Opinion: It’s Not Just Transplants That Are Hurting Bozeman.

The Challenge of Change in Bozeman

Some folks just don't like change. In fact, a good number of Montanans are in that group.

The Outsider Debate: A Local Perspective

I was on a social media platform reading comments regarding Bozeman and how it's changed so much, and so many folks were going on about how the town used to be great, and now it's not. They went on about all of the "outsiders" that have moved here. They talked about how Bozeman was never supposed to be this big.

READ MORE: Why do so many Montanans dislike Bozeman?

I understand that change is hard, I really do. I also understand that new businesses bring in more money and new jobs.

Who’s Really Responsible for Rising Prices?

I would like to point something out that I don't think is talked about nearly enough. Some locals love to go after transplants who've come here, they talk about how the prices have risen and how locals can't afford to buy a home here now.

Two things.

• I'm not local and I can't afford to buy a home here
• Why is no one ever upset about the locals who sold the outsiders the land at inflated prices?

Seriously? It seems to me that more than a few locals made a killing off selling their land to developers, yet I don't hear an outcry regarding that. Where is the outrage? Where is the call for justice? No, it's just easier to blame folks not from here.

Accountability: Locals vs. Outsiders

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of folks coming here, buying up everything and then thinking they are above the law, or want to change things to better suit themselves. However, change happens, even when we don't want it to. I would rather pay 2 bucks for a gallon of gas, instead I pay 4.50.

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All I'm saying is that those locals who are so quick to jump on the "transplant" bandwagon, might want to look at it from all sides.