Gallatin County’s Model Zoning Code: What It Means for Housing

Gallatin County’s Proposed Model Zoning Code: What It Means for Affordable Housing and Short-Term Rentals

What is Gallatin County’s proposed model zoning code, and how could it affect housing and short-term rentals?
Gallatin County planners are developing a model zoning code that local zoning districts could choose to adopt in whole or in part. The goal is to reduce barriers to housing, provide clearer standards for development, and offer guidance for issues like affordable housing and short-term rentals — but none of these proposals are currently law.

Across Southwest Montana, growth has been one of the defining issues of the last decade. Communities around Bozeman, Belgrade, Four Corners, Big Sky, and the rural areas of Gallatin County are…

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Spring 2026 Ennis, MT Events: From Community Bingo to Tap into Ennis Brew Fest

As the Madison River begins its famous spring transformation, the town of Ennis serves as the warm, welcoming heart of the valley. Known primarily as a fly-fishing mecca, Ennis in the spring is a time of quiet anticipation and local tradition. While the "big water" starts to hum with early-season anglers, the town itself fills with community bingo nights, library workshops, and the highly anticipated Tap into Ennis festival. Whether you're here to wade into the legendary Upper Madison or simply to enjoy the hospitality of Main Street, spring in Ennis offers a slow-paced, authentic Montana experience that feels like coming home.

TL;DR: Ennis’s spring 2026 season features the American Legion Winter Bingo (March 10), the Brilliance Riviera Nights Bingo…

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What Are the Best Community Events in Big Sky, MT for Spring 2026?

As the high-alpine sun begins to soften and the "corn snow" season takes over, Big Sky shifts from the peak of winter into a season of high-altitude celebration. Spring in Big Sky is an experience unlike anywhere else in Montana—where you can spend your morning carving turns on Lone Peak and your afternoon enjoying world-class modern dance or a slopeside concert at 9,000 feet. This year, the season is defined by the high-octane energy of the IFSA Freeride Qualifiers and the legendary return of the Pond Skim. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting for the final laps of the season, here is your essential guide to community and culture in Big Sky.

TL;DR: Big Sky’s spring 2026 season features the IFSA Freeride World Tour Qualifiers (March 27–28), the…

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What Are the Best Community Events in Livingston, MT for Spring 2026?

As the winds of the Paradise Valley begin to mellow, Livingston sheds its winter layers to reveal a spring season brimming with local art, community storytelling, and that classic Park County charm. While the big-city energy of Bozeman is just over the pass, spring in Livingston offers a more intimate connection to the makers and performers who call this wind-swept town home. This year, the season is anchored by milestones like the 30th anniversary of a Broadway masterpiece at the Shane Center and the return of community favorites like the Pine Creek Brew Fest. Whether you're heading to a lecture at the library or a staged reading at the Blue Slipper, here is your essential guide to experiencing spring in Livingston.

TL;DR: Livingston’s spring 2026…

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What Are the Best Community Events in Bozeman, MT for Spring 2026?

This spring, the city sheds its winter coat to host everything from dirt-kicking arena action to sophisticated downtown dining and world-class theater. Whether you are a local looking to reconnect with the community or a visitor seeking the authentic Montana experience beyond the ski slopes, the months of March, April, and May offer a packed calendar of local flavor. From the historic stage of The Ellen Theatre to artisan-filled markets, here is your ultimate guide to experiencing the best of Bozeman this spring.

TL;DR: Bozeman’s spring 2026 season features the MSU Spring Rodeo (April 13-15), Downtown Restaurant Week (April 27-30), and the Shane Center’s production of RENT (March 13-22).

March 

March is a busy month for the arts and local…

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Why Butte, Montana Has One of America’s Most Famous St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

The History of St. Patrick’s Day in Butte, Montana

Why Butte, Montana Became One of the Most Irish Cities in America

Every March, the streets of Butte, Montana turn green as thousands gather to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. What might look like a lively modern festival is actually a tradition more than a century old—one deeply connected to the city’s Irish heritage, mining history, and strong sense of community.

The Irish Roots of Butte

To understand why St. Patrick’s Day is so important in Butte, you have to go back to the late 1800s. During the mining boom, Butte—known as the “Richest Hill on Earth”—attracted thousands of immigrants seeking work in its copper mines. Among them were large numbers of Irish immigrants who arrived looking for…

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Mortgage Rate Buydowns Explained: What Homebuyers Should Know

What Is a Mortgage Rate Buydown — And How Does It Work When You Buy a Home?

What exactly is a mortgage rate buydown, and how could it affect your monthly payment when buying a home?

A mortgage rate buydown is when money is paid upfront—often by a seller, builder, or sometimes the buyer—to reduce the interest rate on a mortgage. This lowers the buyer’s monthly payment either temporarily or for the life of the loan.

In today’s market across Bozeman, Livingston, Ennis, and Big Sky, rate buydowns have become a more common strategy as buyers look for ways to manage monthly payments in a higher-rate environment.

Key Takeaways: Mortgage Rate Buydowns

• A mortgage rate buydown lowers the interest rate on a home loan by paying money upfront at…

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What Is the Bozeman Landmark Program and Why Does It Matter for Southwest Montana Real Estate?

What is the Bozeman Landmark Program, and why should you pay attention to it if you live, work, or own property in Southwest Montana?

The Landmark Program is the City of Bozeman’s long-range growth planning effort designed to guide how the community grows over time. It matters because the policies and recommendations that come out of this process will shape zoning, housing opportunities, infrastructure, and neighborhood development across Bozeman for years to come.

If you care about real estate in Southwest Montana — whether in Bozeman, Livingston, Ennis, or Big Sky — this process directly impacts you.

What Is the Bozeman Landmark Program?

The Bozeman Landmark Program is a city-led initiative focused on updating and aligning Bozeman’s growth…

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