Tag Archive for: living in the Grand Valley

Moving to Colorado? GJ Ranked #1 in Survey

Moving to Colorado?

I just love it when the media reconfirms our decision about moving to Colorado. We looked at several small towns in Colorado and Arizona, but just kept coming back to Grand Junction, CO. We discovered the Grand Valley when our daughter wanted to do a college visit to Colorado Mesa University in 2017.

I’ve seen Grand Junction in the media since our initial discovery. It has been making more and more “top lists” and “best of lists”. Below is a link to a USA Today Homefront article titled “Moving to Colorado?” that lists the 5 best cities, according to their 2024 survey. And low and behold, Grand Junction is #1 for best cities to move to in Colorado! Beating out #5 Longmont, #4 Ft. Collins, #3 Littleton and #2 Loveland. Now their criteria were cities with a population of 40,000 or more, so Palisade and Fruita didn’t qualify for this comparison.

(Click photo to enlarge)

The Research

The research team at Homefront ranked 22 cities in Colorado across 16 different quality-of-life metrics. They considered livability factors like activities, walkability and quality of schools. They looked at life expectancy, health care and safety (crime and severe weather). And economic variables like housing affordability and unemployment rates.

They cited that more than 260,000 people moved to Colorado in 2022. And their research shows that Colorado ranked as more affordable than Texas, Florida and California. I can understand California but was surprised about Texas and Florida.

What they say about Grand Junction

Here’s how they start the description of the best city in Colorado: “Grand Junction might just be Colorado’s best-kept secret. This city has incredibly diverse landscapes — mountains, rivers, canyons, deserts and forests — as well as affordable housing.” They went on to say:

“Grand Junction is the second-most affordable place for prospective home buyers and the third-most affordable for renters. Additionally, homeowners here enjoy the lowest annual homeowner’s insurance premium, likely thanks to the area’s tame weather.” Ahh, ok, that’s probably why we rank better than Florida. Their homeowner’s insurance rates keep climbing due to natural disasters. No hurricanes or tropical storms here, thank you!

“While Grand Junction has the second-lowest median income in our study, its lower cost of living balances the scale. It has the third-lowest percentage of rent-burdened residents and typical home values are six times the median income, which places Grand Junction above average compared with other Colorado cities we ranked.”

Yes, I’ve noticed the lower cost of living for sure. Colorado mountain towns are ultra expensive. Nice to visit, but hard to buy a home and work there.

My Real Estate Broker, Christi Reece, owner of The Christi Reece Group, is even quoted in the article saying “Our location — midway between Denver and Salt Lake City and surrounded by endless outdoor recreation opportunities — makes us an ideal place to live, work and play.”

Way to go Grand Junction for being one of the best cities in Colorado! You can read the full article about Grand Junction as well as the other cities in the top 5. Here’s the link to the full article: Moving to Colorado? Here are the 5 best cities, according to our 2024 study

Moving to Colorado!

Text/Call 612-306-9558

PAUL ASPELIN, Realtor®
GRI, SRES®, CNE
The Christi Reece Group

Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.
Learn more about my experience and how I serve my clients
Hot Property Search: https://paul.christireece.com

by Paul Aspelin, REALTOR

Fruita, Grand Junction, More to Know, Relocating to Grand Junction

Living in Grand Junction Experiment

Guest Post by Michelle Aspelin

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

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

Maybe Arizona?

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

How about Southern Colorado?

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

Living in Fruita Experiment

Parade of Lights in Fruita, CO

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

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

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

During our Living in Fruita Experiment, we found we liked the charm of the small town of Fruita but kept driving to Grand Junction on a regular basis. They aren’t far apart, 15-20 minutes, depending on where you are going. But the experiment was useful. It helped us decide that we wanted to move to Grand Junction, not Fruita. If you have the opportunity, try an experiment like this in the city you might consider moving to. Act as if you already live there. See how it feels.

Researching Grand Junction and Mesa County

Pickup a book to read on your travels from the Little Free Library at The Christi Reece Group Office in Grand Junction, Colorado

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. But what about Paul?

We met with Christi Reece, the owner of The Christi Reece Group, on one of those early visits. She stood out because she ran an independent real estate brokerage and so did we (in MN). Paul and I were very impressed with her and the entire organization. We kept that nugget of information and reached out to her again, two years later when we finally arrived in Grand Junction with all of our belongings. You can read Paul’s post called Why I Chose the Christi Reece Group to learn more about that.

