distinction I wanted Megan to experience. 

Yes, we had spent part of the day hiking through one of Utah’s most famous national parks. But we weren’t treating Moab like some distant destination where every minute had to be maximized because it might be years before we return, if ever. 

We could slow down. Grab a coffee. Browse a few shops.

And eventually make our way to the real star of the show.

Pasta Jay’s

Oh, how we love this place.

After a full day of hiking and exploring, sitting down for dinner at one of our favorite Moab restaurants felt less like the end of some epic vacation excursion and more like what it was becoming throughout this challenge: Just another day out.

Except this particular day happened to include two states, a national park and Delicate Arch. And we weren’t done yet.

The Scenic Way Home

After dinner, we could have simply headed back to Grand Junction on the interstate. Instead, we took the back way. We followed the Colorado River past Castle Valley and into some of the most unmistakably Western scenery you can imagine. This stretch of road has been used as the backdrop for countless Western films, including movies associated with John Wayne. 

And as we drove through it, I couldn’t help thinking about the bigger point of the day.

This wasn’t just about getting to Moab. It was about what was between Moab and home. The red rock cliffs. The river. The enormous canyon walls. The open landscape that seems to stretch forever. And then, eventually, we were back in Colorado.

And Megan still had three days left.

Megan’s Take:  What kind of place allows a national-park experience to become a routine day trip? Well, I’ve got an answer for you. Day seven was a multi state day and even just saying that is still so surreal. The drive to Arches National Park felt like a breeze, and in my opinion was the perfect distance to feel like you are entering a whole new world even if it wasn’t all that far from Grand Junction. It felt like you had a little slice of everything between rock, sand, agriculture, animals and more.

The hike to the Delicate Arch was extraordinary. When I tell you my jaw was on the floor, I mean it. The view of the Arch and the surrounding area didn’t feel real at first, and it took me a minute to take it all in. I could have sat and looked out at it for hours. 

Afterwards we explored Moab which was a wonderful little town that didn’t feel all that large but still offered so much as far as activities, culture and community gathering spots go. Once we wrapped up dinner having some of the best pasta I’ve had, we were on our way home. 

It didn’t dawn on me until we were all settled into the car and half way through our drive home that this day was nowhere near a vacation for the group I was with. 

They can just wake up and do this. 

Four days. Four completely different experiences. And a whole new perspective on what it could mean to live on Colorado’s Western Slope. From the mountain scenery of Ouray and Telluride to the familiar comforts of the Grand Mesa, the community atmosphere of Palisade, the excitement of off-road exploration, and a day trip to Arches National Park, Megan was beginning to understand that Grand Junction’s appeal isn’t just about what you can do here. It’s about everything you can experience from here. But could all that adventure translate into a lifestyle she’d actually want to call home? We still had three days left in the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge, and it was time to explore another side of life in the Grand Valley.

The Challenge Continues

CONTINUE TO…
The 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge: Days 8-10: Discovering What Life in the Grand Valley Is Really Like

Want to understand Grand Junction from Megan’s perspective? Read her entire independent account of the challenge, including what surprised her, what questions she was left asking, and whether she could imagine building a life here.

CONTINUE TO…
Could I Actually Build a Life in Grand Junction? A 10-Day Challenge

 

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.

by

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.

by

Could I Actually Build a Life in Grand Junction? A 10-Day Challenge

Guest Post by Megan Jirele, Independent Journalist and Writer

I arrived in Colorado barely knowing the Western Slope existed. Ten days later, I was questioning not just whether Grand Junction checked my boxes, but whether I had been asking the right questions in the first place. 

The 10-Day Grand Junction, Colorado Challenge

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

That was essentially the challenge I gave Paul, whom I’ve known my whole life. I’d heard him talk about Grand Junction plenty of times. But surely everyone thinks their favorite place is special, right? So when Paul challenged me to come experience it for myself, I didn’t expect him to actually send me a plane ticket. But he did.

I was given 240 hours in a place I had barely heard of to answer a much greater question than whether Grand Junction was a nice place to visit:

Could I actually imagine building a life there?

