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8 Reasons to Move to Grand Junction, CO

This Western Colorado gem offers stunning scenery, amazing job opportunities and much more. Find out why relocating to Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade could work for you.

By Livability on February 6, 2023

Family biking in Las Colonias Park
Devon Balet

When you think Colorado, chances are Denver, Colorado Springs and Boulder come to mind. But there’s this perfectly situated spot on the western side of the state that’s drawing residents because of its warm welcomes, outstanding outdoors, booming economy and so much more.

Meet the Grand Valley.

Made up of Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade, this region has so much to offer. Here are eight reasons to move to Grand Junction and this amazing region.

1. The outdoor options are simply amazing.

Whether you want to power down a mountain on a bike, raft down a river or canyoneer in breathtaking terrain, the Grand Valley has something to offer. This is the home of the Colorado National Monument and some of the most popular rock climbing spots in the nation. The Palisade Plunge is one of the longest downhill-only trails in the country. Grand Junction, located at the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, features 24 miles of paved paths, perfect for walking, biking or rollerblading.

2. You can afford to live here.

You can get Colorado for a lower price in the Grand Valley. The overall cost of living in Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade is much lower than Denver or Boulder, and the region’s median home values are just 60% of the statewide average.

3. Remote workers will love the Grand Valley.

With 10-gigabit bandwidth broadband and cloud networking, the region has the digital muscle to support remote workers. The Grand Valley boasts a 230,000-volt transmission line and two Tier 1 power providers as well as redundant connectivity to Denver, Salt Lake City and the Wyoming-New Mexico region.

Grand Junction Regional Airport
Grand Junction Regional Airport

4. It’s easy to get around.

It’s easy to get around the Grand Valley, especially with easy access to Interstate 70, which connects the region to cities such as Denver and Salt Lake City. For air travelers, Grand Junction Regional Airport is the third-largest in Colorado. The region also offers Class I rail from BNSF Railway and Union Pacific. Amtrak provides passenger service via a Grand Junction station.

5. You’ll be well-schooled.

The region is home to Colorado Mesa University, with an enrollment of 11,000 and one of the fastest-growing public higher-ed institutions in the state. Nearly 15% of the university’s students come from out of state. Also, Western Colorado Community College is located at CMU’s Tilman M. Bishop Campus, which is a partnership between the university, Mesa County Valley School District 51 and area businesses.

6. You can score a good job here.

If you’re looking for a successful career, the Grand Valley economy is robust thanks to major sectors in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, agribusiness, energy, outdoor tourism and technology. Another strong industry is health care, and residents have excellent options, including Community Hospital, Grand Junction VA Medical Center and St. Mary’s Medical Center.

7. Find plenty of fresh food.

A healthy lifestyle is embraced by local residents, and the Grand Valley is graced with excellent farmers markets. Fruita Farmers Market takes place at Reed Park every Saturday from June to October, while Downtown Farmers Market in Grand Junction convenes every Thursday evening from mid-June to mid-September along four blocks of Main Street. Also well worth visiting is Palisade Sunday Farmers Market that occurs each Sunday from early June to early October in the town’s downtown area, near the intersection of 3rd and Main.

8. You have three great cities to choose from.

The Grand Valley includes Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade. Grand Junction offers many parks, a lively downtown and attractions such as Colorado National Monument and Grand Mesa. Fruita is known as a mountain-biking haven, and native wildlife such as eagles, mule deer and bighorn sheep can be seen. Palisade, in the shadows of Mount Garfield, is in the heart of Colorado wine country and is known for its many vineyards and its rich agricultural heritage.

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