Old Bozeman vs. New Bozeman

Love it or hate it the growth in Bozeman is unavoidable. In the past five years, Bozeman feels like it has changed more than ever. This is all the more evident for those who have lived here for a while and like to affectionately refer to it as "Old Bozeman". So what was old Bozeman like compared to the new Bozeman? Keep reading to find out.

Old Bozeman

There were no breweries (unless you count the time Spanish Peaks Brewing Company was around)

New Bozeman

There are nearly a dozen breweries and they are always full (don’t even bother trying to get a seat at Map Brewing on a sunny afternoon)

Old Bozeman

A Subaru or pickup truck are the cars of choice

New Bozeman

You see an awful lot of Audi's and Land Rover's around town

Old Bozeman

If you want to camp on a Saturday morning you could just throw a tent in the back of the car, head up Hyalite and find a spot

New Bozeman

Reserve a spot 6 months in advance online and get one only if you are very lucky

Old Bozeman

Anywhere in town was a 5-10 minute drive

New Bozeman

Depending on traffic and road construction you need to plan 20 minutes to get anywhere. And, don’t get us started on grouchy drivers…we miss the days of no road rage

Old Bozeman

Get out to the mountains on weekends to hike, hunt, bike, camp or fish

New Bozeman

Get out to the mountains for the perfect Instagram photo

Old Bozeman

If you went out to breakfast it was either at the Western Cafe or Perkins

New Bozeman

Wait at least an hour for brunch at Jam

Old Bozeman

$5 ski days at Bridger Bowl

New Bozeman

Get a $5 beer at the lodge

Old Bozeman

You always run into someone you know no matter where you go

New Bozeman

You know from social media that people you know still live in Bozeman, but you never see them

Old Bozeman

Downtown was home to the classic Bozeman businesses (we miss Leaf and Bean so much)

New Bozeman

The chain stores are making their way to downtown (Lululemon & Athleta)

Old Bozeman

The Baxter and Bozeman Hotel were the tallest buildings in Bozeman (along with North and South Hedges!)

New Bozeman

The new mixed-use developments and hotels going up all over town are changing the entire skyline

Luckily there are some things about Bozeman that don’t change. Things like the value placed on the quality of life, how getting out to nature is a priority, as is supporting local businesses, events, and nonprofits. Bozeman is a place where you help out your neighbors and welcome newcomers, even if it's hard to see watch the change.

Old Bozeman, new Bozeman...it's still an amazing place to call home.

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