Are you thinking of moving to the city of Bozeman, Montana? Whether you’ve recently moved to this charming town or are planning to make the move soon, you’re in for a treat. Bozeman offers a unique and enriching lifestyle that combines the best of outdoor adventures, a thriving arts and culture scene, and a warm and welcoming community. Today, we’ll explore some tips on how to embrace the Bozeman lifestyle and settle into your new home seamlessly.

1. Immerse Yourself in the Natural Beauty

Bozeman is nestled amidst stunning mountain ranges, providing ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy nature’s bounty. Take some time to hike the scenic trails of the Bridger Mountains, go hiking or biking in the Gallatin Canyon area, or indulge in some fly fishing on the Gallatin River. Embrace the laid-back lifestyle and savor the breathtaking views that surround you.

2. Engage in Community Activities

One of the hallmarks of the Bozeman lifestyle is its strong sense of community. Get involved in local events, such as the Sweet Pea Festival or the Farmers’ Market, to meet fellow residents and make new friends. Join clubs or groups aligned with your interests, be it hiking, photography, or art, to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passions.

3. Support Local Montana Businesses

Bozeman takes pride in its local businesses and artisans. Explore downtown Bozeman and discover boutique shops, craft breweries, and quaint cafes. By supporting local businesses, you contribute to the city’s vibrant economy and foster a sense of community. Plus, you’ll get to experience the unique charm that these local establishments offer.

4. Getting Involved with the Arts and Culture Scene

Bozeman boasts a flourishing arts and culture scene with museums, galleries, and theaters. Attend local performances, art exhibitions, and cultural events to immerse yourself in the creative spirit of the city. This will not only enrich your life but also support the local arts community.

5. Get Acquainted with Local Montana Cuisine

Montana is known for its hearty and delicious cuisine. Treat yourself to some bison burgers, elk steaks, or huckleberry-flavored treats, which are local fare. Exploring the local food scene is not only a culinary adventure but also a way to get to know the state’s culinary heritage.

6. Bozeman Winter Activities are a Staple

When winter arrives, don’t let the cold weather keep you indoors. Bozeman offers a plethora of winter activities to keep you engaged and entertained. Try skiing or snowboarding at the nearby ski resorts like Bridger Bowl, or Big Sky Resort, enjoy snowshoeing in the backcountry, or experience the thrill of dog sledding.

Wrapping it up

Embracing the Bozeman, Montana lifestyle is all about immersing yourself in the city’s natural beauty, vibrant community, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, attending local events, or supporting small businesses, Bozeman offers an enriching and fulfilling way of life. Settle into your new home with an open heart, an adventurous spirit, and a willingness to embrace all that this captivating city has to offer. Welcome home to Bozeman!

Well, we all know that it took long enough for summer to finally arrive, but it is here now. The winter here has its own joys and fun. But the summer provides a time where there are so many opportunities to see the beauty Montana has to offer. Here are just a few things you could do on these wonderful summer days and nights.

1.    Get out of your comfort zone and check out some of the obscure, interesting attractions in Montana. For example, you could visit The Berkley Pit in Butte where new fungal and bacteria species have been identified and call this lake home, or if you like to visit old ghost towns that can take you back in history, you can try one of the many locations throughout Montana like Garnet Ghost Town, Elkhorn Ghost Town, Castle Ghost Town, or Granite Ghost Town. For more ideas on fun little-known places to check out across Montana, you can check out Atlas Obscura.

2.    If you prefer to get back to nature a bit more while it is nice outside, there are ample areas to hike across Montana. Bozeman offers so many trails you can hike from the ever popular “M” to Gallagator Trail to Drinking Horse Mountain Trail and more!  While you are exploring the woods and mountain areas, you may find some beautiful majestic locations where the sun peeks through the leaves and waterfalls remind you of the natural beauty that Montana holds secret. If you like to see picturesque mysterious sites (some that have not even been named yet), you could adventure through Glacier Park, travel to Missoula, or even meander to Broadwater County to see Crow Creek Falls. Here are also 15 Amazing Waterfalls in Montana you can check out.

