Why Move to Grand Junction?

While cities like Fruita and Palisade offer their unique charms, Grand Junction stands out as the vibrant heart of the valley, providing countless reasons to make Grand Junction your first choice to call home. The Grand Junction population is growing, thanks to migration from other states and regions within Colorado. According to Visit Grand Junction, we got 3.2 million visitors in 2023, so you are not alone if you want to come visit Grand Junction!

Living in Grand Junction isn’t just about the incredible proximity to the great outdoors, it offers a really good quality of life. One of the first things I noticed was the big city amenities with a small-town charm. What could be better? And everything seems to be within a few miles from where we live.

Storybook downtown

Downtown Grand Junction, with its enchanting Main Street, exudes a small-town charm that rivals any other. We were impressed with the street and sidewalk design right away. Lined with local shops, farm-to-table restaurants, breweries, and the iconic Avalon Theater, the atmosphere is nothing short of magical—especially during the holidays. Picture yourself strolling through streets adorned with decorations and holiday lights, immersing yourself in the spirited hustle and bustle of seasonal shopping—it’s like stepping into a Hallmark movie. Downtown Grand Junction will not disappoint. We really enjoy getting a peach smoothie at Main Street Bagels.

Big City Amenities

The area around Mesa Mall caters to all your shopping and dining needs, from well-known national brands like Target, Home Depot, and Cabela’s and many others. You’ll find some local gems like Kiln Coffee, Trail Life Brewing, Pour Fellows Restaurant, and Enstrom’s Candies located just off of main street in the downtown district. Some of the most exciting big city news of late has been the announcement of a new Costco opening in 2026! What an incredible addition to Grand Junction! We truly have it all; we just need to convince Aldi to join the mix!

Not your ordinary “College” town

Colorado Mesa University, in the center of Grand Junction, boasts a campus that is as stunning as it is academically renowned. With many new modern buildings, meticulously maintained grounds, and top-notch facilities, it offers an unparalleled college experience. Our daughter graduated from CMU, enjoying not only an excellent education but also a unique college life enriched by proximity to outdoor adventures like mountain biking, hiking, camping, skiing, and rafting. Unlike many typical small college towns, residents of Grand Junction celebrate the partnership with CMU and all that it brings to the sense of community in the Grand Valley. What an asset to all those who live, work and play in the Grand Valley. Ask me about the day we dropped her off for her freshman year, 1200 miles from home, with only a bike to get around. She didn’t know anyone but made friends quickly in this welcoming community.

The Perfect Base Camp

What makes Grand Junction an even more enticing choice is its strategic location as a “base camp” for extraordinary adventures. Within a short drive, you can explore Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, Gunnison, and the San Juan Mountain range to the south. Or head 90 minutes west to Moab, UT, including the breathtaking Canyonlands and Arches National Park. Northward, discover the wonders of Dinosaur National Monument. Venture east on I-70, winding through the Glenwood Canyon and on to experience the renowned Rocky Mountains. Now imagine the places you could visit within a day’s drive. Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Phoenix, the Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Lake Powell. The list goes on and on. Read my post about the Top Day Trips from Grand Junction that shares more of our personal experiences and tips, with photos too!

Grand Junction truly is the perfect base camp for a life of adventures, especially with all the hiking and biking trails right in the Grand Valley. Simply amazing! Plus, there are many options to camp right here, especially along the Colorado River, like at Camp Eddy!

Historic Housing

From historic neighborhoods with character-filled homes to modern developments boasting the latest amenities, Grand Junction offers a spectrum of housing options tailored to different lifestyles. Grand Junction is dotted with charming, tree-lined neighborhoods that exude a sense of community. Areas like the Redlands showcase a mix of architectural styles, from classic bungalows to contemporary designs. These neighborhoods often offer a quiet, residential atmosphere with easy access to local parks, schools, and community events.

Modern Housing

For those seeking modern comforts and energy-efficient features, Grand Junction has seen a surge in new construction developments. From single-family homes to townhouses, these properties often boast the latest design trends, incorporating spacious layouts, updated appliances, and even eco-friendly all-electric neighborhoods.

