Where is the Best Place to Own a Ranch?
You may be searching for a property because you’ve become a fan of the show Yellowstone. Maybe friends of yours have recently purchased a ranch, and you want to learn about its appeal. Perhaps you’re looking for information about the ever-growing hype around Montana ranches. Or maybe you just want to invest in something tangible during uncertain economic times. But where is truly the best place to own a ranch? In this series of articles, we will highlight some of Montana’s ranching offerings, key considerations for buyers, how to make money from ranches, next steps, and how we can help.
What Are You Looking For?
- A ranch to retreat to
- A recreational hotspot
- A family vacation property
- A conservation project
- An investment
- A ranch to operate and make a living
You may already be set on the best place to own your next property. Whether it’s in Montana, somewhere else in the Rocky Mountains or Great Plains, or another area entirely, keep in mind why you chose this location. Consider how the key working factors, income, pros and cons, and best next steps may be different from what was anticipated.
Why is Montana the Best Place to Own a Ranch?
Montana is riddled with historic ranches across a vast landscape, from majestic mountain views to sagebrush breaks and everything in between. Often referred to as Big Sky Country, God’s Country, The Treasure State, and many other phrases that simply don’t do justice to how great the state truly is. There is a reason for all these slogans, but the reality is that it could be simplified by utter silence once one has taken it in. Home to Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, the state is positioned on the northern and southern state lines, respectively, and has immense beauty that stretches between these parks and beyond. Known for its tranquility, stunning views, cowboys, ranches, great skiing, hunting, fishing, and low population, the state still has many great things that don’t get enough attention, including it’s ranching potential.
Where in Montana?
Everyone who doesn’t live in Montana envisions it differently. Some imagine saloons with hitching posts and gravel roads down Main Street, while others can’t help but think of the places they have heard about and seen pictures of – Yellowstone, Glacier, Big Sky, Bozeman, Livingston, Whitefish, Lewistown, Red Lodge, Flathead Lake, Fort Peck Reservoir, etc. Montana is different then Colorado in that Colorado has plains from the Eastern state line to the West of I-25. Once the wall of mountains begins (front range), they seem as though they don’t stop. Montana is very much the same on the western third (mountains and more mountains), but we are also home to clusters of mountains interspersed with the plains – East of the Rocky Mountain Front; you could refer to these as island mountains. These mountain clusters offer up some of the most beautiful views and are home to some of the most animal-rich ecosystems in North America.
Primary Things to Consider When Looking to Own a Ranch:
- Location: Do you want to be near a town? How far is too far?
- Size of nearby town: Do you prefer quaint historical towns or metro areas with lots of business and service offerings?
- Airports: Does a property’s proximity to a private or commercial airport make things easier or more attractive?
- Hobbies: Do you ski, fish, hunt, golf, and/or wish to be surrounded by wildlife?
- Onsite: What activities do you wish to partake in on your property? Fly fishing, hunting, horseback riding, etc.?
- Turnkey: Are you willing to invest in habitat improvements to make it what you want, or do you want something that is ready?
- Operational: Are you looking to have a production element – livestock or farming? Commonly used for tax benefits and or the primary reason for buying.
- Access: Are maintained county roads important?
- Size of Property: What do you want it to offer? A broker can help in determining what size of property is best based on location, livestock herd, tax advantages, your budget, and what you want to do on the property.
Hyatt Voy – Bill Bahny & Associates
We at Bill Bahny & Associates would be happy to help answer any questions you may have and/or assist you through the process of buying a place in Montana. Let us help you find the property that best aligns with what you want and your budget. We know ag properties in the Rockies, and with our years of experience, we will help you find the best place to own your ranch. Reach out to us today!
Learn more about Montana ranching in the next part of the series.