3.    The Smithsonian has branched into Bozeman in the form of the Museum of the Rockies. Not everyone wants to be outside all day every day. If this is up your alley, Bozeman has you covered. The Museum of the Rockies will take your breath away. This is something everyone who resides in Montana, or is visiting, must see. This is a great place to learn and see everything related to dinosaurs, experience history through incredible exhibits, and even encounter a preserved log cabin from the 19th century. They also offer free admission to the Living History Farm!

4.    Why not check out the local events as well. Bozeman has a great Farmer’s Market where you can find everything Bozeman and more. Crafters, farmers, builders, vendors, etc. all come together to share their craft with you. You can find the most unique gift to send to someone, or a shockingly gorgeous table made right here in Bozeman while also picking out the best syrup, soaps, breads, cakes, etc. that Bozeman has to offer. You also get the chance to intermingle with numerous Bozeman friends from the community. If this sounds like something you would like to join in on, you can check out the Bogert Farmer’s Market on Tuesday evenings from 5pm to 8pm. If the weekend is a better time for you, Saturday from 9am to 12pm, the Gallatin Valley Farmers’ Market is exactly what you are looking for. Just putter on down to the fairgrounds, and you will get to participate in the fun. Read more

If you can believe it, another New Year is upon us! I know it seems like yesterday that we were saying this about 2018, and anxiously anticipated the great things that the New Year held for us. Now, we are beginning 2019, and I would bet there are unlimited possibilities awaiting each of us this year. You have started the year off right by living in an apartment. There has been a lot of research conducted to determine the benefits of downsizing your life and living in more quaint quarters. Whether you know it or not, you are ahead of the game. Let’s take a look at some of the top benefits to choosing an apartment for your home.

10. Less cleaning and more fun time awaits those who choose a smaller living environment. If you are one who maintains their living space in a tidy manner, then this is right up your alley. With less square footage to clean, you have more time to do the exciting things in your life like hiking, fishing, skiing, etc. Who doesn’t want to do more of that this year?

9. Save more $$$ in multiple ways. Those who choose to purchase a home have a lot of financial responsibilities that you do not have to worry about. For example, if plumbing in your apartment has an issue, you call to have maintenance come fix the problem. This does not cost you anything extra in your rent to have the required maintenance completed. However, if you owned your home, this would be your responsibility to figure out how to not only get the issue fixed but also find the additional money that it will cost to have the repair man come to your home. Your heating and cooling costs are lower due to the smaller space of the apartment. Then there is the money saving benefit of having landscaping, trash, and parking covered. You get to come home and focus on your personal sanctuary without focusing on needing to get anything outside of your home (in regards to the property) handled.

8. Alter the focus of your home from quantity to quality. With a smaller space to furnish and decorate, you will have the opportunity to strategically place nice art, unique pieces of furniture, or even buy that special piece that you have had your eye on. With an apartment, you have the opportunity to express who you are in a compact and clear way avoiding the clutter that often happens when you have too much space to try to forcibly fill.

7. Give back to the environment that loves you. The little known fact of smaller living spaces is that they are very eco-friendly. Every time someone turns their heat on, they are leaving a carbon footprint on the environment. The very construction, insulation, and heating source for apartments creates a much smaller carbon footprint when compared to larger homes.

6. No lost & found needed in your home when you have less area to lose an item.

5. Organization becomes second nature due to the smaller space. You have less of a chance to allow any clutter to build up in your home. If you sometimes need that push to get you motivated to reorganize, or get rid of the old stuff you are not using, this is a great opportunity for you. Apartments are cozy, but can become claustrophobic for anyone who allows their space to become too overrun with various items. You will become a master of organization while residing in an apartment.

4. Close but not too close is the best way to describe apartment living. You have friends aplenty when you choose to live in a close community. Although you have neighbors around you, you still have the comfort and privacy of having your own space. You can be as involved as you want to be in your community. If you want to get to know your neighbors, I encourage you to do so. Lifetime relationships can develop, and you could find something that you never expected just by saying hello to a friendly neighbor.

3. Location, Location, Location. As everyone knows, location is everything. By living in an apartment, you get the comfort of being close to everything, while not having to pay the huge price tag of owning a home in a highly sought after location.

2. Moving on is inevitable. Those who have learned to be well organized, have less clutter, and a smaller area to pack up find that when that time comes to move on, the transition is much easier.

