Advice on renting in Bozeman/Four Corners area (Belgrade, Manhattan: real estate, apartment)

[13Bodhi]

Hi all!
I am moving to the Bozeman area sometime in the next month or two, and I am currently looking for something out a little west of Bozeman, towards Four Corners. I have some family in Ennis that I'd like to be somewhat accessible to, but I will be working in Bozeman primarily. Four Corners seemed to be the closest to mid-point that I could see. I have been doing the craigslist thing and also have looked at the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce webpage to get in contact with the property management groups...but any insider advice on where or how to search would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

[Reedsmit]

What type of residence are you looking for? An apartment, a house, share a room?

There seem to be alot of share a room type properties in and around Bozeman that run from $350 - $500 a month - with or without utilities.

[happiness is]

If you place an ad in the Bozeman Chronicle classifieds for WANT TO RENT and specify the area and range of rent, you are more likely to find landlords that fit what you are looking for.

[13Bodhi]

Ideally I would find an apartment. I would be open to a shared-housing situation at some point, but I have a 2 yr old daughter who will be with me, and I would prefer to know someone a little before jumping into a situation like that with her. I would prefer a 2-3 BR place, but I am pretty open, as this move is coming soon and it may be that I have to take what I can get for awhile before we find something ideal.

[electric_lady]

You should be able to find a nice place in Four Corners. Definitely check the Bozeman Chronicle - it posts classifieds online. Many people in the Bozeman area utilize the newspaper classifieds, which I found a pleasant surprise coming from the midwest where I couldn't find anything in the classifieds.

[Reziac]

The trailer parks in that area used to have rentals owned by the park -- might be a place to start. You can always move if you find somewhere better!

[rangerider]

It's really a buyer's market out there right now, and prices are way cheaper than they were a year or more ago. Pays to ask a prospective landlord what to expect in the line of increases.

From what I understand, it also pays to look at more established places; lots of owners bought in when both real estate prices/rents were sky high and occupancy rates were near 100%. Many built and paid premium prices. Now that things have slowed, some are hesitant to fix stuff or take care of problems with noise, parties, etc. for fear of losing renters.

Check out the Manhattan/Churchill areas too; the commute isn't that much further and the atmosphere is more kid friendly than Four Corners.

[NDak15]

Four Corners is a nice little hamlet. I also would consider Manhattan or Belgrade. Just be sure that if you rent you stay away from Management Associates.