Tired of Missoula, I want to relocate to Bozeman (Home Depot, living)

[windmill cookie]

Hi -
Well like the subject line says, I basically am feeling tired of Missoula and after doing alot of thinking and research, am considering relocating to Bozeman. I'm used to extremely poor job options over here, so that doesn't scare me, but from what I can tell I may find it challenging to find affordable housing in Bozeman. Complicating matters is the fact that I have a dog accompanying me.
Any pointers? I've looked at the online newspaper classifieds, and there are some possibilities, but they may mean living off a steady diet of .....ramen?

Basically what I'm looking for here are examples of other single young people, in their twenties, working a mediocre job in Bozeman and somehow affording a pet friendly rental. Can it be done? Please! Chime in!

Also, as part of this move revolves around some major life changes i.e. leaving old friends/significant others behind and starting anew in many ways - in your experience is meeting people and making aquaintances in Bozeman relatively easy? I'm not a majorly social person by any means, but I do like to have a few friends around for a hike or dinner or whatever.

Any feedback would be great, thanks.

[AQHA]

If you are use to the crazyness of Missoula you will probably be fine in Bozeman. Bozeman is a very friendly town, so socially you wont have any problems. Good luck to you in your change.

[lorelei2873]

People in Bozeman are pretty friendly. Get a tip job--that's the best way to make it in Bozeman with a mediocre job (like bartending)...and you'll probably need a roommate to have your own pet-friendly place unless you have absolutely no other bills. This is assuming you have a mediocre job. Also, if you work in an industry where there's tipping, like being a server or bartender, you'll make insta-friends and there's a lot of hanging out after or outside of work with co-workers.

You can post a note looking for a roommate or check out other roommate listings in the Strand Union Building (SUB) at MSU. If you're over 24 or so, just indicate you're "mature."

[jjojobean]

There are always ways to make extra $. Check out the classifieds in the Chronicle. The hand washing thing is a good gig. I did that one a few times. It's an easy $40-$50 for a couple of hours. People are always needed to help clean up after hockey games and such. You can try mystery shopping. It's not a lot of money, but it's easy. (www.experienceexchange.com) It's mostly places like Staples, Arby's, Home Depot, etc. Also check out www.bozemanonline.com you can win lots of different prizes like movie or hockey tickets. Check with some of the property management places for pet friendly housing. And if you like inexpensive entertainment, there are a couple of ponds that people frequent. The one by the Mall was my favorite. I loved feeding the ducks and geese. The other one has a little beach, bbq pits, horseshoes, beach volleyball... Hope your move is smooth.

[Reziac]

What happened to the ponds west of the mall? I don't see them on the satellite map anymore.

[jjojobean]

The pond is still there. Not sure why you are unable to see them on the satellite map. That is a great little park! I heard so many different rumors of the pond though. I heard the water was full of bacteria and not to swim or fish in it. Then I'd go to the park and there were people swimming and fishing (catching good sized fish too). I heard the same thing of the pond on the other side of town. I never knew what to believe.