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GRAND JUNCTION IS A REMOTE WORKER’S PARADISE
BUT AT WHAT COST? Words by Lexi Riech LIGHTBULB MEDIA
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he coronavirus has introduced the world
where the cost of living is nowhere near what
to many once-foreign concepts. Who knew
it is on the Front Range, outdoor recreation is
cloth face masks would become a new outlet
at your fingertips and business is booming? (Did
for starving artists? However, there’s one large
you know Grand Junction is projected to be the
trend that has particularly altered the way we
next tech hub of Colorado?)
live and work for what looks like years and
years to come. We’re talking the “work-from-
Labor and Employment (CDLE), the percent of
home” phenomenon.
remote workers is expected to have doubled in
It’s no secret Colorado is a desirable place to
2021 with more than two thirds of employers
live. The omnipresent access to national parks
planning for remote work to be a permanent
and vivacious western culture earns the state
part of their staffing plans.
According to the Colorado Department of
prime spots on many national news outlets’ top
places to call home.
hold, once “small” towns like Grand Junction
As work-from-anywhere continues to take
However, the treasure of living in towns
are becoming hubs of economic, cultural and
along the Western Slope is quickly gaining
social activity as they move away from oil and
traction — whether locals like it or not. According
gas reliance and into a digital economy. Many
to Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP),
are worried this will exacerbate the already
Grand Junction in particular has received an
dire housing crisis consuming the Mountain
influx of remote workers since the pandemic
West and if local businesses will be able to keep
started. Who wouldn’t want to live in a town
up with a dwindling service workforce.
