What Are The Pros And Cons Of Living In Grand Junction, CO?
There are so many amazing places to live in the sunny state of Colorado. With a multitude of gorgeous cities along the Front Range, it’s often easy to overlook the stunning Western Slope region of Colorado.
Less populated and more isolated than its eastern counterpart, Western Slope cities have long been a destination for people looking to embrace a slower-paced lifestyle.
Even though the region covers 38% of Colorado’s mountainous topography, the Western Slope only accounts for 10% of the state’s population. If isolation is what you’re after, this part of Colorado is for you!
It’s common knowledge among Coloradoans that the Front Range is steadily becoming more popular and thus more crowded. If you’re looking for somewhere more secluded, a little further away from the steady hubbub of cities like Denver and Fort Collins, look no further than Grand Junction.
Grand Junction is one of the Western Slope’s most popular cities. Pros to living in Grand Junction include its plethora of outdoor activities, proximity to national parks, affordable housing, and historic downtown. Grand Junction is quickly becoming one of the most desirable places to live in Colorado. However, there are a few cons to living so far off the beaten track, like the intense isolation, the homeless problem, and the lack of culture.
Where once the city of Grand Junction was a hotspot for retirees all over the country, it now offers a plethora of draws for people of all ages. Explore below to find out if Grand Junction is a good fit for you!
Do You Need to Hire Movers?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
Pros Of Living in Grand Junction, CO
Grand Junction living is slow and steady. Citizens are rarely in a hurry and eager for community connection. With so much to do, it isn’t hard to find your niche.
Endless Outdoor Recreation
The Western Slope lifestyle is all about the outdoors. If you’re someone who loves to spend time outside, rain or shine, Grand Junction is a perfect spot for you. With an endless array of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and skiing, Grand Junction residents are rarely stuck inside.
From Grand Junction, you have easy access to several Colorado National Parks:
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Great Sand Dunes
- Mesa Verde
- Colorado National Monument
People travel from all over the United States to experience these gorgeous parks with their rich history and vast array of outdoor activities. Imagine living smack dab in the middle of an outdoorsman’s paradise— that’s Grand Junction for you.
Colorado National Monument
Known locally as “The Heart of the World,” Colorado National Monument overlooks the city to the west. An impressive series of canyons and mesas, the Colorado National Monument draws thousands of visitors a year.
Home to the largest flat top mountain in the world, the Grand Mesa, the park offers over 40 beautifully maintained hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails to Grand Junction residents almost year-round. Winter cross country skiing along the Liberty Cap Trail is a local favorite.
From the iconic Kissing Couple to the linear set of sandstone pillars Coke Ovens, Colorado National Monument has no shortage of monolithic rock formations to explore.
Great Sand Dunes
Open 24/7 year-round, this unique national park is well worth a visit! Just under a five-hour drive from Grand Junction, the Great Sand Dunes makes for a perfect and affordable weekend getaway.
Affectionately referred to by locals as “Colorado’s Sandbox,” the Great Sand Dunes will bring out the inner child in every visitor. Pack a cooler, grab a sled, and get ready for one of the greatest camping experiences the Western Slopes has to offer!
Wine Country
The wine country of the Western Slopes is one of Colorado’s hidden gems. There are over 20 wineries surrounding Grand Junction to explore! Many Coloradoans choose Grand Junction for the perfect weekend getaway.
Home to dozens of wineries and one of the leading innovators in decadent drinks in Colorado, Grand Junction offers more than enough choices to satisfy your tastebuds. You get that California winery feel without having to travel hundreds of miles!
Affordable Housing
When moving to Grand Junction, it’s important to consider the housing market. Luckily, housing prices are half of what you can expect in Denver and a third of California homes. While the population in Grand Junction is on the rise, it’s growth is nowhere near that of cities like Longmont and Fort Collins along the Front Range. Even though Grand Junction is the Western Slope’s most populous city, it is well able to support the growth.
Barely Any Traffic
If a 45-minute commute to work is something you’re used to, Grand Junction traffic is sure to delight. You can expect a 7-12 minute drive anywhere within city limits. Because the town is so centralized, grocery stores, gas stations, schools, and restaurants are easy to get to.
