Tag Archive for: New Construction in Grand Junction CO

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What Grand Junction Relocation Buyers Find Shocking About Buying a Home in Mesa County

What Grand Junction Relocation Buyers Find Shocking About Buying a Home in Mesa County

(And Honestly… I Did Too)

Grand Junction relocation buyers moving to Colorado’s Western Slope tell me the same thing almost every time:

“This feels different than what we’re used to.”

They’re right.

After decades of working in a highly regulated metro real estate market before relocating to Western Colorado myself, I’ve experienced both ends of the spectrum. Rigid systems with standardized rules… and more flexible markets like Mesa County, where buyers are expected to ask better questions.

The buying process here isn’t broken.
It’s simply different.

And for Grand Junction relocation buyers coming from states where disclosures are detailed, permits are expected, inspections are standardized, and procedures are predictable, those differences can feel surprising—or even unsettling—if no one explains them before an offer is written.

That’s where experience in multiple markets becomes a real advantage.

Below are the eight most common things relocation buyers tell me shocked them once they started buying on the Western Slope. None are deal-breakers—but every one of them matters.

What surprises Grand Junction relocation buyers most?

Relocation buyers are often surprised by non-mandatory seller disclosures, “as-is” contracts, limited permit requirements, unregulated septic systems, inspection practices that vary widely, misleading days-on-market data, and resale homes that appear poorly prepared for the market.

👉 Learn about my Grand Junction Relocation Guide

Why Seller Disclosures Surprise Grand Junction Relocation Buyers

One of the first things that catches relocation buyers off guard is how seller property disclosures work in Colorado.

In many states, disclosures are mandatory and provided upfront.
In Colorado, sellers are not required to complete a Seller’s Property Disclosure unless a buyer specifically requests one and negotiates it into their offer.

While sellers must disclose adverse material facts actually known, the disclosure form itself is not question-based like it is in more regulated states.

Instead of detailed prompts such as:

  • “Have you ever had water intrusion?”
  • “Has this system failed or required repair?”
  • “Are you aware of X, Y, or Z?”

Colorado real estate disclosures function more like a checklist—leaving sellers to decide whether checking a box is enough, or whether explanation is needed.

What feels most backward to many buyers is when disclosures are delivered. In many cases, buyers submit an offer first and only receive disclosures afterwards, sometimes learning about long-standing issues they would have wanted to know upfront.

The better agents in the Grand Valley understand this concern and encourage sellers to complete disclosures before listing and upload them to the MLS. That transparency prevents deals from unraveling later.

I’ve also seen disclosures returned completely blank, but signed.
Yes, that technically satisfies the requirement.
Practically? It creates immediate doubt.

👉 Learn more about buying a home in Grand Junction

Why Every Home Sale Is “As-Is” in Colorado

One of the biggest surprises for relocation buyers is learning that every home sale in Colorado is considered “as-is.”

This isn’t an optional clause, it’s boilerplate language in every state-approved contract:

“Seller is conveying the Property in an ‘As Is,’ ‘Where Is,’ and ‘With All Faults’ condition.”

Buyers can and absolutely should inspect the home.
But sellers are not obligated to make repairs simply because issues are discovered.

Negotiations can happen—but they are exactly that: negotiations, not guarantees.

For buyers coming from states where repairs are routinely expected, this feels jarring. “As-is” does not protect sellers who fail to disclose known material defects, but it does place more responsibility on buyers to inspect thoroughly and negotiate strategically.

My takeaway after decades in both systems?
Buyer beware—but buyer prepared wins.

Building Permits Aren’t Always Required Outside City Limits

Relocation buyers are often shocked to learn that homes built outside city limits may not have required building permits at all.

That doesn’t automatically mean poor construction—but it does mean buyers need to dig deeper:

  • Who built the home
  • When it was built
  • Whether inspections were ever performed

For buyers accustomed to uniform oversight, this lack of regulation can feel unsettling unless it’s explained upfront.

If you’d never consider buying a home without permit oversight, wouldn’t you want to know before touring properties outside city limits?

Exactly.

Septic Systems in Mesa County Are Largely Unregulated

This one surprises almost everyone—myself included.

In the Grand Valley, septic systems are not centrally regulated, tracked, or logged. There’s no statewide database, inspection history, or maintenance record system.

For relocation buyers coming from states with strict septic oversight, this can feel risky. It also makes proper inspections and trusted contractors absolutely critical.

