Tag Archive for: Paul Aspelin REALTOR®

Comparing Taxes: CO, AZ, NV, TX, & FL

Comparing Taxes: Which State is the Most Tax-Friendly?

When choosing where to live, comparing taxes can play a significant role in the decision-making process. Some states offer tax advantages that can save residents thousands of dollars each year. In this article, I am comparing taxes and the differences between Colorado (with a specific look at Grand Junction), Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and Florida to determine which state is the most tax friendly.

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State Income Tax

One of the biggest tax considerations is state income tax. Here’s how these five states compare:

  • Colorado: Flat income tax rate of 4.4%
  • Arizona: Flat income tax rate of 2.5% (one of the lowest in the nation)
  • Nevada: No state income tax
  • Texas: No state income tax
  • Florida: No state income tax

Property Taxes

Property taxes can vary significantly depending on the state and local government rates.

  • Colorado: Low property tax rate at 0.49% of home value (one of the lowest in the country)
    • Grand Junction, CO: Property tax rates are consistent with the state average, making it an attractive option for homeowners.
  • Arizona: Moderate property tax rate at 0.51%
  • Nevada: Moderate property tax rate at 0.55%
  • Texas: High property tax rate at 1.68% (one of the highest in the country)
  • Florida: Higher than average property tax rate at 0.83%

While Texas and Florida have no state income tax, their higher property taxes can offset some of the savings.

Sales Tax

Sales tax impacts everyday purchases and varies widely across these states:

  • Colorado: State base sales tax of 2.9%, but local taxes push the average to 7.8%
  • Arizona: State base sales tax of 5.6%, but local rates bring the average to 8.4%
  • Nevada: State base sales tax of 6.85%, with an average combined rate of 8.2%
  • Texas: State base sales tax of 6.25%, with local taxes leading to an average of 8.2%
  • Florida: State base sales tax of 6%, with local taxes pushing the average to 7.0%

Florida has the lowest average sales tax burden, while Arizona has the highest.

Other Taxes to Consider

  • Gas Tax:
    • Colorado: 23.9 cents per gallon
    • Arizona: 18 cents per gallon
    • Nevada: 33.78 cents per gallon
    • Texas: 20 cents per gallon
    • Florida: 43.5 cents per gallon (highest of the group)
  • Estate & Inheritance Taxes: None of these states impose an estate or inheritance tax, making them attractive for wealth transfer planning.

Insurance Costs: Auto & Home

Insurance rates can significantly impact cost of living, especially for homeowners and drivers. Here’s how these states compare:

  • Auto Insurance (Average Annual Premiums):
    • Colorado: $1,750
      • Grand Junction, CO: Auto insurance rates tend to be slightly lower than the state average due to smaller population density and lower accident rates.
    • Arizona: $1,480
    • Nevada: $1,900
    • Texas: $1,750
    • Florida: $2,560 (highest due to high accident rates and severe weather risks)
  • Home Insurance (Average Annual Premiums):
    • Colorado: $1,800
      • Grand Junction, CO: Home insurance costs are generally lower than Denver and other metro areas, averaging closer to $1,600-$1,700. You should also know that more rural mountain properties (far away from fire departments) can have increased premiums due to wildfire exposure.
    • Arizona: $1,250
    • Nevada: $950 (lowest due to fewer natural disaster risks)
    • Texas: $2,400 (high due to hurricane and tornado risks)
    • Florida: $4,000+ (highest in the nation due to hurricanes and flooding risks)

While Florida and Texas have favorable tax structures, their high insurance costs can impact affordability.

“Go West” my friend! Here’s an I-70 overhead sign as you leave Denver, CO. Michelle took this on our way back from a road trip to Michigan and Minnesota to see family. Move to Grand Junction! Let me show you around!

Overhead highway sign showing go west on I-70 to Grand Junction from Denver

A little known “non-tax” benefit of living in Grand Junction

Considering tax implications can be an important part of any financial plan, especially in retirement. But one thing no one talks about is utility costs. Utility costs overall in Grand Junction are well below what I was used to paying in my former home state of Minnesota. Here in Grand Junction, we enjoy ultra-low utility bills in the shoulder season months.

What is a shoulder season month? This is a period where you rarely need to heat or cool your home. With the low humidity and perfect overnight sleeping temps, we’ve experienced up to 2 months on either side of the change of seasons where our gas and electric bills are laughable, they are so low. Most irrigation water is also charged annually not monthly, so there will be savings found on that bill as well. I would guess we are saving around $2400+ a year from what we were paying (obviously in a much colder climate and a larger home) on our combined utilities. Just one more thing people don’t always take into consideration, but they should. I have lots of energy saving tips you can implement in your new home, just ask me!

Read my post about WHY people are moving to Grand Junction.
HINT: It’s about more than financial comparisons.

Colorado TABOR Surplus Refunds

TABOR stands for Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. The Colorado Department of Revenue website shows which type of refunds have been issued to Colorado residents since 2018. Refunds can be for property taxes, income taxes, or sales taxes. Learn more about potential surplus refunds at https://tax.colorado.gov/TABOR

Bottom Line

For those prioritizing a low tax burden, Florida and Texas stand out as the most tax-friendly states. However, high home and auto insurance costs, particularly in Florida and Texas, can offset some of the tax benefits. Each state balances taxation and cost of living differently, so choosing the right one depends on personal financial circumstances, lifestyle, and risk tolerance for insurance expenses. Knowing these differences can help guide your decision when considering a move.

Always consult a tax professional for the most up to date information. The information above was current as of July 2025. Please check with each taxing authority or state government for additional information as tax rates can and do change.

Paul Aspelin working on his laptop at the kitchen tableLive Your Vacation in Grand Junction!

Get post updates and watch my short videos on my Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction and on Instagram @LiveYourVacationinGJ.

Text/Call me at 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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Moving Preparation: How We Did It

Moving Preparation: How We Did It

Guest Post from Michelle Aspelin

Moving preparation boxes and items in the back of the carMapping out your moving preparation can be daunting, we get it. Paul has been a REALTOR® since 2001 and I worked with him at our Minnesota Brokerage for twenty years, so we understand the process of moving from a buyer and seller’s perspective. If you are considering moving to Grand Junction, we know that simply the thought of moving might make you hesitate. We moved from our home of 26 years. We know how “things” can accumulate.

To make it easier for you, I wanted to provide some of the moving preparation we went through that you may find useful. There is no right or wrong way to do this. We did this work over two years, shifting our focus along the way. We took breaks and we asked for help when we needed it. Moving is a big deal, we know.

Decluttering your home

The first step we took was to simply start decluttering our home. We were extremely motivated after watching the 2020 documentary called The Minimalists: Less is Now. Here’s a 2-minute trailer for the documentary on Netflix. We were ready to pass on to others what we weren’t finding value in anymore. We were ready to be less attached to things and spend more time on activities and traveling to new places.

We started with just one room, our owner’s suite bathroom. We removed everything, did a deep clean, painted, and then put back only what we were currently using. We threw away, donated or sold the rest. After completing that one small space, it gave us encouragement to repeat the process in each room. This process can be started immediately and will last until the day you pack the last box.

moving preparation decluttering surfaces, closets and cabinets. Photo of empty counters in kitchen.

In the kitchen, we got rid of expired food and spices, storage containers missing the lids, pots and pans we didn’t really need but thought we did. We donated small appliances and serving pieces we only used on a rare occasion.

