<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4C0Hog_1B9MsEAL00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4C0Hog_1B9MsEAL00" width="986" height="555" >BOZEMAN, Mont. — Housing costs in Bozeman are at record highs, and for many, it’s getting harder to keep up.People love Bozeman for its mountain views, outdoor lifestyle, and strong job market -- but those same things driving growth are also driving up the cost of living.According to recent housing and economic reports, home prices and rent in Gallatin County remain among the highest in Montana, while wages aren’t keeping pace for everyone.Dr. Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist and vice president of research at the National Association of Realtors, says it’s a struggle for first-time homebuyers.“We know that we have first-time home buyers who are very much struggling to get into the market, grappling with housing affordability, grappling with higher interest rates,” she said.Jobs critical to the community, including city leaders, health care workers, and first responders often earn too much for housing assistance but not enough to comfortably afford living where they work.Bozeman Mayor Joey Morrison says it’s hard to recognize some of the changes happening statewide.“Being in Montana, Montana is the state that I love. It's where I grew up. I'm committed to this place. But as it's gotten more and more expensive and at times tough to recognize some of the changes that are happening in this state, not just in Bozeman. That's a tough trade-off to decide between buying power and a career in another market where maybe settling down is a little easier than it might be here,” said Morrison.Bozeman Police Chief Jim Veltkamp found that some of his staff have to live farther away, meaning longer commutes to work.“What we found the last few years is that both officers and staff have to live farther out from the city just to be able to work and live here. We have people that are commuting a pretty substantial distance away from the city of Bozeman,” said Veltkamp.And for some small business owners, it means relying on second jobs just to stay afloat.“As far as being able to stay here. Yes, I picked up second jobs, have had to rent out a room and basically just live on less and make it work,” said Cathy Meyers, a homeowner and small business owner.City leaders say longterm solutions like workforce housing and zoning changes are in the works, but for many residents, those solutions can’t come soon enough.</div></body>

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BOZEMAN, Mont. — Housing costs in Bozeman are at record highs, and for many, it’s getting harder to keep up. People love Bozeman for its mountain views, outdoor lifestyle, and strong job market -- but those same things driving growth are also driving up the cost of living.

Residents struggle with Bozeman housing affordability

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BOZEMAN, Mont. — Housing costs in Bozeman are at record highs, and for many, it’s getting harder to keep up. People love Bozeman for its mountain views, ou

Residents struggle with Bozeman housing affordability

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