Bozeman, MT is the #81 Best City to Live in the USA

Bozeman, MT Quality of Life Liv Score 603 How We Calculate Our Data |
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Civics | 54 |
Demographics | 11 |
Economy | 74 |
Education | 75 |
Health | 60 |
Housing | 54 |
Infrastructure | 53 |
Amenities | 64 |
Why Bozeman is one of the best cities to live in
Tucked in the lush Gallatin Valley and surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, it’s easy to see why Bozeman, MT, is quickly gaining notoriety. Located in southwest Montana, this scenic city has a reputation as an outdoor lover’s paradise. The north entrance to Yellowstone National Park is just 80 miles south, making for scenic day trips. But locals know they have many close-to-home treasures, too, including top-notch mountain trails, blue-ribbon trout streams, ancient hot springs and world-class ski runs.
Home to Montana State University, which acts as the backbone for the town’s thriving arts and cultural communities, Bozeman scores high in the education category. Keep your eyes peeled if you dream of being a Dutton from the hit series Yellowstone; the show films quite a bit in Bozeman, and nearly 75% of the most recent season was filmed entirely in Montana. A historic Main Street, farmers market, cultural centers and museums round out the town, securing it as one of the best places to live in the U.S.
The largest industries in Bozeman are educational services, retail trade, manufacturing, and accommodation and food services. Top employers include Montana State University, RightNow Technologies, Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply, Bozeman Deaconess Health Services, and Capital Opportunities.
Montana State University & Gallatin College
Bozeman has four full seasons, including mild summers. But the winter isn’t for the faint of heart because Bozeman averages a staggering 63 inches of snow in the winters.
Bozeman is a year-round destination for outdoor activities. With rock climbing, fly fishing, hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, backpacking and birdwatching, there is always something to do at Hyalite Canyon Recreation Area, no matter the season or activity level.
Bozeman, MT is Remote-Ready
Bozeman is a fairly young city, with just under half the population between 18 and 34. However, the city’s population is steadily increasing and is estimated to keep increasing in the coming years, along with an increase in jobs and a boost in the economy. Local coworking spaces include Sky Oro, CoWork Bozeman and a downtown Regus branch.
What Locals Love in Bozeman, MT
For three generations, women have owned Montana’s largest bookstore, Country Bookshelf, since it opened in 1957. This cozy shop is located in historic downtown Bozeman.
Spend the afternoon soaking in one of 12 natural hot spring pools with temperatures ranging from 59 to 106 degrees. For more than 100 years, visitors have come to relax and rejuvenate at Bozeman Hot Springs.
Join the throngs of Bozemanites in a daily hike up to the famous white “M” that decorates the foothills of the Bridger Range. Views of the Gallatin Valley and the Story Hills from the top of the out-and-back loop are spectacular.
Montanans love their craft beer, and the proof is in the pints – the state has the third-highest number of breweries per capita in the nation. Grab an after-work amber at the Gallatin Valley’s oldest brewery, Bozeman Brewing Company, or an IPA and pizza at the Bridger Brewing brewpub.
Bozeman is home to one of the few Grizzly Bear sanctuaries in the United States. The Montana Grizzly Encounter provides a safe home for rescued grizzlies born into captivity or rescued from poor situations. Visitors can observe the bears up close as part of the center’s public education program centered on cohabitating with Montana’s resident wildlife.
Gorgeous natural surroundings, plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure, and thriving arts and cultural communities make Bozeman a best place to live in Montana.
Thinking of Moving to Bozeman?
Aside from its stunning scenery, proximity to the Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone National Park, and vibrant college-town reputation, picturesque Bozeman has one of the most competitive, fast-moving real estate markets in all of Montana. Buyers looking for homes for sale in Bozeman will find a median sale price of over $648K and homes staying on the market for merely ten days. For families, Bozeman, MT, real estate has a dense concentration of single-detached houses west of downtown, in Valley West, and around Gallatin County Regional Park, while younger homebuyers are purchasing spacious condos with views of the park near Cattail Creek. A local eXp real estate agent can help you decide if Bozeman is the right market for you.
Quick Facts About Bozeman, MT
- Average Commute
- 13.9
- Median Home Value
- $648,084
- Med. Household Income
- $59,695
- Total Population
- 48,330
- Walk Score
- 43
- Median Property Tax
- $3,091