Grand Junction, Colorado is receiving some national attention after being named the second best American city for retirement.

Grand Junction Makes List of Standout Retirement Communities

Kiplinger, a publisher of business forecasts and financial advice has selected 7 standout places to retire in the U.S. and Grand Junction comes in at #2 on the list. The list is based on factors like health care facilities, being close to family and friends, and a reasonable cost of living - especially in the area of home prices.

Grand Junction's Attractive Qualities

There are plenty of things about Grand Junction that make it a great place to retire - especially for those who love the outdoors. You've got about 14 hiking trails on the Colorado National Monument, 500 square miles of national forest and 300 lakes on the Grand Mesa, and 24 miles of paved trails for walking and biking along the Colorado River.

Grand Junction's mild winters make outdoor activities pretty much a year-round happening whether it's hiking, biking, and even golf.

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Grand Junction Is Easily Accessible

Another attractive quality about the Grand Valley is the easy access. Grand Junction sits on Interstate 70 and is easily accessible via Amtrak or Grand Junction Regional Airport.

Grand Junction is one of the smaller cities on Kiplinger's list of best retirement destinations with a population of just over 66,000. Tulsa, Oklahoma is the largest city on the list with a population of over 413,000.

Here's what Kiplinger's list of the bests places to retire in America looks like:

#1 - Visalia, California
#2 - Grand Junction, Colorado
#3 - Tulsa, Oklahoma
#4 - Fort Wayne, Indiana
#5 - Winston-Salem, North Carolina
#6 - Scranton, Pennsylvania
#7 - Middletown, Connecticut

Kiplinger points out that Colorado offers generous tax breaks for retirees and most Social Security benefits are excluded from state income taxes.

Things That Make Grand Junction Colorado A Great Retirement Destination

When you're looking for a great place to retire, Grand Junction checks a lot of boxes. Scroll on for a closer look at what makes Grand Junction, Colorado such an attractive retirement destination.

10 Reasons NOT to Move to Grand Junction

I was born and raised in Grand Junction, but let me say, you'd be wise not to move here. These are my 10 reasons why you should avoid the place at all costs.

My family has lived in Grand Junction for generations. My grandparents were born here. While we love the valley, there are difficulties associated with living here. As a native, I've learned to deal with them. In your case, you have a choice as to whether or not you want to face these challenges.

These are my top 10 reasons why you should seriously consider not moving to Grand Junction.

Beautiful Places You Need to Visit in Western Colorado

We're taking a look at some of the beautiful destinations on Colorado's western slope. You won't have to spend all day in the car to get to these incredible destinations, and many of them leave the hoards of tourists far behind on the front range.

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