Bozeman’s Rising Cost of Living Puts American Dream Out of Reach

The American Dream in Bozeman’s Housing Market

For many, the American dream is to settle down, get married, buy a house, and have a kid or two.

Here in Bozeman, there are many residents that have no shot at that dream.

Personal Experiences Amid Housing Challenges

My wife and I moved here at the height of the craze. This was back when everyone wanted to live in Bozeman and you couldn't find an apartment, and if you did it was an outrageous amount of rent.

We went for a two bedroom, two bath, 2-car garage to a 2 bedroom, one bath, no garage that was more than double in price.

READ MORE: Is Bozeman really the cleanest city in America?

One of my favorite pastimes is to look at different houses that are for sale around the area, and while the prices have certainly come down over the last few years, who wants to pay a half a million dollars for a town home that has an HOA of 350 a month?

The True Cost of Living in Bozeman

According to Best Places, Bozeman is more than 25 percent higher than the national average when it comes to cost of living.

Navigating Homeownership in a Tough Market

Do you buy a place and become house poor? Because the average salary and the average home price here don't mesh.

Do you move 10, 20, 30, 40 miles away and make the commute?

Well, that's a possibility, but when you figure that milage on your vehicle and the price of a new car, is it worth it?

Bozeman is a stunning place and it has a ton to offer, but how long can the average person make it work? How long before all the normal people move elsewhere?

The Ongoing Construction Boom and Its Impact

In the meantime, that thought certainly hasn't stopped construction as multiple apartment complexes and townhomes continue to rise across the city.

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Future Solutions for Bozeman’s Housing Crisis

Something has to change, but the question is, will it? And if it does, will it be too late?