Having spent decades working in a highly regulated septic environment, I help buyers separate:

  • Legitimate red flags
  • From “that’s just how it’s done here” explanations

The Real Cost of New Construction Lots

New Construction Buyer Representation

Relocation buyers shopping for new construction homes are often surprised to learn that the advertised lot price is not always the real cost to build.

Certain areas of Mesa County have swelling or shifting soil that may require:

  • Foundation piers or pilings
  • Additional engineering
  • Specialized foundations

Those requirements can easily add tens of thousands of dollars before framing begins.

Many builders require buyers to pay for soil testing after a lot is under contract. While contingencies help, they still cost time, money, and emotional energy.

Pro tip: Knowing which areas are prone to issues before shopping saves weeks of frustration and thousands of dollars.

Helpful guide to understanding swelling soils in Colorado: https://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/publications/swelling-soils-guide-colorado-homebuyers-homeowners/

Let me know if you’d like to borrow my copy.

👉 Read my post about cost of living in Grand Junction insights

Why Existing Homes Often Feel “Not Market Ready” to Out-of-State Buyers

Relocation buyers notice this immediately.

In many metro markets, professional resale staging is standard.
In the Grand Valley, it’s often misunderstood—or skipped entirely.

Rearranging furniture is not staging.

Homes that feel cluttered, unfinished, or unprepared turn buyers off quickly and often sit longer than they should. Selling a home and living in a home are two very different things.

I staged my first listing in 2004 and have worked alongside professional resale stagers ever since. That experience helps my buyers see opportunity where others only see someone else’s stuff.

👉 Are you selling before relocating? Read about my referral services.

Days on Market Doesn’t Mean What Most Buyers Think

Almost every relocation buyer looks at Days on Market (DOM). What surprises them is how it’s calculated in the Grand Valley.

DOM includes:

  • Time to receive an offer
  • Plus, time to close

A sold home showing 50 days on market may have gone under contract in 10–15 days and simply taken longer to close.

Without context, buyers may assume a home was initially rejected by the market. In reality, the story is often very different—and sometimes creates opportunity. Allow me to explain the real days on market for any property, active or sold. Zillow® doesn’t help.

Why Some Buyers Are Discouraged from Attending Inspections

front porch with black door and stone wallThis one tops the list for me.

Some buyers are discouraged—or even charged extra—to attend their own inspection.

That didn’t work for me, which is why I only recommend and work with inspectors that allow my relocation buyers and I to tag along for every inspection.

I’ve spent thousands of hours attending inspections with buyers over the past 25 years. That firsthand exposure has made me a better agent and my clients more knowledgeable homeowners.

Today, I walk through homes pointing out likely inspection issues before offers are written, allowing buyers to negotiate based on insight—not hope.

For relocation buyers who can’t attend inspections in person, I attend on their behalf.

👉 For additional insider insight read my post about some cons of living in Grand Junction.

Why the Agent You Work with Matters When You’re Relocating

Relocation buyers don’t need hype.
They need clarity—before decisions are made.

Experience in multiple markets allows an agent to anticipate confusion, ask better questions, and protect buyers from surprises they didn’t know to look for.

When Grand Junction relocation buyers understand why the process feels different, they can navigate it with confidence instead of frustration.

👉 Learn more about me and how I serve my clients.

Final Thought for Grand Junction Relocation Buyers

None of these differences are reasons not to buy in Mesa County.
But being caught off guard by them is a reason deals fall apart.

My goal is simple:
I want my relocation buyers to be confident, informed, and prepared—before they ever fall in love with a home.

Reach out to discuss your relocation with confidence, send me an email.

Common Grand Junction Relocation Buyer FAQ’s

  1. Why do Grand Junction relocation buyers feel unprepared when buying a home?
    Because buying practices in Grand Junction differ from large metro markets, including inspections, property infrastructure, land use, and local disclosures. My relocation buyers are often surprised when familiar assumptions no longer apply.
  2. What is the most common mistake Grand Junction relocation buyers make?
    Assuming the buying process works the same as their previous market. This can lead to overlooked inspections, misunderstood land characteristics, and unexpected costs after closing.
  3. Should Grand Junction relocation buyers use a local lender because of these nuances?
    Our local lenders understand Mesa County’s unique processes, rural lot financing, appraisal differences, and Colorado-specific requirements. They guide my relocation buyers through these nuances, ensuring a smoother, faster, and less stressful home purchase.
  4. How can Grand Junction relocation buyers avoid costly surprises?
    By working with a relocation-experienced local professional who understands both metro and Western Colorado real estate systems and can identify risks early in the process.

