Let’s Share & Connect
We’d like to share some information with you about Bozeman, Montana and our schools, hospitals, skiing and great places to stay. We also have a very interactive map on our website that will provide you with much more detailed information and possibly answer some of your questions.
You can always reach us via phone, email or fax.
Our Schools
Living in such a beautiful area has some real benefits where schools are concerned. As a result of the high amount of competition to live and teach here, our School district has the opportunity to really get the best teachers, and our kids reap the benefits.
Some quick Bozeman School district facts:
We have six K-6 public elementary schools, two 6-8 public middle schools, a 9-12 public high school, four private high schools and an alternative high school. The rural public elementary schools include Anderson, LaMotte, Monforton, Gallatin Gateway, Cottonwood, Malmborg and Ophir in Big Sky.
Look here for a complete listing of all Bozeman Elementary Schools at
Great Schools.com
Look here for a complete listing of all Bozeman High Schools at
Great Schools.com
Bozeman High School has an average enrollment of 1,957. The school was twice named as one of the Outstanding Schools in America by the U.S. Department of Education, and is accredited by the Northwest Accrediting Association and the Montana office of Public Instruction.
Bozeman Senior High has two Diploma Programs. A General Diploma requiring 21 credits and a College Prep, requiring a total of 23 credits. Most students choose the College Prep diploma and approximately 78% go on to college. BHS students have gone on to participate in many successful careers as adults including playing in the NFL, Rhodes Scholars and news anchors for national television.
BHS has exemplary music and arts programs! Our marching band performed in the 1999 Tournament of Roses Parade. We also have a very well equiped art department as well as an active and dynamic theater program.
Bozeman Students Score High in there SAT tests:
- The average national SAT verbal score for girls was 505 – in Bozeman the average score was 582.
- The average national SAT verbal score for boys was 508 – in Bozeman the average score was 549.
- Bozeman Girls and boys had the average of 565 in verbal SAT scores over the Montana average of 540.
- Average national SAT math score for girls was 504 – in Bozeman the average was 570.
- Average national SAT math score for boys was 520 – in Bozeman the average 569.
- Bozeman Girls and boys had the average of 569 in verbal SAT scores over the Montana average of 540.
Source: Bozeman Public Schools District Profile 2005-2006
Quotes from kids and parent’s
(July 2006) As a current student at bozeman high, I have enjoyed the experience and have found areas to work in that almost every student finds. This isn’t just for the academic or athletic, as there are so many classes and activities that anyone can find something. These classes range from computers to art to music to sports to language. It is a large school, yes, but it is being improved. The teachers are second to none, and even though one person talks about low rates of SAT and higher learning, we are always encouraged to do more and go on in life. Our counselors are awesome and are always there for us. The entire community is extremely supportive of the school. Overall it is a wonderful place that almost all students enjoy.
(March 2006) School has very high acheivement scores compared to CA schools. The difference is that MT schools work hard to include all students. It is not a ‘turn out only the best and the h—- with the rest’ type of school. The teachers are excellent as is the adminisration. Overall, I would rank this school very high in all areas.
(January 2006) These are some of the single best public schools you will ever find. Students rank quite high on national and state tests and the courses are quite diverse. We have some of the most remarkable teachers. These people are good at what they do and do it because they enjoy it (they have to for the low amount they are paid). The student counselors are very impressive. I’ve never seen better. Very good schools, very nice community.
