Tag Archive for: Mesa County Real Estate

What it’s like to live on the Grand Mesa

What it’s like to live on the Grand Mesa in Colorado

I have visited the Grand Mesa multiple times, hopefully you have too. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live on the Grand Mesa? Is there fast internet? How much snow do they really get? What’s there to do up there year-round?

Grand Mesa in September near Mesa Lakes Lodge

Let’s start with some Grand Mesa quick facts

Colorado’s Grand Mesa is the world’s largest flat-top mountain with over 300 lakes in about 500 square miles. Most of “the Mesa” is about 10,000 ft above sea level. Powderhorn Mountain Resort offers over 1,600 acres of year-round diverse terrain for all levels of abilities. There are lush forests of aspen and evergreen trees and beautiful wildflowers. There are numerous resorts offering tons of activities for every season.

Sounds great, right? But what’s it like to live on the Grand Mesa? Here’s some extra information about the area and some FAQs answered by locals to give you a feel for the area to help decide if you’d like to live on the Mesa.

Driving on the Grand Mesa

There’s one main road that crosses the Mesa, Hwy 65, also known as the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway. Yes, it’s scenic! From Grand Junction, head East on I-70. Take the exit for Hwy 65 to head south. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the town of Mesa, CO and 45 minutes to get to Powderhorn. Get your Google maps set up before you leave Grand Junction because you may not get a cell signal on the Mesa.

Continue on Hwy 65 and you’ll reach the town of Cedaredge, then Delta, and you can circle back up Hwy 50 to Grand Junction. Or…

If you want a “local experience” add a stop at the Lands End Observatory to your itinerary. After you see the spectacular overlook of the Grand Valley consider this. If your vehicle is less than 35 feet and you are not towing a trailer, head down Forest Road 100, a scenic gravel road with numerous switchbacks. Also known as Lands End Road. It will come out in Whitewater. Be aware that the narrow road is a two-way road and passing can be tight in spots. I recommend driving down, not up. Be sure you know how to downshift your vehicle so you don’t rely on your brakes the whole way down.

live on the Grand Mesa, drive Lands End Road

I took this picture from the top of the Grand Mesa looking down the Lands End Road into Whitewater. Oh the switchbacks!

How much snow does the Grand Mesa get annually?

Downhill skiing, Nordic (cross-country) skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and other winter sports and recreational activities are popular on the Mesa. Powderhorn Mountain Resort reports this on their website, “The mountain annually receives over 250 inches of light powder snow across a range of groomed runs, aspen & pine glades, and volcanic boulder fields, perfect for skiers and riders of all skill levels.” The Grand Mesa Lodge explains it this way on their website, “With an average annual snowfall of 420 inches (35 feet) the Grand Mesa has epic snow for your adventures. Explore hundreds of miles of trails right from your doorstep or join us for a guided snowmobile ride.”

So, let’s just say the Mesa gets a lot of snow. As a resident, you can rely on Mesa County to plow the primary roads. If you live on the outskirts of Mesa, CO, there may be some roads that require private snow removal contracts beyond clearing snow from your driveway.

Can you get fast home Internet on the Grand Mesa?

Of course! Satellite Internet services like Starlink work great all-around remote Colorado. Some residents take their Internet with them when they road trip away from home.

Can I have a garden?

Yes! The growing season in Colorado can vary from 30 to 150 days, depending on the average last killing frost in the spring and the first killing frost in the fall. On the Mesa, the frost season ends in late April and doesn’t start again until the end of October. Because of wildlife in the area, be sure to enclose your garden with a fence 6’ or higher.

Driving down from the Mesa near I-70

How does wildlife impact living on the Grand Mesa?

You’ll want to keep your garbage in bear-proof containers. Make sure the paths around your home are well-lit at night. Keep your gutters clean. Typical home ownership responsibilities apply here too. Be cautious driving at night. And even driving during the day as you may come across big horn sheep along the side of the road, especially along the creek right as you get onto the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway from I-70.

Over 400 moose roam the Mesa along with tons of mule deer. Here’s what the VisitGrandJunction.com website has to say about the moose. “When you’re hiking through the woods on top of the world’s largest flat-top mountain, the Grand Mesa National Forest, listen carefully for snapping branches in the distance. Keep your eyes peeled for lumbering beasts moving amongst the trees. The dense pine forests and aspen groves, combined with hundreds of miles of streams and the wetlands from over 300 lakes, make this mountain an ideal home for moose.”

What about Fire Protection Services?