If you would like to speak with a local Grand Junction Mortgage Lender, I highly recommend you start that process here.

Check out my Google Business profile to discover the services I offer to all relocation clients.

Paul Aspelin sitting at the conference table at the officeLive your vacation in Grand Junction!

Paul Aspelin Reviews and Recommendations
https://movetograndjunction.com/paul-aspelin-reviews-and-recommendations

 

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PAUL ASPELIN, Relocation & Listing Expert
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES®, CNE
Serving Grand Junction, Palisade, Fruita and all of Mesa County
Text/Call 612-306-9558

© 2026 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®. MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

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What are Some Cons of Living in Grand Junction CO?

Grand Junction Seems Perfect, What Am I Missing?

Are there cons of living in Grand Junction CO? Most of the posts on this website outline why we think moving to the Grand Junction area is a good idea. I have attracted home buyers from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Arizona, Nevada, Florida, Oklahoma, and other states, plus, from within Colorado. Most of my buyer clients are moving to Colorado from another state. They ask a lot of questions about the area, and I try to share my personal perspective, experiences, and resources. My wife and I really enjoy living here, but there are a few cons of living in Grand Junction, and, in all fairness, we wanted to let you know about those too.

Grand Junction Airport Welcome Sign

When clients search for a new home, they typically make a list of the pros and cons of the property before they write an offer. It is rare for one property to “check all of the boxes”. That holds true for finding a new community to live in. While Grand Junction, Palisade and Fruita (collectively known as the Grand Valley) have a lot of great attributes, here are a few not so great facts. Here we go!

General Observations

It’s dusty here. You may want an unlimited car wash pass. You are in the high plains desert after all, but I have not seen dust storms like you would see in Arizona. However, dusty homes and dusty cars seem more common. Why wash it if it’s just going to get dusty again the next day? Plus, less washing conserves water. You may just have to get used to driving around in a dusty vehicle and dusting your home more often. We have a portable air purifier we like to use that we bought which really seems to help.

The nearest Costco is 2 hours away in Eagle/Gypsum on I-70. If you are a Costco fan, that is a bummer. We try and time our trips to Costco with other adventures. We do have a Sam’s club to tide over the bulk shopper cravings. Sorry Costco lovers, I understand your struggle. We almost got one in 2024 so ya never know.

There are jacked up trucks everywhere. There must be a bunch of rednecks in GJ! No, it’s because we are one of the greatest off-roading destination basecamps in the world. If you haven’t tried it, don’t knock it. I’ve been to Moab, Utah and it is a bucket list item whether you are into that sort of thing or not. The greatest sites around are many times down a 4×4 trail in the desert or the mountains. Back in MN, we called these Stump Jumper trucks. Around here it would be more like rock crawler trucks. Warning – don’t take your “stock Jeep” out on the trails in Moab. Those Jeeps have special equipment to handle crawling the beautiful rocky trails. Rent an ATV, those are so fun! Ask me about the times I have rented ATVs in Moab! There are a few photos on my post called Day Trips from Grand Junction.

If you like to travel by air, you can add about $250 to each trip for the puddle jumper that gets you to a larger city for connecting flights. You can also drive to Denver or Salt Lake City and fly from there. Montrose Regional Airport is another consideration for your departure airport and can be less expensive. We like to fly out of GJT even though it’s more expensive because it’s so darn convenient. Just 15 minutes away, no long lines, no traffic to worry about. Ready my post about our Grand Junction Airport Experience to learn more.

Although we are a medical hub, there is a shortage of medical professionals. For routine visits like a physical you may have to wait 30 days for an appointment. So, plan ahead. Maybe get all of your medical visits done in your current state before you move here.