Source: GreatSchools.com
Bozeman School District Home Page
Local Private Schools
| Bozeman Christian – K-12 1935 Nelson Road Bozeman, MT 406-586-8061 |
Heritage Christian – K-8 4310 Durston Rd. Bozeman, MT 406-587-9311 |
Petra Academy – 4-12 100 Discovery Dr. Bozeman, MT 406-582-8165 |
Great Beginnings Montessori 5860 Springhill Lane Bozeman, MT 59715 406-587-0132 (fax, 406-586-5794) E-mail: greatbegin@montanadsl.net |
| Learning Circle Montessori Elementary Schoool 3001 West Villard Street Bozeman, MT 59718 406-585-3778 (fax, 406-522-9477) E-mail: LCM@in-tch.com |
Headwaters Academy – 6-12 418 W. Garfield St. Bozeman, MT 406-585-9997 |
Mount Ellis Academy – 9-12 3641 Bozeman Trail Rd Bozeman, MT 406-587-5178 |
Highland Montessori School 111 Highland Boulevard Bozeman, MT 59715 406-585-0171 E-mail: vbthompson@hotmail.com |
| Learning Circle Montessori School 516 West Cleveland Bozeman, MT 59715-9354 406-587-2672 (fax, 406-587-2672) E-mail:LCM@in-tch.com |
Our Hospital
Bozeman Deaconess Hospital offers a comprehensive list of services in the heart of the Gallatin Valley. This team of dedicated healthcare professionals provides health care of the highest quality with the greatest compassion. Below is a list of services provided.
- Cancer Center
- Cardiac Services
- Diabetes
- Diagnostic Imaging / Radiology
- Diet & Nutrition Services
- Emergency Services
- Gynecology
- Hospice
- Internal Medicine
- Interventional Radiology
- Laboratory Services
- Lifeline Personal Response System
- Palliative Medicine
- Perioperative Services
- Pharmacy Services
- Rehabilitation Services
- Respiratory Services
- Sleep/Wake Disorders
- Surgical Services
- Women’s Services
- Worksite Wellness
- Wound Clinic
Bozeman Deaconess Hospital Website
Hotels in Bozeman
Many of our clients contact us before visiting Bozeman to request information on lodging in the area. We can suggest a few local places. Some choices are better than others, so feel free to contact us at your convenience to discuss which of these area hotels and motels will be most accessible and convenient for you and your family as you investigate the unique qualities of Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley.
The following is a list of local lodging places that Stuart and Sally created for the times when we are simply unable to host friends or family in our own homes. Whenever possible, we’ve included both toll-free phone numbers and easy links to each location’s website.
C’Mon Inn
www.CmonInn.com
Toll Free: 866-782-2717 or (406) 587-3555
Gallatin River Lodge
www.glodge.com
(406) 388-0148
Hilton Garden Inn
www.bozeman.stayhgi.com
(406) 582-9900
Voss Inn Bed & Breakfast
(406) 587-4995
Wingate Inn
(406) 582-4995
Skiing
Bridger Bowl – http://www.bridgerbowl.com/
Bridger Bowl is flanked by two large bowls to the North and South. Most of the ski area offers wide open terrain with a variety of landscapes including long slopes, glades, chutes, gullies in addition to other smaller bowls.
Bridger Bowl offers a very diverse ski experience with the following ratings: 25% beginner, 35% intermediate, 30% advanced and 10% extreme. Incredible expert only skiing is available on Bridger’s renowned “Ridge”. Skiers and snowboarders who wish to access this terrain must hike up 400 vertical feet above the Bridger lift. Ridge skiing requires expert ability, an avalanche transceiver (457 khz), shovel, partner and knowledge of the terrain. The ridge has steep chutes, rock cliffs, and snowfields, providing some of the most challenging skiing found within any ski area boundary.
Big Sky – http://www.bigskyresort.com/
Big Sky Resort in Montana offers you three mountains graced by over 400 inches of annual snowfall to delights skiers and snowboarders. The signature Lone Peak rises to a lofty 11,166 feet in elevation with European-style expert terrain accessed by the Lone Peak Tram. Andesite Mountain has some of the resort’s most notable intermediate trails, some comfortable south-facing beginner trails, several expert tree runs and a giant half-pipe and terrain park with rail slides. Flat Iron Mountain is on the eastern shoulder of Andesite and offers even more variety.
Big Sky has a total of 3,812 expansive acres, 4,350 jaw-dropping vertical feet and over 150 named trails. The reputation for short or non-existent lift lines makes this truly a place all your own. Now with the option of the Line Peak Pass, the combined total with Moonlight is 5,512 acres.