Your homeowner’s insurance rate will depend on how close you are to a fire department so do your research. Here’s a link about our wonderful Mesa County Fire Authority who services the Grand Mesa National Forest area. And here’s the link to the fabulous Plateau Valley Fire Department covering 700 square miles in Mesa County including the areas of Collbran, Georgia Mesa, Grove Creek, Jerry Gulch, Maigatter Knob, Mesa, Molina, Plateau City, Plateau Creek State Wildlife Area, Powderhorn & Round Mountain. If you need a reputable insurance agent that does a great job for rural homeowner’s, give me a call.

What public schools would my child attend?

Mesa County provides a detailed county public school boundary map that allows you to easily review all of the school boundaries. You can enter a specific address to determine which school children will attend. Keep in mind, boundaries are subject to change due to housing growth and population changes. The southern part of the Grand Mesa, Cedaredge for example, is in Delta County so you’ll want to check the Delta County School District website. Plus, there are alternative schools, charter schools and private schools to consider.

Top Day Trips from Grand Junction, Colorado

Snowshoeing on the Mesa near Mesa Lakes Lodge

What is there to do when living on the Grand Mesa?

First and foremost, the people I work with move to the Grand Mesa for the beauty, the views, the solitude and the access to outdoor activities. You will enjoy hiking, biking, downhill skiing at Powderhorn, world-class cross-country ski trails, big game hunting, snowmobiling, fishing (summer and winter) or kayaking the 300 lakes is just a start. You’ll never come up short of ideas to take it all in. With its proximity to Grand Junction, Palisade, and Fruita you are just a short drive into the city with all the conveniences you could ever need. There are not many places in the world where you can enjoy a morning of ice fishing then take part in a round of golf in the afternoon with a short drive into the Grand Valley. Living on the Grand Mesa truly has everything you could ever dream of when considering rural living.

Read how my past clients have described the type of service I offer my clients, all of my clients, every time! Paul Aspelin Reviews and Recommendations.

Fall on the Grand Mesa

Learn more about the area by reading my Top Day Trips from Grand Junction.

Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.

Text/Call 612-306-9558

PAUL ASPELIN, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE

Grand Junction Real Estate Expert
Learn more about my experience and how I serve my clients

by Paul Aspelin, REALTOR

Grand Junction Real Estate

Homes for Sale with ADU

Homes for Sale with ADUs in Grand Junction and Mesa County

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Mesa County, Colorado, refers to a secondary residential unit on a single-family lot that is independent and self-contained. Many people search for homes for sale with ADUs in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade and all of Mesa County. ADUs are also known as a bungalow, mother-in-law suite, cottage, secondary dwelling unit, studio apartment or tiny house. Around here, it is also called a casita, which means small house in Spanish. I personally don’t like the term granny flat, but they can be called that too! I like the term income suite.

Homes for sale with ADUs in Grand Junction typically offer units that are smaller than the primary residence and can be attached to the main house, such as a converted garage or basement, or detached as a separate structure like a backyard cottage or tiny house. ADUs are regulated by our local Mesa County zoning laws and building codes to ensure safety and compliance with housing standards.

If you’d like to see homes for sale with ADUs in Grand Junction or Mesa County, I can add that search criteria on the MLS and send you all the active listings. If you are looking to convert a property into a duplex or add an ADU, I can help with that too! Allow me to search the MLS and consult with the agents in my office regarding non-MLS properties that are available now or coming on the market soon that might meet your criteria.

Benefits of Adding an ADU in Mesa County, Colorado

Rental Income Potential

One of the primary reasons homeowners add ADUs is to generate rental income. Renting out the ADU can help offset mortgage payments, property taxes, and other housing-related expenses. The additional income stream can also contribute to financial stability and flexibility. You can also live in the ADU and rent out the primary house! Grand Junction attracts medical professionals seeking rentals, students from Colorado Mesa University (CMU), and typical individuals and families of all ages and stages of life.

Increased Property Value

Homes for sale with ADUs in Grand Junction often have higher market value due to their increased utility, flexibility, and potential for rental income. That’s also an advantage when it’s time to sell the property. It will appeal to a broader range of buyers looking for investment opportunities or multi-generational living solutions, not just a primary residence.

Flexibility and Multi-Generational Living

ADUs can serve various purposes over time, adapting to your changing needs. They can be used for guests, home offices, studios, or even as a space for aging in place, providing flexibility as lifestyles evolve. You can live in the smaller unit when you are first living on your own and rent out the larger home. Then, as your needs change and your family grows, switch! Live in the larger home and rent out the smaller one. After retirement, move back into the ADU and rent out the larger home for passive income during retirement!

Affordable Housing Solution

Here in Grand Junction, housing affordability is a concern just like everywhere else. Casitas or ADUs can be a more affordable rental option compared to larger single-family homes or apartments. This helps increase housing supply without requiring large-scale development. There are some great options here in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade and the surrounding communities in Mesa County.