Those darn goat heads! My relative came to stay at Camp Eddy for three weeks and was excited to ride his bike on the paved Colorado Riverfront Trail each morning. It didn’t take long before he got a flat tire from a goat’s head. Luckily, he got his tire repaired nearby. He was told you need inserts in your bike tires, even on pavement, especially if you ride along the river where these plants are. Do this up front so you don’t get stranded. What’s a goat’s head? It’s a weed who’s spiky, sharp thorn resembles the head of a goat. On a positive note, while his wife was stranded on the trail with his bike, waiting for him to go back and get the car, several people stopped and asked, “Do you have a rescue squad on the way?”. That was nice. Goat’s Head on Wikipedia

Housing Related Observations

Professional Resale Home Staging – Nonexistent. This was the first thing I noticed when starting my real estate practice in the Grand Valley. I walk into homes all the time that I wouldn’t deem ready for market. Some things in the real estate industry here are decades behind major metropolitan areas. This can lead to increased market times. I don’t feel the market times here match those of a major metro area. Besides, market times are calculated on the days from hitting the market to the closing versus the days it took to secure an offer. Most people request 30-60 days from the offer to close so an 88-day average market time as advertised here is actually much less. It’s just calculated differently. Don’t let the pictures sway you, I am able to help look through the clutter and help paint a picture of a great house.

Sewer line issues in older homes can be an issue because years ago they were made of clay. You’ll want to have the sewer line from the property to the street scoped during your inspection period. It’s cheap insurance. The cost can be around $150.

Homeowner’s Insurance in more remote areas, like up on the Grand Mesa or in Glade Park, can be expensive depending on how close you are to a fire station or fire hydrant. Are you looking for more elbow room? That could come at a cost when it comes to insuring your remote property.

Certain neighborhoods with existing homes and even new construction developments have a history of foundation concerns. The water table is so close to the surface in some areas that piers or pilings need to be installed because soil is moving. About 25-30 years ago when Grand Junction started to take off, the builders were not aware of these soil conditions in certain areas. Some existing homes have had foundation repairs or are still dealing with issues. Soil testing is an absolute necessity in building new construction. This could cost you $1500 up-front depending on the lot size and number of soil borings needed.

The lot price may not be the lot price. Because of the soil conditions in some areas, your new home may require a pier system under your concrete foundation. Pilings are expensive and could add $20- $100k to your costs just to make the lot you buy buildable.

I represented new construction buyers in the Redlands 360 Easter Hill neighborhood.

There are limited national builders in the Grand Valley. Now that could be considered a pro and a con. Most are custom home builders run by small businesses. In 2026, Lennar is starting to build in Grand Junction.

New construction builders do not have the same level of cooperation with REALTORS® that I was used to back in a major metro area. If you are going to build new, make sure to talk to your agent about builder/Realtor® cooperation hurdles. Even more of a reason to hire an agent who represents YOUR best interests!

There are some areas to be more cautious about. We’ve got some neighborhoods that were built 40-50 years ago to create affordable workforce housing for the oil and mining industry employees. Sometimes low-cost housing is in areas with higher crime, but not always.

Are the unhoused an issue? I’ve witnessed homelessness but never had any issues or concerns. There are certain parts of town where they gather more often, but it’s nothing like the major metropolitan areas.

Land use and Zoning seem odd compared to where we lived in a western suburb of Minneapolis. This town was not planned out like the suburbs of a major city when it comes to zoning and land use. You may drive through an industrial park of commercial buildings to get to your neighborhood. Some people get turned off by that, but it’s just the way GJ is. We also have many small farms or ranches that have accumulated unwanted items over the years in their yards. You can literally have a gorgeous neighborhood next to a yard that looks unkept. They did do a good job laying out the streets in grid format. That makes it easy to get around town.

The month of October can be tricky for scheduling contractors and even professionals. Hunting is a major part of life in and around the Grand Valley and October is elk hunting season. People literally take weeks off at a time to attend elk camp with their family and friends. Traditions are an important part of living out west.

Many stucco homes. Coming from MN, buying a stucco home was a huge NO NO! In Minnesota I saw so many stucco issues with mold and even mushrooms growing on the interior walls. It wasn’t worth the risk. In this dry climate, however, it doesn’t seem to be an issue. I remain cautiously optimistic about stucco homes in the Grand Valley.

Home prices seem to be high. I hear clients say this all the time, “I don’t want to buy at the top of the market.” With any home purchase decision, I recommend this be a 10-year purchase, if possible. Our prices are going up because the demand is going up. Like most other communities, we also have a shortage of homes. The driver behind that is the high number of people moving to the Grand Valley from other states. The inventory is low, but the demand is growing stronger than most cities.

