Warm Retirement Destinations - Move to Grand Junction CO

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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

Winter Weather in Grand Junction

Retirement Weather Expectations Redefined When You live in Grand Junction

When considering a retirement destination, people often focus on housing, proximity to family, cost of living, access to healthcare, quality of life, state tax rates, winter weather, and even job opportunities. However, the one aspect that often tops the retirement location list is mild winter weather. Regardless of your personal reasoning, I urge you to explore why the winter weather in Grand Junction stands out as an ideal location for retirement.

Winter Weather in Grand Junction

For many retirees, the idea of escaping harsh winter conditions is a key factor in choosing a new home. Grand Junction, nestled in the heart of the Grand Valley, boasts winters that are mild in temperature and snowfall compared to other parts of the country. Unlike regions with challenging winters, the Grand Valley provides a comfortable climate that enhances your retirement experience. Read my post about Grand Junction Weather.

Cold Weather States

In colder weather states, there’s an unspoken expectation that retirees are required to only head to warmer destinations, like Florida or Arizona, to escape winter’s grip. However, Grand Junction challenges this norm. The decision to retire here isn’t solely about avoiding winter; it’s about embracing a balanced lifestyle and experiencing all four seasons. The Grand Valley offers something unique—a place where you can enjoy the benefits of winter without the extremes found in other cold-weather regions. You don’t have to give up winter altogether.

Grand Junction Parade of Lights

Enjoy the Change of Seasons

I was well aware of the mild winters before moving to Grand Junction. It wasn’t until I made the move to Grand Junction that I realized how much I still appreciate the joy of experiencing distinct seasons. Having lived through the brutal winters of Minnesota, I developed a genuine love for the season and winter activities, just not 6-8 months of it!

Retirement in Grand Junction means you can still enjoy the enchantment of snow-covered landscapes and the seasonal activities that winter provides. With ice fishing being a part of my DNA, a quick trip to the Grand Mesa can easily fulfill my desire to be outdoors on “hard water” as we called it in Minnesota.

You can embrace a half day of skiing at Powderhorn Mountain Resort in the morning and an afternoon round of golf at the Redlands Mesa Golf Course in the same day. If that sounds like a great day, then Grand Junction is right for you. Read my post about Golf Courses in Grand Junction.

We have enjoyed the Fruita Parade of Lights and the Grand Junction Parade of Lights without freezing. In fact, I recommend the extremely chocolatey Polar Express hot chocolate from Main Street Bagels, only available the day of the Grand Junction Parade of Lights.

Sunshine Year Round

One of the standout features of Grand Junction is the abundance of sunshine throughout the year. I believe the stat is 300+ days of sunshine? Unlike the gloomy winters experienced in some states, the Grand Valley enjoys a remarkable amount of sunshine. No more seasonal depression brought on by cloudy grey skies here. Yay Colorado desert!

Warm But Not Too Hot

You might consider New Mexico, Nevada, or Arizona as your warm weather destination. But those places can be really hot! Almost unbearably so. I had a friend move from Minnesota to AZ with her husband after she retired. Every summer she spent indoors to be in the air conditioning. Similar to when Minnesota residents “hibernate” until spring. It was too hot for her to enjoy Arizona year-round. She ended up moving back to Minnesota.

It gets warm in Grand Junction but not so hot that you can’t enjoy the summer outdoors. Yes, you have to keep yourself hydrated and be aware of how you feel if you go up in the higher elevations (read my post about Avoiding Altitude Sickness). But it’s a “dry heat”. Read what it means to be in the Colorado desert on my Grand Junction Weather post. We don’t have the high humidity like the southeastern United States.

Redefining Retirement Expectations

Grand Junction, with its mild winters, abundant sunshine, and a perfect balance of seasons, challenges the traditional notion of needing a warm destination for retirement. If you’re ready to redefine your retirement expectations and embrace a diverse and enjoyable lifestyle, consider living in Grand Junction as your next home.

The Grand Valley has something to offer everyone, making it a truly special place to begin this new chapter of your life. Please connect with me early in your destination search and allow me to show you all the Grand Valley can offer.

Read my posts about the many reasons to choose Fruita, Grand Junction or Palisade. I can help you find just the right property in Mesa County.

Let me help you, Move to Grand Junction!

We’ve been waiting for you!

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

Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE

In November, we rented a Polaris RZR ATV and got to ride on trails all day in Moab, UT. We went to Uranium Arch and other great spots. A fantastic winter activity with family and friends! It was a little muddy the day we went because it had just snowed, but it was so beautiful!