Bozeman Commuting

[bigbassfish]

Any locals willing to discuss commuting in the Bozeman area? Mostly just curious what is common and reasonable. Lots of big decisions to make in the coming days and I would be lying if I said it didn't feel massively overwhelming trying to decide what is best for my family.

I would be happy to have a conversation in a PM with anyone willing to provide some advice.

 

[downthepipe]

The answers to any commute question are likely found by typing into google maps “x” to “y” at the times of day you think you will driving then seeing what the time says.

Rush hour:
Four corners - 20 min
Belgrade - 20 min
Livingston - 30 min
Three forks - 40 min
Big sky - 50 min

Off hours it’s maybe 90% of that.

 

[BRTreedogs]

Hahaha
Based on my casual observations going back and forth from the airport a couple times.

I would definitely want to live on the same side of town as work.

Seemed like a total crap show during commute hours.

 

[bigbassfish]

Yeah, not a ton of faith in the google thing, it is wildly inaccurate during morning/evening rush hour in our area. Biggest difference here is whether or not the college kids are in town but up there, I imagine those college kids are just replaced with twice as many tourists.

Perhaps against my better judgement, we might still be young and dumb enough to take the leap and go through with this.....

 

[Pochuck]

The answers to any commute question are likely found by typing into google maps “x” to “y” at the times of day you think you will driving then seeing what the time says.

Rush hour:
Four corners - 20 min
Belgrade - 20 min
Livingston - 30 min
Three forks - 40 min
Big sky - 50 min

Off hours it’s maybe 90% of that.

Seeing those times as someone from NYC makes me want to cry

 

[bigbassfish]

Interesting to see how perspectives can vary so wildly, I have never lived somewhere considered to be expensive, and up to this point, every move we have made has been a step up in our financial security. We both make decent money, no kids yet, little to no debt, just trying to get as much info as we can from real people and not a bunch of chronically online redditors lol

 

[Jimmy]

Perspective I guess, there's never gonna be LESS traffic. Here in my town many people commute to the bay area and its 2+hours both ways, sometimes 3+. Crazy

 

[bigbassfish]

Yeah that's insane... currently my commute is 15-20 minutes, my last job was closer to 30-40min down the interstate, but it was a straight shot and weather is not really much of a factor here, atleast until we get a dusting of snow and people loose their minds. My girlfriend works remote and will be able to work out of state, convenient for trying to move, but not likely sustainable long term at her current salary. Decisions decisions....

 

[bow_dozer]

Yes, you will be battling tourists all year around especially summer months. College kids all year round. Bzn infustructure is still the same from the 90’s (Main, 19th, etc). As long as you are wearing your patigona flannel and have a mustache, you will be okay. Extra “resident” cred if you drive a Subaru or Tacoma and re-name your dog Madison or Bridger.

 

[dster3]

Are some of the 30-40 minute commute times feasible during winter?

 

[Poser]

Some of ya'll got it pretty bad. My commute to work is so. short that, if its a cold start, I have to go out of my way to take a slightly longer route just so my vehicle will hit operating temp by the time I get there. And those are just the days I drive vs. riding a bike or electric skateboard.

 

[Johnny Tyndall]

Sounds like you're not already in MT? I don't live in Bozeman but might know more than someone from out of state. Where are you coming from? Perspectives on commuting will vary wildly depending on what you're used to.

I will say, getting to Livingston requires going over a legit pass. Going down towards Big Sky requires going through a canyon of sorts. Doing those in winter weather can be slow, stressful, or both. Most of the satellite towns are in the other direction, which is pretty much flat.

 

[bigbassfish]

Lol sounds like I have a few more boxes to check... don't even get me started on those subarus, almost got stranded in Colorado over the 4th after the family Outback(2023) completely crapped out, all kinds of error warning and flashing lights. Ended up trading it in for a brand new 2025 Forester, and 2 weeks later, they are having the same problems and its back in the shop for repair, 3k part and a couple weeks backordered.

Like really subaru?? I can't have cruise control because a check engine light is on? Might as well take away the radio when you're low on wiper fluid too.

 

[bigbassfish]

Some of ya'll got it pretty bad. My commute to work is so. short that, if its a cold start, I have to go out of my way to take a slightly longer route just so my vehicle will hit operating temp by the time I get there. And those are just the days I drive vs. riding a bike or electric skateboard.

Sounds like you got it made! If you don;t mind my asking what do you do for work?

 

[Poser]

Sounds like you got it made! If you don;t mind my asking what do you do for work?

Digital marketing

 

[S.Clancy]

I lived there for a decade on and off. PM me with specifics and I will give you the best answers I can

 

[bigbassfish]

Currently we're in NWA, Livingston would be awfully attractive minus what I hear about the wind sometimes. Bozeman is not necessarily our first choice but it atleast has a decent job market compared to some of the other towns we have looked at or spent time.

 

[NorthEast]

It kind of depends where you live and what streets you need to cross to get where you are going. Congestion has been getting worse every day. This is all relative though. Compared to what others do for work, it's really nothing. I would not want to drive to big sky everyday, especially in the winter. It can be very dangerous.

I live in town so feel free to PM me the areas you are interested in and I can help out.

 

[Burnsie]

We have a "Rush 1/2 hour" here.

 

[Johnny Tyndall]

Currently we're in NWA, Livingston would be awfully attractive minus what I hear about the wind sometimes. Bozeman is not necessarily our first choice but it atleast has a decent job market compared to some of the other towns we have looked at or spent time.

PMd