City Living

If you are more of the urban type, you can immerse yourself in Grand Junction’s history by exploring the city’s historic districts. Charming Victorian and Craftsman-style homes line the streets, creating an ambiance that reflects the city’s rich past. Living in a historic home can offer a unique blend of character and nostalgia, all while being part of Grand Junction’s cultural heritage. Just drive down Gunnison or 7^th street to be impressed.

Rural Properties

If you’re looking for more elbow room, venture just outside the city, it’s only an extra 5 minutes! You’ll discover rural properties and ranch-style homes that embrace the natural beauty of the surrounding mesas and valleys. These homes often offer larger plots of land, providing a serene escape while remaining within easy reach of city conveniences. The views are incredible!

Rentals

Grand Junction also offers a range of apartment and house rental options for those who prefer low-maintenance living. Whether it’s a downtown loft with easy access to cultural hotspots or a suburban apartment with proximity to shopping and dining, renters have ample choices. But I must warn you, the competition for the best rentals can be fierce. With the current housing shortage, many relocation clients are opting to rent while they search for their perfect home. Ask me how we found our first place to rent.

In Grand Junction, the diversity of housing options ensures that there’s a perfect fit for every lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of downtown, the modern amenities of new developments, or the tranquility of rural living, Grand Junction welcomes you to explore its myriad housing possibilities and discover the place you’ll proudly call home. I sure did.

Property Search

Let me know if you want me to set you up with an MLS property search notification, based on your housing criteria. I can alert you when something new comes on the market that meets your needs and your budget. I can also let the other agents know what you are looking for. Sometimes we can find a property for our clients before it ever hits the MLS thanks to our office networking with each other. Text or call me at 612-306-9558 or go to my Get Started page.

Traffic? What Traffic?

Commute times in Grand Junction, Colorado, are generally under 15 minutes, contributing to the overall appeal of the city. Grand Junction is known for its relatively low traffic congestion compared to larger metropolitan areas. The city is well-planned, and the road network is designed to handle traffic efficiently. And that goes for the hardly busy Grand Junction airport! Drop-offs and pick-ups are quick and easy at the airport.

However, I must say that the addresses and street names that have fractional numbers can drive most people a little crazy. That is, until you understand why they are the way they are. I remember the first time my wife said to turn onto “F 3/4″. I wasn’t sure if she was swearing at me or giving me directions. We laugh about it all the time.

Here is an excellent explanation for the next time you’re on 28 ½ Road and need to turn on B 4/10. What? Here’s a great article from Colorado Public Radio that explains.

Grand Junction has a public transportation system, including buses operated by Grand Valley Transit, which provides services within the city and to nearby areas. This can be a convenient option for those who prefer not to drive or want to reduce their carbon footprint. While Grand Junction experiences traffic, especially during peak hours, congestion is generally not as severe as in larger cities. Residents often appreciate the smoother flow of traffic and shorter travel times.

The best part of any driving anywhere in the Grand Valley is that we are constantly treated to scenic views of the Book Cliff Mountains, Mount Garfield, The Grand Mesa, and the Colorado National Monument.

Unparalleled Healthcare

The Grand Valley serves as a healthcare hub for over half a million residents spanning from Western Colorado into Utah and Wyoming. We’ve got five hospitals including the renowned St. Mary’s Medical Center. This region is the largest medical community between Denver and Salt Lake City. Many patients arrive via helicopter, some from up to 2 hours away. Despite its modest size, the level of medical and health services available in Grand Junction is exceptional, setting a standard uncommon for a community of this size. The healthcare infrastructure here is not merely comprehensive but is distinguished by a commitment to excellence. The recently built Community Hospital on the west side of town just expanded!

It’s About a Lifestyle and Community

In Grand Junction, you’re not just choosing a city; you’re embracing a lifestyle that combines the best of small-town warmth with the excitement of limitless outdoor exploration at your doorstep. There is always something fun and exciting to do in this town. A Grand Junction retirement is a smart choice too. Learn more about retiring in Grand Junction. The pride and sense of community is off the charts. Welcome to a community that captures the heart and soul of the Grand Valley—the vibrant and thriving Grand Junction!

US Navy Blue Angels Air Show

We had company in town the weekend of the US Navy Blue Angels Air Show at the Grand Junction airport. We didn’t buy tickets but we got to experience the thunder of these impressive planes and their pilots for the few days prior while they practiced and the day of the show. It was absolutely amazing and next year we are getting tickets so we can see the planes up close!