Good for some, not so much for others.
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12/28/2023
Grand Junction is another one of those fast growing places due to its cheaper than average cost of living. However with each passing year, that once $600 a month one bedroom apartment is inching closer to $1000. And that once quarter million dollar house, will now cost you double.
In addition to that, the city is suffering a massive housing crisis due to the increase of population and people to looking to move into the area. Unless you are a student or senior, it may be difficult to find something in your price range whether you are renting or buying. Renting is much more difficult from what I experienced. There is plenty of open space for new housing but all current ones seem to be new senior or student housing.
The city itself is very clean and fairly safe. Downtown is fine for what it is, but should offer more as far as industry goes to increase the job market, which is not great.
The political divide is pretty real in the city too. Like a lot of places, downtown is very liberal and the suburbs are somewhat conservative. The young people dont want anyone over 30 moving there and the seniors dont want anymore young people moving in. It makes for a good for now nearly 50-50 split, but from what I've seen GJ will follow suit in many other Colorado cities as far as getting more expensive and more dangerous due to political shift.
Overall it's a solid C grade place, with the ability to get better. However if you are a student looking to attend CMU or a senior citizen looking for affordable "ski town" living, Grand Junction is a fine place to be.
Andrew | Tempe, AZ