If there was a small item I was hesitating on keeping because I wasn’t sure if I’d need it, I learned to ask myself this question. “Can I buy it again within 20 minutes for under $20?” If the answer was yes, then I donated it. Knowing that if I miss it in the future, I could always buy it again. I think we’ve only purchased one or two things of the thousands of things we donated.

I felt that if it wasn’t hanging on the wall now, or on display somehow, then do I really want it? We had artwork and wall art stored in our basement. What good does it do in a box? During this process I pulled out some heirloom items to display them vs having them packed away. Now I get more enjoyment from having them.

Deferred Maintenance

There were things in our home that were ok for us, but if we wanted to sell our home for top dollar, we needed to do some additional maintenance to make it really shine. Starting with the exterior, we painted the trim, releveled the concrete sidewalk that had sunk over the years, and painted our steel garage doors. In addition, I thinned our landscaping, added more mulch and moved some plants around to fill the space. I took seasonal photos too, especially in the spring and summer in case we ended up moving in the ugly winter season.

Inside we did things like sanding down our wood windows and sealed them where they were showing wear and tear. In our basement we painted it a light, neutral color and replaced the carpeting. We scrubbed our kitchen and bathroom cabinetry inside and out and used a special oil to brighten up all of the natural woodwork.

Painting

We started to remove our personal photos from the shelves and walls so the buyer could see themselves living in the house vs us. We patched the holes on the walls and painted. We updated the color on the walls in all of the bedrooms to be a warm beige color. Never paint everything white. White is too sterile. It’s amazing what a little paint can do. We painted our laundry/mud room and even the metal door from the garage into the house benefited from a fresh coat of paint. If you have a dark color that may be your favorite wall in the house, remember that a buyer will look at it differently. Neutralizing it will be well worth it. A buyer might just look at it as “one more thing we need to do before we can move in” and you don’t want that.

Determining What to Keep

moving preparation boxes piled in the hallwayThis whole process is emotional. We started with the easy decisions first. Things we didn’t use anymore or were outdated. Things we knew for sure we didn’t want or need anymore. Afterall, we were moving from a 2600 SF home with a full basement and three-car garage to a home of half the size. We knew we wanted to downsize, and we looked forward to getting rid of stuff. It was very gratifying to see an empty surface or sparsely filled cabinet.

When I came across an item that we had more attachment to, like family photo albums, I waited to make a decision on those. I wanted to do all the easy stuff first, then come back to the more difficult, time-consuming things.

Clothing was pretty simple. If I hadn’t warn something during that season, and it wasn’t for special occasions, I donated it. I eliminated items that had limitations, like items I would only wear around the house. I kept one pair of black heels and black sandals and will only buy dresses that go with black footwear in the future. I work from home, so that was easy.

We had way too many towels. I do laundry each week, so why do I need more than a week’s worth of any one type of clothing? 10 pairs of black socks, nope, 2-3 will do. You get the idea. I kept a variety but not a large quantity of any one thing.

Difficult Decisions

Historical items were tough for me. My mom didn’t keep much from my childhood and I wanted my teenage kids to determine what they wanted to keep from theirs. We got some large rubber totes with their names on them and started to pack their childhood memories. Things they wanted to keep but didn’t have room for while away at college. Paul and I have a box marked heirloom items where we have special things we will keep forever.

What was difficult were all the photo albums and high school yearbooks. We had over 15 albums, mostly from my teenage years and early marriage. Eventually we stopped printing photos taken from our camera and saved photos digitally because we were taking them on our phones vs with a camera. We decided to go through each album and relive those memories. I took digital pictures of some and shared with family and friends. I have the memories, and I have some photos from the event, just not ALL the photos, and I am ok with that.

You can buy a digital photo frame too where you add the app to your phone and upload photos to a digital frame that you keep in your living room or wherever you spend a lot of time. I see them as a collection on my phone too each time I go to open the app. It makes me smile. I helped my mom take pictures of very old photographs of her family so she could add them to her digital frame. It allows you to enjoy them now vs letting them sit in a box.

Documents and Business Records

Because we owned two businesses, we had to keep our records and IRS/State Tax Returns for a certain number of years. I used to keep more than we needed because I had the space. We started to shred the old files and burned some too. I put a “destroy date” on the boxes and I just shredded a box with a 2024 date on it, and it felt so good to get rid of it!

I scanned or took a picture of all of our important business and personal documents so I could get access to them easily in our new state. Marriage license, business formation documents, wills and estate documents, etc. Making as much digital as we could took time, but was well worth it for easy access. Digital files take up way less space too!

Fill those trash bins

We had a 30-gallon garbage bin we wheeled to the curb each week. Our goal was to make sure it was FULL, every week, for about a year. In the beginning it was easy. We threw out old rugs that were fine for the unfinished part of our basement but we knew we wouldn’t need them in the future. If the bin wasn’t full by the night before, we walked through the house to see if there was anything else we could add.

Donating Items to Charity

This was easy. I did NOT want to have a garage sale. The pain of setting it all up, and running it, to only make a few hundred dollars wasn’t a good use of my time. We focused on donating as much as possible. We lump our donations into every other tax year so we could itemize our deductions. Every charity that called asking for item donations, I said yes to. My goal was to give them 2 trash bags full of donations. I did this every few months with multiple charities like the Disabled Veterans and the Epilepsy Foundation. They came to the house to pick it up, so it was easy.

I made regular trips to other local charities with small furniture, clothing, yard maintenance items, and household items. We did sell larger items like beds, couches and our dining room table using Facebook Marketplace. We were happy to sell our lawn mower and heavy duty snowblower! We kept what was easy to move or our favorites.

Uhaul trailer and our Rav4 driving to Colorado

U-Haul trailer and our Rav4 driving to Colorado

We packed everything we owned into one 20’ moving truck Paul drove and one small U-Haul we towed with our Rav4 over the mountains. Ask Paul about that uphill climb out of Denver on I-70! LOL. He wrote a post about what it’s really like to drive I-70, that post is worth a read, it will make you laugh and make you aware that it’s not your typical interstate highway.

Decision Fatigue

My final moving preparation tip is to realize that decision fatigue is real. There were days I just couldn’t make any more decisions about our “stuff”. I set some things aside I just didn’t know what to do with, keep or not keep? Some things needed more research. For example, I donated the formal dresses from the school dances my girls attended to a specific charity just for that purpose vs Goodwill. Did you know Goodwill takes bowling balls? At least the one by us did. I called first to verify. Our local bowling alley didn’t want them.

Gifts from other people that I didn’t find value in anymore created a strange feeling. I appreciated the gift when I got it. And I probably used it. But I just didn’t want it anymore and I felt guilty for not wanting it. I donated a crystal vase that was a wedding gift. There was guilt to process. I tried to relive the moments and the people during this process. I took photos of items and texted a few to my college friends and we laughed. I wanted to enjoy this process as much as possible while knowing there would be difficult moments and hard decisions.

When our house started to look sparce, I actually found it a relief. We sometimes wonder what was in all those boxes stored in the basement anyways. We stored stuff because we could, just in case we needed it. But what we found out was we really didn’t need those things anymore at all. I was happy that others could find joy in the items I was donating or selling.

Preparing a Home to Sell

Moving Preparation first impression of exterior of home for salePaul always tells his clients that “The way you sell a home is different than the way you live in a home.” That means decluttering and depersonalizing it as much as possible before it goes on the market. Pre-packing items that are used on rare occasions or in a different season than the one you are currently in can really help open up your cabinets and closets. You want buyers to be able to easily walk up to a window and move from room to room. Too much furniture makes a room look small. Less is best. Pack it, donate it, or sell it. You may want to read Paul’s post about essential steps for moving.

