People seem to love Top 10 lists. It is considered the "ultimate rating" compliment when your state or town receives some well-deserved recognition. There are so many reasons why Montana has been deemed "The Last Best Place" (a household term to most of us in Montana since the release of an anthology by the same name in the late 1980's), and recently our nearest neighbor to the east has received kudos by being included in yet another Top 10 list.
Livingston received the #6 ranking in a guide titled "101 Best Outdoor Towns: Unspoiled Places to Visit, Live & Play" released by The Countryman Press. The authors traveled the 50 states to explore varied criteria regarding what makes a top notch "outdoor" town. Not only was access to adventure considered but also how livable the communities are. More specifically, research included access to both national and state parks as well as major water bodies, trail systems in place, and skiing and snowboarding terrain. Towns were also given ranking points for population, affordability and amenities that included gear shops, brew pubs, and coffee houses.
The excerpt adapted from the book is as follows:
Hollywood loves Livingston, having unpacked its cameras several times for major motion pictures-including "A River Runs Through It"-in this Montana town of 7,000. Still, Hollywood hasn't spoiled Livingston; though well-known artists and writers have settled here, the place retains its Western charm and authentic connection to the outdoors. The angler-friendly Yellowstone River runs along the southeastern side of town, while Yellowstone National Park sits just 60 miles south. More than 2,000 miles of trails spider-web through the adjacent Gallatin National Forest, and the state's tallest mountain, 12,799-foot Granite Peak, is found in Livingston's backyard of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Finally, prodigious snowfall makes for excellent skiing and riding at Bridger Bowl, a 30-mile drive, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing just about anywhere. Visit Dan Bailey's Fly Shop (406-222-1673) for fishing tips, Timber Trails (406-222-9550) for hiking and biking gear and Chico Hot Springs Resort (406-333-4933) for a place to sleep-it's a rustic lodge with a dash of Hollywood.
To delve further, what makes Livingston so outstanding? How about a remarkable variety of fishing outlets including spring creeks, mountain streams, and big rivers right out the back door? Or talented productions at either the Blue Slipper Theatre or the Firehouse 5 Theatre? Perhaps the abundances of art galleries peak your interest. You will not be disappointed by the variety of works done by both established and aspiring artists. And the dinning opportunities per capita are unsurpassed in the state.
Additionally, Livingston can be found on the "America's 10 Coolest Small Towns" list per Budget Travel Magazine. The criteria needed to make the grade here include population of 10,000 or less with a profusion of good food, culture, and quality of life. I think you'll a hearty endorsement from region and the locals on these facts.
So how does the real estate market fare in a town such as this? Quite well, Livingston has the most stable marketplace in our region. In comparing the first three quarters of 2007 to the same time period in 2008, the in-town residential sales of homes under one acre have decreased in the number of sales by 10%. Yet, the average sales price has increased by 5% , from $190,373 to $200,330. The sold price compared to original asking price has held steady at 93%. The out of town (Park County) market mirrors the in-town market in that the number of sales has decreased yet average price of those homes that have sold has experienced an impressive increase of 25%.
So, whether you live, work, play or just travel "over the hill" for dinner... make sure to take the time to appreciate all that Livingston has to offer.
Article written by Robyn Erlenbush, Broker/Owner of ERA Landmark Real Estate (Bozeman Real Estate) as well as ERA Western Land (Livingston, Montana Real Estate), ERA Big Sky Real Estate (Big Sky Real Estate) as well as NAI Landmark Real Estate (Bozeman Commercial Real Estate) and Intermountain Property Management (Bozeman Property Rental). You can reach Robyn via email robyn@eralandmark.com or call 406.586.1321
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