1. The number 1 reason living in a smaller space is good for you can be seen in the recent research that shows that the psychological health of a person can drastically improve when they downsize their life. This improvement is seen for many reasons. Psychologists have found that less visually challenging spaces create an environment where the individual feels more comfortable as their mind can relax more effectively. Small spaces also present the opportunity for a person to feel like they have more control over their environment. There is also research that shows that people who reside in cozy spaces tend to spend more time outdoors, which is directly linked to emotional happiness.

With the New Year here, take the time to look around your space to what you would like to rearrange, organize, or change in some way to make your apartment more than just a home. These are only 10 reasons living in an apartment is pretty amazing, but there are so many other benefits as well.

Finding an apartment can be a challenge, but at Bridger Property Management we want to make this process simple and hassle free for you.  Take a look at Kagy Village and Brookside Park Apartments to see if these suit your needs. Feel free to give our friendly staff a call at: 406-556-9900 and they can assist you or answer any questions.

Many do not know the obscure history of Thanksgiving, and the wordplay that has developed through the years to identify the same holiday. Before we look at what you can do to plan for a fun gathering for Thanksgiving at your home, let’s have a short history lesson to understand the celebration held on the 4th Thursday of November.

A Short History of the Origins of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving – Evidence goes back to families gathering to express gratitude for daily blessings since the 1530’s. Although it is unknown if the settlers in 1621 used the actual term Thanksgiving for their celebration, we do know that the initial celebration (here in America) was practiced in New England, before the Revolution. After independence was achieved, the practice spread through the country. Prior to 1863 and the lobbying by Sarah Josepha Hale, there was never a specific date set for individuals to observe the traditions that would blossom into Thanksgiving. However, Abraham Lincoln changed this by designating the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving.

Franksgiving – In 1939, Franklin D. Roosevelt thought that he could improve the retail sales of the country by changing the observation date of Thanksgiving from the last Thursday of November to the 3rd Thursday. Critics of this decision expressed their disdain and put significant pressure on the government to return to the observance of Thanksgiving to the 4th Thursday of November. President Roosevelt conceded to the critics in 1942, and he returned Thanksgiving to the date we observe today.

Friendsgiving – Most can agree that as times have changed, so has the definition of family. Previously, this was a time of “family” gathering to observe and give thanks for their blessings. However, in today’s world, many have a closer connection to friends. For those individuals, the term “Friendsgiving” was coined to represent those who spend this day with friends instead of family. The wordplay caught on, and large companies started jumping on the bandwagon of “Friendsgiving,” so you may see this term used in certain advertisements.

Whatever you decide to call your gathering, there are some things that you can do to help make this time a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.

Tips for Preparing your Thanksgiving Dinner

1. Have A Plan That Will Work for Your Apartment and Space

The worst thing you could do if you trying to plan a get together is to wait until the day of to try to map things out. Take a moment to think of what you would like to serve, who you are planning to invite, where everyone will sit, what activities you would like to have established, etc. Keep in mind when planning your menu for the afternoon that this is probably not the best time to try that crazy new recipe using things that you have never tried before. That will just add unnecessary stress to your day.

Once you have planned everything, you can start organizing steps to put in place your grand vision. You can even start some things the night before to save on time: organize your counter space, evaluate cooking options, utilize things like slow cookers to give yourself the opportunity to do other things while food is cooking, and even set the table.

2. Move Things Around in Your Apartment to Prepare for Company

You may find that while you want to have several friends and family to your home for Thanksgiving, the limited space can create an issue. This can be alleviated if you make some temporary adjustments to the seating area in your home. If you have a coffee table and other living room furniture that could be moved to say a bedroom for the day, you can turn the larger living room area into a nice dining area for you and your guests.

Don’t forget to also move things around in your refrigerator as well. Trying to clean it out while you are also trying to put left over food away and entertain your guests could present as an issue. Pre-planning for the additional food in your refrigerator will help decrease that stress, and increase the time you have with your guests. You can also save fridge space by utilizing coolers to hold drinks and ice. A very creative addition to your table would be a pumpkin cooler. Simply cut the top half of a pumpkin off, clean it out, fill with ice, and presto. You have a decorative cooler.

