10 Questions People Ask Before Moving to Bozeman

Bozeman has been on a lot of “best places to live” lists over the past few years, and it’s easy to see why. Life here is pretty great, although it’s not without its challenges. 

If you’re thinking about moving to Bozeman, you probably have a lot of questions (and maybe a few hesitations). Here are the questions we get asked most often by people considering a move to Bozeman, Montana.

1. How bad are the winters? 

We’re not going to lie to you, winters in Montana can be rough. Most years, the snow starts flying in September and sticks around through May. Temperatures fluctuate a lot. We can have 40-degree days in the middle of winter, or it can drop to -30. You just never know.

That said, while winters are cold and long, they’re also beautiful. The best way to survive a Bozeman winter is to get outside. Many people spend the season skiing, ice climbing, ice fishing, sledding, or just getting out for a walk, which definitely makes the long months more bearable.
 

2. What do people do for work?

The largest employers in Bozeman are Montana State University and Bozeman Health, which together provide thousands of jobs for local residents. Bozeman also has a growing tech industry, with companies like Oracle, Schedulicity, onX, and many others calling the area home.

Tourism is another major driver of Bozeman’s economy, creating a large number of service industry jobs. As the city continues to grow, there are also ongoing opportunities in the construction trades and related fields.

Bozeman is also a great place for entrepreneurship. A local nonprofit, Prospera Business Network, does a fantastic job helping people start, grow, and sustain their own businesses.

3. How is the housing and rental market?

With all of the growth Bozeman has seen in recent years, housing costs have increased significantly. Up until recently, Bozeman’s rental market was extremely competitive, but that does seem to be leveling out as many large apartment complexes are reaching completion. 

But, rent is high in Bozeman, and the rental market can be discouraging and frustrating for newcomers (click here for some rental resources). 

As for purchasing a home, the real estate market is much easier to navigate now as the competition has slowed down. Click here for the most recent market statistics or click here to see what’s currently for sale.

Bozeman is undoubtedly expensive, and many buyers find that looking just outside city limits opens up more affordable options. The surrounding areas can be a great alternative for people who want a little more breathing room in their budget. If you are looking to purchase a home, click here to find out what homes cost in these areas.

4. What are the schools like?

The Bozeman School District is widely regarded as one of the best in the state. The district includes eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools, and offers a wide range of academic, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities.

Bozeman schools are known for strong athletic programs, a top-notch music and arts scene, and dedicated teachers and administrators. Students have opportunities to learn to ski, participate in theater, take field trips to the opera, study foreign languages, and even take international trips to further their education.

In addition to public schools, Bozeman also has a growing number of private school options, giving families a variety of educational paths to choose from.

Click here for more information about school districts in the area.

5. What do people do for fun?

With some of the biggest skiing in America less than an hour away, world-class fly-fishing rivers nearby, and hundreds of thousands of acres of public land for hiking, biking, camping, rock climbing, and trail running, it’s no surprise that many people move to Bozeman for the outdoor lifestyle. And we promise, once you get here, you won’t be disappointed.

Beyond the outdoors, Bozeman has a thriving downtown filled with local restaurants, shops, art galleries, and bars. There’s a strong music scene with multiple venues, along with an impressive symphony and active theater community. Add in year-round farmers’ markets, art festivals, and community events, and there’s always something going on.

In short, you won’t be bored in Bozeman.

6. Is Bozeman safe?

Overall, Bozeman is considered a very safe place to live, especially compared to many cities of similar size. Thanks to the efforts of local law enforcement, community organizations, and engaged residents, crime rates in Bozeman remain relatively low.

Like any growing city, Bozeman isn’t immune to change. As the population has increased, conversations around safety and growth have become more common, and it’s fair for newcomers to have questions. Most crime in the area tends to be non-violent, and many neighborhoods maintain a strong sense of community and involvement.

For many people, Bozeman still feels like the kind of place where neighbors look out for one another, kids play outside, and community connection matters. While no city is perfect, Bozeman continues to be a place where safety is a priority and quality of life remains high.

7. How do you meet people?

Moving to a new town can be intimidating, but Bozeman is a welcoming and friendly place. There are always events happening, plenty of meet-up groups (Meetup is a good place to start), and active social media communities, like the popular Hiking Bozeman groups, where people regularly connect.

There are also easy, low-pressure ways to meet people around town, from game nights at Rooks to events and programs hosted by the Bozeman Public Library. Volunteering is another great way to get involved and meet people who care about the community.

Bozeman tends to feel smaller the longer you’re here, and most newcomers find they don’t stay “new” for very long.

8. How do you get around?

People often say Montana is the kind of place where you need your own set of wheels, and that’s mostly true, especially if you want to take full advantage of the outdoor recreation. A vehicle is pretty much a must for getting to the mountains after work or heading out to explore on the weekends.

That said, getting around town is easier than many people expect. Bozeman offers free public transportation through the Streamline Bus, with routes throughout Bozeman and service to Belgrade, Four Corners, Livingston, and Big Sky. In the winter, the Streamline will even take you straight up to Bridger Bowl.

And while Bozeman has grown, we still don’t have what anyone from a big city would consider traffic. The average commute is under 15 minutes, and many people take advantage of how close everything is by walking or biking year-round, fat tire bikes are a must in the winter.

9. What are the surrounding areas like?

As Bozeman continues to grow, more people are looking to the surrounding communities for more affordable housing and a smaller-town feel. It’s a way to get the best of both worlds, enjoying a quieter pace of life while still being close to everything Bozeman has to offer.

Belgrade is the closest town to Bozeman and one of the most popular options for people who commute into town. Beyond Belgrade, you’ll find Manhattan and Three Forks, both of which offer charming communities, more space, and a slower pace of life.

On the other side of Bozeman is Livingston, which has become quite the happening place in recent years. With breweries, art galleries, and nightlife that rivals Bozeman—plus the Yellowstone River running right through town and the stunning Paradise Valley just outside of it—Livingston has become a popular choice for people looking for a strong sense of community with incredible scenery.

10. Is Bozeman as great as everyone says?

We may be biased, but in our humble opinion, yes—Bozeman really is one of the best places to call home. Whether you’re a college student, raising a family, a young professional, or enjoying retirement, life in Bozeman has a lot to offer.

If you’re able to navigate the cost of living and are willing to ride out a few long winters, Bozeman might be the right fit for you. Click here for more information about moving to the area. 

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