You only have one chance to make a first impression. You want your home to look it’s best when the photographer comes to take photos. Make sure your horizontal surfaces are free from clutter. Put things away in drawers, closets or cabinets. Make sure your closets don’t look over-stuffed.

We have already talked about home maintenance. Make sure your home shines and there aren’t loose hinges, burnt out lightbulbs, discoloration or stains. When in doubt, replace it, paint it or get rid of it. You want buyers to see the potential of living there, not a potential list of repairs, replacements and concerns. Ask Paul about the value of getting your home pre-inspected. We did and we found some items that we could easily fix that we weren’t aware of ourselves. And when we sold our home (after the first showing) the buyers didn’t ask us to do anything more to the home after their inspection. They could tell we had taken good care of it.

If you want a smooth selling experience before you move to Grand Junction, or anywhere, do as much work ahead of time as you can. It will pay off in a much smoother transaction and save you time and frustration during the home selling process. You may want to read his post about writing Contingent Offers. Ask him about Radon too!

Paul Aspelin and Michelle Aspelin

Moving to Colorado with our 20′ U-Haul truck!

If you need help interviewing and hiring a professional real estate agent where you live, he can help you with that too. You want an agent who understands how preplanning, and preparation can help reduce the stress and anxiety around moving.

If you are considering moving to the Grand Valley, call or text Paul 612-306-9558. He’d be happy to give you a tour of the area if you haven’t been here before. We have lots of posts about what to do, things to see, and places to eat in this fantastic geographic location.

Learn more about Paul Aspelin and read the numerous recommendations and testimonials he’s earned over his career.

Michelle Aspelin
Grand Junction, Colorado resident since 2023.

Move to Grand Junction, we’ve been waiting for you!

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

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Ridgway State Park: Day Trip from Grand Junction

Day Trips from Grand Junction: Ridgway State Park, Ridgway Reservoir, and a surprise drive over Owl Creek Pass

We have driven from Grand Junction to Ridgway multiple times and have always admired Ridgway State Park and the Ridgway Reservoir from the road. We decided to make a point to go to the park for the day, visit the town of Ridgway, then drive back. Ridgway State Park is about 1.5 hours south of Grand Junction, 86 miles. It’s at the base of the San Juan Mountains.

Our day didn’t exactly go as planned but our surprise drive over Owl Creek Pass made the day trip even more memorable! I will explain the mistake we made in changing our plans, so keep reading!

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

Ridgway Reservoir

The 1,000-acre reservoir is so beautiful, a real haven for recreational activities year-round. Cars can drive right down the beach to the water’s edge and park for the day. There is a quite bay area for swimming, and, of course, a dam that makes it all possible. All kinds of boats on the water, including sailboats and paddle boards. There are over 15 miles of hiking trails and three campground areas. We mainly visited the Dutch Charlie section with the Marina, Elk Ridge Campground and Dakota Terraces Campground. Then the Dallas Creek section.

Michelle scoped out a few hiking options for us before we left. Our first stop is always at the Visitor Center to pick up a paper map. Yes, maps on phones are nice but there’s still something special about looking at a map to determine your plans. Our plan was to hike the Forest Discovery Nature Trail, a short .6 mile loop, and the .1 mile Scenic Overlook Trail, then drive down to the beach and water itself.

Ridgway State Park Map

Ridgway State Park Map, click to enlarge

Hiking to the Scenic Overlook

We chose to start with the Scenic Overlook Trail. We were very excited to see the view from the top.  A fairly short trail led us right there, photos below. It was beautiful. The pinyon/juniper forest smelled so good! Hiking in the mountains is different than hiking in the desert.

Instead of going back to the Visitor Center and doing the Forest Discovery Trail, I saw a sign for another route called the Wapiti Trail that led to the Skyline Loop, which sounded fun. Michelle admitted she didn’t have the Wapiti Trail “saved” in her All Trails app as a route for us to take but we did it anyway. The first “change of plans” for the day turned out to be a strenuous one! The Wapiti Trail is only .6 miles but has an elevation change of 150 feet. That’s like climbing 15 flights of stairs, at 7,000’ elevation! We took it slow, rested and cursed a few times until we reached the top. We quickly understood why Michelle hadn’t bookmarked that one, so steep! Luckily, we had plenty of water and some electrolyte chews to keep us going.

We eventually did part of the Skyline Loop and headed back to the truck. We took much more time hiking than we planned, and we really wanted to get into the water. But first, we had to check out the Marina before we went to the Dallas Creek section with the big beach for cars.

Ridgway State Park View from the Overlook with the San Juan Mountains

Ridgway State Park View from the Overlook including the San Juan Mountains

Ridgway State Park Marina

There is a very large swimming beach and picnic area next to the Marina. We were there on a Saturday in early June and it wasn’t very busy at all. I bet it’s more popular during the height of summer. There are bathroom facilities. We stopped at the Marina to get information about boat rentals. There are pontoons available for half or full day rentals and the price seemed reasonable. Afterall, it’s much easier to rent a boat for a day than to own one! You can also rent stand-up paddle boards as well.

Ridgway State Park Swimming Beach near Marina

Ridgway State Park Swimming Beach near Marina

Ridgway Marina Ridgway State Park showing boats for rent at the end of the dock

Ridgway Marina Ridgway State Park

 

Dallas Creek

The Dallas Creek entrance to Ridgway State Park provides the ability to drive onto the beach and park right next to the water. You can see the cars on the beach from the road. We found a spot and parked. We got in the water up to our ankles. It was somewhat chilly but not as bad as we expected for a body of water at 7,000’ elevation made from snowmelt from the surrounding mountains. Others were gleefully swimming and lots of people on SUPs (stand up paddle boards).

Ridgway Reservoir cars on the beach

Ridgway Reservoir cars on the beach

We got a good feel for Ridgway State Park and now it was time to go into the town of Ridgway. As we approached the main stop light where you turn right to go into Ridgway, I said, “How can we be this close and not go to Ouray?” Ridgway was the focus of the day, but we “changed plans” and headed to Ouray. We always love driving through Ouray and taking a portion of the Million Dollar Highway to reach the Bear Creek Waterfall Overlook.

Taking the Scenic Route

Ouray was great, as expected. The waterfall was really flowing, and Michelle was able to capture a rainbow that appeared in the mist for a brief moment.

On Hwy. 550, just after the state park, and before the turn to the town of Ridgway, we saw a brown sign for Owl Creek Pass. Most of the reports Michelle read online from the area said that many of the upper mountain passes have been cleared of snow. She verified and this one was open. She did some quick investigation and learned cars can handle the road, you don’t need to have a high clearance 4×4. We were in our Toyota Tacoma, so we decided to make another “change of plans” and take the scenic road home. We make a lot of spontaneous decisions. And this is one we will remember for a long time.

View of Ouray, CO

Bear Creek Waterfall Overlook in Ouray

Owl Creek Pass

After Ouray, we took Owl Creek Pass east from Ridgway as a scenic way to get back to Grand Junction. THAT was amazing! It was an incredible drive. Just to give you an idea of driving a mountain pass vs the main roads, it only added 39 miles to our trip but took us an extra 2 hours because you drive so slow on high mountain pass roads.

The road was in pretty good condition, it was wide, no sharp drop-offs. Just a few piles of snow we had to drive through, but otherwise the road was mainly dry. We could see this one high mountain peak from the start, and it was cool because we kept getting closer and closer to it as we climbed higher and higher. Looking at maps afterwards we think it was Chimney Rock in the Courthouse Mountains. There is a scene in the 1969 movie True Grit with John Wayne that shows this view too. See my post about our day trip on Last Dollar Road to Telluride. It shows the house and ranch featured at the beginning and end of the True Grit movie.