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.

Move to Grand Junction, we are waiting for you!

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

by Michelle Aspelin

Grand Junction Real Estate

Best Grand Junction Real Estate Agents

Choosing the Best Grand Junction Real Estate Agents

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned home seller, choosing the best Grand Junction real estate agents is crucial for a successful real estate experience. Buying or selling a home is not something most people do very often in their lifetime, so you shouldn’t be expected to know how to choose the best Grand Junction real estate agent without some guidance.

Here are nine important factors for finding the best Grand Junction real estate agent and how to make the most out of your property search or home sale.

1. Experience Matters

One of the most important qualities of the best Grand Junction real estate agents is their profound knowledge of the current real estate market. Only consider an agent that works full-time, that is on top of this ever-changing market. What worked to buy or sell a home a year ago may not work today. The best Grand Junction real estate agents will have years of experience and hundreds of transactions under their belt. Understanding how to make your offer stand out in a competitive market, or creatively market your home to get top dollar are skills gained through experience. They are skills that are honed over hundreds of transactions. Use my 23+ years of experience assisting hundreds of home buyers and sellers to your advantage!

2. Your Best Interests at Heart

The best Grand Junction real estate agents understand that having your best interest at heart is the most important thing when hiring an agent. But how do you know who that will be? Is it the agent with the funniest videos? How about the agent with the most online reviews? The most years of experience? Or how about the #1 home seller in the valley based on production? All these things can give you a preview into an agent’s true self when it comes down to putting your interest before theirs, but actions speak volumes. Watch this video about what I did for a client, without hesitation. Will the agent you hire do the same?

3. Professionalism and Communication

Effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful real estate transaction and real estate relationship. The best agent will keep you informed at every step of the process, ensuring that you are never left in the dark. Look for an agent who responds promptly to your inquiries, provides clear and concise information, has creative ideas, and has excellent negotiation skills. The professionalism you experience from hiring the best Grand Junction agent is not only important to your relationship, but your agent’s reputation amongst other Grand Junction agents can also greatly impact the outcome of your home sale or purchase. With my experience and knowledge of the industry I consistently excel at keeping my clients informed and other agents prefer to work with those who understand the process and know how to communicate. I wouldn’t have succeeded for over two decades without superior communication skills.

4. Client Testimonials or Reviews?

Part of understanding an agent’s reputation is hearing about the experience of working with them directly from past clients. Reviews are a powerful thing, and many agents go to great lengths to get hundreds of online reviews. I’ve always preferred testimonials from my past clients. For the last two decades I have mailed every single client a survey about their experience working with me and asked for a testimonial. I’ve received hundreds of letters back in the mail. This is much different than sending an email asking a client to complete an online review as part of their to-do list at work that day. Reviews feel coerced, testimonials are given.

“Paul Aspelin has helped me with several real estate transactions. He is ethical, knowledgeable and intelligent. He is an outstanding negotiator and always works very hard for his clients. I could not be more satisfied with the service he has provided me.”
-Scott Gordon

“What an amazing experience! This is the second house we’ve bought/sold through Paul and the level of expertise, market knowledge, guidance and professionalism is unmatched!”
-Emrah Oruc

“Paul and the team exceeded all of our expectations during our home sale! After a difficult selling experience with a previous home, we were nervous to sell again. However, Paul was incredibly helpful through every step of the process. His communication with us was excellent, and we always knew he was looking out for our best interests. I would highly recommend Paul Aspelin for any real estate transaction!”
-Haley Bennett Horal

Read more testimonials on my About Paul Aspelin page or my Paul Aspelin Reviews and Recommendations post where I show some of the hand written notes and survey results from my happy past clients,

If you are interviewing agents, ask them what their referral rate over their career has been. Mine is 90% +. The answer you get from agents should tell you everything you need to know before you hire them.

5. Innovative Marketing Strategies

Check out my custom license plate!

Effective marketing is especially crucial in a competitive market like Grand Junction, where highlighting your property effectively can make all the difference. If you’re interviewing agents, there is one question that will separate the best agents from the rest of the pack. “Give me an example of a creative marketing strategy you’ve used to sell a home in the past.” Go ahead…. I’ll wait. You will never see a real estate agent dance around answering a question more than this one. I welcome this question to show you numerous creative ideas I have employed for my clients to create successful outcomes others failed to achieve. Ask me about my scenic overlook sign campaign or my immersive property map.

