Tag Archive for: places to retire

Don’t wait! Semi-Retire in Grand Junction

Work/Life Balance in Grand Junction

If you are looking for a simpler, more satisfying, work/life balance, I recommend you consider semi-retirement in Grand Junction. To me semi-retirement means working full or part-time and having a flexible lifestyle that allows you more freedom. Full retirement in Grand Junction is fabulous, but why wait until you fully “retire” to move to Grand Junction or any of our beautiful communities here in Mesa County?

Paul Aspelin and Michelle Aspelin semi-retire in grand junction co

Moving to Colorado!

If you are at a point in your life that would allow you the opportunity to move, take it! If you had children, maybe they are now in college or have graduated from college and are out of the house. We’ve gone through those emotions of becoming empty nesters. Our dog died right after our youngest graduated from high school and went off to college in Arizona. We became complete empty-nesters in 2021. However, we were not ready to retire yet, being in our early 50’s at that time.

We reflected on our years together, the places we’ve been, the experiences we’ve had. We decided to make a lifestyle change. We saw and did as much as we wanted to in Minnesota and Wisconsin and made dozens of road trips to Michigan to see family too. We were ready to experience a different part of our amazing country. You can read more about our story on my About Paul page.

The point is, I know what it’s like to pivot. I understand what it means to research new communities and consider moving across the country. When we moved, Michelle could continue her same business offering website services since she is free to “work from anywhere”. I, however, had to establish myself again in a brand-new community. Thankfully, I had 20+ years of experience so getting acclimated wasn’t too difficult.

Working in Grand Junction

If you own a business or can work from home, consider checking out GJEP, the Grand Junction Economic Development nonprofit that serves our business community. There are incentives to bring your business here, especially if you offer higher than average wages.

If you are ready for a career change, maybe a pivot to something less stressful in a different industry. There are lots of options in the Grand Valley. We are not a resort town, but we have lots of retail and hospitality opportunities. Colorado Mesa University has opportunities for instructors as well as administrative and community focused staff.

With three hospitals and related clinics in the Grand Valley, jobs in healthcare are plentiful. I get a lot of calls from people who were recruited by St. Mary’s hospital and are now moving here, looking for a place to live. Mostly nurses, but some doctors too.

Each community has an active Chamber of Commerce. Everyone is very friendly and will welcome you with open arms. Bring your business or start a new one after you get here. There is a high entrepreneurial spirit here, a “can-do” attitude, at least that is what we have experienced.

The Western Slope vs the Front Range

If you are moving to Colorado from a higher cost of living area, then your higher work from home wages will go far in our lower cost of living community. Mesa County is less expensive than living on the “front range” cities like Boulder, Denver and Colorado Springs. When you read or hear statistics about Colorado, be sure to consider the point of reference. The western slope tends to be more rural and therefore more conservative, just like other states.

The west slope moves at a slower pace. There is less congestion with fewer people. We don’t experience “traffic” here. So, if you have been commuting to a job and want to reclaim hours of your day and week, it’s time to semi-retire in Grand Junction.

Experience More in Grand Junction

Mesa Lakes Lodge Lake Loop on the Grand Mesa

I could write more here about all the things to do, places to eat, and outdoor activities, but that’s basically what this whole blog is about. I’ve said this a thousand times; Grand Junction makes a great base camp to access so much more within a 2-3 hour drive. It’s a truly diverse area when you think you can live in the desert yet be in the Rocky Mountains within 2 hours. Every drive we take is amazing. We say “Wow! Look at that!” a whole lot more than we used to, that’s for sure. Read about the day trips from Grand Junction that I’ve posted. I am continually adding more as we explore this diverse region of the country.

The key takeaway is life is precious. LIVE your best life every day. Don’t get stagnant and think you are stuck. You are not. Don’t wait to move to Colorado until you retire, semi-retire in Grand Junction now. We are waiting for you with open arms.

Call/text me at 612-306-9558 if you are coming into town and want to connect. I’d be happy to show you around Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade. I can help you with buying a house in Grand Junction, anywhere in Mesa County, or buying a house in Colorado communities near Grand Junction that you may be considering. I’m up for a road trip, how about you?

Check out the post I wrote about living in a place that your kids and grandkids will want to come for a visit. We have so much to offer people of all ages.

Don’t wait! Experience the Grand Junction Lifestyle in your semi-retirement years!

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

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

by Paul Aspelin, REALTOR

Why Choose to Retire in Grand Junction Colorado?

Why Choose to Retire in Grand Junction?

11 Compelling Reasons Why People Choose to Retire in Grand Junction, Colorado by Paul Aspelin, Realtor®

Grand Junction, Colorado, has emerged as a favored retirement destination for various compelling reasons. Many of these apply to people in all stages of life. And it’s not just about moving to Grand Junction, but Fruita and Palisade are fantastic destinations as well as other cities in Mesa County. Check out the whole Grand Valley area.

Before I moved here with my wife, we read about retiring in Grand Junction in a Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine she picked up at the airport. We wanted to learn all about Grand Junction retirement options and benefits.

Did you know that the majority of the population in Mesa County is retirement age? Our median household income and per capita income has been rising since 2017. Mesa County is growing thanks to people migrating here from other states or other regions in Colorado. According to Visit Grand Junction, the number one thing visitors say about Grand Junction is “Your community is so friendly”. Yay! Here’s more to love…

1. Scenic Beauty

Grand Junction boasts breathtaking natural landscapes, including the Colorado National Monument, the Grand Mesa, the Book Cliff mountains and the Colorado River. Its stunning scenery and mild climate create an irresistible lure for retirees. Spring comes early and fall is long, so there’s plenty of time to be outdoors in this dry climate.