I wasn’t coming as a tourist with a list of attractions to check off. I was coming as someone who might actually have to live there. I needed to experience the ordinary parts along with the extraordinary ones: the people, the community, the weather, the neighborhoods, the work, the pace of life, and everything I might gain or give up by making a move.

So I went in skeptical, curious, and intentionally unbiased.

I had no idea whether I was about to prove Paul right, or prove him wrong. 

So…What Exactly Is Grand Junction? 

How could a place I’d never even heard of before be all that special? That’s how I felt when my plane touched down. I was hesitant, wondering what my experience would be like in a city I’d never been to before, let alone heard of. Now, I’m leaving with a much different question: Why aren’t more people talking about this place?

Let me give you a little recap before we dive in. Mountains. The Denver Broncos. And weed. If you had picked my brain a year ago on what popped into my head when someone said “Colorado,” that would have been my answer in all honesty. Forget asking me about Grand Junction because up until a few months ago it was just another place I’d never heard of. I’ve been to Denver, and Glenwood Springs, but I’d never really ventured into the heart of the Western Slope. In fact, I didn’t even know that was a term used until ten days ago. 

Once I deboarded the plane at GJT, I was consumed by the overwhelming feeling of unfamiliarity. It would be a lie to say I had zero expectations before arriving though. For example, I knew it would be beautiful, I mean you would know that if you’ve ever opened Google before. But the peculiar feeling you get when you’ve completely left your norm was more present than ever. Again, my knowledge and research was minimal to none, so I was stepping into foreign territory.

The Questions I Couldn’t Shake 

Like one of my personal favorite chick flicks, Love, Rosie says, “Home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling,” so entering this ten-day adventure required me to lead with an open mind. The greatest challenge I gave myself prior to my arrival was determining whether this could actually be a place I’d live. I have always relied heavily on my home and my people to give me the everyday comfort I need. Due to my homebody nature, experiencing a life different from my own would be a challenge, but I knew I had to ask the difficult questions. 

Would this be a place I’d recommend to a stranger or a loved one? The ultimate goal was to determine if Grand Junction offers what I think it takes for someone to stop and reconsider their entire future, or is it just another average town? For me, could someone build roots here or is it just a pit stop on the way to the ultimate destination? The questions were infinite, so curiosity was going to be my biggest ally. I knew I wouldn’t be able to definitively say yes or no right away, but it was absolutely a thought in the back of my mind from sunrise to sunset.

When Does Vacation Start Feeling Like Everyday Life? 

I remember the initial drive to Paul and Michelle’s home and thinking, “Huh, I did not expect it to feel so desert-like.” It was interesting because I always associated the desert with cactus but there were only small sections of them scattered throughout the landscape. The craziest part was I could look over my shoulder and see greenery covering some of the mountains. I quickly realized I could see a completely different landscape in almost every direction. 

One of the most important aspects of my ten-day trial was whether or not the environment around me would ever stop feeling like a vacation. A new atmosphere was initially hard to imagine being anything other than a picturesque getaway. On day two I experienced my first hike ever, climbing the Liberty Cap Trail on the Colorado National Monument. I recall not being able to comprehend my view once we made it to the top. The most insightful thing about it all was seeing the Grand Valley of Fruita, Palisade, and Grand Junction below me, and recognizing this type of view is in the palm of people’s hands any given day.

With my newfound perspective, experiencing the outdoors started to look a little different in the following days. I was no longer viewing the mountains, rivers, and desert as some mind-blowing combination, but rather as an opportunity to wake up and choose what kind of setting I was up for that day. 

I remember my first morning run outside compared to my last run felt completely different. I ran the same path both times, but there were distinct differences. I could now tell my direction solely by looking at what mountain was in front of me, and I knew where to turn because of a cactus patch settled on a corner. These were small factors with a big impact.

