Realtors report rush on Montana real estate

Lydia Seely has wanted to move to Montana ever since her son came here five years ago. The California woman, who works in health care, had eyed properties in the Bozeman area in the past — initially as an investment, but someday as a primary home, she said — but was quickly priced out of the market. Earlier this year, when her son decided to move to Missoula, Seely decided to take a second look.

Unfortunately for Seely, she wasn’t the only one. 

According to anecdotal reports, Seely is one of many people from outside Montana currently looking for a home here. Interest in real estate in Bozeman, Missoula and the Flathead Valley has been on the rise for years, but real estate agents say that interest has hit a fever pitch in recent weeks as more people look to escape urban areas, especially those where the coronavirus has significantly upended normal life.