Connect with me for more truths about living in Grand Junction, Palisade or Fruita.

About ten years ago while on vacation in Whitefish, Montana (Glacier National Park area), we went into a local shop to buy some souvenirs. The clerk behind the counter was wearing a T-shirt that said, “My life is your vacation.” We laughed but now live that statement. I feel like I want to get a T-shirt like that now, for myself.

Although this post was about some of the negatives of living in Grand Junction, we feel the positives far outweigh those. Some of the best things about living here are the geographic proximity to so many wonderful areas and a great sense of community. To end on a high note, consider reading some of these popular (and funny) posts.

Retire in Grand Junction: Your grandkids and kids will thank you

What it’s Really Like to Drive I-70 from Denver to Grand Junction

Accolades for the Grand Valley

Move to Grand Junction. We’ve been waiting for you!

Paul on 4 Wheeler in Moab Utah

Moab Trip

Text/Call 612-306-9558

PAUL ASPELIN, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE
Serving Mesa County
Licensed in Colorado

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

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Redlands 360 Master Plan Map | Easter Hill

Redlands 360 Master Plan Map

This map outlines the planned community for Redlands 360. The 600 acres of land encompassing this spectacular master planned community has long been renowned as a community gem. The 360-degree views of everything the Grand Valley offers are on full display.

This post is meant to accompany my previous post about Redlands 360 and the Easter Hill and Canyon Rim new home developments.  That post includes more details and history about the Redlands 360 planned community and the new construction opportunities.

I have helped buyers build a beautiful home in Easter Hill and I would love to walk you through the new construction process too. I’ve been helping buyers with new construction since 2001. This is an amazing new area to build your dream home. Please drive out here to see it in person! Learn about the future development from the Redlands 360 Master Plan Map below.

A second option you might consider when building a new home is the Soaring Eagle neighborhood. It’s also near the Colorado National Monument and offers spectacular views of Independence Monument. It’s close to more popular trailheads like the Monument Canyon Trail where you are likely to see Bighorn Sheep! Ask me about the club house for residents in Soaring Eagle!

Redlands 360 Master Plan Map

Redlands 360 Master Plan Map

Easter Hill Trailhead

Here’s a view from on top of a trail looking down to the Easter Hill trailhead parking lot and the Easter Hill neighborhood.

Easter Hill Trailhead Parking Lot and neighborhood

If you have the All Trails app, look up Water Towers Mountain Bike Loop. All Trails describes the trail by saying it “incorporates a couple of clear, open hillsides which are ribboned with crisscrossing paths carved into the rock and earth, perfect for mountain biking.” And I would add hiking too. We saw many people walking their dogs while we were on the trail near Easter Hill. Crisscrossing is an excellent description. Look at this map from All Trails.

Water Towers Mountain Bike Loop Map from All Trails

If you’d like to learn more about Redland 360, Easter Hill, Canyon Rim, or Soaring Eagle new home developments, text or call me at 612-306-9558. I’d like to show you around!

Two other posts you might enjoy Grand Junction Golf Courses and Buying a Home in Grand Junction.

Text/Call 612-306-9558

PAUL ASPELIN, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE

Grand Junction Real Estate Expert
Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.
Learn more about my experience and how I serve my clients 

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

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Redlands 360 Easter Hill in Grand Junction

Living in Redlands 360 – Easter Hill in Grand Junction

Easter Hill Housing development is in the Master Planned community of Redlands 360

Redlands 360 Easter Hill in Grand Junction

My Buyers House in Redlands 360 Easter Hill in Grand Junction

Discover Redlands 360 Easter Hill in Grand Junction. People have always found the Redlands area of Grand Junction, CO a top location to consider buying a home. What’s not to like? The spectacular views and access to the Colorado National Monument are at your doorstep regardless of the homesite you choose. The proximity to trails for hiking and biking along with shopping, restaurants, the quaint Main Street of downtown Grand Junction, and access to the Colorado River and Riverfront Trail is all just minutes away. Let’s not forget the views of the Book Cliff Mountains including Mount Garfield and the largest flat-top mountain in the world, the Grand Mesa. Three distinctively different Redlands 360 views overlook the Grand Valley here on the western slope of Colorado.

With the higher elevation of the Redlands 360 Easter Hill in Grand Junction, tucked up close to the base of the Colorado National Monument, you get long stunning views from an exceptional high location. Wouldn’t a Redlands 360 inspired view of these spectacular landmarks make for an incredible home setting?

