Housing

Montana simply cannot have it both ways. Our housing issues are now at crisis level with soaring prices and next to no inventory. Have you known anyone who has tried to rent a trailer? It's next to impossible with very lengthy waiting lists.

I had a very interesting conversation yesterday with a friend I hadn't seen in months. We hadn't seen each other because she and her husband moved from Bozeman to Butte.

In Montana, we're seeing record-setting prices on, well, everything. That got me thinking a bit and here are 3 options for you to choose from, just pick one

How much is too much? As Bozeman landlords and property managers continue to raise the rent in their units, what is a fair amount? When is it too much?

Some experts are predicting a major housing crash is coming soon here in the United States. How will this affect the record home prices here in Montana?

Does this episode hit too close to home for Bozeman residents?

The city needs to think about its future because it's not pretty right now.

Here's a basic breakdown of the estimated cost of living in Bozeman.

I can't be the only one that thinks, "what in the world do these people do for a living that they can afford these home prices?". Throw in the fact that I see a lot of new cars in the driveways of these homes and I come to the conclusion that I've clearly failed in life.

The fastest-growing city in Montana is pretty much a given.

The way that Empty Home Tax works is that there is a taxed percentage based on the value of the property. If that property is vacant for six months or more a year, the tax kicks in. In Vancouver, It started out at 1%, then moved to 1.25%. It's now at 3% for 2021.

Most every morning when I leave for work, I head to my local convenience store to grab a Diet Dr. Pepper. On the way there, I drive by what looks like a little make shift RV refuge and it appears to be growing...quickly. What started out as a couple of campers, has turned into multiple campers, a few motorhomes, and a tent or two.