What to Expect when Moving to Bozeman, MT:
Bozeman is a small town with a big heart. Despite its small size, Bozeman offers all the amenities of a larger city, including a thriving arts scene, delicious restaurants, and great shopping. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the access to nearby national parks, world-class skiing, hiking, fishing, and hunting.
Seasonal Weather Information:
Bozeman’s climate is classified as a cold semi-arid climate. Summers are warm and dry, with an average high of around 83°F in July. Winters are cold and snowy, with an average low of 12°F in January. Spring and fall are short, but beautiful seasons. Be prepared for snow and cold temperatures in the winter, and bring plenty of sunscreen and hats for the summer.
Employment and Tax Information:
Bozeman’s economy is diverse, with strong industries including education, healthcare, technology, and tourism. The city is home to Montana State University, which is the largest employer in the region. Other major employers include Bozeman Health, Oracle, and the Montana Department of Transportation.
Montana has no sales tax, but the state income tax ranges from 1% to 6.9%, depending on your income level. Property taxes in Bozeman are relatively low compared to other states, but can vary depending on the location and size of your home.
Cost of Living:
The cost of living in Bozeman is higher than the national average, but still relatively affordable compared to other popular mountain towns. Housing prices can be high, but there are plenty of options for renters and buyers alike. Other expenses like groceries and transportation are also slightly higher than the national average.
Other Things to Know:
- Bozeman is a welcoming community, with a strong sense of civic pride and a commitment to sustainability.
- The city is home to a vibrant arts scene, with plenty of galleries, theaters, and cultural events throughout the year.
- Bozeman is a great place to raise a family, with excellent schools, plenty of parks and playgrounds, and a low crime rate.
- The city is growing quickly, so be prepared for some traffic and construction in certain areas.
- Finally, be prepared for breathtaking scenery and an outdoor lifestyle that is hard to beat.
Bozeman, Montana is a great place to call home, with a strong economy, a vibrant community, and stunning natural surroundings. Whether you’re moving for work, school, or adventure, Bozeman has something for everyone.
Utilities
Water:
City of Bozeman – 406-582-3200
Gas:
Northwestern Energy – 888-467-2669
Electric:
Northwestern Energy – 888-467-2669
Garbage:
City of Bozeman – 406-582-3200
BFI Waste Management – 406-586-0606
Telephone:
Qwest Communications – 800-244-1111
Cell:
AT&T
Verizon
Cable TV:
Bresnan Communications – 800-823-6766
Spectrum Communications – (877) 906-9121
Internet Service Providers:
Post Office
5711 East Baxter Lane
32 East Babcock Street
Change of address form: https://moversguide.usps.com/
Drivers License
Bozeman Drivers Exam Station – 406-587-0461
2005 Gilkerson Drive Suite B (map)
New Residents
Individuals with out-of-state licenses who wish to obtain a Montana driver’s license must apply for a Montana driver’s license within 120 days of moving to the state if seeking a non-commercial driver’s license and within 30 days if they need a commercial license.
They also may be required to pass written and driving tests, in addition to a vision test. However, driver examiners may, at their discretion, waive the written and driving tests for individuals who have in their possession a valid license issued by another state.
New Drivers
Individuals wishing to obtain a Montana driver’s license must:
– be at least 15 years old and have completed a state-approved driver’s education course or be at least 16 years old if they have not completed driver’s ed
– provide parental consent if under the age of 18
– pass written, vision and driving tests
Individuals with a learner’s license from another state can drive in Montana for 120 days with a licensed driver.
New drivers need to be familiar with the Montana Driver’s Manual. The Office of Public Instruction makes an adapted/illustrated version of the Montana Driver’s Manual (PDF) available.
Vehicle Title and Registration
Registration, tag and title services for cars, trucks, trailers & vessels. Specialty tags, refunds, and disability parking permits.
Gallatin County Treasurer – 311 West Main Street (room 104) – 406-582-3084
Register to Vote
To vote in Montana you must be:
– A U.S. citizen
– At least 18 years old
– A resident of Montana and of the county in which you intend to register to vote for at least 30 days before the election.
Eligible voters may register by completing a registration card at their county election office or by calling that office to request a mail-in registration card. They must be registered 30 days prior to an election.
Gallatin County Election Office – 311 West Main Street (room 103) – 406-582-3060
Pet Regulations
All dogs and cats over six months of age with the city limits of Bozeman must be licensed annually. No licenses will be issued without proof of vaccination against rabies, or proof of neutering or spaying. Anyone owning three or more cats or three or more dogs must apply for a kennel license. (A combination of cats and dogs, such as 2 dogs and 1 cat, does not need a kennel license.) A kennel license is $50.00 per year.
The license fees are as follows:
Dogs:
Neutered/Spayed $10.00
Unaltered $25.00
Cats:
Neutered/Spayed $5.00
Unaltered $10.00
Licenses are available for sale at City Hall, located at 411 East Main Street. Please call the City of Bozeman Licensing Clerk at 406-582-2327 for questions on pet or kennel licenses.
Schools
Bozeman Public Schools – 406-522-6001
www.bozeman.k12.mt.us
Montana State University – 888-MSU-CATS
www.montana.edu
Hospital
Bozeman Deaconess Hospital – 406-585-5000
www.bozemandeaconess.com
Recycling Sites
The city of Bozeman maintains 7 recycling drop-off locations. Accepted materials are aluminum & steel cans, glass bottles & jars, newspaper, cardboard, magazines, and plastic bottles.
Wal-Mart – 1500 North 7th Avenue
Located at the southeast corner of the store near the auto center. Accessible from the easternmost Oak St. entrance.
City Softball Complex – Intersection of Highland Boulevard. & Ellis Street
Located in the parking lot at the southwest corner of the intersection.
West Babcock Park – 3450 West Babcock Street
Located immediately south of the “West Babcock Fields” sign at the entrance to the park.
MSU Parking Lot #1 – West Harrison Street
Located just west of the South 8th Avenue & Harrison intersection. The northwest corner of the parking lot on the south side of Langford Hall.
MSU Parking Lot #2 – South 13th Avenue & College Street
Heading east on College, take a right into the parking lot immediately before you reach 13th Avenue. Bins are on the northwest corner of the parking lot.
MSU Parking Lot #3 – South 7th Avenue
Located across from the southernmost MSU parking lot at the MSU Auto Shop Entrance.
For more information and a complete list of acceptable and unacceptable materials, visit the City of Bozeman’s Website.