You're the same at noon or midnight and I follow where you go / __But you're planning no returning you wild Colorado. -- "You Wild Colorado" by Johnny Cash
As just an itty bitty census designated place (CDP) on the west side of Colorado, Redlands may at first glance seem forgettable
You're the same at noon or midnight and I follow where you go / __But you're planning no returning you wild Colorado. -- "You Wild Colorado" by Johnny Cash
As just an itty bitty census designated place (CDP) on the west side of Colorado, Redlands may at first glance seem forgettable. But just because there are only 8,600 residents doesn't mean this isn't an itsy bitsy paradise flush with a scenic landscape, an embarrassment of outdoor activities, and nearby access to big city goodies. Folks who tire of the peaceful quiet can saunter over to Grand Junction for just about anything, from cool restaurants to well-stocked malls. The real treasures of this area are, of course, the national forests, conservation areas and parks that pepper the whole county, not to mention your neighbor, the Colorado River. Strap on some hiking boots and grab a kayak, it's time to become one with Mother Nature.
Before you send in your change of address form to whomever you would send that to, remember there are a few changes in store for Mountain Time living. First off, four seasons means a full wardrobe of clothes, from silk long johns to bitsy bathing suits. Every season is gorgeous, but you should be prepared with more than a camera. Next up, you'll need a car. People love biking here, but for work you'll be jumping on Interstate 70 just like everyone else. Don't worry, commutes are shorter than average here. As for places to live, well, you're in luck. There are a lot of options, but most of them are rental houses. Owner occupation outranks rentals by a sizable degree, so start your search for rental property a few months in advance. If you do find a sweet studio apartment for rent, see if you can get included utilities too. They do exist.
With only 8,685 residents at the time of the 2010 U.S. Census, there aren't a lot of degrees of separation between areas. But here are some vague notions of the differences in the homes for rent in Redlands.
North: Pretty much where State Highway 340 ends, the north end of Redlands is sparsely populated with few neighborhoods and bigger lots. It's also super-duper close to the Adobe Creek Golf Course.
South: Close to Grand Junction and Orchard Mesa, the bottom half of Redlands keeps natives near city living, with all the amenities that includes. There's also a better chance of finding apartments for rent here.
East: Squeeze up close to Grand Junction on the eastern side and have your cake and eat it too. More rentals, more restaurants, more everything! Plus access to freeways and the river are at their highest.
The big reasons, literally, to move to Colorado are the mountains, and Redlands has its share of high-elevation fun. Hikers, climbers, walkers, bikers and other outdoorsy active types will revel like pigs in a peach orchard when they discover their new backyard in Redlands. Just make sure to pack a lunch before you head out, because the facilities here are somewhat limited. Sure, there are Colorado River trips and overnight hikes, but there aren't tons of Red Lobsters or Yogurtlands. For that you'll have to drive over to Grand Junction, a torturous two miles away.
It may not be packed to the gills with busy professionals and city slickers, but Redlands, Colorado, has plenty to offer folks who value fresh air, natural beauty and spacious living. Beautiful seasons, access to commercial businesses and more recreational opportunities than you can shake a national park stick at, Redlands is about as American as an American city can get. Pack a flag-printed handkerchief and grow a beard, you're ready for the Rockies.
