Articles

Published in the Bozeman Chronicle, October, 2007.

As near or as far as retirement may be for you as an individual, it is on the not so distant horizon for countless Americans. While for most people the transition could be as simple as having more time to pursue interests or to be with family members in their current location, a growing number of retirees are planning to make a more substantial change in their lives by either relocating completely or purchasing a second home as part of their retirement. U.S. News and World Report recently published the “Best Places to Retire”, and included Bozeman in its top 10 list alongside Hillsboro, Oregon; Lawrence, Kansas; Peachtree City, Georgia; Prescott, Arizona; San Francisco, California; Smyrna, Tennessee; Venice, Florida; Concord, New Hampshire; and Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The cities that were considered were all with a population of 15,000 or more residents and the criteria included cost of living, climate, crime rate, access to healthcare, educational opportunities, and cultural and recreational amenities.

The article delves into some of Bozeman 's top attributes. It is referred to as an “outdoor sanctuary tucked within the Rocky Mountains”. Proximity to Yellowstone National Park, home to Montana State University, excellent skiing at Big Sky and Bridger Bowl, and fly fishing on the Gallatin, Yellowstone, and Madison Rivers are most apparent as the biggest draws to year-round residents, retirees, and vacationers alike. The sense of community fashioned by numerous hiking trails and parks, a thriving historic downtown with cafes and boutiques, the blossoming arts and culture community including the Sweet Pea Festival, the Bozeman Symphony, and Intermountain Opera and numerous other arts and music festivals, all complete the package in painting Bozeman as a place to truly be considered when looking for a retirement destination.

Some of the demographics that were included in regards to Bozeman included the median home price stated at $279,300, accompanied by the median household income at $41,660. The article references Bozeman's and Gallatin County's diverse recreational and cultural choices as part of the “Top Nod”, including an abundance of challenging golf courses, both public and private resorts and communities, multiple libraries, including Bozeman's new flagship public library on East Main, and the world-class Museum of the Rockies with 6 other specialty museums. Population and demographic information listed the population at 33,535 with the percentage growth of the 55+ population at 137.2%. The total population of those over the age of 55 was given as 5,392 people. Additionally, 43% of the population was credited with a college degree, making Bozeman a well-educated community. Even our climate competed well, with January highs averaging 33.4 degrees and July highs of 81.8 degrees. And, finally, access to top quality medical care is paramount in the decision making process of where to retire, and Gallatin County received top marks for its hospital, medical clinics, and retirement care facilities.

With all of the potential changes that could come to Bozeman from the residents who have gravitated from other parts of the world in the past few decades, it has still retained its innate appeal with a strong sense of community and outstanding natural amenities. It should come as no surprise to those of us who live here, that retirees looking for “peace, quiet, culture and the great outdoors” would want to relocate to Bozeman.

Robyn Erlenbush is owner of ERA Landmark Real Estate (with offices in Bozeman, Big Sky, Livingston and Clyde Park) and Intermountain Property Management. She can be reached at robyn@eralandmark.com.

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