Nestled in the heart of Montana, Bozeman has long been a jumping-off point for adventurers heading into the nearby wilderness. But in recent years, the city has come into its own, attracting a new wave of visitors and residents drawn to its mix of rugged landscapes and modern amenities. This unique mix has brought a lot of attention to Bozeman over the last several years and now TIME Magazine has named Bozeman of the World’s Greatest Places for 2023.
The article points out that thanks to a surge in relocation during the pandemic, Bozeman has become a Rocky Mountain hub, with a growing downtown scene that includes boutique fitness and yoga studios, mom and pop shops, and high-end beauty stores. The dining scene is increasingly global, with some of the hottest tables in town at restaurants like JW Heist Steakhouse.
Time Magazine also talks about the recent upgrades to Bozeman’s new expansion of lodging options. The AC Hotel Bozeman, The Lark, and the Kimpton Armory Hotel are just a few of the options mentioned. The Kimpton Armory Hotel is particularly noteworthy, “The only four-star hotel in Bozeman, it was built on a former armory bomb shelter, and come summer, the year-round rooftop bar, The Sky Shed, is the place to be for a motley swirl of far-flung tourists and local barflies alike. Its year-round rooftop bar, The Sky Shed, is the place to be in the summer, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the stunning views of the valley.”
With all this national attention and growth come some challenges, and Bozeman has not been immune to them. One of the most significant challenges is the lack of affordable housing. The increased population has led to a surge in home prices, making it difficult for low and middle income families to find affordable housing. These growing pains are something to keep an eye on as Bozeman becomes more and more popular.
Bozeman’s transformation from a gateway town to Yellowstone National Park to a destination in its own right is a testament to the city’s unique mix of outdoor beauty and modern amenities. It’s no wonder that more and more people are discovering the charm of this Rocky Mountain gem. As the locals say, it’s the “Last Best Place.”
