has long been a paradise for vacationers and residents alike.  The region boasts world class skiing, fishing, hunting and unparalleled natural beauty.  The mountains, rivers, and views that have long beckoned the souls of all, have convinced many to visit and many to stay.

As the appeal has spread, the popularity has grown.  Shopping, fine dining and the recreational/cultural opportunities have all contributed to the surging demand to have that “piece of Heaven” on Earth.  Factor in the ease of travel by either air or car, as well as the benefits of in town Montana State University, with more moderate winters than you imagine (they’d have to be), and you start to get a sense why more and more people call this valley their destination.

With the popularity and resulting growth, has come a sustained “boom” in the region’s real estate market.  Yet, in comparison to other similar resort areas, and regions on either coast, the pricing remains quite competitive, and in certain instances, even inexpensive.  The major metropolitan areas surrounding N.Y.C., Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, etc., have real estate pricing far more expensive.  Resort regions, be they as similar as the western gems Jackson Hole, Telluride, Aspen, Sun Valley, Lake Tahoe, and others, or the coastal areas of the Hamptons, Chesapeake Bay, Cape Cod, La Jolla, South Beach, Boca Grande, etc., are far more expensive with far more congestion and every day problems.

The Gallatin Valley’s expansion has come at a time that affords the opportunity to take note of what has worked well in other locales and to learn from the problems that came with certain choices.  Zoning is strict and many voluntary easement programs have become quite popular.  This, in part, has contributed to the already present appreciation of real estate values, but, more importantly paves the way for continued demand for the limited supply, and the resulting rise in prices.  There is every reason to believe that the future will be even brighter.  From the investor perspective, it appears the following is a constant: If you can find an area that attracts out-of-town buyers for upscale recreational activity and combine it with a limited supply of available properties, you are almost assured of amazing appreciation, cycle after cycle.

So please visit, explore and experience Big Sky Country.  You will quickly understand why this area is consistently included in lists of wonderful places to live.