Big Sky Times

The price of housing in some areas of Montana is beyond the reach of many working-class families, leaving people like John Meyer and his family no choice but to rent.

Some families finally got a foot in the door when it comes to homeownership, according to KPAX.

"My wife actually decided that we need to move into our own house," Meyer, who rented a place in Bozeman for five years, said. "I thought, 'There's no way that we can ever afford to live in Bozeman.'"

The Meyer family took advantage of the opportunity that Bridger View — a development on the north side of Bozeman — offered, KPAX reported. Bridger View features homes that are priced at approximately half of what a comparable house would sell for. The family of four — John, Amanda, Rex, and Wylie — now are settling into their new home, something Meyer never thought would happen.

"Trying to find a house that's big enough to fit four people and affordable is virtually impossible," Meyer said. The fact that they found a home in Bridger View was "like we hit the lottery."

Courtney Naumann is stewardship manager for Headwater Community Housing Trust, the group helping people get into below-market-rate homes, according to KPAX. She talked about Bridger View's purpose.

"It was always intended to be a mixed-income neighborhood and to incorporate some level of affordability into the space, also," Naumann said. 

She said the development is intended for families like the Meyers, who work in Bozeman but cannot afford high home costs.

"[It's for] folks that can't afford prices where they are right now at market rate, but who make middle-income salaries and don't have other options," she said.

The Meyers now own a place of their own where they can live and play together, KPAX reported. They had enough money left after paying the mortgage that they could afford to decorate for Christmas and buy toys for their sons.

"I never thought in my wildest dreams that I'd be living this life," Meyer said. "I'm really grateful for everything we've been given."

Construction in the neighborhood is expected to be completed in fall 2023. Anyone who is interested in owning a home in Bridger View can visit bridgerview.org for more information.