Looking back, the defining moment I can say the outdoors turned from feeling like a getaway to everyday life was going to bed the night before a hike to Delicate Arch in Moab. I was on FaceTime with my dad when the discussion about my plans for the following day came up. I let him know I was heading to Utah for the day. He then said, “How crazy is it that you get to wake up, in one state, spend the day in another, and fall asleep back at the one you woke up in.” After so many days went by, it had not even occurred to me how incredible it was that the outdoors in Grand Junction and its proximity to other places offered the lifestyle that most people spend months in advance planning for. At that moment I realized my lens on the setting around me had completely shifted. I was no longer viewing what this place had to offer as a super bloom. I was viewing its offerings like they were an all you can eat buffet. 

So far, Paul had given me some pretty good evidence. But I wasn’t ready to call it yet. 

Could I Find My People Here? 

Megan shopping at the Grand Junction Market on Main Farmers Market

Market on Main in Grand Junction

Yearning for a sense of belonging is only human nature, which is why I feel it is paramount to describe my experience with the community in Grand Junction. When I say the sense of community in this city is strong, I mean it. Downtown Grand Junction is one of the most lively places I have seen, especially for a Wednesday night. The options on Main Street are endless from restaurants, bars, theaters, shops, and so much more. One of the best parts about this little town was how seriously people take gathering. I got to experience my first ever Grand Junction Farmers Market on Main, where orchards, local wineries, small business owners, and delicious food trucks were set up. The most fascinating thing about it all was every so often, over several blocks, there were kid-friendly play options built into the sidewalk. I’m talking slides, climbing structures, animal statues and more. It became very clear that there is absolutely no sacrificing a date night or friend gathering because there is something for the entire family.

With that said, the community sense streamed much further than just the downtown area. I had the privilege of getting to meet many wonderful people throughout my ten days and have very insightful conversations about life in GJ. A question I asked almost everybody was, “If you could pick one thing that keeps you here, what would it be?” And I kid you not, every single person had the same answer- which was the community they are surrounded by. When I asked them to elaborate further many people said it wasn’t just the village of people around them, but rather the limitless opportunities the location provides. Whether you’re joining a hiking group, signing the kids up for nature camps, or just getting involved in the community, you’re surrounded by people seeking the same experiences you are. 

The final realization I had was how much residents of Grand Junction love Grand Junction. People are genuinely proud of where they live and the lifestyle it offers. It is truly the biggest small town you’ll ever visit. It was enlightening to see people living such a slow and easy pace of life in a place that is surrounded by so much adventure. Coming from metro life, it felt quite refreshing to see this type of culture and now that my ten days have been completed, I’m already reminding myself to channel a little bit of the Grand Junction way everywhere I go.

Just Another Mundane Tuesday

Like I’ve mentioned, I wanted my experience here to be authentic and honest. Part of that was seeing what a normal week day living here was like. My mornings typically start with coffee and scrolling through my phone, but that was not the case this time. I woke up around seven in the morning to get dressed and ready for a five mile hike. I remember first thinking, “I’m not sure this is for me.” This was completely out of my norm and the fact an “average Tuesday,” could start with climbing 1,250 feet of elevation was crazy to me. Of course that activity may not be an everyday thing for most people, but knowing that option is available any given day for locals was actually incredible to learn. It started raining on the way down from the top but the sun was still shining and I recall an overwhelming feeling of joy. Instead of wondering if this was really for me, I started thinking, what a way to start the day. 

On our way back to the house I realized two things. Traffic couldn’t exist if it tried in Grand Junction, and yellow lights are a suggestion at most. Not sure if one causes the other but that’s none of my business… In all seriousness I was completely shocked that getting from point A to point B didn’t require planning for extra time. You can just hop in your car and get to where you need to be. I then showered and had lunch, and spent a few hours working. Something about starting the day the way I did motivated me immensely and I was not feeling overwhelmed with the task in front of me, but rather endorphins were rolling and I was ready to get things done! 

Later on I got to go for a jog through neighborhoods nearby and a few things stuck with me. The streets are clean, cars actually stop at crosswalks, and cookie cutter builds are not the norm. The views were immaculate but I will say, running at a higher elevation is no joke. I consider myself a relatively seasoned runner, but was not prepared for the combination of the hot sun and heavy breathing. Otherwise, the vibe was high in Colorado, no pun intended!