Tickets are now available at the ERA Landmark Downtown office for a $5.00 discount. You can purchase your tickets now and use them any time during the 2007 Ski Season. Call 556-5013 for more information.
Moonlight Basin – http://www.moonlightbasin.com/home/
Moonlight Basin is a beautiful new addition to the skiing experience at Lone Mountain. Located on the Northern Slopes of Lone Peak, Moonlight Basin boasts 7 lifts, 1,900 skiable acres, with a 4,150 vertical drop. Fast becoming a favorite for the locals and conveniently located right next to Big Sky Ski Resort, Moonlight Basin is a short drive through the beautiful Gallatin Canyon away from Bozeman.
Bohart Ranch – http://www.bohartranchxcski.com/
Bohart Ranch Cross Country Ski Center is 16 miles northeast of Bozeman just up Bridger Canyon Road, with a 27km trail system located on private and Forest Service lands. The terrain is well suited to all ability levels and are professionally groomed for both classic and skate skiing.
There is a Biathalon Range that offers year-round training and competition, as well as the Kiddy Kilometer Trail which is a signed interpretative trail popular with families and younger skiers. Bohart Ranch was the local location for the 2002 National Olympic Qualifier competition.
Let’s Connect!
Call us at: 406-556-5013
Fax: 406-586-4946
e-mail: contact@stuartandsally.com
Meet Stuart Tilt & Sally Uhlmann!
Meet Stuart Tilt…
Since graduating from Duke in 1978, Stuart’s career has focused on communications, sales and marketing, beginning with her work at New York City’s Wells Rich and Greene Advertising. This led to many years in advertising sales for several publishing companies including Cahners Publishing. As an account executive for the noted Ketchum Advertising Agency, Stuart’s clients included the AT&T Bell Companies.
Stuart’s career took a different path while raising her two children in Washington D.C. As the owner of her own interior decorating firm, she successfully facilitated both residential and commercial clients to find their own distinctive visual styles.
In 2001, Stuart moved to Bozeman and turned her skills in sales, marketing and interior design in a different direction – real estate. Her background has been instrumental in her success as real estate agent specializing in the high end market.
Always involved in her community, Stuart is currently a member of the board of directors for the Gallatin Valley Land Trust and has served on the Museum Ball Committee for two years and the Heart of the Valley Humane Society Board. She looks forward to continued community service in the area she now calls home. Stuart loves to entertain, fly fish, ski and move to a new “project” house every three years or so all with the help of her husband Whitney.
Stuart fishing on the Big Horn River
Meet Sally Uhlmann…
While still a teenager, Sally began designing and creating clothing for performers and major recording artists in her home town of San Francisco. She attended Antioch College before moving to Ibiza, Spain. By the age of 24, Sally had built her own fashion business as the founder and president of Salaminder, a designer clothing company. When she sold Salaminder in 1990, the firm had over 1,200 active retail accounts including the prestigious Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue stores as well as Harrods’s in London.
During this time, newspapers from around the world did stories on this dynamic young entrepreneur who would roller skate from one end of her factory to the other.
Sally “retired” to raise and train 3-Day event horses on her ranch in Kansas. Her interest in this field led directly to her role as one of the three founders of Ariat International, now the leading equestrian boot company in the world. Utilizing her own sales and public relations background as the CEO of a clothing design firm, Sally concentrated on setting up the marketing and product introduction for the Ariat line.
As one of Kansas City’s best-known home chefs, Sally’s passion for cooking established her credentials as a writer and editor; Sally was the food editor of Kansas City Magazine and the entertaining editor for Home Design Magazine for five years.
Sally’s wide range of interests has led her to travel all over the world. It was a conference for one of her international projects that first brought her to Bozeman in 2002 and she immediately fell in love with the region and permanently moved her family to Montana the following year.
Sally has served on many civic boards and as an enthusiastic Bozeman resident, she has chaired the Museum of the Rockies Wine Classic for 2006 and 2007. The 2006 Wine Classic was the most financially successful gala in the history of Montana.