Spot featured in movie True Grit

 

 

Why you should plan ahead

On this trip we learned we really should plan ahead. When we were near the top without cell service or a downloaded map we hesitated. There was a fork in the Forest Service Road and we had to guess which way to go. The road was not marked at all. Not good in the middle of the backcountry. Oops! We had maybe 3 cars pass us in the upper section of this road. We thought about turning around after about an hour into the drive because we were afraid we might get lost or be heading in the completely wrong direction.

We were supposed to go east, then north to hook up with Hwy 50. When we were heading south and southeast for a while, we doubted we were on the right Forest Road. After discussing it, we continued a bit further because we know that no mountain pass is a direct route. After about 10-20 more minutes we reached the summit of the pass. We laughed and exclaimed “We made it! We did it!”

We immediately hopped out of the car to take a picture of the pass sign and the beautiful scenery. There was a one-lane bridge over Owl Creek. We went in June just after the snow had melted, well mostly melted! I stepped in a snowbank along the creek. The water was rushing fast and the sound of the water in the otherwise quiet forest was so peaceful!

We soaked it all in. The air smells so fresh in the mountains, everyone should experience it at some time in their lives. Our mistake was not planning our route in more detail before we left. Next time, we will research a scenic way home ahead of time, should we decide to take it!

Wildlife near Owl Creek Pass

Elk on Owl Creek Pass

While on the pass we saw about 6-8 mule deer. After the creek, on the east side, we saw a sign saying we would be driving through private land for the next 7 miles. It was spectacular. Lots of cattle and lush green grass. We saw a couple dozen elk grazing in pastures and were able to stop and take pictures. There are always birds singing in the mountains too. We like to roll our windows down on drives like this to take in the sounds and the smells. Seeing the elk was like icing on the cake for this trip.

We loved Ridgway State Park and we will go back and rent a pontoon for an afternoon with family and friends. We will probably never go over Owl Creek Pass again given it’s not really “on the way” to other spots we want to see on our adventures but it sure was a memorable scenic way home! Even though we got home several hours after we expected to. It was a great day trip from Grand Junction.

Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction Every Day When You Move to Grand Junction!

Ridgway Reservoir at Ridgway State Park

If you are considering moving to Grand Junction, please give me a call. I’d love to show you round Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade and talk mountain passes with you!

Follow me on Facebook Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction! 

PAUL ASPELIN, your Grand Junction Real Estate Expert
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES®, CNE
Text/Call (612) 306-9558

Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.
Serving Mesa County and the Grand Valley of Colorado.

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

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55+ Communities in Grand Junction

55+ Communities in Grand Junction

House Hunting When You Are 55+

I was doing an Open House in a new construction single family home geared towards older adults. The neighborhood had a Homeowners Association (HOA) to take care of all the exterior maintenance like yard services. No community center or other facilities. The model I was in was a spacious one-level home with three bedrooms on the main level and a two-car garage.

I had a 62-year-old gentleman strike up a memorable conversation with me. He explained that he has a boat, a motorcycle, two cars, and he and his wife like to ride bikes. He wondered how he’d be able to all his toys in this narrow two-stall garage. He asked, “Why don’t these builders understand that just because we want a home with no exterior maintenance, that doesn’t mean we sit home all day. We need room for our “stuff” as well as a simpler lifestyle as we get older.”

I fully understood where he was coming from. There are national builders, like D.R. Horton that build 55+ communities where you own your own single-family home and they include amenities like a club house, pickleball courts, workout room, and community eating and entertaining spaces. Over my career I have helped several clients build homes in communities like these. Be warned though. These robust communities also come with high monthly fees. You may, or may not, want all of that. I haven’t found housing available in 55+ Communities in Grand Junction that are like this. Where you own a single-family home. Until now…

What if you just want a single-family home with low maintenance?

What if you envision your retirement years enjoying the active lifestyle that attracts so many to this region of Colorado?

Read my post about being your personal Grand Junction Relocation Guide!

Chipeta Hallows

Good news! BOA Builders is building a 55+ Community in Grand Junction! Technically it’s in Orchard Mesa just east of the Chipeta Golf Course. This new development broke ground in June 2025. It is an Epcon Community. You can learn more about this option by visiting the Epcon website.

Epcon describes it this way…

“Discover Chipeta Hollows, an exclusive neighborhood designed for those who seek a vibrant, active, and low-maintenance lifestyle. Built by BOA Builders, known for their commitment to quality craftsmanship, energy efficiency, and sustainable living, Chipeta Hollows redefines a lifestyle of living in Grand Junction, CO. Chipeta Hallows community offers resort-style amenities to enhance your daily life. Enjoy the beautifully designed clubhouse, perfect for social gatherings, fitness activities, and relaxation. Stay active with a pickleball court, a sparkling pool, and scenic walking trails, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Western Colorado. For pet lovers, the dog park and dog wash station ensure that your furry companions feel just as at home as you do.”

Buyer Representation

55+ Communities in Grand Junction happy seniors sitting in front of their homeIf Chipeta Hallows (or any new development) sounds like a place you’d like to live, contact me before you call or go visit so I can explain to you your right to buyer representation before you contact the builder or developer. This is very important. If you contact them first, you may forfeit your right to be represented. The real estate agent or “sales rep” in open houses and builder models represent the seller or the builder, not the buyer. When I represent buyers, I always put their interests first. Agents representing the seller are obligated to put the seller’s interest first, not the buyers. Call/text me at 612-306-9558 if you have any questions about representation in Colorado. Real Estate Representation laws and rules vary by state.

Homeowner Association (HOA) Fees

Property Tax ValuesLet’s talk about low maintenance and HOA fees. In Minnesota, HOA fees were much higher than here in Grand Junction because they had to include snow removal and lawn maintenance services. In northern and eastern states there can be lots of grass to mow and shrubs to trim on a regular basis. Many snowfalls over 2” that require shoveling or plowing (again and again) and you have to treat the roads and sidewalks with salt or sand to get rid of the ice.

Luckily, here in sunny Grand Junction, there aren’t many plowable snow events, maybe a slight accumulation of snow 2-3 times a winter which is usually melted by the end of the day. And being in the desert, the landscaping is already drought tolerant and full of low maintenance plants like cactus and beautiful rose bushes that start blooming in late April or early May. Less maintenance means less fees. Plus, our property taxes are very low here. So don’t be too scared when you see monthly HOA fees, they aren’t that bad here.

Single-Family Homes

The Grand Valley is “the home of 3/2 housing” meaning three bedrooms and two-bathroom ramblers or ranch style homes are commonly called one-level living in other parts of the country. Hardly any homes have basements, and if they do, they aren’t musty because we have very low humidity and low rainfall in the Grand Valley.

Most properties have a two-car garage, sometimes a three-car. Many neighborhoods allow homeowners to add sheds and additional garages to their property. More rural properties have larger lot sizes and less restrictions and they are just 5-10 minutes from downtown.

Low maintenance single family homes are easy to find too. Metal roofs are very popular and last much longer than asphalt roofing materials. Plus, without a lot of snow, our roofs don’t experience a lot of freeze/thaw, so they last longer.

Because our water comes from the snowmelt and springs on the Grand Mesa, we don’t need extra equipment like water softeners and water treatment systems. Our water is delicious right out of the tap. It’s award winning actually. Read my post about the Grand Junction Water Supply to learn more.

