Bozeman, MT

Fewer housing markets are forecast to appreciate making the Housing Predictor Top 25 market list for the year as job layoffs and business failures throw the national economy into a deepening recession. There are now eight markets forecast to experience housing inflation in 2009.

North Dakota and Montana were the last two states to produce signs of a downturn in their real estate markets. At the beginning of the year, Montana placed all five of its markets on the list with forecast housing inflation, but since that time economic conditions have deteriorated and show a powerful likelihood of worsening through the remainder of 2009.

Read more from Housing Predictor

1. Amarillo, TX 2.1%

2. Rapid City, SD 1.9%

3. Davenport, IA 1.7%

4. Morgantown, WV 1.6%

5. Lubbock, TX 1.6%

6. Logan, UT 1.4%

7. Aberdeen, SD 1.4%

8. Shreveport, LA 1.4%

9. Sioux Falls, SD -1.7%

10. Lawton, OK -2.1%

11. Albany, GA -2.1%

12. Minot, ND -2.7%

13. Paducah, KY -2.7%

14. Bozeman, MT -2.8%

15. Edmond, OK -2.8%

16. Oklahoma City, OK -2.9%

17. Lincoln, NE -3.0%

18. Billings, MT -3.4%

19. Monroe, LA -3.5%

20. Livingston, MT -3.5%

21. Buffalo, WY -3.5%

22. Great Falls, MT -3.7%

23. Decatur, IL -4.1%

24. Fargo, ND -4.5%

25. Missoula, MT -4.5%

Bozeman, Montana's Morning Star Elementary School, the Bozeman School District's largest elementary school, is one of the 2009 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Morning Star Elementary, named for Cheyenne Indian Chief, Morning Star, who would often awaken early in the morning to view the planet Venus, was chosen as one of the top elementary schools in the United States because it helps Bozeman students close the "achievement gap," "the difference in academic performance between different ethnic groups," according to the U.S. Department of Education's definition.

Arne Duncan, U.S. Education Secretary, announced 314 schools have won the Blue Ribbon award, which includes 50 private schools and 264 public schools. Central School in Roundup, MT also was chosen. On Novemebr 3, 2009, all winners will be honored in Washington, D.C. For more try the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.

DRINKING HORSE MOUNTAIN

The Drinking Horse Mountain Trail is a new Bozeman hiking gem not just because it makes for a short, vigorous 1.6 mile (3.2 mile rt) early-morning or after-work hike but also because of the spectacular views along the way and from its summit.

Walk along the excellent, recently carved and compacted limestone hiking trail from about 4902 ft to the 5,522 ft Drinking Horse Mountain Summit for views of the Absarokas and many of the Gallatin Valley's mountain ranges.

The Drinking Horse Mountain Trail, north of Bozeman, MT, is great for kids because they can make the hike short by stopping to splash in Bridger Creek under the shade of mature Cottonwoods, or they can head for the top, stopping along the way to rest on one of the many memorial benches manufactored from recycled plastic.

The Drinking Horse Mountain Trail is a great example of a federal, state, local, and private conservation collaboration, joining the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Gallatin Valley Land Trust; Montana Outdoor Science School; Bozeman Fish Technology Center; and Friends of the Bozeman, Montana Fish Technology Center together to preserve more of Montana's Gallatin Valley land for future generations.

Drinking Horse Mountain Trail Directions: From Main Street, Bozeman, take Rouse, which becomes Bridger Canyon Drive (Highway 86), 3 miles to a right (S) at the Fish Hatchery turnoff just before the "M" Trail turnoff. (NOT Fish Hatchery Rd, though...you've gone too far.) (Sorry, no bikes or horses allowed and don't forget the camera, water, coat, sunscreen, and snacks...and stay off the summit during lightning.)

Taunya Fagan Prudential Montana Real Estate

giving you the advantage...®

The top ten US real estate markets for 2009 are not large metropolitan areas, but rather small communities with strong prospects for growth. The following list of high potential housing markets may not appreciate in the short term, but have the highest likelihood of long term appreciation. See the top ten list put together by Housing Predictor for what may be the best real estate markets to invest in for 2009.

As we constantly monitor and follow trends in the real estate industry, an interesting movement is emerging. There has been increased consideration given to smaller homes nationwide for a number of reasons. Not to say that "bigger is better" is a thing of the past. But for many, consideration is being given to the simple concept that "smaller is preferred".

First, there are the Baby Boomers who are finding that their empty nest may be larger than what they now want or need in terms of space and upkeep. Many homeowners of this generation are in the position to move to new locations they have always wanted to try out or to just spend more time pursuing hobbies and leisure activities versus upkeep of large lawns and seldom used rooms. The minimized stress can be worth clearing out some closets and downsizing. Some challenges to note are the difficulty in parting with items that hold memories but are truly of little use any longer, as well as the feeling that there is not enough room in a smaller home when the extended family all gathers at once.

Other homeowners who are following the idea to embrace smaller living quarters may be doing so because of the deep seeded need to condense their belongings and simplify their lives. While the initial move to a less spacious home may be difficult, once settled in the positives begin to arise. Economically speaking, the amount of unessential spending should decrease as there is basically no room for items that are only used once or twice a year. There can also be a benefit in the family dynamics as one of two things may happen. Either a family will learn to spend more quality time together as there are less places to "get away" in the house or there will be a greater desire to spend time outdoors away from television and computers.

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Robyn Erlenbush
CRS, GRI, CRB, Broker Owner
Phone: (406) 586-1321
Send me an email