What Draws People to Retire in Grand Junction, Colorado?
Grand Junction attracts people from the Front Range (Denver) and all over the U.S. for our abundance of recreational opportunities, gorgeous weather and small town living.
In June 2022 Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine named Grand Junction number 2 on it's list "Standout Places to Retire".
- Small Town allows you to escape the crowds and traffic of large metro areas but still retain the stores and services. Grand Junction is the largest city on the Western Slope between Denver and Salt Lake City. In 2019, Trip Advisor designated downtown Grand Junction as "One of the Most Charming Downtowns in America". With over 35 restaurants, 80 retail shops, year-round festivals, monthly art walks and a Farmer's Market from June through September, downtown Grand Junction has everything you need. If it's a mall and big box stores you want, well we have that too!
- Outdoor Recreational Opportunities are everywhere. Boasting some of the best bicycle trails, hiking, fishing and camping, Grand Junction is a haven for retirees looking to spend more time in the great outdoors. The Riverfront Trail system is comprised of trails that run through state parks, wildlife areas and open space from Palisade to Loma. The trails attract walkers, cyclists, bird watcher and families. Nearby Fruita is known for the best mountain biking in the U.S.
- Four Seasons for a more array of opportunities and things to do. The mild climate still brings over 300 days of sunshine per year while still managing high snow packs for the skiers. Grand Junction perfectly combines the high desert elevation and geography for a cool, dry and healthful climate. Grand Junction has 5 public golf courses, and one private country club. The world-renown Golf Club at Redlands Mesa which has garnered over 50 awards, weaves its way through some of the most luxurious homes in the Grand Valley. Spectacular views with the Colorado National Monument as a backdrop.
- Tax Breaks For Retirees includes a large deduction on all retirement incomes and some of the lowest property taxes in the country. The average effective rate in the state is 0.57%. Additionally, food and medicine are exempt from sales tax. Colorado is considered to be tax-friendly for retirees, allowing a deduction of $34,000 per year on all retirement income for taxpayers 65 years old and older. In 2018, Smart Asset publication named the Redlands neighborhood as number 1 as tax friendly for retirees.
- Healthy Living with access to healthy food and physical activity. Active retirees can take advantage of Colorado's temperate climate and mountainous terrain to engage in outdoor activities from skiing, hiking, cycling and golf. Retirees are surrounded by opportunities for fitness, for being active outside, and for engaging with others who have chosen the same healthy lifestyle. For mind wellness, New Dimensions Lifelong Learning Institute is a membership education program for Grand Valley adults 50 and older offering a variety of classes focused on academic and personal enrichment.
- Cultural Experiences are abundant that will interest retirees. Choose from art galleries, museums, symphony orchestra, outdoor concerts in the vineyards or top entertainers and the new outdoor amphitheater or the historic Avalon Theater. Downtown "Art on the Corner" is the most visited attraction in the city featuring over 100 sculptures of bronze, stone and steel along the tree-lined streets, sidewalk cafes and shops.
- Regional Airport for access to all major airline hubs and international airports. There are daily direct flights to the east and west coast and the airport is expanding with a new runway. If you would rather drive to larger cities for a weekend it's 4 hours and 16 minutes to Salt Lake City and 3 hours and 45 minutes to Denver. Train lover? Amtrak stops in Grand Junction twice a day for adventures across the U.S.
- Culinary Experiences thrive in Grand Junction with over 22 local wineries and 9 craft beer and locally made spirits businesses for a medley of tastes. You may have heard of the Western Slope's famous "Palisade Peaches", but that's not all we have to offer. There is everything from fruits and vegetables to farm-to-table restaurants making incredible dishes with locally grown ingredients. There are classic, family-owned spots with unique menus you won't find anywhere else from our culinary trained chefs.
- Premier Health Care is one of Grand Junction's major industries. With two local hospitals and a highly rated VA Hospital plus extensive medical care providers and specialists. There are over 35 assisted living, retirement living and rehabilitation life care facilities.
- Lifestyle Communities for all income levels. Choices include "Lock and Leave" neighborhoods, condos, town homes, single family and luxury homes. I have written extensively about the 10 Best North Grand Neighborhoods, 10 Best Redlands Neighborhoods, 10 Best Town Home Communities, Luxury Homes in the Redland Neighborhoods, and Best Town Homes and Condos in the Redlands.
Whether retirement is just around the corner or somewhere down the line, you might just find what you are looking for in Grand Junction. My specialty is relocation, I know the areas, both as a RE/MAX agent and a resident. One of the many reasons I love working with people new to the area is that I get to show you why I love living here!