And then there’s housing product like this…

55+ Communities in Grand Junction

You can easily Google “55+ Communities in Grand Junction CO” to get a list. There are zero in Palisade and one in Fruita called Village at Country Creek. Grand Junction lists about a dozen. Some offer both independent living and assisted living options for those that need care. Even though they say 55+, it feels like most of these communities are suited for those who are later in their retirement years or for anyone needing assistance.

  1. Village Cooperative of Grand Junction
  2. The Fountains of Hilltop
  3. The Cottages of Hilltop
  4. La Villa Grande Care Center
  5. The Retreat at Harbor Cove
  6. Larchwood Inns
  7. Ratekin Tower Apartments
  8. The Lodge at Grand Junction
  9. Aspen Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center
  10. La Villa Grande Care Center
  11. Grand Villa Assisted Living
  12. The Commons of Hilltop
  13. Cappella of Grand Junction
  14. Solstice Senior Living at Mesa View

Moving to Grand Junction

So, what does all this mean? It means that Grand Junction has lots of options for 55+ housing that isn’t strictly classified for people in or nearing retirement. I haven’t even touched on the golf course communities. You can learn more about those by reading my post called More Than Redlands Mesa Golf Courses.

I have helped dozens of clients 55 and older find their next place to call home. What I’m saying is, the best place to live might not be in the state you live in now. Speaking of best place to live, Grand Junction won an award for that too being named the “Best Place to Retire” from Kiplinger Magazine. I reference it in my post called Why Choose to Retire in Grand Junction.

If you are looking for low maintenance living in a warmer climate without a lot of fuss, consider retiring or semi-retiring in Grand Junction.

Check out my related post called Retire in Grand Junction: Your Grandkids and Kids Will Thank You. It explains why living in an area that serves all ages can be critical to enticing your family to come visit you!

Call/text me at 612-306-9558 if you are coming into town and want to connect. I’d be happy to show you around Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade. Learn more on my Get Started page.

Paul Aspelin sitting on a bench in Crawford State Park in front of the Crawford Reservoir

Photo from our day trip to Crawford State Park

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

Move to Grand Junction, we’ve been waiting for you!

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

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North Rim Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Day Trips from Grand Junction: North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

I’ve read a few places that claim the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is the least visited National Park. It’s not because it lacks facilities and features like camping and hiking and an astounding 2000’ deep canyon. I think it’s because it’s located a little off the beaten path. Not along a major Interstate highway. To go to the main South Rim Visitor Center, you enter from Montrose and get access to the west side of the river.

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

Drive to the North Rim Ranger Station

West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway Map

click to enlarge

To access the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, like we did for this post, you take a different route to reach the north and east side of the canyon. From Grand Junction, it’s about a 2-hour drive to the North Rim. From town, go south on CR-50 to Delta, east on 92 to Hotchkiss. Continue on CR-92 south to Crawford. This is part of the West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway.

Use your mapping software to get you to the North Rim Ranger Station. The paved road turns into gravel for the last 6 miles or so, but it’s very manageable in any vehicle. Download any hiking trail maps because you most likely will not have cell service in this area.

Exclamation Point Hike

We parked at the Ranger Station and took the Vista Trail to Exclamation Point and back. The hike took us through an open meadow with so many flowers, then patches of trees that offered us some shade. We continue to the end, a cliffside overlook that looks down on the Gunnison River 2700’ feet below us. It was absolutely amazing. One of my top 5 best hikes so far.

We went in mid-May so the wildflowers were in bloom. The temperature was comfortable in the 70’s. The trail is listed as easy but there are a couple challenges where you need to pay close attention to your footing. Mostly sandy or gravel trails, sometimes rocky, but not much. Wear hiking boots/shoes if you have them. Hiking poles may come in handy, but we don’t have any and did just fine.

We hike at a leisurely pace and stop frequently to just look around and soak it all in. We typically stop at the end for a snack before heading back. This trail is 2.9 miles out and back with a 344 ft elevation gain and it took us about an hour and 45 minutes to complete it. The All Trails apps says average time is one hour 10 minutes.

Vista Trail flowers and meadow in the North Rim Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Vista Trail flowers and meadow

North Rim Exclamation Point view to Gunnison River

Vista Trail to Exclamation Point

Vista Trail to Exclamation Point

Me at the Overlook before we reached Exclamation Point

More to see

From the North Rim Ranger Station you can drive south along the canyon rim for more overlooks and hiking trails. There is a campground on the North Rim.

You need a permit to hike down to the river’s edge and some extreme skills to handle the elevation change and steep slopes.

You can read more about the main Visitor Center and the South Rim Black Canyon of the Gunnison on my Top Day Trips from Grand Junction post.

Amazing Views on CR-92 South of Crawford, CO

Because we first stopped at the Crawford State Park Visitor Center, we got some excellent advice from the volunteers working that day. They recommended, instead of driving back to GJ the way we came, to continue south on CR-92 following the Gunnison River canyon and take Hwy 50 west into Montrose and back to Grand Junction. Because we have a decorative sign in our home that says, “always take the scenic route”, we did just that! Boy was that stunning! So many overlooks along the road, even some rumble strips to remind drivers to keep their eyes on the road. You can read my post about the Crawford State Park.

There were so many aspen trees. We plan to go back in the fall because we anticipate this to be a great place to see the fall colors. At their suggestion, we also stopped at Hermits Rest Vista. So thankful we did. More amazing views of the nearby mountains and the Gunnison River far below. We will bring friends to this spot when they come for a visit!

Gunnison River from Hwy 92 near Hermits Rest

Gunnison River from Hwy 92 near Hermits Rest Vista

Live Your Vacation Every Day… Move to Grand Junction!

If you are considering moving to Grand Junction, please give me a call. I’d love to explain your housing options and show you round Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade.

Watch my short videos on my Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction.

PAUL ASPELIN, your Grand Junction Real Estate Expert
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES®, CNE
Text/Call (612) 306-9558

Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.
Serving Mesa County and the Grand Valley of Colorado.

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

 

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Crawford State Park: Day Trip from Grand Junction

Day Trips from Grand Junction: Crawford State Park

I highly recommend you take a day trip to explore Crawford State Park. It’s about 75 miles SE of Grand Junction. Crawford is on the West Elk Loop, a Scenic and Historic Byway. (See map at the end of this post.) It takes about 1.5 hours to get there via Delta and Hotchkiss. It sits at 6600’ elevation so it’s a great place to escape to when Grand Junction summers get hot. We will definitely go back and do some fishing. Maybe rent a boat or jet ski too!

Toyota Tacoma showing the red sleeve holding our vehicle registration card with our Colorado State Park pass inside itWe have a Colorado State Park Pass. We got our pass when we renewed our license tabs for our Toyota Tacoma. It’s less expensive to get your state park pass with your car tabs.

We learned something new that day too. When we entered, the Visitor Center Park Ranger gave us a red sleeve to put our Vehicle Registration Card into and we were told to place it on the dashboard, Registration side face down to protect our privacy. This lets the Rangers know we have paid for a pass. They can also look up our license plate number. There is not a “park pass” to display in your car window or sticker for your vehicle.

