Living in Grand Junction, CO
The Grand Valley of Colorado includes the communities of Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade which have grown and developed extensively in the past several decades, but still reflect a small community feel. One of the best features of this high desert plateau is the mild climate which makes a wide variety of recreational activities available year-round. The Colorado National Monument, the Grand Mesa, and the Bookcliffs surround the valley on three sides and every direction provides a huge variety of things to see and do, allowing guests and residents to experience some of the best hiking, camping, rafting, and skiing on the western slope of the Continental Divide.Newcomers and long time residents are continually surprised by the cultural events, museums and entertainment choices available in the Grand Valley. The downtown areas of Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade are filled with delightful art galleries, clothing boutiques, unique shops and dining options. There are numerous concerts, live theater, film showings and clubs for those who enjoy an exciting nightlife. Throughout the year, there are also plenty of events that are free and open to the public such as the Art and Jazz Festival, Colorado Mountain Winefest and Mike the Headless Chicken Days.
The valley sits at an altitude of 4,586 feet and has a population of roughly 130,000 people. The climate can best be described as semi-arid continental, where summers tend to be warm and dry and winters are mild. Residents joke that in the winter you can be skiing in the morning and golfing in the afternoon---and it’s usually true. As the largest city between Salt Lake City and Denver, Grand Junction fills an important role as the provider of regional health care and retail services. As the home base to a number of light manufacturing and service industries, the thriving economy continues to attract a diverse mix of retirees and families and is a solid community with a wealth of assets.