CREJ

T here has been an explosion of migration into Colorado, especially into secondary and tertiary markets, with many people looking for that “Colorado lifestyle,” consisting of outdoor activities, work-hard/play- hard mentality, access to state and national parks, and some of the most spectacular mountains in the United States. This is especially true after the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted and everyone was seeking some free- dom to explore. Those on the Front Range who were looking for that life were sometimes not finding it as access to the mountains and recre- ation became more crowded. The Western Slope and Grand Junction historically have been quieter communities with slower growth com- pared with many of the Front Range communities. These communi- ties, from Gunni- son to Durango to Montrose and up into Grand Junc- tion and Steamboat Springs, felt like very distant places to live and work with not as many jobs to support much growth. These more rural areas were more reliant on boom or bust petroleum and gas, or recreation, and saw lots of ups and downs in the history of their econo- mies. This all has changed due to pan- demic restrictions, as many employ- ees found themselves able to work remotely. Grand Junction is the larg- est city between Denver and Salt Lake City and has seen a heightened demand for individuals looking for that “Colorado lifestyle.”While the recreation attractions draw in many, the cost of living has remained, by Colorado standards, reasonable. In this post-pandemic environment, liv- ing costs are climbing very quickly with an influx of new startup com- panies and remote workers migrat- ing into these towns. A 9% to 17% increase in Grand Junction rents began fourth-quarter 2020 and con- tinues today as demand for rental units is increasing exponentially from years past. Other mountain and Western Slope towns have seen simi- lar increases in rents and housing prices. Please see Market Update, Page 30 INSIDE Know what Colorado’s new privacy law means for smart buildings and managers’ obligations Smart devices & privacy Architects share lessons learned and paths forward for affordable housing post-pandemic Affordable housing PAGES 39-43 As amenity competition continues, consider these important landscape design factors Amenity decks PAGE 18 August 2021 PAGE 12 Kent Guerin Associate, National Multihousing Group, and partner, Price Apartment Group, Marcus & Millichap Western Slope feels the pinch from remote-work boom The increase in small-town migration has many smaller towns across Colorado trying to figure out how to accommodate everybody. It is a carrying capacity issue. Pictured is Cottonwood View Apartment Homes in Parachute, one of many small towns impacted by people moving away from cities now that they can work remotely.