Crawford Reservoir Boat Ramp near Visitor Center shows rocky shoreline and floating dock

Visitor Center

There are three campgrounds in Crawford State Park along the north and east sides of Crawford Reservoir and three boat launches. We toured the North Shore Day Use section and then went to the Visitor Center. We sat in the picnic area to watch the people boating and fishing. Tubers were being towed behind ski boats, we saw some wake borders and others using stand up paddle boards (SUPs). We went in May just to see what the park has to offer. I am sure this is a very popular spot as the weather warms up. An excellent recreational and boating area for the locals in the area and everyone with a Colorado State Park Pass! Crawford Reservoir is the main attraction of the Crawford State Park. Scuba divers are welcome here too!

Fishing Crawford Reservoir

Crawford State Park shoreline of Crawford Reservoir

Crawford State Park shoreline of Crawford Reservoir near the Visitor Center

There were lots of people fishing from shore or fishing from kayaks and boats. While at the picnic area an older couple came down to fish from the shore near us. We asked what he was fishing for, and he said he catches some very large perch from the lake. Best he’s ever had. He doesn’t like fishing for trout here because they are farm raised (stocked) vs wild trout. The meat is white and not as good as wild trout’s red meat. Good to know! I haven’t gotten my Colorado Fishing License yet.

A winter visit to the park would provide opportunities for ice fishing and Nordic (cross-country) skiing. This would be a great spot for waterfowl hunting as well.

Trails at Crawford State Park

There are a limited number of trails along the 400-acre reservoir. We drove to Iron Creek Campground and had a picnic lunch near the boat launch. From here you can take a trail to the west side of the lake that leads to another overlook and day use area. You can take Black Canyon Road to the west side. This is the road we took to get to the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Lodging

If you want more than a day trip, there are several unique lodges, a hotel and an inn in the town of Crawford in addition to the three campgrounds in Crawford State Park. The Last Frontier Lodge sites up high on the north side of the lake and I imagine would have some spectacular views of the Elk Mountains to the east.

It’s a small state park, 337 acres, but offers some excellent options and, of course, exceptional views. I bet it’s a popular place come elk hunting season too.

An Amazing Stretch of Road South of Crawford, CO

Gunnison River view from CR-92 south of Crawford State Park

Gunnison River view from CR-92 south of Crawford State Park

We got some excellent advice from the volunteers working that day at the Visitor Center. Instead of driving back to GJ the way we came, we drove south on CR-92 following the Gunnison River canyon. It was stunning! You can read more about this section of our trip on my post about the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Taking this route, you drive along the top of the Blue Mesa Dam to cross the Gunnison River. This is in the Curecanti National Recreation Area. It also gives access to the very popular Blue Mesa Reservoir. Once over the river, you take CR-50 West through Cimarron and over the Cerro Summit at 8042’ and on to Montrose, then Grand Junction. Very pretty scenery, but then again, all of Colorado is scenic!

I have several other posts about day trips from Grand Junction, check them out! Grand Junction makes an exceptional base camp for you to experience this amazing region of the country. We love living in Grand Junction!

Take the Scenic Route and to Move to Grand Junction!

Paul Aspelin sitting on a bench in Crawford State Park in front of the Crawford Reservoir

Paul Aspelin in Crawford State Park in front of the Crawford Reservoir.

If you are considering moving to Grand Junction, please give me a call. I’d love show you round Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade.

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

PAUL ASPELIN, your Grand Junction Real Estate Expert
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES®, CNE
Text/Call (612) 306-9558

Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.
Serving Mesa County and the Grand Valley of Colorado.

 

West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway Map

West Elk Loop Brochure Cover

We have referenced this map for several trips. We have been to Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Aspen, Redstone, Marble, over the stunning McClure Pass (ask to see one of my favorite pictures from the pass), Paonia, Hotchkiss, Crawford, and Gunnison. We took Kebler Pass in August (gravel road not open in winter) to Crested Butte and stayed in Mount Crested Butte. We have also been to the North and South rims of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

The Fruita Visitor Center has the best selection of brochures and information for things to do in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, Mesa County and the entire state of Colorado and eastern Utah. We picked this one up there and have had it in the car with us on several trips. See cover on the right.

 

West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway Map

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

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Living in Durango CO vs Grand Junction

Living in Durango CO vs Grand Junction

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

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

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

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

 Housing Costs

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

Outdoor Activities

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

    Animas River Durango area

    Durango:

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

Lifestyle & Community

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

Retirement Appeal

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

Walkability

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

Mountain Biking Access

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

Airport Access

  • Grand Junction Airport Welcome Sign

    Sign near the GJT airport

    Grand Junction:

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

Healthcare Access

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

Grand Junction vs Durango Comparison Chart

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

Paul Aspelin Molas Pass near Durango

At Molas Pass just north of Durango

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

Experience the Grand Junction Lifestyle!

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

Live Your Vacation Every Day… Move to Grand Junction!

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

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Day Trips from Grand Junction: Goblin Valley State Park Utah

Day Trips from Grand Junction: Goblin Valley State Park in Utah

Looking for more day trips from Grand Junction? Consider Goblin Valley State Park in Utah. It’s about 2.25 hours west of Grand Junction. I published a post called Day Trips from Grand Junction CO that has more ideas. You can read it next if you haven’t read it already. I’ll be posting more day trips in the future too!

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

We like taking day trips from Grand Junction and we did this one on a Saturday in May. It was about 85 degrees and sunny. A great time of the year to hike and be outdoors.

What to know about Goblin Valley State Park in Utah before you go

GETTING IN AND PARKING

Goblin Valley State Park entrance sign with TacomaThe park is small, and it gets busy. They don’t offer official timed entry management like at Arches National Park, so you can’t reserve an entrance time in advance. We arrived on a Saturday at about 9:30am and waited in line behind 2-3 cars to get in. We went right to the Valley of the Goblins parking lot and there were about 5 spots left. The park entrance waiting line started to build by 10am and cars were told to wait. They would be let in after current visitors left. The line was long. We ran into a couple on a hike later. They waited in line for an hour before giving up and choosing a hike outside of the state park and come back later in the day.

PARKING PASS

They want you to get the pass online ahead of your visit to speed things up when you enter. When you do, the pass is good for that day and until 10pm the following day. We bought ours the night before we left. If you wait to do it online when you get to the area, you may not have internet service, we didn’t.

RESEARCH THE AREA

Since the park is relatively small, I recommend you research other attractions in the San Rafael Swell area before you go. There is a lot to see in this beautiful area of Utah. Goblin Valley State Park info.

Goblin Valley State Park Experience

We planned for just one day in this beautiful and unique area. Once we got the park map, we went straight to the Valley of the Goblins and parked there by the big pavilion. The parking lot overlooks the Goblins. We walked down several flights of stairs to get down and walk around among them. That was very cool. An open area to roam. After about 30 minutes of that, we headed out. We stopped at the entrance because that’s where the Gift Shop is but it was closed. I think they were short staffed because the gift shop was open when we entered. We should have gone in then.

Goblin Valley State Park Utah goblins

 

Little Wild Horse Canyon – Our first slot canyon experience

This hike was very impressive! According to All Trails map app, the loop trail is 8.1 miles through two canyons. We read about them and watched some YouTube videos. We knew we couldn’t do the full 8 miles, too much for us. So, we chose the Little Wild Horse Canyon side of the loop. It starts out wide then narrows, the smallest section was about 5 inches at the ground and about shoulder width at your shoulders. Sometimes we turned sideways to continue.

There were a few spots to “scramble” or climb over large rocks. Nothing too strenuous for us beginners. It was crowded during the time we went. The parking lot was full. We knew we would stop and turn around when we hit the spot of the 6-8ft “dryfall” because we didn’t feel we could climb back up once we went down. However, we turned around before that because it was just too crowded and hard to pass people coming the other way in such a small space. We went about 1.3 miles on the trail before we turned around and we thought it was fantastic for our first time in a slot canyon. Amazing beauty. This canyon can experience a flash flood if there has been rain up stream, so be aware.

Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon narrow bath between walls of rock

It got much narrower than this but we were so overwhelmed we didn’t take enough pictures. We were living in the moment!

Temple Mountain Wash Pictograph Panel

Just off the side of the road we saw some of the largest prehistoric painted figures in Utah. The sign near the panel in the San Rafael Swell explains that the featured pictographs were created by early inhabitants during the Archaic Period (8000 to 2000 BC) and later by the Fremont culture (300 to 1300 AD). It’s amazing that they are still around for us to see! Pictographs are wall paintings done with pigments; petroglyphs are wall carvings, both are commonly called rock art. We are just learning the difference too!

After this, we pulled into one of the campgrounds nearby and had a picnic lunch under the shade of a tree. There are no services in the immediate area for food, so we packed a cooler with snacks for lunch.

pictograph paintings by the ancients of animals and humans

Wild Horse Window

Our last short hike was the Wild Horse Window. Technically it’s accessed from within Goblin Valley State Park boundaries, near the main entrance sign, but the trailhead was hard to find. Our GPS wasn’t working because we had no internet connection. We finally found it after wandering back behind a camping area. I’m glad we persisted because it was amazing! We met a very nice couple from Denver who was just starting the hike when we were, so we hiked together. We had a great time chatting and wayfinding with them on the trail. We only saw two other couples in the 2 or so hours we were there!

The All Trails app says it’s 1.8 miles out-and-back but our trip was 2.3 miles. The app said it takes 51 minutes on average; it took us 1.5 hours. It was sandy, rocky or you were walking on slanted slickrock. We took our time. Thankful for our supportive hiking books as it was rough on the ankles. It wasn’t technical, just had to watch your step. Hiking poles would have made it easier, but we don’t have those yet. Elevation gain was about 384 ft. Uphill there, downhill back. I was thankful there were many cairns to follow, especially over the slick rock because you didn’t have footprints to follow and couldn’t exactly tell where to go. Cairns (pronounced Karens) are stacks of rocks used for marking trails.

We were treated to a spectacular view at the end. Two natural bridges that are formed from wind and erosion. One had a hole in the top. The opening was probably 50’ wide and 50’ tall with moss growing in a few spots. We say more pictographs in the “cave”. We were thankful for the coolness of the shade. We had a snack and took it all in then hiked back to the truck. We were glad we did this one second because these 2.3 miles felt much more strenuous than the first 2.6 miles we hiked in the slot canyon. It was listed as “moderately challenging” and it sure felt like it.

Hiking back from Wild Horse Window Natural Bridge over slickrock following piles of rock to mark the trail

Hiking back from Wild Horse Window Natural Bridge over slickrock following piles of rock that marks the trail

One Final Stop for Dinner in Green River, Utah

After our hiking in this beautiful San Rafael Reef area, the next city on our way back was Green River, so we stopped there for dinner. After that, the next closest city with services is Fruita, CO! A lot of the restaurants and business in Green River are boarded up. They must be struggling as a small rural community. We found Tamarisk Restaurant overlooking the Green River. They have been in business since 1979, and I know why. The food and service were outstanding! We got there around 5-6pm, before the dinner rush. There were 20 people in the waiting area when we left. I highly recommend this place to eat. There weren’t many other cafes or restaurants, there was a sub shop. After a long day of hiking and being outdoors, we just wanted a cool place out of the sun to dine and relax a bit before the 90-minute drive home. We loved it.

I love that we can do day trips from Grand Junction CO like this. We left about 7:30am and were home about 8pm to sleep in our own bed. There are so many amazing places to see within 2 hours of Grand Junction, in all directions!

If you are considering living in Grand Junction, moving here from another state, please reach out to me. I’d be happy to show you around when you come to town to “check it out”.

Picnic in campground under the shade of a tree

We ate a picnic lunch in a campground under the shade of a tree

Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction!

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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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Moving to the Redlands | Grand Junction

Moving to the Redlands area of Grand Junction

I have out-of-state clients who are considering moving to the Redlands area of Grand Junction. So, I shared with them the many attributes about this region of Grand Junction. The way I see it, I figure more people moving to Grand Junction, Colorado might be interested in learning what I shared after listening to my clients list of “must-haves”.

When I have clients coming to Grand Junction from out of town, I like to meet in person and give them a tour. We usually only have a couple of hours because they are busy scouting out everything this fantastic community has to offer.

I tailor each tour to their interests, where they might be working, and which communities might make the most sense to buy a house. In my most recent client tour, we went to several locations, and I explained different features and benefits. We drove through the Monument, and he was mesmerized. We looked down on the Redlands from above and it made a strong impression. The views are spectacular!

Why not live at the base of the Monument? Moving to the Redlands area of Grand Junction seemed like the perfect fit, and for good reason, here’s why.

#1 Bike to Work

Downtown Grand Junction Sculpture

My client wanted to bike to work in downtown Grand Junction. No problem. Grand Junction is a bikeable community. There are trails that run along S. Camp Road and you can cross the Colorado River on Redlands Parkway or Broadway (Hwy 340).

#2 Access Bike Trails from Home

Check. There are numerous trails that run through neighborhoods, along roads and into the Colorado National Monument. Plus, quick access to the very popular, vast network of trails in the Lunch Loops. And, continuing along Broadway can get you into the trails in Fruita in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area and the Kokopelli Trail. More on Biking in Grand Junction.

#3 A Place with a View

Of course! You can’t help but get exceptional views from every window in your home when you live in the Redlands. Yes, there are many other neighborhoods in the Grand Valley with views, but there’s just something about being snugged up to the base of the Monument that can’t be beat. The sun sets just a little earlier, offering cooler temps earlier in the evening in the hot summer months.

After our tour, his heart was set on moving to the Redlands area in Grand Junction. Here are some more reasons to consider moving to the Redlands.

Looking for a golf course community

Redlands Mesa Golf Course as viewed from Redlands 360

Redlands Mesa Golf Course as viewed from Redlands 360 neighborhood.

Even if you don’t golf, some people like living in a golf course community. Going to the Club House to meet friends for lunch, planned events, and comradery. There are two courses in this area, Redlands Mesa Golf Course and Tiara Rado, a public golf course. If you are a golfer, be sure to check out my post that showcases all of the golf courses in the area. And I know I’ve said this before, but it’s worth mentioning, people golf year-round in Grand Junction, even during ski season!

Build a New Custom Home

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

Starting on the east side near Monument Road and S. Camp Road, there are many defined neighborhoods with homesites available to build your custom home. As you move west along Broadway, the area gets a bit more rural with larger lots and more space to spread out. The Soaring Eagle neighborhood stands out here with a unique community space for neighborhood residents.

I will help guide you through the ins and outs of building a home here, specifically about the soil conditions and foundation building systems required. I mention this in my article called the Cons of Living in Grand Junction. How the lot price may not be really be the lot price.

I also have a post about how I helped clients build a new home in the Easter Hill neighborhood in the new Redlands 360 planned community. A very cool concept that will be under development for several years with spectacular views from this higher elevation within the Redlands.

Home Prices in the Redlands

As with the entire Grand Valley, homes come in all shapes and sizes, built in the early 1900’s to today. The Redlands Community Center, originally the Redlands Country Club, is a significant historical structure, dating back to 1921, and is listed on the Colorado Historical Society Register. So, yes, there are older homes in this area as well as pockets in the Redlands with homes built during the 60’s and 70’s with a certain style that appeals to many people.

