Calamity Jane, Lewis and Clark, and President Theodore Roosevelt are linked forever by a Montana city which revels in its rough edges while also featuring a flourishing arts scene. Intrigued? Livingston, Montana was home to the notorious Calamity Jane for 20 years, which was visited and used as a campsite by explorer duo Lewis and Clark, and its closest entrance to neighboring Yellowstone Park is the locale of the Roosevelt Arch where Teddy placed the cornerstone into the arch.
The Northern Pacific Railway (NPR) played an important role in developing and defining the area that eventually came to be Livingston. With all the swagger and bravado of the rough and tumble settlers of the Wild West, the NPR came to town in 1882 and the South West Montana trading hub previously known as Benson's Landing took on the name of Livingston in recognition of deep-pocketed, NPR big wig Johnston Livingston. The railroad is not only responsible for naming the county seat of Montana's Park County, but also for increasing tourism to the area through its rail lines. The location on the Yellowstone River and close proximity to Yellowstone National Park are important shapers of Livingston that have served to influence many of the local pastimes of fishing, hunting, hiking, and horseback riding. However, these are not the only important geographical influences on the city, it is also bordered by 3 mountain ranges. Montana's nickname, Land of the Shining Mountains, can really be understood with the three ranges Crazy, Absaroka, and Bridger. If locals comment on living near Crazy they're probably commenting on the scenic mountain, not an eccentric neighbor! From the Native Americans who hunted on this land to the modern tourists who capture the local beauty with smart phones and hashtags, Livingston continues to evolve while staying true to its magnificent Montana roots.
Moving to Livingston
Outdoorsy people, the kind who know the difference between hiking boots and work boots, are naturally drawn to Livingston, but they are not the only ones. Those who would never rustle cattle or go rappelling down the side of a mountain can find a home in the area's thriving arts community. Galleries, classes, workshops, and live theater are all to be found alongside outdoor outfitters and fly fishing supply stores. Whether you will be packing your paintbrush or cowboy hat, moving to Livingston requires some planning.
As a popular vacation town and tourism hotspot, Livingston gets the summer visitors who enjoy the great outdoors best in warm weather, as well as the bundled up ski crowd who are searching for that fresh powder on a slew of slopes. All of that creates great opportunities for renters looking for housing for rent. Vacancy rates are higher than in other areas because many properties aren't occupied year round. Start the property hunt before the shift in seasonal visitors to get first dibs on your preferred properties. The rotation in visitors and residents throughout the year has influenced the creation of 6 month leases which are offered by most landlords. This is great if you are unsure when your wanderlust will inspire another move or for those desiring a short term commitment to a property while getting a feel for Livingston.
In dreaming about your life in Big Sky Country, you may already have your horse named and a sassy saddle ordered. You will certainly get your riding time in and be in good company with a solid horse community, but don't count Bullseye as your number one ride. The city, which also receives service from the Streamline bus, has most residents relying on a car for their main source of transportation. Walking and bike paths serve as great options to take in the scenery but won't be eliminating the highways anytime soon.
When settling on homes rentals or apartments for rent there are important things to know. City snow plows only plow main roads, not those deemed as secondary. Take a look at the snow plow map to know if you will have snow plows clearing your street while you sip hot cocoa or if you will have to call in sick on days you can't muster the energy to shovel yourself out. All of the usual renting must-haves will apply, such as the first month's rent, security deposit, an extra deposit for pet friendly apartments or homes, and an application that may require a credit check.
Neighborhoods of Livingston
Stretching just barely beyond 6 square miles of Montana mountain terrain, Livingston is not really large enough to be sectioned off into neighborhoods. The downtown area is known for its wide streets and clustering of shopping, dining, and art galleries, but beyond that the city is pretty cohesive. A mix of owners and renters reside in the historic properties that are characteristic of the city. Places to rent in Livingston range in size from 4 bedroom homes to studio apartments, with rents below the state average. Check out the rental communities to get a feel for where you should tie up your horse.
Wilmont Apartments: Live the high life in downtown Livingston with these studios to 2 bedroom apartments in the Truex Building's highest floors. Don't worry, elevators bring residents to their fancy digs complete with hardwood floors and soaring ceilings that add to the height and spaciousness of the units.
Small Apartment Buildings: The majority of apartments are found in homes either completely split into rental units or featuring an apartment separate from the homeowner's living space. Perks typically include private entrances, yards, and washers and dryers within the unit.
North N Street Condos: This area tends to be filled with condos for rent. All units aren't the same inside, but all are close to M Street Park and feature the jaw-dropping mountain views which inspire a love for living in Livingston.
Living in Livingston
Don't rely solely on Jimmy Buffett's Saturday Night Live performance of _Livingston Saturday Night _to understand the local lifestyle. They do wear jeans and love their country music, and yet locals and longtime vacationers will be quick to point out the diversity and excitement to be found here.
The area is not only ideally situated on the Yellowstone River, but the city loves to remind everyone that it is in the prime spot at the big bend of the river. The well-known reputation of the river for prime trout fishing has added to the popular local fishing scene. Amateurs and professionals take their poles out to gather fuel for their fish stories. Fly fishing enthusiasts are proud to know that the International Federation of Fly Fishers is based in this small city. Also, fly fishing legend Dan Bailey set up shop in town years ago and is still showing off his fly tying skills from his storefront.
Livingston has no shortage outdoor activities to engage in from hunting, hiking, biking, snow sports, mountain climbing, and even power walking. If you always dreamed about sharing your passion for the great outdoors consider a career change as a hunting or fishing guide. Those still learning the skills can hire a local guide to better understand the sportsman scene in the city.
Friday Art Walks to the galleries in downtown are fixture during the summer months, as are the Wednesday afternoon farmers markets at Miles Park. Summer also brings the rodeo to town with the much anticipated Livingston Roundup Rodeo in the beginning of July.
This vibrant community is also known for their great arts scene. That includes the Shana Lalani Center for the Arts, Livingston Gallery Association, The Blue Slipper Theatre, and Music Montana Ranch. When you are ready to explore the art of the culinary scene or simply rustle up some grub check out area hotspots Montana's Rib and Chop House, 2nd Street Bistro, and the Stockman Bar. Coffee addicts will find a second home at area cafes such as Pinky's, The Other Caf̩, and Montana Cup. Dining, fishing, camping, enjoying Yellowstone, and supporting the arts composes this Montana haven for Wild West characters, vacationing visitors, and active residents.
