Community News

With the ending of the first decade of the second millennium, Montana as a whole and our area specifically has come out with a spattering of kudos that would make anyone proud.  Though I have written about some of these items in length in previous articles, please enjoy this overview of several of the great reasons why with live here and love it.  

“Where to Live and Play Now”:  This article by National Geographic Adventure recommended Bozeman as a good place to raise children for the reasons of safety, exposure to culture, and outdoor amenities.  October 2009

http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/2009/10/best-places-to-live/montana-bozeman-text    

“The Union of Town and Gown”:  Entrepreneur Magazine highlighted colleges that are working with their cities to foster a local entrepreneurial spirit that will develop the economy and encourage business-savvy students to stick around post-graduation.  Bozeman ranked #6 on this list.  October 2009

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/203418-6 

“Happiest States of 2009: The List”:  LiveScience ranked Montana #3 behind Hawaii and Utah where the index included questions about six areas of well-being, including overall evaluation of resident’s lives, emotional health, physical health, healthy behaviors and job satisfaction.  February 2010

http://www.livescience.com/culture/happy-states-2009-100216.html 

“Best Towns 2010- Best for Skiing (West)”:  Outside magazine featured the top 25 towns in America for cycling, paddling, running, surfing, skiing, and—because you might want everything—all of the above.  Bozeman received these accolades for having two ski areas and 350 inches of annual snowfall.  August 2010

http://outsideonline.com/travel/travel-ta-travel-sidwcmdev_150668.html 

“10 Best Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement”:  According to US News and World Report, Bozeman fits the bill of offering access to plenty of skiing, trails, and wildlife, while still providing affordable housing and a reasonable cost of living in addition to other retiree-friendly characteristics, such as access to healthcare and a low crime rate.  July 2010

http://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/2010/07/12/10-best-affordable-mountain-towns-for-retirement.html 

“Top 10 Ski Resorts”:  Sunset magazine handed the #10 slot to Big Sky/ Moonlight Basin for Most Mountain.  The area now is the largest contiguous swath in U.S. ski country with enough greens, blues, and double-blacks to keep everybody happy.

http://www.sunset.com/travel/outdoor-adventure/top-10-ski-resorts-00400000014542/ 

“Bozeman named #1 town to live (if you’re a skier)”:  According to Powder magazine, “Bozeman is the perfect mix of ski town and skitropolis; it's more affordable than Jackson Hole, less crowded than Salt Lake City and more of a real town than Whistler.” November 2010

http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/article_d4f0e4e0-d72a-11df-a4e3-001cc4c002e0.html 

“Top Retirement Town”:  Bozeman was profiled in Where to Retire magazine’s November/December issue for possessing many qualities important to today's retirees. October 2010

http://www.kbzk.com/news/bozeman-mt-is-featured-in-where-to-retire-magazine/ 

“10 Coolest Small Towns: Livingston”:  Livingston was included by Budget Travel along with other towns that all have fewer than 10,000 people but can rival larger cities when it comes to good food, culture, and quality of life.  September 2008.

http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2008/08/02/AR2008080201308.html 

“2010-2011 Resort Rankings”:  Big Sky garnered the #21 spot on this list for hosting some of the best skiing in America with “long, jetway groomers; the hollow-stomach steeps of Lone Peak; wraparound mountain scenery that induces neck strain; and cotton-candy powder that lasts for days….the place flat-out rules.”

http://www.skinet.com/ski/galleries/2010-2011-resort-rankings?pnid=113326#gallery-content 

“10 ski resorts perfect for the entire family”:  Big Sky ranked #4 among family ski resorts offering more gentle slopes, first-rate instructors, and providing an opportunity for parents and kids to spend time together yet able to ski at their own levels. December 2010.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40423108/ns/travel-seasonal_travel/ 

“The Big Sky’s the Limit”:  A final note that some of you frequent travelers may have seen is that Montana is being featured in the January edition of Delta Airline’s Sky magazine with the tagline “Whether it’s mining, creating energy or providing the ultimate outdoor escape, Montana dreams big – and delivers.”

http://deltaskymag.delta.com/Sky-Extras/City-Profiles.aspx 

No matter what reason you have chosen to live here, Southwest Montana continually gives us cause to stop and take note of the beauty and the opportunities that abound.  I hope that 2011 provides all of you with much joy and success both personally and professionally.