Most likely, you will pay a premium to live in the Redlands area of Grand Junction. Whether you buy an existing home or build from scratch, this high-demand area can be more expensive, but oh so worth it!

There’s more to know about moving to the Redlands area in Grand Junction, so call me if you want to talk. And no, it’s not its own city, just an area, like North Grand Junction is just an area too. Fruita and Palisade are independent cities from Grand Junction.

And if you aren’t sure where you want to live exactly, read my post about Just Getting Here where I outline what it’s like to move to another state, I get it!

Call or Text me at 612-306-9558

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

moving to the Redlands area in Grand Junction means you can walk this Monument Trail anytime, from your doorstep!

Hiking Monument Canyon trail

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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Things to do in Grand Junction: Dining

New to town? Looking for some things to do in Grand Junction that include eating or drinking? I have compiled a list of some of our favorite places to go. For some, it’s outstanding food or drinks. For others, the views or the atmosphere stand out.

Take your pick and let me know what you think. If you have any suggestions for my wife and I to try, send me an email or call/text 612-306-9558. We enjoy trying new places.

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

Breakfast Options

Our favorite breakfast spot is Main Street Bagels in downtown Grand Junction. During summer they have the best Peach smoothies, yum! Their bagels are fresh, with more than just a cream cheese smear. You can get sandwiches, soup and salad here too. We eat here for breakfast or lunch and it’s a nice central place to meet up with people and clients.

If you are looking for a sit-down full breakfast service try Pufferbelly in Grand Junction near the historic Union Depot Train Station. Very good food, generous portions, wide selection and a popular place to go.

Distilleries, Wineries and Breweries

Highlands Distillery - things to do in Grand Junction

Highlands Distillery in NW Grand Junction

We have visited all three of the distilleries, Clark’s and Peach Street in Palisade and Highlands in Grand Junction. All are great places to stop anytime for a meal or appetizers. Relax and enjoy the views. Clark’s Distillery has great food and a wide selection of spirits – it overlooks the Colorado River! Peach Street Distillery is in downtown Palisade near other related establishments and offers some unique cocktails and delicious food. We take friends here a lot. Highlands is in North Grand Junction on a Lavender Farm. Peaceful with great outdoor seating under umbrellas hanging from the trees. Exceptional cocktails!

We’ve dined at breweries, multiple times at Rockslide and Trail Life in downtown Grand Junction, and gone to several of the wineries for a glass or wine tastings. That is always a fun experience, especially when friends come to visit. Carlson Vineyards (for the wine) and Colterris (for the view) are a couple of our favorites. I recommend you investigate Palisade wineries by what type of wine the wineries offer before you go for a tasting. The first time we did a tasting we spontaneously stopped at one along our route. We ordered their sampler only to find out that they primarily serve dry wine. We don’t like dry wine. We went to a Meadery across the street after that to taste wine made from honey, that was very interesting. Bought some chocolate dessert wine! There are lots of great Colorado wineries to pick from!

Popular Restaurants

We try to go out to dinner on Friday nights, so we’ve been to a lot of restaurants for dinner. The Hot Tomato in Fruita is one of our favorites for pizza. Be prepared for a wait if you go during primetime. We recently tried Base Camp Provisions in Fruita too, that was wonderful. We ate outside in February! They have beer, wine and spirits. The Ale House in Grand Junction has a large menu and it is also a popular place. It’s near the CMU Campus on 12th Street.

Palisade Pizza and PourHouse near I-70 in Palisade opened in early 2025. Their pizza is amazing, we love the BBQ Chicken Deluxe. Their dough comes from Italy. Very easily one of the top 3 places to go for pizza in the Grand Valley. And you get a wrist band to use on the “tap wall” that includes wine, ciders, cocktails, and brews so you can pour yourself a small amount or mix if you want to. It was fantastic. We went back a week later with our daughter and son-in-law. It’s new, so they are still finalizing some things. They have an adjacent boutique and wine shop with wines from several wineries in the area. Follow them on Facebook – they make great posts!

tap wall of wine, beer, cider and cocktails at Palisade Pizza and PourHouse

The “tap wall” of wine, beer, cider and cocktails at Palisade Pizza and PourHouse

The Grand Valley has its fair share of chain restaurants too if you are looking for something familiar. In Grand Junction, we just got a Panda Express, and a new place called The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, delicious! Try the Greek soup called, Avgolemono. It’s chicken, rice, and lemon juice, so delicious, better than chicken noodle soup! We’ve eaten at several Thai and Asian restaurants, a few Indian ones, and of course Mexican food is everywhere and always so fresh.

For fast fresh Mexican we like Costa Vida and Café Rio near the GJ Mall. For authentic Mexican and the best house Margarita I’ve had in a long time, go to Fidel’s in Palisade. You might want to make a reservation for peak times. The best place for an affordable steak is in Loma at the Cattlemen’s Bar and Grill. They have a fresh salad bar too! Nothing like a good bar and grill in Grand Junction CO!

Food Trucks

Farmers Markets during the summer have a variety of food trucks to try as well as fresh produce to make your own meal. Grand Junction’s Farmers Market is on Thursday evenings on Main Street. Fruita is Saturday mornings downtown and Palisade’s is downtown on Sunday mornings.

The Lowell School off 7th Street in Grand Junction has “Grand Valley Food Truck Fridays” which is a convenient way to experience a variety of food and beverages. There are food trucks in other places around town too. It’s nice to support the local restaurants and restaurateurs.

The Business Incubator Center near the Colorado River in Grand Junction offers entrepreneurs a commercial kitchen to prepare their food for the food trucks and other endeavors. A great resource for anyone starting a business. Their mission is to support the launch, growth, stabilization, and long-term success of business enterprises in Mesa County and the surrounding region. Business Incubator Center.

Snacks and Picnic Food

I like Fisher’s Market in Grand Junction for picnic food. Excellent smoked fish, huge variety of cheeses, meats, and lots of crackers and jarred treasures. They have a deli to buy meat and seafood for the grill and delicious ready to go salads too. Skip’s Farm to Market on Aspen Ave in downtown Fruita offers more local food options than a traditional grocery store. We haven’t been yet, but I think the Hog and Hen in downtown GJ will be another great place to buy snacks and lunch.

If you go on a road trip, or even just a day trip, always bring plenty of snacks and water. Sometimes you don’t know where your next opportunity for food will be. We have come to appreciate having a roadside picnic with our own food in a scenic location, at a time when we are ready to eat. It’s peaceful. Sometimes we shop at Sprouts Farmers Market in Grand Junction near 25 Road and the Business Loop for a variety of healthier snack and drink options for our road trips. They have an incredible bulk section, great for trying something new. Bring your own container for bulk food if you’d like.

If you are new to the area and haven’t spent much time at 4600+ ft elevation or higher, be sure to read my post about How to Avoid Altitude Sickness. And if you are road tripping to GJ from Denver, read my post about what it’s really like to drive I-70! Looking for adventure? Read my Top Day Trips from Grand Junction post.

If you are coming for a visit to the Grand Valley area, give me a call. I’d love to fill you in on our local real estate if you are considering moving to Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade or anywhere in Mesa County. Want to move to Colorado now?

Paul Aspelin at Palisade Pizza PourHouse

Live Your Vacation Everyday when you Move to Grand Junction!

Text/Call 612-306-9558

PAUL ASPELIN, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE

Grand Valley 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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