Greetings,
I moved over to Fruita 5 years ago from Loveland, thought I'd share a bit

- Meth problem everyone is referring to is way overblown, imo. GJ has it's share of drugs and white trash, but no more so than I ever saw living on the front range.
- Housing is still in the dumps here. Slowly coming back, but the market is nowhere near the market over there.
- Outdoor access is fantastic. Jeeping, biking, hiking, hunting, shooting, etc. all in very close proximity. Fishing takes a little more time, but lakes on the Mesa are fantastic.
- Weather - yes, it's hot in summer, but you do get used to it. I would not call winters mild. We have been between 0-15 degree lows all winter until last week. Once an inversion sets into the valley, it stays cold. That's good for hunting out in the desert though. Less snow than front range, and no upslope blizzards to deal with
- One BLM shooting range, and CPW is planning to build a new one at Cameo soon. But you have a ton of public to shoot on.

Hope that helps. I loved living in Loveland, but would never go back after living here for a while. Access to outdoor activities is too good here and no traffic.

- Mark