At the end of the day, my group and I drove through the Colorado National Monument, ate at a restaurant downtown called Trail Life Brewing, (which has many vegetarian options by the way), and ended the night with a glass of wine at home as the sun set. As someone who has grown up in a suburb outside of a big city, a lot of this day was out of the ordinary for me. But as I was falling asleep that night, I rolled over and wrote, “My peculiar Tuesday is someone else’s typical Tuesday.” and boy is that the truth.

At this point, I was starting to understand Paul’s argument. But I still had one problem: I was on vacation. 

Who Actually Chooses To Live Here? 

The people I met who live in Grand Junction had chosen it for a reason. Those reasons may vary but the greatest common denominator is the lifestyle offerings. Grand Junction is where the outdoor lover and adventure seeker lives. The hiking, biking, and rafting opportunities seem endless. But Grand Junction is also where the decompressor can call home. Forget hiking a fourteener when you can spend your weekends on the Fruit and Wine Byway, exploring shops and restaurants in Palisade, Fruita or Grand Junction, or breezy walks through parks. This place is for the new families looking to escape big city chaos, those who want to retire in an area that has no shortage of ways to spend your time, and the list goes on. It’s for the person whose favorite hobby is making memories.

Although, it’s not just the activities in or near the city, but the practical parts that make up everyday life. The town is clean and taken care of, I felt it would be a very safe place to raise a family, in fact a mother of a young boy told me how she would feel safe with him biking alone to the park. It’s the lack of traffic and free parking after four p.m. downtown. The city doesn’t treat people like tenants; it treats them like co-owners. The pace of life is slower, and in my experience restorative.

Speaking of restorative, many of the locals like it just the way it is. They embrace the history of the place they call home, and are committed to keeping its integrity and reputation. The kind of people who should live in Grand Junction are people who want to live somewhere that values its roots, and appreciates it just the way it is. I started to understand about half way through my experience that the tightness of the people here felt so powerful because everyone clearly shared something in common. The love for their town.

Collard Lizard photo by Emma Aspelin

Collard Lizard photo by Emma Aspelin from EmmaGetsOutside.com

Nobody Warned Me About The Lizards 

Nobody told me how many lizards there are in Grand Junction. Hear me out, I am someone who doesn’t get bothered much by insects and what not, but something about watching a lizard crawl extremely fast right next to your feet made me cringe. I mean, they are everywhere! They aren’t really pesky or aggressive, but they are so tiny and quick. I would suggest to anyone who has the same fear of tiny little creatures crawling up your pant leg, to be prepared for that. Not that that will happen, but again, possibilities seem to be endless in Grand Junction. 

How Far Would You Go to Live Here? 

Aside from the reptile population, I was surprised to learn what employment looks like in the city. A few things stood out to me which were that job opportunities in Grand Junction are harder to find due to its location and size, remote work is fairly common, and the most shocking was that some people commute over an hour to and from work each day. My curiosity was definitely sparked so I followed up with the question, “Why not move to be closer to work?” And a local told me that the drive was worth it in order to live in Grand Junction. That was a very eye opening perspective. 

homemade peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream in a bowl

Homemade peach cobbler

And Then There Were Peaches 

Finally, I’ve only ever known peaches to be associated with the state of Georgia, but peaches are the thing in the Grand Valley. I got to experience my first Palisade peach and peach beer, along with peach cobbler, and even peach coffee! Whether you’re in a grocery store, restaurant or a farmers market, I can confirm you won’t go more than 100 feet without seeing a peach during harvest season. 

The Cold Shower Moment

It was either day eight or nine when I sat down to collect some of my thoughts when I got consumed with somewhat of a reality check. I pondered on if I felt such a liking to this place because it was a break from my reality, or if it really was becoming somewhere that checked boxes. I needed to take a minute and evaluate my non-negotiables and determine if Grand Junction could hypothetically make sense for me or for people considering a change.

The number one question people should consider before moving here would be, How different would your life look if you gave up your current rhythm for the one you would have in Grand Junction? Would you miss the community you have? The climate? The drives? The schools? The favorites list you’ve created in your notes app? Or would you be willing to sacrifice your current norm for one that may just be more fulfilling? I would also tell someone to ask themselves if they would consider a smaller town over a larger metro area? (depending on where they currently live) Would you miss the big city shopping scene or being close to a professional sports team? Would these be deal breakers or deal makers?