Support for Aging in Place

ADUs can provide an opportunity for homeowners to age in place by allowing you to downsize from your main residence while still maintaining independence and privacy in a smaller unit on the same property. The rental income from the primary residence or ADU can help cover living expenses. Read my post about Retiring in Grand Junction – a place your grandkids will want to visit.

Environmental and Community Benefits

ADUs can support sustainable development goals by promoting efficient land use in urban and suburban areas. They often have a smaller environmental footprint than larger homes and can contribute positively to neighborhood character and density. Very popular around the CMU campus too. Hello student rentals!

Compliance with Zoning Regulations

Building an ADU allows you to comply with our Mesa County zoning regulations that encourage higher-density housing and urban infill. In addition to all these reasons, sometimes people just want to live in a small space, something minimal that meets their need for housing and doesn’t cost a lot of money. There is nothing wrong with wanting to “go tiny” and live in a tiny house or garage studio apartment on a property with another residence.

Give me a call to explore your options for buying a home with an ADU 612-306-9558. I’d be happy to talk about tiny living with you, rental income opportunities and more.

PAUL ASPELIN, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE

Grand Junction Real Estate Expert licensed in Colorado.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.
Learn more about my experience and how I serve my clients
© 2024 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®. MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

Bonus information for your curious mind…

Mesa County ADU Details

In Mesa County, the regulations and laws regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are established to ensure compliance with zoning requirements and building codes. ADUs are allowed on single-family properties that are greater than 6,500 square feet in size. The size of the ADU is limited depending on the primary structure size. Please contact the Mesa County Planning Department at 970-244-1636 with the property address to discuss the limitations and process.

Here are some key aspects of ADU laws in Mesa County:

Types of ADUs Allowed

ADUs in Mesa County can be either attached or detached from the primary dwelling. Attached ADUs are often converted spaces within the primary structure, like a basement or garage. Detached ADUs are separate structures located on the same lot as the primary residence, such as a backyard cottage or a converted garage that is physically detached from the main house.

Zoning and Permit Requirements

Zoning: ADUs must comply with zoning regulations specific to the area where the property is located within Mesa County. Zoning laws determine where ADUs can be built and the specific requirements they must meet regarding setbacks, lot coverage, and building height.
Permits: Homeowners must obtain the necessary permits from the Mesa County Building Department before constructing an ADU. This includes building permits and possibly additional permits depending on the scope of construction (e.g., electrical, plumbing). Permits ensure that ADUs meet safety standards and building codes. ALWAYS get a permit!

Size and Design Specifications

Size Limits: Mesa County may have regulations regarding the maximum size of ADUs allowed in an area. This can include restrictions on the floor area, height, and possibly the number of bedrooms or occupants.
Design Standards: ADUs must adhere to certain design standards to ensure they blend aesthetically with the surrounding neighborhood and do not disrupt the character of the area. This may include architectural compatibility with the primary residence and neighboring properties. Homeowner Associations may have rules or guidelines too about casitas and ADUs.

Occupancy and Use

Owner-Occupancy: Some jurisdictions in our area may require that either the primary residence or the ADU be owner-occupied, meaning the homeowner must live in one of the units. This requirement can vary, so homeowners should check specific Mesa County regulations.
Rental Restrictions: Mesa County may have restrictions on the rental of ADUs, such as limiting rental periods (e.g., long-term vs. short-term rentals) or requiring certain lease terms to ensure compliance with local housing policies.

Parking and Access

Parking Requirements: ADUs typically require additional parking spaces beyond those required for the primary residence. Mesa County has specific regulations regarding the number and location of parking spaces required for ADUs.
Access and Utilities: ADUs must have adequate access to utilities (water, sewer, electricity) and meet health and safety standards for habitable structures. Habitable means a heat source, cooking source, and bathroom.

The Mesa County Community Development Department Planning Division has a PDF you can download called a Residential Site Plan Application. Here’s an excerpt from the document.

Mesa County zoning allows single-family detached housing in the R-O zone and multi-family housing in all of the county’s commercial zones.
Small minimum lot sizes: RSF-4 (7,000 sq. ft.), RMF-5 (4,000 sq. ft.), and RMF-8 (3,000 sq. ft.)
Duplexes are allowed in the RSF-2, RSF4, and RMF-5 zone districts.
Multi-family and single-family detached homes are allowed in the RMF-5 and RMF-8 zone districts.
Multi-family development is allowed in the R-O, B-1, B-2, C-1, and C-2 commercial zone districts.
Accessory dwelling units (ADU) are allowed on any parcel that contains a detached single-family dwelling unit.
All residential zone districts allow modular, manufactured, and prefabricated homes.
No minimum dwelling size limits.

For more information, visit the Community Development Division on the Mesa County website.

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