Conservation in the West
By SCOTT McMILLION Chronicle Staff Writer
Region’s natural beauty draws newcomers, bolsters economy, triggers bitter battles
ERIK PETERSEN/Chronicle A deck on the main lodge at the Sun Ranch overlooks a sweeping view of the Madison Range. “Henry David Thoreau didn’t build a trophy home.”
Jim Barrett, Park County Environmental Council
Thanks to modern four-wheel-drive vehicles, you can live at an elevation of 7,000 feet and still be a soccer mom.
“It’s as much of a revolution and a change in the demographics as the horse was for the Plains Indian,” said archeologist Larry Lahren, who is also a Park County commissioner. “It’s been a revolution in terms of people moving into this area, particularly the hinterlands.”
My $1,200 Radon Job
ABOUT THE HOUSE By GWENDOLYN BOUNDS
The Least Sexy Home Improvement Could Be a Lifesaver
It might be the ugliest home improvement. Last month, I finally did something about my radon problem.
Two men came and drilled a five-inch-wide hole in my home’s bottom floor. They attached a suction system of white pipes and a big round fan to draw air — and radon — from underneath the house and vent it out through a black pipe stuck in the roof. The work took six hours and cost $1,200 — about what I paid a pro to retile my bathroom.
![[Radon promo]](http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-BH837_radon__20080418183211.gif) |
| See the steps taken in Ms. Bounds’s project. |
Most homeowners have heard about the health hazards of radon, a radioactive gas that emanates from rocks, soil and water. Outside, it’s relatively harmless, but inside it can collect in dangerous concentrations, seeping in through cracks in the home’s foundation and other openings. Radon is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers, and one in 15 homes has an elevated level prior to treatment, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The agency estimates 750,000 to 1 million U.S. homeowners have taken radon-reduction steps over the years and says those steps, along with techniques in new construction, have helped prevent 6,000 deaths.
Why now is a SMART time to buy!
Daily Real Estate News | March 11, 2008
Why Now is a Smart Time to Buy
Now is a great time to buy a home, say the financial gurus at the Wall Street Journal.
The Journal calls it a buyers market and offers these suggestions for first-timers getting their feet wet. While their advice is solid, it’s not revolutionary, but some potential customers might find it reassuring.
Remember this is a place to live not a stock market investment, they say. Lenders want buyers to spend no more than 28 percent of their gross monthly income on mortgage payments, real estate taxes, and home insurance. Buyers shouldn’t count on stretching further because lenders won’t approve their loans.
Latest Real Estate Trends 2008
As another year winds down, it is nice to look back fondly on what has transpired in the last twelve months and also take some time to look towards the coming year with anticipation and an eagerness for what is to come. The real estate market certainly experienced an interesting year and has made more headlines than it would like to in some instances. However, in the spirit of starting a fresh year, this article will highlight some of the trends that are driving today’s real estate market into 2008.
Condo hotel sales are anticipated to be on the rise again in 2008 as financing is expected to loosen up for buyers willing to put 30% or more down. They are most appealing to those looking for a second-home option versus solely as investment properties.
Property auctions for residential homes are currently the fastest-growing segment of the auction industry. They can prove to be a win-win situation in that the sellers can often find a qualified buyer fast, and the buyers can aptly negotiate with very motivated sellers.
Housing communities are experiencing both growth and change. In the past, golf communities reigned supreme, but the emergence of many other types, including cycling, equestrian, and educational focused, among others, are seeing a surge in interest especially from baby boomers that do not have the same needs and interests as their predecessors.
Location, location, location has always been real estate’s most notable catch phrase, and that shows no signs of changing. There has been a rise in “micro markets” where a small neighborhood within a larger community is experiencing stable and/or rising prices whereas the area at large is seeing decline. Some characteristics of the well-performing micro markets include quality schools, more affluent homeowners, and higher owner-occupied rates.
Expect to continue to see a large selection of real estate “reality” shows on television. There is a natural curiosity for people to see other people’s homes and what goes on behind the front door. The only differences may be that some of the shows will become more reflective of national market changes.