All of these questions were no longer theoretical, but real considerations. It had officially dawned on me that my ten day exercise was coming to an end and the final test was about to begin. Could I make this place a home?

Could I Actually Build A Life Here? 

The answer wasn’t a simple one to determine. I was genuinely evaluating up until the very moment I was in the air leaving the Grand Junction Airport. Even there, I was experiencing new things such as being the only person in a security line. I was overwhelmed with everything I had just experienced, but ultimately grateful for what it had given me. As I am sitting here writing this, I can confidently say, yes, I could build a life in Grand Junction, but the why is a lot more profound.

To sum up my response, because it would take pages to write everything I feel, I’ve never felt more challenged and outside of my comfort zone before. But at the same time, I’ve never felt so much peace and tranquility. Some of the biggest drivers for me were the sheer number of new experiences I encountered, the difference the climate made in how I felt day to day, and the lifestyle opportunities Grand Junction has to offer. 

Most of the time, my days on the Western Slope felt like a never-ending series of firsts for me, but trust me, I wasn’t complaining! For example, I’d never gone to the bathroom outdoors before. I would have rather risked peeing my pants than squatting behind a tree, but we were in the middle of nowhere on a 4 x 4 mountain road and my options were limited. I may sound a little dramatic but seriously, when in my life had I ever been in a situation where that was the best and only option. This adventure allowed me to recognize that my capabilities stem a lot further than I know, it all just depends on the kind of environment I permit myself to be in. 

Another first was experiencing the San Juan mountains including Ouray and Telluride. I have never been to Europe, so in a random discussion with Paul he said, “Well, I know a place.” Ouray was literally the Switzerland of America, it was mind blowing. Then we just so happened to visit Telluride on a day when celebrities were in town for a film festival. When would I ever just randomly rub shoulders with an A-lister? Never is the answer. My whole point in saying all of this is that opportunities are completely endless here, and knowing I could experience thrill any given day checked box after box. 

Another driving factor towards my answer was the weather. I often asked people, “Does seasonal depression exist here?” I was given answers such as no, rarely, or my favorite, “I didn’t realize I had experienced it until after a few months of living here.” It was an incredible feeling living with weather that was not only doable but enjoyable. No nasty humidity, flowers everywhere, and a community who thrived outdoors regardless of the time of year. The harshness of winter is bearable, at least compared to what I’m used to, no grey skies for days, or hiding indoors for months. A white Christmas is big for me, but who would I be to not enjoy 300+ days of sunshine a year when I could easily plan a trip back to the Midwest or just drive 45 minutes up to the Grand Mesa to get my winter fix. 

Once I began to understand how much Grand Junction’s mild climate could positively affect me both mentally and physically, another box was checked.

There are so many other things I could touch on, like the amount of time people can spend outdoors here, the potential for a more active lifestyle, or the opportunities at Colorado Mesa University. But one thing that ultimately stood out to me was the neighborhoods. They felt safe, and with the variety of homes and the proximity to parks, it made me start thinking about what it would actually be like to raise a family here. There was something about the overall quality of life that felt different from anything I had experienced before.

If I could sum up Grand Junction in one sentence it would be Paul’s famous words, “Live Your Vacation.” I say that with zero bias and solely from my own experience. I could have spent three more weeks living there and fear I wouldn’t even have touched the surface of its portfolio. Moving to Grand Junction means moving to the Western Slope. Moving to Palisade or Fruita means moving to the Western Slope. Once you move to one, you have them all. This side of the state becomes one large basecamp where a city line means nothing other than crossing over to a new opportunity.

What 10-Days Changed 

My job here isn’t to persuade, it’s to reveal. I learned and navigated something brand new to me, seeing and testing things the internet couldn’t tell you, at least not authentically. Grand Junction is the kind of place where you can’t understand its magic until you’re immersed into it, until you see it for yourself, and truly live it. I’d like to think my experience is the closest thing to a reader feeling that magic for themselves. 