2. Abundance of Outdoor Activities

The Grand Valley offers retirees an array of outdoor recreational opportunities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, and more. This ensures an active and fulfilling lifestyle in retirement.

We are told, when Grand Junction has a mild winter, people can golf year-round. You can search online to find the numerous bike shops that rent cruiser bikes and e-bikes. Be sure to walk or ride on the Riverfront Trail that goes from Fruita, through Grand Junction and on to Palisade!

Talbott's Cider Co in Palisade, CO showing variety of hard ciders

I took this picture at Talbott’s Cider Co in Palisade, CO – shows a variety of hard ciders. A must stop on the Fruit and Wine Byway in Palisade

3. Wine Country

Located in the heart of Colorado’s wine country, Grand Junction and Palisade boast 35+ wineries and vineyards, making it an ideal place for retirees who appreciate wine tasting and cultural experiences.

Be sure to investigate the wineries first and choose a winery that offers the type of wine you like. Some specialize in dry wine, fruit wines and wine made from honey!

The Colorado Mountain Wine Fest happens annually in September at Riverbend Park in Palisade. The Colorado Mountain Winefest is not just an event for wine enthusiasts; it’s a celebration of community, cultivation, and the pursuit of excellence in winemaking.

There are many distilleries too offering specialty spirits and hard cider, like Talbott’s Farm Market and Tap Room in Palisade located on the scenic Fruit and Wine Byway.

4. Mild Climate

With over 300 days of sunshine annually, Grand Junction enjoys a mild climate, particularly attractive to those seeking to escape harsh winter weather.

I love the low humidity here in the high desert area of Colorado. I wasn’t expecting what a difference it feels like to have low humidity. Thankfully, it makes being outdoors so much more enjoyable year-round. Great for a Grand Junction retirement!

In fact, it was a 90 degree August day we moved our daughter into her CMU dorm room and we didn’t need to change clothes because we didn’t get that “sticky” feeling! It was eye-opening. However, due to the heat, we did experience one of our new Target purchases melting in the bed of our truck. That was unexpected too!

Read my post about Grand Junction Weather that includes the average high and low temps by month.

5. Affordable Living

Compared to larger cities in Colorado, especially on the front range (Ft. Collins, Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs area), Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade offer a more affordable cost of living. Housing, utilities, and other expenses are budget-friendly. Read my post about Property Tax savings for seniors and others. They are so much lower here than what we experienced in Minnesota!

I can set you up on an MLS search so you can compare different areas to live within the Grand Valley. I have especially noticed a lower cost for groceries and fresh produce in particular. When you come visit, walk through a City Market and see how it compares to your local grocery store prices.

Luckily for us, Palisade, Grand Junction and Fruita all have wonder Farmers Markets that run during the summer months, amazing produce! And there’s a property tax benefit for those 65+ that is the subject of another post on this website, so look for that!

6. Access to Quality Healthcare

Grand Junction is home to renowned healthcare facilities, including St. Mary’s Medical Center and Community Hospital, ensuring retirees have access to quality healthcare. There is also a hospital in Fruita. St. Mary’s is a regional hospital serving communities 1-2 hours away. Healthcare is Grand Junction’s largest industry, government and Colorado Mesa University are also larger employers in this region.

7. Cultural Vibrancy

Grand Junction offers a vibrant cultural scene with music festivals, art exhibitions, theaters and local events, providing retirees with entertainment and opportunities for engagement. Many locations offer reduced ticket fees. Mesa County Libraries support cultural programs too. Check out my post about Mesa County Libraries.

8. Welcoming Community

The friendly and welcoming community in Grand Junction fosters a strong sense of belonging and connection for retirees. There are many clubs and organizations you can consider, like the Friends of Mesa County Libraries. And it’s easy to fly here thanks to the Grand Junction airport. Read about my airport experience!

Took this photo on our last trip to Arches National Park. We brought our visiting relatives for a tour.

9. Proximity to National Parks

Grand Junction is close to national parks like Arches and Canyonlands in Utah, making it an excellent base for exploring the great outdoors during retirement.

Fun fact, if you want to know how far you are from the Utah border, simply look at the street signs. 25 Mile Road means you are 25 miles from the border. Sorry about the crazy half mile roads like 24 1/2 mile. Unfortunately, I’m not sure why they weren’t more creative when naming the roads around here. Particularly, the really weird ones like F 3/4 road. But I’ll admit, when we visit our friend off of “F ‘n three fourths” we do chuckle saying it out loud.

Sorry to get sidetracked. Moab, Utah is about 1.5 hours away, 90 miles and is a great base for going into Canyonlands or Arches and the local state parks. Additionally, you need to schedule a Timed-Entry into Arches, so visit their website first to make a reservation before you drive there. Ask me about tips for that too!

10. Low Crime Rate

Grand Junction maintains a relatively low crime rate, contributing to retirees’ sense of safety and security. You can learn more by contacting the Grand Junction Police Department directly.

11. Lifelong Learning Opportunities

Retirees in Grand Junction can continue their education through classes at Colorado Mesa University. You can gain access to libraries and cultural institutions. Learn about the CMU Golden Scholars program for persons 60 years of age and over to take courses at a discounted rate without the stress of earning a grade. Learn something new!

Learn more “things to do” in Grand Junction, Colorado on the Visit Grand Junction website. Read what I learned after the first three months of living in Grand Junction, CO. It’s the post with the toilet paper image! And, great for any age, read my experience and tips on the Top Day Trips from Grand Junction, with photos!

In summary, the combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, affordable living, and a welcoming community positions Grand Junction as an appealing destination for retirees. Especially those seeking a high quality of life and an active retirement. Therefore, prospective retirees should conduct thorough research and visit the area to ensure it aligns with their specific preferences and needs. Ask me about planning a Grand Junction retirement!