Residents Love Living in Greater Grand Junction, CO
Enjoy Colorado living at its best in Greater Grand Junction.
When Stephanie Plieness and her family moved to Grand Junction, CO, a few years ago, she was amazed by how well the area complemented her lifestyle. Main Street is a dream for shopping local, she says, and she was blown away by the culinary scene, bounty of local produce available at farmers markets and outdoor recreation options.
“In addition to ample trails – both paved and dirt – for hiking, biking, running and strolling, the Colorado River is easily accessible, and we raft and stand-up paddleboard as much as possible,” Plieness says.
Residents love living in Greater Grand Junction, CO, because they are able to easily create a life they want. Not only is the region affordable, meaning those who call the area home can spend more money on things they love, but thanks to the collection of activities available here, everyone can mold their day-to-day life to fit their unique lifestyles.
In This Article
Affordable Living in Greater Grand Junction, CO
While the cost of living creeps up in Colorado, the Greater Grand Junction region remains an affordable pocket of the state.
For example, while the average home value is $385,000 in Grand Junction (Zillow, August 2023), it’s $569,000 in Denver and $1 million in Boulder. Plus, there are all kinds of free ways to have fun in this area, from lacing up your hiking boots and taking to the scenic trails to enjoying free concerts with your neighbors.
Career Opportunities in Greater Grand Junction, CO
Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to launch your business or you’re ready to grow your career, there are plenty of great jobs in a variety of fields throughout the Greater Grand Junction region. In fact, the area is known for its aerospace and advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, energy and renewables, health and medical care, outdoor recreation, and technology sectors.
Remote workers also hit their stride. Plieness, who is in public relations in the travel, tourism and hospitality sector, is a remote worker. While she rents an affordable desk in a shared office space, she says there are all kinds of remote work options, from coffee shops to breweries and wineries.
The Arts in Greater Grand Junction, CO
The Greater Grand Junction region is home to an amazing arts scene, and you can see it everywhere.
In Fruita, for example, many sculptures have been constructed within roundabouts, and the city is home to the Fruita Arts Recreation Marketplace (FARM), a multi-unit retail and private studio space where creative professionals and professional creatives intersect.
Palisade boasts the Blue Pig Gallery, while Grand Junction is home to The Art Center of Western Colorado.
Friendly Residents in Greater Grand Junction, CO
People aren’t strangers for long in the Greater Grand Junction region.
In fact, ask just about any local, and they’ll confirm that people are supportive, welcoming and willing to lend a helping hand.
Chanel Crumbaugh, a real estate professional and certified residential appraiser, lives in Palisade with her husband and two children.
“Over the years, we have been lucky to connect with and befriend many other ‘Palisadians,’” she says. “We love driving our golf cart around town and visiting the local wineries, distilleries, small restaurants, cute shops on Main Street, exploring the farmers market and enjoying floats down the Colorado River.”
Outdoor Activities in Greater Grand Junction, CO
When it comes to landscapes, Greater Grand Junction is spoiled. There are deep red sandstone canyons, the Grand Mesa that dramatically rises on the eastern end of the Grand Junction area and the Book Cliffs, which are a stretch of cliffs that, you guessed it, look like books lining a shelf.
Locals never run out of things to do on the weekends, as the area allows for activities like walking, running and biking along the Riverfront Trail and canoeing, kayaking, swimming, tubing and SUPing on the Colorado River.
Plus, in the winter months, residents are close to skiing and snowboarding at Powderhorn.
With wineries, orchards and all kinds of fun things to do outdoors, there are lots of visitors that come to the region.
“People come from all over the country or even all over the world to visit and vacation here, and we get to live here,” Crumbaugh says.
Get to Know Greater Grand Junction, CO
Want to learn more about living and working in Greater Grand Junction, CO? Check out the latest edition of Livability Grand Junction & Beyond, Fruita, Grand Junction & Palisade, Colorado.