I could continue unpacking so much more but one of the final things I will mention is, sure, I had certain boxes I thought were required to be checked, but now I’m questioning what really are my true non-negotiables? Ten days ago I dove in head first into a world of unknown, and was definitely reminded of the things I typically look for. It’s natural to gravitate towards what reminds you of home or comfort but then experiencing so many firsts, it became extraordinarily apparent that the boxes I thought I wanted to check before have evolved. If I could tell Megan from ten days ago how her journey would play out, the only thing she’d change would be to bring a jar so she could bottle Grand Junction up and every lesson it taught her forever. 

The Part You Can’t Google 

Last but not least, for anyone considering a move, here’s what ten days taught me: research matters, but it can only take you so far. You can build spreadsheets, compare statistics, study neighborhoods, and create a list of dealbreakers, but none of those things can tell you what it actually feels like to live somewhere.

I came to Grand Junction thinking I needed to determine whether it checked all the right boxes. Instead, I left questioning some of the boxes I thought mattered in the first place.

I learned that sometimes, you have to give yourself permission to imagine something different before you can decide whether it’s right for you.

The greatest decision isn’t simply deciding where to live. It’s deciding what kind of life you want that place to make possible.

Thank you to Paul and Michelle Aspelin for guiding me through the experience of a lifetime, or rather, surprising me with each day’s itinerary and saying, “Here’s a life jacket if you need it!”

Series: 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge

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

A Note From the Author

I came to Grand Junction as a newcomer, not with the goal of promoting a destination, but with a genuine question: could I actually imagine building a life here? I was given ten days to experience Grand Junction as if I were seriously considering a move, and to be honest about what I discovered along the way. This story is my perspective as an outsider, navigating a place I barely knew and trying to decide whether it could feel like home. 

 

Megan Jirele Independent Journalist and WriterMegan Jirele

Independent Journalist & Writer
Digital Storytelling & Content Creation
Series: 10-Day Grand Junction, Colorado Challenge

Connect with me on LinkedIn

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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.

Relocate 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!

Spend Your Summers Outside on Colorado’s Western Slope

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!

Enjoy the 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.

How Moving to the Grand Valley Gave Us More Time Outdoors

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!

Adventure Starts Right Outside Your Door

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 Transitioning 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

Find the Perfect Work/Life Balance in Grand Junction

For a simpler, more fulfilling work/life balance, many choose to Semi-Retire 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?

Learn more about Why People are Moving to Grand Junction.

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.

Over the years, we reflected on the places we’ve been and the experiences we’ve shared. A lifestyle change felt like the next step. Minnesota and Wisconsin offered everything we wanted to see and do, with dozens of road trips to Michigan to visit family along the way. After all that, it was time to explore 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 pivot to something less stressful in a different industry that would allow you to semi-retire in Grand Junction. 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” in 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. If you’re considering fully retiring in Grand Junction, start here.

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

Comparing 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 offer appealing lifestyles in our very scenic Western Colorado, but they cater to slightly different preferences. When you’re relocting, I understand you want the scoop in comparing the two cities before buying a house in Colorado.

Before getting into the comparisons, it may be helpful to understand why people are moving to Grand Junction.

Below is my comparison across lifestyle, housing costs, outdoor activities, retirement appeal, and access to mountain biking, an airport and healthcare. You might also find my Grand Junction cost of living comparison tool valuable.

Stay up to date about new MoveToGrandJunction.com 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 or 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.

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

Experience the Grand Junction Lifestyle!

PAUL ASPELIN, your Grand Junction Relocation & Listing 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.

Looking for ideas? We’ve been documenting our actual day trip adventures. Visit our Day Trips from Grand Junction page to browse all of our latest day-trip posts.

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

How We Started Thinking about Living in Grand Junction

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 and Mesa County 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 in Grand Junction 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.

We Started Researching Other Areas

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.

We Decided to Try a 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? So 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. It was good, 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

© 2024 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR® MovetoGrandJunction.com and Michelle Aspelin. Copyright protected. All Rights Reserved.

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