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Grand Junction, Colorado
What It Is Like to Retire in Grand junction
Grand Junction, Colorado comes up near the top of many people's "best places to retire". For one thing, this fast-growing town perched on the border with Utah has a relatively low cost of living. It is also a college town (Colorado Mesa University has over 10,000 students on campus here). Natural beauty and recreation is abundant with the Rocky Mountains and the Colorado National Monument (see picture above). The town is the unofficial capital of the Western Slope. Although the city population was about 67,000 in 2020, there are over 130,000 in the metro area. Many people are very enthusiastic about the quality of lifestye here.
People who have retired to Grand Junction cite the nice downtown, abundant local fruit and wineries, and many outstanding recreational activities within a short drive. The climate is dry and sunny. Jobs are said to be plentiful, a plus for anyone considering working in retirement. Nearby Fruita is another popular retirement town.
Where to Retire in Grand junction and Home Prices
There are at least 5 golf course communities here, including Redlands Mesa. Because the area is growing so fast there are many choices for places to live.
Real estate prices in Grand Junction, although increasing, are much more reasonable than in Boulder. According to Zillow.com, the median home value in Grand Junction was $368,531 in early 2023.
What Is Special about Grand junction
Colorado National Monument ; 8 wineries ; stunning desert-mountain scenery and recreation; many golf courses; locally grown fruit; many available jobs; fast growing with new housing and communities; dry and sunny climate. To get a good insight into what it is like to live in Grand Junction (GJ), read the "My take on Grand Junction" post at City-Data.com
What Is Not Special about Grand junction
Remote; Grand Junction is well over 200 miles to either Salt Lake City or Denver; it can be windy; town could be growing too quickly.
Who Will Like Retirement in Grand junction
Mountain lovers. Outdoors people. Wine and agriculture buffs. The average age is 37, a few years younger than the statewide average. Colorado Mesa University offers Lifelong Learning and a Golden Scholars Program for seniors with access to their library, computers, and discounts to programs.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Construction, healthcare, education, agriculture and viticulture, oil and mineral extraction (however, this part of the economy in the area is driven by fluctuations in the oil and gas industry and may not be a consistent viable economic industry)
Climate and Physical Environment
Located at altitude of 4600' with towering mountains above. Grand Junction is at the junction of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers in west-central Colorado, near the border of Utah. The climate is dry, sunny, occasionally windswept. Canyons and mesas abound. The average July high temp is 92. The average January high is 37 and the low is 16. The wettest month is March (1")
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
There are a growing number of cultural activities, many of them connected to Colorado Mesa University . According to one reviewer, Il Bistro Italiano is the best restaurant in town. Residents tend to criticize the quality and variety of GJ restaurants. There is a downtown theater.
Crime
Crime in Grand Junction is higher than the Colorado and national averages.
Medical facilities
There are two hospitals including Community Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital, plus a highly rated VA Hospital.
Transportation
Grand Junction Regional Airport offers regional service to several cities; Interstate 70 goes through here; Grand Junction is below average in walkability when compared to other communities.
Valuable Links
Wikipedia on Grand Junction Grand Junction City-Data Retirement in Colorado Grand Junction Visitor Information
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