6. Understanding Your Needs

Every homebuyer has unique preferences, requirements, and constraints. The best Grand Junction real estate agents take the time to understand your needs, whether it’s related to the size/style of the home, specific amenities, or location. The best agents listen first, then tailor their approach to match your individual preferences, ensuring that the properties they present align with your vision for your dream home.

7. Negotiation Skills

Real estate transactions often involve negotiations, and having a skilled negotiator on your side can make a significant impact. Top Grand Junction real estate agents possess strong negotiation skills, advocating for your interests and securing the best possible deal. Whether you’re buying or selling, an agent who can navigate negotiations effectively is an invaluable asset. Who has better negotiating skills? An agent with hundreds of successful transactions over two plus decades or a part-time agent doing a handful of deals each year.

8. Accessibility and Availability

Lot For Sale by The Christi Reece Group. I have new construction experience and can walk you through the entire process of building a new home!

The real estate market doesn’t operate on a strict 9-to-5 schedule. Look for a Mesa County real estate agent who is accessible and available, understanding that your property search might require flexibility in terms of viewing schedules and communication. An agent who is committed to being available when you need them demonstrates a genuine dedication to your real estate goals. Being the top real estate agent is the most inconvenient job on the planet. I am on call every day of the year at all hours of the day and night. But do you know what? It’s how I make my clients successful. I am always there when it matters most.

9. Educational Guidance

It doesn’t matter if this is your first time buying or selling a home. I am here to educate you on today’s real estate market. If you’ve got previous experience with buying or selling that will help you to understand the nuances of the process. However, nothing can replace the guidance and education you receive from hiring the best Grand Junction real estate agent in the Grand Valley. You’ve got a handful of choices, and I’d like to show you why I should be one of your top agent picks to interview. Your move is too important to leave in the hands of just anybody.

Let’s Get Started

As you start your search for the best Grand Junction real estate, follow these nine tips and I assure you that your next choice will be the right choice. With the right agent by your side, you’ll have an enjoyable and rewarding real estate experience in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade or in all of Mesa County. There are some great agents in the Grand Valley, I just need to make sure that you know at least one. Call me with confidence to assist with your relocation, your home purchase or sale. Learn why I chose The Christi Reece Group and what I learned by living in Grand Junction Colorado. Search this blog for other posts about Mesa County, Fruita, Palisade and Grand Junction, Colorado.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

PAUL ASPELIN, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE
The Christi Reece Group
Hot Property Listings and MLS Search: paul.christireece.com
Text/Call 612-306-9558

by Paul Aspelin, REALTOR

Grand Junction, Grand Junction Real Estate, Local or Nearby Attractions, Relocating to Grand Junction

Why Move to Grand Junction?

by Paul Aspelin, REALTOR

Fruita, Grand Junction, Local or Nearby Attractions, More to Know, Palisade

What is the Grand Valley?

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

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

Geographical Marvels

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

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

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

Colorado River Connection

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

Agricultural Abundance

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

Scenic Diversity

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

Taken from the airplane as we left GJT airport

Grand Junction’s Central Role

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

The Happy Valley

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

Historical Roots

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

Cultural Emblem

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

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

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

Grand Valley Overlooks

Photo taken from a McInnis Canyons trail overlooking Fruita

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

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

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

Hot Property Listings and MLS Search: paul.christireece.com

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

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Paul Aspelin, Realtor®
GRI, SRES®, CNE
The Christi Reece Group

by Paul Aspelin, REALTOR

More to Know, Relocating to Grand Junction

How do I Establish Residency in Colorado?

Here are 11 Essential Steps for to Establish residency in Colorado, specifically in Grand Junction. I know what it’s like to move from another state. Heck, I moved across the country and have some advice on that too. Ask me about our road trip to Colorado from Minnesota and what “leaked” out of our 20′ U-Haul truck.

When you’re planning to establish residency in Colorado, it’s crucial to navigate through a series of steps and factors. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you successfully claim residency when it’s your turn to move to Grand Junction, Fruita or Palisade:

1. Find Your Grand Junction or Grand Valley Home

Our U-Haul Moving Truck coming to Colorado

The initial step is securing a place to live in Grand Junction, Colorado, whether it’s a rented apartment, house, or your own property. Your physical address in the city is a vital element in substantiating your residency. We started out renting so we could look for our next property at our own pace vs house hunting from a distance. I can set you up on an MLS search and send you listings that meet your criteria. The Grand Valley offers a very diverse selection of residential real estate property. Learn more on my Get Started page or start searching properties now at paul.christireece.com. Find out why I chose The Christi Reece Group and you should too!

