U.S. News & World Report recently published its Best Places to Retire report using the criteria of locations that offer access to plenty of skiing, trails, and wildlife, while providing affordable housing and a reasonable cost of living.  They screened further to include characteristics such as access to health care and a low crime rate.  Of the “10 Best Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement”, Bozeman found itself once again in an enviable position as a town retirees with active lifestyles will want to certainly consider.  The list (in alphabetical order) also includes Blacksburg, VA; Bend, OR; Boone, NC; Burlington, VT; Colorado Springs, CO; Fayetteville, AK; Post Falls, ID; Redding, CA; and Salt Lake City, UT.

Of these locations, one thing that most of them have in common is that they are not “too” remote.  One retiree quoted in the original article initially retired to a small town, where he had enjoyed vacationing over the years, then later moved to a town on the Top 10 List.  He stated, “You should never retire to your vacation home because you choose a vacation home to get away from the world.”  These “Best Places to Retire” towns have access to quality hospitals and airports and services that are sought after.  Additionally, the culture and conveniences of college towns are very desirable.  The locations have recreation, affordability, and a true pulse.  All of these characteristics are exemplified in Bozeman.  

A key factor for those who have left the workforce for good is “financial sustainability on a retirement budget” while living life to the fullest. The article included the following facts in regard to Bozeman concerning senior discounts.  Skiers aged 70 and over can purchase lift tickets at Bridger Bowl for $21 per day, which is less than half the full price of an adult ticket.  Both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park (in addition to all national parks) offer bargains for retirees in the form of a senior pass that can be purchased by a U.S. citizen age 62 and older which entitles them and three other passengers in their car to a lifetime of free admission for just $10.

Some retirees relocate to an area and then find that part-time employment or volunteer opportunities are a good way to acclimate to their new locale and provide enjoyment versus high-cost entertainment.  For instance, there are over 200 volunteers at the Museum of the Rockies, many of whom are simply seeking a chance to stay connected in the community.  There are countless non-profit organizations in the area that also welcome the knowledge and experience that retirees can bring to their boards.  

Those choosing to enjoy their post-career years in Bozeman have a large variety of options for homes, depending on how much of their nest egg they want to spend.  The current market inventory supports all budgets and amenities desired.  By downsizing and cutting housing costs, more savings can be put towards enjoying an enviable lifestyle.  A smaller home can reduce property taxes and cost much less in general upkeep.  However, when you move to a town such as those included on this list, you may end up with family and friends visiting frequently and require a little extra space, as outdoor activities tend to bring families together and improve the quality of their interactions.  And while some may still feel that Bozeman’s housing prices are slightly high, compared to ski towns such as Aspen or Vail in Colorado, the Gallatin Valley’s home prices are much easier to absorb.

To further solidify the notion that Bozeman should be included in places to scope out while seeking a retirement destination, Where to Retire Magazine will be including a profile on Bozeman in an upcoming fall issue that portrays our town as a “sportsman’s paradise with hiking, biking, and fishing only minutes from its city amenities”.  Stay tuned for that article.

A final note of one additional kudos Bozeman has recently received that ties into this theme, though applies to residents of all ages, is the ranking in Outside Magazine as one of the country’s top 25 towns of 2010.  We share the best ski town in the West honor with Salt Lake City, Utah.

Though these awards are based on our area’s physical features that we as residents have no control over, the one thing to keep in mind is that all of the articles do include mention of the people who keep the area vital.  Bozeman has been built in a region of unparalleled beauty and opportunity, but it is the inhabitants who work hard to keep the town thriving with jobs, cultural events, and an overall sense of community.