The Union of Town and Gown: Montana State University and Bozeman, Montana

Montana State University and Bozeman, Montana
City population: 37,981
MSU student population: 12,369
University employees: 2,992
Metro area small businesses: 4,357
Nearest major airport: Salt Lake City International (340 miles)

For many, moving west means facing the Montana Compromise: You can live in one of the most beautiful areas of the country, but you'll have to write off any thoughts of a livable income. Bozeman and MSU are working to overcome that. The university, through its Center for Entrepreneurship for the New West, is tapping into the state's independent streak: Montana has one of the largest shares of small businesses and self-employed people in the nation. Since it was founded in 2001, the facility's students have provided 10,000 hours of consulting advice to 40 local companies, says center director Scott Bryant.