View from the back deck overlooking Redlands 360 Easter Hill in Grand Junction trails

That’s exactly what you’ll find when you consider building a home in the Redlands CO newest community, Redlands 360. The 600 acres of land encompassing this spectacular master planned community has long been renowned as a community gem. Originally envisioned to become an executive links golf course, the property has been hiked and biked by locals and visitors alike for the last 20 years as a privately owned but accessed space by the public.

Today, the excitement builds as the Redlands 360 community is currently offering homesites in Easter Hill and Canyon Rim 360 neighborhoods of the development. Upon entering the Easter Hill development you’ll immediately understand how the name Redlands 360 came about. The 360-degree views of everything the Grand Valley has to offer are on full display.

I’ve had the pleasure of assisting a relocation client through the Goetzmann Homes build process in Easter Hill. They found me because of this website! We met with the builder team when a spec home was just starting. My clients have been able to customize some of the finishes and modify the floor plan to fit their lifestyle. It’s been a wonderful experience working with a builder that has the experience and vision like Goetzmann Homes. The team, along with the builder, Phil, are great communicators that understand how to deliver a client experience and a home to be cherished.

Looking out the Living and Dining Room windows

If you’re planning to check out Redlands 360 Easter Hill in Grand Junction, be sure to stop by the Goetzmann model home which is tucked back into the development.  Enter the neighborhood and turn right onto Culebra Drive. The model home sits perched above what seems to be endless mountain biking single track and hiking trails steps away. Goetzmann Homes has really done an incredible job of bringing nature’s beauty inside this model home and will do the same for you when building with them on any of their gorgeous lots. Large windows provide picturesque views that draw you in while providing a light and bright open feeling. With a gourmet kitchen, main floor owner’s suite, soaring vaults in the living room, and a finished walkout lower level, you’ll find all the space you need for entertaining and living your best life. Let’s be honest though… the covered deck off the back of the home is sure to be a favorite spot for everyone looking for a Goetzmann built home in the Redlands 360 community. Come to tour the Goetzmann model but stay to enjoy the views.

View the Redlands 360 Master Plan Map.

Learn more by reading my posts about Grand Junction Real Estate and Retiring in Grand Junction (your kids and grandkids will thank you!). Let me be your personal Grand Junction Relocation Guide!

Call me today if you’d like to tour any of the Goetzmann Homes properties available in Redlands 360.

Your new happy place is waiting for you!

Text/Call 612-306-9558

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.

Redlands 360 Easter Hill in Grand Junction

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

What I learned in my first three months

Living in Grand Junction has been a better experience than my wife and I expected. There are so many things to do in Grand Junction, Colorado, that’s for sure! I want to share some of what we’ve learned. I hope you find it helpful if you’re considering living in Grand Junction, Palisade, Fruita, or anywhere in Mesa County.

If you want the full picture of why people are moving to Grand Junction — from lifestyle and cost of living to community — check out our guide. Let me know what you think! Reach out to me anytime with your questions or share your story with me.

I also post short videos and announce new Move To Grand Junction website posts on our Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction and I am on Instagram under @liveyourvacationingj.

Get Upside Gas AppShort Commutes and Easy Access to Everything in Grand Junction

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

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

Elevation vs. Population

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

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

Living in Grand Junction map

Grand Junction Bike and Trail Map (click to enlarge)

Grand Junction is Bike Friendly

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

Community Focused

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

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

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

Blaine's Farm Store

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

The Best Produce at Incredible Prices

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

Everyone Has a Story

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

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

Diverse Housing and New Construction

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

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

House Hacking is Alive and Well in Mesa County

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

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

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

Find out what many relocating buyers find shocking about buying a home in Grand Junction

The Temperature isn’t the Temperature

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

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

Always be prepared!

Keep Toilet Paper in Your Car

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

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

And, of course, Grand Junction isn’t perfect. You can read my post about some of the Cons of Living in Grand Junction.

Your Story

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

Schedule your free consultation today!

Live your vacation in Grand Junction!

MOVE2GJ with Paul Aspelin

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

Paul Aspelin, Realtor®
GRI, SRES®, CNE
Serving Grand Junction and Mesa County

© 2023 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR® MovetoGrandJunction.com. Copyright protected. All Rights Reserved. Licensed in Colorado.

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