6 Things You Should Know Before Moving to Livingston, MT

1. THE COMMUTE ISN'T AS EASY AS YOU THINK

At first glance, the distance between Livingston and Bozeman looks like a quick and easy drive. However, what Google and Apple Maps fail to reflect is that the road connecting these two towns is a winding mountain pass that is highly susceptible to dangerous driving conditions. High winds, white-outs, or snow and ice, often turn a quick 30 minutes into hours of sitting on the highway. In addition, the pass is often shut down due to weather, making it tricky to make it to your destination. If you’re going to live in Livingston, it’s best to work there, work remotely, or have a job with flexibility or flexible hours.

2. ITS A TOWN OF ITS OWN

While Bozeman faces a fast-growing population and rising home prices, many individuals are turning to Livingston as a more affordable place to live while commuting to Bozeman for work or social events. However, Livingston is not a bedroom community to Bozeman. It is a town that is completely its own, with a rich, unique history, vibrant community, and independent, local business. 

Yes, Livingston is Bozeman’s close neighbor, but the two towns stand independently of one another. It is a close, proud community so if you’re considering relocating there, make sure to embrace Livingston and all it has to offer. 

3. IT'S A CELEB HOTSPOT

Surprisingly, Livingston has become a hotspot for celebrities, with many choosing to call Paradise Valley home. Just a few minutes outside of town, Paradise Valley features sweeping, breathtaking views of the Absaroka Mountains, with the Yellowstone River running through it. 

Dennis Quaid proudly called Paradise Valley home for over 25 years, and John Mayer currently owns a place on the banks of the Yellowstone River. Jeff Bridgers also owns a ranch in the valley, just as Tom Brokaw and James Cameron once did. 

4. YOU HAVE TO BE OK WITH WIND

Montana winters are notoriously brutal, but in Livingston, residents face a new problem: the relentless wind. In fact, Livingston has been named “Montana’s Windiest City”.  Wind advisories are a weekly occurrence and it’s not uncommon for the interstate to be shut down due to dangerously high winds. 

The strong winds are a result of cool air from Yellowstone National Park’s high plateau meeting warmer air in lower elevations, funneling directly through Paradise Valley into Livingston. The average wind speed is typically between 8 to 10 miles per hour, but can easily reach up to over 50 miles per hour. 

It’s not just the strength of the wind, but the relentlessness that makes it feel like you can never catch a break. However, when the wind does settle, a sense of peace and calm comes over the town, even if it’s only for a few minutes. 

Photo credit: www.yellowstonevalleywoman.com 

5. LIVINGSTON IS QUIRKY 

Livingston has a unique vibe, blending a funny mix of cowboy roots with an eclectic flair. Downtown you’ll find long-standing fly shops next to local art galleries, and posters for energy healing or astrology readings alongside advertisements for the famous Livingston rodeo. 

Like Bozeman, tourism is one of the town’s largest industries. Each year, a steady stream of fishermen hit the Yellowstone River and tourists flock to explore Yellowstone National Park. Livingston is also home to the Printing For Less headquarters, one of the community’s largest employers, who’s continuous growth brings hundreds of tech-related jobs to the area, adding to Livingston’s interesting mix. 

6. YOU BETTER LIKE THE OUTDOORS 

If you’re relocating from an urban area, it’s crucial to know that Livingston is a long way from any big city’s amenities, and most of Montana is the same. If you’re looking for  high-end shopping, professional sporting events, or Broadway-style entertainment, Livingston is not the Montana town for you. 

However, if you’re seeking a lifestyle surrounding outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, camping, and rafting, then Livingston is exactly what you’re looking for.