3. Elegant But Easy

I know that everyone wants to have the perfect place setting when they are having a nice dinner at their home. You can accomplish a beautiful table while managing to make clean up easier for yourself later. Try using some tasteful thick disposable plates, cups, and even silverware. This will cut your clean up time in half.

4. Have A Little Help

Friends and family, even at the first Thanksgiving, shared the responsibility of the cooking and cleaning that always accompanies a gathering of people in one place. This should not stop at your front door. If you have each guest bring one or two items/dishes, you will have help with the cooking, decrease stress, and even get to try some different foods from your friends.

5. Me Time

One of the most stressful times is when you have been cooking all day, have mostly everything prepared, and you realize that you have not even gotten dressed yet! To avoid that issue before it happens, make sure to plan yourself some “me time” to get the things done for yourself that you will need so you too can enjoy your gathering. If you get some of the cooking and prepping done the night before, you can take your time to do other things the day of the event. This includes time for yourself to be presentable for such a wonderful gathering in your home. And above all, have fun with it!!!

To all our friends at Kagy Village and Brookside Park Apartments, we wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Many of us may travel for Thanksgiving, but for those of us staying in Bozeman…if you have a Bozeman apartment and think maybe you don’t have enough space to host your friends and family, remember some of the tips here. With a little planning and preparation you can make Thanksgiving at your apartment enjoyable and problem free.

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Whenever you reside in a community with other individuals, there is always a chance of disagreement over one thing or another. Maybe they listen to loud music, their dog barks constantly, or they park in your designated spot. Whatever the reason is, a huge confrontation does not have to occur. Instead of living with this resentment or frustration toward your neighbor(s), let’s learn how you can keep the peace for a happier home.

Tips for  handling disagreements:

1. Take Time

It can be very hard to reign yourself in when you have become frustrated or angry with the actions of another individual. The first thought is to handle the issue right then, but researchers say this is the worst thing you could do if you would like a positive outcome. How many times have you been angry in your life, reacted, and then later thought that maybe things would have ended differently had you had the chance to think before you acted? This is common, and happens to everyone. If something is bothering you regarding a neighbor’s behavior, don’t immediately go knocking on their door. This will most likely end with a verbal confrontation without resolution. Instead, take a couple of hours to step back from the situation, collect your thoughts, and assess the situation. This way you can approach the individual in a calm manner, allowing for a more open dialogue.

2. Resolution?

While you are taking that time to calm down before approaching the individual, you should also be considering what resolution you would like to have happen. For example, if the neighbor in question is having all night gatherings with loud music or other noise coming from their home, what would you like to see happen? Do you want the noise to end by 10PM on weekdays and 12PM on weekends? Make sure you are being reasonable in your request, and be able to calmly express why you would like to see this resolution in place.

This video is intended in jest, as a little comedy in dealing with neighbors. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as advice.

3. One-On-One

A huge issue that seems to happen frequently is gossip. I know we don’t like to think of ourselves as the stereotypical gossiper, but you would be surprised how often we “accidentally” bring up situations that involve others whom are not present while we are talking. When it comes to something that is emotionally charged, we have to be careful about gossiping as this could further increase the complications with the other individual. Keep issues with neighbors between you and that neighbor (and possibly the leasing office if needed). Attempting to handle a situation one-on-one without involving other neighbors will bring better results, improve resident relations, and increase the likelihood that you will be able to come to a positive resolution with the individual.

4. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

One of the biggest issues in any relationship arises because of a lack of communication. Verbal communication is always best, so this is the preferred communication style whenever possible. When you are ready to confront the neighbor, remember to stay calm. Your approach will definitely dictate the direction of the conversation.

If you do not feel you can calmly address the situation with the individual, you could try writing a neighborly note discussing what your concerns are. Make sure in your writing you are not accusatory, abrasive, aggressive, or vulgar.

Please keep in mind that there are some individuals who have a heightened response to any criticism. Although it is very hard, remaining calm and being the “adult” in the situation is crucial. If this is the type of situation you find yourself in, involving the leasing office or police may be required. Never put yourself in a dangerous situation in an effort to confront a neighbor about an issue.

5. Keep it to a Minimum Read more