Mainstream mortgage practices including sound underwriting and pricing are back in the forefront of lending. Stated-income loans and 100 percent loan-to-value financing are no longer commonplace. However, help should be on the way for buyers who were relying on subprime and Alt-A financing through Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA financing.
“Sweetening of the deal” is on the rise in many places by sellers – both builders and owners of existing homes. Builders can use incentives such as fireplaces or other upgrade items, and all sellers can offer to pay some or all of the closing costs in order to help buyers out.
Green homes have been steadily rising with no end in sight. Anything from nontoxic construction materials to energy-conserving heating systems can help homes to sell faster to those who are seeking environmentally friendly housing. The National Association of Home Builders offers classes on building green, and private companies have begun to offer basic courses for real estate agents, home inspectors, appraisers and those in the mortgage industry.
Technology will be continually changing the feel of the real estate industry in the ways that information is collected and disseminated as well as to how property is marketed. Serving clients from all areas of the map drives these advances on a regular basis.
I hope that 2008 brings you peace, health and prosperity. Thank you for your readership and comments.
Robyn Erlenbush is owner of ERA Landmark Real Estate (with offices in Bozeman, Big Sky, Livingston and Clyde Park) and Intermountain Property Management. She can be reached at robyn@eralandmark.com.
Special Thanks to Robyn for letting us publish her article!
Published in the Bozeman Chronicle, December, 2007.
Visit us at http://www.eralandmark.com/ & http://www.StuartandSally.com
U.S. & Montana Economic Outlook – 2007
Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley have experienced steady, solid growth in both population growth and real estate values over the past decade.
Non-resident ownership of land in Montana was reported at 11% of property sales in the Gallatin
Valley in 2005. According to recently published U.S. Census Bureau figures, Gallatin Valley is the fastest-growing county in Montana, clocking a 19.3% growth rate between 2000 and 2006.
Economic predictions are that—if anything—Gallatin Valley will continue to grow at an even healthier pace.
-
Economic Profile 2007 -
Click here to download Prospera Business Network’s Economic Profile 2007 -
Big Sky Market Report -
Click here to download the Big Sky Market Report provided by ERA Landmark
(for Fall 2007)
U.S. & Montana Economic Outlook
This “U.S. & Montana Economic
Outlook” presentation has been brought to you by First Interstate Bank
& Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties. Please feel free to contact us if
you have any questions.
This
graph shows Residential Single Family Homes in Gallatin County as of February
2008
amount
of inventory, average price, median price, and number of days on the market.
This
graph shows Vacant Land in Gallatin County as of February
2008
amount
of inventory, average price, median price, and number of days on the market.
Updated 2/2008
So what is driving the fantastic growth of the Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley real estate market?
- The distinctive Montana lifestyle
- The limited quantity of available land
- The dynamic community of Bozeman
Bozeman has been named the #1 ‘Dreamtown’ by Bizjournals.com for its quality of life and business growth, edging out Jackson Hole and Durango, Colorado. Bozeman is a small college town with a sophisticated and cultured atmosphere. Despite its size, Bozeman boasts amenities that larger urban cities would envy. No matter what the season, there are a full range of activities to
enjoy, from world-class fly fishing to the thrill of skiing to attending a wonderful symphonic concert. Whether you are starting up a business, relocating a family, or just wishing to retire
or own a second home here: an investment in Bozeman real estate is a sound decision.
Surrounded by 5 mountain ranges, with national and state land edging right up to the city and county lines, land is finite, while the sense of space is vast. Land values reflect the
precious, limited nature of available acreage, while quality homes are in short supply. Bozeman real estate continues to appreciate as more people desire to live in a place relatively free
from crime, embraced by nature, unpolluted and stress-free, in which they can create and enjoy the benefits of a lifestyle unlike any other in America.
