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Lifestyle

SOUTHWEST MONTANA 

 

Southwest Montana truly has it all:  A growing economy, unmatched scenery and unlimited recreational opportunities.  Southwest Montana is home to Montana State University, Yellowstone National Park, several world famous trout streams and world class ski destinations.  This is where "Lifestyle Investing" takes place. 

The investment team at Ranch and Resort Group believes that investing in a lifestyle offers the maximum return for the money: health, happiness, time with loved ones, being close to nature...and like any strong investment, it should have solid long term financial gains.

We deal in properties that will benefit our clients financially, physically, and mentally. The R&R Group has agreed on the term "Lifestyle Investing" for the type of property investments that provide more than just a future financial return; they provide a way to maximize your investment today.

We strive for balance, in living a rich and full life of experiences while offering up a select few lifestyle sacrifices for the purpose of sustainable living (see Sustainable Living by clicking "Resources" Tab). Too many people get caught up in the rat race of today's fast-paced society and forget that recreation and happiness should be a top priority. We only live once, so we better enjoy it while it lasts. Montana offers a multitude of Lifestyle Investment opportunities. The team at R&R is committed to an active, healthy lifestyle and is excited to help others find the investment that fits the lifestyle they've always dreamed of.

The real estate market in Montana remains strong. We believe the trend of people leaving big cities in search of a more rewarding lifestyle will continue. By 2020, one in five Montana residents will be 65 or older, and the state will have the third-highest percentage of senior citizens in the nation (Missoulian 05/20/07). This trend will continue to drive the growing economy in Montana, especially in the most desirable parts of the state such as Big Sky, Bozeman, and the Paradise Valley. We believe in sustainable growth and are working to establish relationships with investors, buyers, sellers, developers, builders and other agents that share our love for this area and its valuable recreational assets.

R&R Group has BUYER and SELLER Representatives with a thorough understanding of the following markets:

Resort: Big Sky, Moonlight Basin, Yellowstone Club, Bridger Bowl

Land: Gallatin Valley, Bozeman, Paradise Valley, Livingston, Madison Valley, Ennis

 

 

 

Bozeman, MT

 

Bozeman is located in the heart of the Gallatin Valley and serves as the center of business and culture for all of Southwest Montana.  This once sleepy little cow town has blossomed in recent years and continues to lead the state in responsible growth and recreation.  Bozeman is home to Montana State University and is close to Big Sky Ski Resort, Bridger Bowl Ski Area, Yellowstone National Park, and several blue-ribbon trout streams such the Madison and Gallatin Rivers.  The university keeps the town young and vibrant and is also the largest local employer; many who come here to study fall in love with the area and never leave.  Bozeman has been listed in Outside Magazine as one of the top 10 American cities for quality of life, and US News and World report named Bozeman in the top 10 places to retire.  Bozeman's many attributes continue to attract people of all ages. 

 

Click here to reach the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce web site.

 

Continue to scroll down to see more photos and information on local attractions.

 

 

 

Local Skiing...

 

   Lone Peak, this photo was taken at Sunrise with a setting moon in March. Photo Travis Andersen

 

Big Sky, Montana 

 

Big Sky is located about 50 miles south of Bozeman, MT in the Gallatin River Canyon.  Yellowstone Park sits just a few miles further up the road.  Big Sky Resort was originally created in the 70's and today has grown into a thriving resort community with 3 operating ski areas, Big Sky Resort, Moonlight Basin and the Yellowstone Club.

 

Lone Peak serves as the anchor point for the ski areas and the community as a whole.  There are two distinct village areas, one in the meadow and the other at the base of the mountain.  There are also several other major developments currently creating their own village areas all around the peak.  The recent creation of the "Lone Peak Pass" gives Big Sky bragging rights to the largest skiable acreage in North America under one ticket, combining the ski terrain of Big Sky and Moonlight Basin.

 

Summer recreational opportunities are also abundant.  Golf and trout fishing in the world famous Gallatin River are the main draws.  There are also miles of hiking and biking trails, and of course Yellowstone National Park.   

 

      Mountain Biking under a Big Sky sunset.  Photo: Travis Andersen.

 

     The 15th hole at the Spanish Peaks Club golf course.  Photo: Travis Andersen.

 

 

     Skiing the Headwaters at Moonlight Basin.  Photo: Travis Andersen.

