Bozeman a Desirable Destination Despite the Pandemic

by Liz Nitz
Bozeman a Desirable Destination Despite the Pandemic

Outdoor recreation in Montana. Snowmobile passing bison south of Obsidian Cliff at Yellowstone National Park (Jim Peaco, March 1997)

 

Bozeman continued to be a desirable destination despite the pandemic. While some major cities were shutting down, Bozeman presented a much different picture.

  • Yellowstone National Park saw record numbers of visitors in September and October 2020. Total visitation in 2020 was only down by 5%, and that included the park being completely shutdown for the month of April.
  • Traffic at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) dipped 43.5% in 2020. Nationally, it went down 60.7%.
  • Our airport is the busiest in Montana and it’s getting even busier. In the last year, BZN added new direct flights to Boston, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Nashville, Charlotte, San Diego, Austin and Oakland. And an eighth airline, Sun Country, was recently added with service to Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Industry experts are expecting a pent-up demand for travel this summer. Some new travel trends that have emerged as a result of Covid will continue to highlight Bozeman as a desirable destination.

People Want Rural Areas

  • Bozeman is close to idyllic, rural towns like Ennis, Virginia City, Dillon and West Yellowstone. “In 2020, search data already showed that nearly 90% of overall searches were for trips to rural areas. Cabin rentals are expected to be especially popular, accounting for 33% of total accommodation searches in 2020, a drastic +143% increase from 2019.” (Source: HometoGo)

People Want Outdoor Recreation

  • Hiking, fishing, biking, camping, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling are now the vacation must-dos. Bozeman sits right in the center of two entrances to Yellowstone National Park. The north entrance via Gardiner is just 77 miles away and the west entrance through West Yellowstone is 90 miles away.
  • Locally, we have beautiful Hyalite Canyon, Sypes Canyon, Bear Canyon and plenty of in-town trails courtesy of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust.

People Want Quiet Winter Getaways

  • According to the HometoGo survey, 43% have winter trips already planned for 2021; ski vacations made up 24% of those.
  • Big Sky ski resort is about 45 miles from Bozeman.
  • The local ski hill, Bridger Bowl, is just 16 miles from town.

People Want More Last-Minute Trips

  • Ease of travel and flexibility are key for travelers right now.
  • Bozeman is easy to get to via plane or car. Many direct flights from major cities like San Diego, Phoenix and Seattle takes less than three hours.
  • Montana’s population is small compared to its size, which means plenty of open spaces. Our current Covid regulations are relatively relaxed compared to most major cities.

 

If you’re scoping out Bozeman, check out some of my previous posts about what to expect in Bozeman real estate in 2021; the revitalization of midtown Bozeman; and the mid- and short-term rental market here. Feel free to contact me at liz@windermere.com if you have any questions about Bozeman and its surrounding areas.

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  • Pingback:Billings Emerging Housing Market | Liz Nitz - Bozeman Real Estate Agent
    Posted at 07:52h, 06 May Reply

    […] Bozeman’s housing market saw a flood of new buyers in 2020 and the recent index shows that buyers are extending their searches to emerging housing markets like Billings. If you have any questions about the real estate picture in Bozeman or other towns in Montana, feel free to email me at liz@windermere.com. […]

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2238 Baxter Lane 8, Bozeman, Montana 59718

2238 Baxter Lane 8, Bozeman, Montana 59718

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
970Sqft
This cozy, well-maintained, and bright second level 2 Bed, 2 Bath condo boasts it all from new LVP flooring throughout the kitchen and living room to its convenient proximity to shopping, parks, and schools. Enjoy the mountain view from the covered balcony before heading to the nearby walking trails. Easy access to the detached single car garage and private parking space.
$375,000

1755 Windrow Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59718

1755 Windrow Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59718

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.02Acre
2,100Sqft
Modern, single level living in Flanders Mill! This like-new home boasts soaring ceilings, an entertainer’s kitchen with quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances coupled with a thoughtful and open floor plan.
$1,099,000

5408 May Fly Street, Bozeman, Montana 59718

5408 May Fly Street, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.14Acre
1,796Sqft
Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to own a single family home in Bozeman listed under $700,000 with mountain views! This well laid out, 1796 sq ft Norton Ranch home features 3 generously sized bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, large closets, and an open floor plan on the ground floor. The fenced back yard gives plenty of privacy while still getting plenty of sun year round.
$695,000

2400 W Durston Road 40, Bozeman, Montana 59715

2400 W Durston Road 40, Bozeman, Montana 59715

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
1,820Sqft
Appealing Willowbrook condo with updated luxury vinyl plank flooring in kitchen, dining area and living room. Full kitchen appliance package plus a washer and dryer. Gas fireplace serves dining and living room areas. Large east facing patio for enjoyment in the summer. First floor master with double closets. The two bedrooms on the second floor share a full bath. Two car garage.
$539,000

743 Loxley Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59718

743 Loxley Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59718

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.19Acre
2,348Sqft
Location, main level master and a 3 car tandem garage are just a few of the reasons you have to tour this property for yourself! Vaulted ceilings, five bedrooms, two and half bath with over 2,000 sq ft. this floor plan allows for a variety of options to suit your needs. Directly out the backdoor leads you to a patio with a pergola great for entertaining in the backyard.
$829,900

2526 Maiden Star Lane, Bozeman, Montana 59715

2526 Maiden Star Lane, Bozeman, Montana 59715

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.20Acre
2,455Sqft
The Legends home you have been waiting for! 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath, high end custom built by DK Homes. Fantastic location close to neighborhood trails that link to the M/town trail and Story Mill Park. Minutes to Main Street and Bridger Bowl. This home features an open floor plan showcasing rock fireplace with soaring vaulted ceilings.
$997,000

3801 Renova Lane, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3801 Renova Lane, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.14Acre
1,242Sqft
Currently the ONLY single family home in Bozeman city limits under $600,000! This single level three bedroom, two bath home is situated in Oak Springs subdivision, directly across from the neighborhood park and within close proximity to the Gallatin County Regional Park.
$590,000

114 Michael Grove, Bozeman, Montana 59718

114 Michael Grove, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.08Acre
1,354Sqft
Looking for a great investment, home for your college students or just a great deal in an increasingly competitive market??? Well, look no further. This townhome is 3 beds, 2 full baths, great back yard ready for your personal touch. Located conveniently to all things Bozeman, this centrally located home gives you access to wherever you need to go.
$449,900

4616 Danube Lane, Bozeman, Montana 59718

4616 Danube Lane, Bozeman, Montana 59718

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
0.42Acre
3,834Sqft
Highly sought after Baxter Meadows West location! If you're looking to be in the heart of Bozeman's energy, look no farther! Conveniently located just blocks from Bozeman schools, the neighborhood park, Bozeman Sports Park, Gallatin Regional Park, Dog Park, pump track & Dinosaur Park...it's a rare find! Situated on just over 0.
$1,359,800
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