There’s no hopping onto your GPS to make sure you give yourself enough time to drive across town. In fact, many residents bike around town instead of driving.
Historic Downtown
One of Grand Junction’s biggest draws is its historic downtown area. Once a popular pitstop for infamous outlaw, gunslinger, and dentist Doc Holliday, downtown Grand Junction is always busy.
Grand Junction’s main street offers a plethora of restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, art galleries,and, more recently, tattoo parlors to investigate.
Top Spots In Downtown Grand JunctionDowntown is where Grand Junction’s culture really comes alive. Here is a short list of must-see pit stops along historic Main Street:
- Taco Party
- Kiln Coffee Bar
- The Raw Canvas Tattoo Parlor
- Historic Avalon Theater
Interspersed throughout downtown Grand Junction are multiple sculptures and murals. In fact, the area boasts America’s largest collection of outdoor art installations with over 100 pieces of art interspersed throughout downtown Grand Junction.
Grand Junction is slowly morphing into the type of city that isn’t just for retirees. More and more millennials are flocking to this mountain valley town, eager to see what all Grand Junction has to offer.
Cons Of Living In Grand Junction, CO
Even though Grand Junction has so much going for it, there are definitely a few things to keep in mind when trying to decide if the city is worth the move.
Isolation
While many residents love living in Grand Junction exactly for the location, its isolation from the rest of the state is something to consider. While the area doesn’t get an overwhelming amount of snow, its location can make traveling in and out along the highways difficult when the cold weather starts to set in.
Because it’s such a small town compared to other cities along the Front Range, there is a definitive lack of diversity and culture. While this is slowly changing, you aren’t going to find a hip and happening art or college scene like you would in Denver or Fort Collins. Life just moves a tad slower in Grand Junction.
Homeless Population
One of the biggest issues Grand Junction faces is the homeless population. Ask any local and they’ll tell you the number of homeless in a community the size of Grand Junction is a little high. It isn’t uncommon to see panhandlers on the corners of major intersections.
Downtown is a popular place for the homeless to congregate. Many of the homeless that flock to Grand Junction do so because of its milder winters. Find out how much it costs to build a house in Colorado.
Limited Shopping
While this doesn’t necessarily seem like a big deal on the surface, it can get pretty inconvenient fast. There are very few big box stores in Grand Junction— the closest one is 110 miles away in Gypsum.
Department stores are few and far between. Boutique shopping is fun, but can get pretty expensive pretty quick. It isn’t uncommon for Grand Junction residents to make the drive to Denver once or twice a year to stock up on necessities.
Related Questions
Is There A High Crime Rate In Grand Junction, CO?
While Grand Junction certainly doesn’t have a huge problem with crime, it is known for having more crime per capita than other communities its size. The U.S. average for property crime is 35.4 and Grand Junction’s is 62.8.
How’s The Job Market in Grand Junction, CO?
Because Grand Junction has been, for so many years, a priority destination for retirees, job opportunities are less than what they would be in more urbanized places in Colorado. However, Grand Junction is becoming a contender when it comes to economic development efforts. Because more millennials are moving to Grand Junction, the feel of the town is slowly shifting away from slow and sleepy to up-and-coming.
Do You Need to Hire Movers?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
What’s The Verdict?
If you’re looking to slow down, for a place to rest easy and enjoy some peace and quiet, Grand Junction is the perfect fit for you. From its stunning scenery to its emerging art scene, you will enjoy this little city on the Western Slope. Perfectly situated with easy access to the Front Range and a whole slew of national parks, Grand Junction has so much to offer new residents!
Related Articles
Paige is an elementary school librarian with a passion for writing. Her hobbies include reading an exorbitant amount of fantasy, slowly teaching herself to draw, and home decor. While she isn't the most talented artist or interior designer, what she lacks in skill she more than makes up for in enthusiasm. When she's not curled up with a book, you can certainly find her curled over the keyboard.
More by Paige Hanawalt