 

Moonlight Basin - Big Sky, MT

 

Moonlight Basin is Montana's newest ski area.  Moonlight is located on the north side of Lone Peak and is connected to Big Sky Resort, together the two resorts form one of the largest ski areas in North America.  The skiing at Moonlight ranges from gentle groomed runs to extremely steep glades and chutes.  The combined ticket, the "Lone Peak Pass", also allows skiing from the tram at the top of Lone Peak into Moonlight Basin via the "North Summit Snow Field". 

 

The amenities and service at Moonlight Basin are top notch.  There are multiple restaurants and a full service spa.  This relatively new development offers several real estate opportunities as well as vacation rentals.  Any visit to the Big Sky area must include some time at this great new resort!  Link to Moonlight Basin.

 

    Open boundary gates lead to untracked skiing at Moonlight. Photo:Travis Andersen 

 

   Bridger Bowl. Photo Travis Andersen

 

Bridger Bowl, MT 

 

Bridger Bowl is located 16 miles from Bozeman up Bridger Canyon Road.  The ski area is a favorite for Bozeman locals and MSU students.  Bridger is a low key, affordable, family style ski area with older lifts and not much development, unlike the resort at Big Sky.  Bridger is famous for its laid back attitude, quality ski terrain and deep "cold smoke" powder.  The lower mountain is mellow and great for kids or beginners while the upper mountain offers some of Montana's most technical steep skiing.

 

Bridger Canyon is one of Bozeman's most sought after areas for property.  It's close proximity to town and Bridger Bowl along with the beautiful scenery and multiple forest service access points make this area very desirable.  The strict zoning regulations in place for Bridger Canyon also help keep it on the upper end of the price spectrum.

Link to Bridger Bowl.

 

     The ledgendary "Cold Smoke" powder at Bridger. Photo: Travis Andersen 

 

 

  

TROUT FISHING...

 

    

   Fly fishing in a mountain stream and drift-boat fishing on the Madison River.  Photos: Travis Andersen

 

 

The world basically discovered the Montana fishing scene when "A River Runs Through It" hit the theaters several years ago, if you like fly fishing and haven't seen the movie or read the book then your missing out.  Anyone that's been fishing here in Montana knows that it's not just hype;  fly fishing in Montana is outstanding!  Southwest Montana is particularly blessed with blue-ribbon trout streams and rivers, several  within an hours drive of the Bozeman airport.  The Gallatin, Madison, Jefferson and Yellowstone Rivers are all on this list, as well as thousands of smaller tributaries. 

 

 

   The Madison Valley and Ennis Lake. Photo Travis Andersen

 

Ennis, Montana

 

Ennis is the must-see fishing town on the Madison River.  Ennis is located 53 miles from Bozeman, in the heart of the amazing Madison Valley.  This quiet little town has many attractions to offer, including world class fly fishing, local art galleries, eateries and lodges with absolutely breath-taking scenery as a backdrop.  The valley hosts some of America’s top rated rivers, lakes and streams for “blue-ribbon” fly fishing and is surrounded by three mountain ranges: the Madison, Gravelly and Tobacco Root ranges.

 

But if its not fishing you are looking for, Ennis offers a variety of other activities sure to please everyone.  The historic mining ghost towns of Nevada City and Virginia City are only 14 miles away, which offer dinner theaters, gold panning and tours of some of Montana’s oldest communities.   If you are just looking to relax and enjoy the scenery you can soak in two of Madison valley’s natural hot springs.  Water of the Gods at Norris Hot Springs offers a hot mineral pool, live bluegrass and the No Loose Dogs Saloon for a glass of wine or a cold beer.  Just a short drive up the road to Pony, MT you will find another natural hot spring, Potosi Resort, where you can soak, dine, or have a romantic getaway in one of their private mountain cabins.  Ennis is also home to the Madison Meadows Golf Course, located in the foothills of the Gravelly Mountains, which hosts one of Montana’s toughest Par 5’s.  Link to Ennis Chamber of Commerce.

 

     A Summer Morning on Ennis Lake. Photo: Travis Andersen

 

     Todd shows his kite to boaters on Hebgan Lake. Photo: Travis Andersen

 

 

Travis Andersen Photography  Click to see more photos by Travis Andersen.

 

 

Let the Sales Associates at Ranch and Resort Group give you the unbiased tour of the area.  The agents at R&R have a specialized understanding of the real estate opportunities from Big Sky to the Gallatin, Madison and Paradise valleys.

 

R&R Group offers a diverse, specialized team of  Buyer and Seller Representatives.



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