2. Update Your Driver’s License

Within 30 days of your move to Colorado, update your driver’s license with the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To establish Colorado residency, head to our local DMV office in downtown Grand Junction on Spruce Street to complete the necessary paperwork, and pay the required fees. Bring your checkbook if you want to avoid the extra 3% fee for paying by credit card. Oh, and go online to make your appointment right away. We had to wait 2 weeks to get an appointment.

3. Register to Vote

To solidify your residency in Colorado, register to vote in Grand Junction via the Colorado Secretary of State website. Cities in the Grand Valley I serve are in Mesa County. You can register to vote online or have them mail you a paper form. Now I will say, it seemed like we got registered automatically after getting our Colorado driver’s licenses. We got a letter in the mail a week after our visit to the DMV saying we were registered to vote.

4. Change Your Vehicle Registration

Check out my custom license plate!

If you own a vehicle, modify its registration to Colorado and obtain Colorado license plates through the DMV. Mesa County Motor Vehicle Department website. Colorado residents can get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass when registering a car, motorcycle, recreation vehicle or light truck through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Also known as the Colorado State Parks pass. The parks pass goes with the vehicle, not the individual. It’s a sticker on your license plate. Learn more about the parks pass. Colorado State Park pass is normally $80/year, so buying it with your registration is quite a savings!

5. Establish Financial Connections

Another step in establishing Colorado residency is to open a bank account in Mesa County and ensure your mailing address aligns with your new residence. Update your utility bills, insurance, and other financial documents to reflect your Grand Junction address. I recommend you first update the billing address on your credit card before you start changing other addresses because if you need to pay for something regarding your address change with a credit card, it won’t process if the addresses don’t match. There are a lot of wonderful local banks in the area. Ask me how I like the community focused bank we chose.

6. Utilize Local Services

Start using local services, such as healthcare providers, dentists, and other professionals, to build local connections. If you are a business owner or self-employed, consider the Chamber of Commerce in Grand Junction, Fruita or Palisade. There are mentor programs for new residents who work from home.

7. Notify Your Employer

If you’re relocating to Grand Junction, CO for work, inform your employer about your new address and Colorado residency. They may need to adjust your tax withholdings accordingly. I highly recommend you consult with a tax advisor prior to your move. Colorado has a very competitive income tax rate among other tax benefits.

8. File State Taxes

After establishing residency in Colorado, remember to file your state income taxes in Colorado and the state you moved from in the year you moved. Again, for your first year here, consult with a tax advisor to make sure you know all of the local tax benefits of living in Mesa County, Colorado.

9. Engage in the Community

Show your commitment to the community by getting involved in local clubs, attending community events, and engaging with your neighbors. There are so many things going on in the Grand Valley. Seek out websites, social media accounts like Facebook and Instagram feeds to see what’s going on. We were up on the Grand Mesa one fall weekend and stumbled upon an Octoberfest celebration at Powderhorn Ski Resort. It was an unexpected surprise. We marked our calendars to watch for it next year so we can make plans to attend again. The Mesa is one of the best places to be to see fall colors. And they change earlier than here in the valley.

Follow the Christi Reece Facebook page and sign up for our emails. We frequently post information about local events and opportunities. Learn about The Christi Reece Group’s Little Free Library location in Grand Junction!

10. Maintain Records

Keeping records of your residency-establishing activities is crucial. Store copies of bills, rental agreements, voter registration documents, and other pertinent records as proof of residency.

11. Seek Professional Advice

Depending on your specific situation, it’s wise to consult with legal or tax professionals to ensure you meet all the requirements for establishing residency. My wife interviewed a local attorney to help establish a new business in Colorado and register her marketing company as a foreign entity so she could keep her official business registration in Minnesota but work here in Colorado and pay the much lower Colorado income tax rate vs Minnesota income tax rate. Ask me about moving your business here, especially if you are self-employed.

It’s worth noting that the process of establishing residency can differ based on individual circumstances and state-specific requirements. For the most accurate and up-to-date guidelines, always consult the relevant state and local authorities.

Let me know what questions you have. We are happy to share our experience of moving to Grand Junction and how we have worked through the above list to establish residency in Colorado.