Conservation Easements – Bozeman, Montana
Montanans – both natives and transplants – all share a love for the rugged grandeur of this magnificent state. Our wide vistas, majestic mountains, rolling farmlands, and wildlife attract visitors from around the world, and nurture the souls of those of us who call Montana home. Recent years have brought an influx of people wishing to develop and carve out sections of land for profit or personal use. This has created valid concern for the future of the state, and with that, growing alarm over disappearing open space.
Montanans are pro-active people and, consequently, many residents of the Big Sky Country are passionate about proper stewardship of the land and are involved in numerous non-profit organizations that are diligently working to preserve and protect all that we so love for our future generations. Montana calls itself “The Last Best Place” and with that in mind, we are committed to permanently protecting what we so enjoy.
Conservation Easements, very favorable and attractive to land owners wishing to preserve their holdings for future generations, are available for enactment by working with and through one of Gallatin Valley’s many non-profit organizations.
Stuart and Sally love the Gallatin Valley and encourage land owners to consider the future of the open lands in this community. As a board member of the “Gallatin Valley Land Trust” Stuart is actively working to insure the continued viability of our local eco-system. Many of our closest friends are involved in 501-C3 local organizations fighting to safeguard Montana’s unique environment.
There are many reasons to place land under the umbrella of Conservation Easements: taxes, inheritance, and a desire to insure for perpetuity that the land remains unfettered by future development while allowing you enjoyment of the land. As a legally binding agreement, with specific rules and regulations, a Conservation Easement should be approached with full understanding and knowledge of what you receive in exchange for giving up certain rights on your land.
Below are links to several organizations in the Gallatin Valley with representatives who would be delighted to discuss the personal impact a Conservation Easement will have on you and your land.
- Gallatin Valley Land Trust
- Gallatin County Open Space Grant Program
- Trust for Public Land
- Conservation Land Network
- Montana Land Reliance
- Montana Wetlands Legacy
- Montana Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Trout Unlimited
- Nature Conservancy
Don’t forget to visit our website and leave us comments on your visits and discoveries!
International Buyer Impact
Last month, I utilized this space to discuss the second-home market as a whole. In the meantime, the results of a very interesting survey have recently been released by the National Association of Realtors® regarding second-home purchases made by international buyers. Americans have most often viewed home ownership as a stable long-term investment, and it appears that many buyers from foreign countries agree. The survey used the time period of April 2006 through April 2007, and the results lean toward the conclusion that although the housing market in the United States has slowed down since the incredible 2000-2005 boom, our national real estate market is still a popular option for numerous international buyers.
The report highlighted the preferences of international home buyers in the areas of type of property purchased, purpose of property, median price paid, type of financing used, and where the property was located.
The profile of a “typical” international home buyer would begin with the inclination towards a detached single-family home or townhome, which is also true for U.S. home buyers. However, buyers from foreign countries tend have a stronger preference for condos or apartments than buyers from the United States, with those sales making up 22% of the homes purchased during the survey period.
As for the rationale of why a second-home is purchased in this country, a full 47% of the homes were purchased with the intent of being used simply as a vacation home for family and friends. This category was followed at 31% by being used as both a vacation home and a rental or investment property. And finally, 22% planned to use the home strictly for rental and investment purposes.
It can be estimated that the international buyers are also leaning towards some of the nicer properties in the United States. Though the national median price in 2006 for residential real estate sold was $221,900, the median price for international buyers was $299,500. And even considering that the majority of this market segment (28%) was for homes under $200,000, a full 14% of the homes were sold for over $750,000.
Like domestic buyers, the majority of foreign home buyers obtained a mortgage to purchase their second home. However, 28% of foreign buyers vs. 8% of U.S. buyers paid cash for their home. Reasons for this could be due to simply more cash on hand by the international buyers or perhaps the absence of tax benefits for carrying a mortgage in the homeowner’s country of origin.
Robyn Erlenbush is owner of ERA Landmark Real Estate (with offices in Bozeman, Big Sky, Livingston and Clyde Park) and Intermountain Property Management. She can be reached at robyn@eralandmark.com.
Visit us at http://www.eralandmark.com & http://www.stuartandsally.com
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