Top Reasons to Live in Grand Junction
Grand Junction, a lively town in Colorado’s Grand Valley, is a fantastic place to live. We’re surrounded by endless outdoor recreation, beautiful nature spots, a bustling downtown area, diverse dining, and so much more. Here are seven of the Rocky Mountain Health Plan (RMHP) team’s favorite things about living in Grand Junction.
1. A hiker’s paradise
Grand Junction is a premier year-round hiking destination with a wide diversity of trails. From leisurely strolls through spectacular natural scenery to high-altitude treks that test your endurance, there are countless well-maintained trails for hikers of every skill level. Not sure where to start? Check out this list of some of our favorites.
2. Great place for foodies
With an abundance of restaurants and cafés, Grand Junction has cuisine to satisfy many of your tasty cravings. The downtown area also showcases Western Colorado’s agricultural bounty at the popular Market on Main each summer. It’s one of our favorite events, and visitors can sample a colorful array of locally sourced fresh produce while enjoying live music and community events.
3. Winter recreation is a blast
In Grand Junction, summer can be sweltering, which is why so many locals look forward to the cooler winter season. There are plenty of fun winter activities available to residents and visitors from skiing and snowshoeing to ice skating and sledding.
4. Clean outdoor air
Cleaner air is one of the biggest benefits of living in Western Colorado. According to the American Lung Association, Grand Junction is among the cleanest American cities for air particle pollution. This is just one of the many factors contributing to a high quality of life for local residents.
5. Full of history
The Grand Junction area has a storied history that spans hundreds of years. Tour the famous historic Railroad Depot or explore ancient petroglyphs and pictographs at nearby Dinosaur National Monument. Explore fascinating artifacts and interactive exhibits at local museums, learn about the area’s mining history, and discover the legacy of the area’s first inhabitants, the Ute Indians, who first settled the region more than six centuries ago.
6. Located in an incredibly scenic area
Grand Junction sits amid a breathtaking landscape. To the east, you will discover beautiful lakes, lush forests, a scenic byway, and magnificent fall foliage. To the west, there are vibrant red rocks and other mesmerizing geological formations. To the south, you will find an agricultural oasis with celebrated wineries and local farmer’s markets.
The area offers unique beauty as the seasons change, making it a great place to live or visit throughout the year.
7. Vibrant downtown area
Downtown Grand Junction is booming with unique local businesses, including antique shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries, and inviting restaurants. The area also includes America’s largest collection of outdoor sculptures with more than 100 pieces of art.
Residents enjoy live music, festivals, and regular celebrations, including Colorado Mountain Winefest, the state’s biggest wine festival that takes place annually on the third weekend of September.