Shaun,
CO is awesome. I think of it as a second home. We have owned a second home in CO for 35 years, so I guess that qualifies as a temporary resident.
Yeah, I agree with you on Ouray although you should try Telluride for some eye candy. We have been going there for about a dozen years and love it. I would look at all the secondary towns that others have mentioned here. Grand Junction may be large, but you have pretty good health care and schools if that is important to you. If not, then you have a lot to choose from.
Enjoy the ride - shopping is half the fun! Take a spin over to T-Ride (it is only an hour) you will love it.