Bozeman move? (low-income) (Missoula: low income, section 8, apartments)

[darby14]

I have family there. I would like to know if with a Section 8 voucher (single woman, just coming out of a physical disability and going back to work) I have a prayer of finding a decent 1 bedroom. Jobs I think I can find okay.

My dd and son in law are there for job/school reasons and though they don't love it, they thought it might be good if I moved there and they weren't so alone--or me either anymore where I presently am.

But the rents are so high. I don't know if they'll work with a housing voucher like I have.

It does seem like a pleasant town in ways, low-key, nice and clean and all.

[rickers]

Here you go !

Affordable Housing - HRDC, Human Resource Development Council Inc., Bozeman, Montana

[darby14]

Thank you, rickers. I really appreciate the link!

[bigtrees]

I wouldn't recommend Bozeman to a person who considers themselves to be low income. It's not a cheap town (unfortunately) and some things may make it difficult for a low income person to try to live there.

Do you have a reliable car that starts well in the frozen winter? I don't think apartments provide power outlets to plug in your car. If your car is unreliable or doesn't start in subzero temperatures (very common) make sure that you live close to where you work so you can walk in as required.

A lot of the less expensive housing will be filled with university kids. Be aware that you will encounter typical university problems in these locations. They don't demand much for quality housing so the quality will suffer.

I think winters will be the big thing. If you're from Minnesota, Alaska or Wyoming, you'll do fine. Other states - depends on where.

[rickers]

I have to add one thing. There may be and I think there is, a very long waiting list for housing assistance because of a shortage of landlords willing to let their property be used for subsidized housing. I think the wait in Missoula is two years. When we moved over the mountains we were considering renting our place out as a section 8. We didn't have to, as there was a rush of folks wanting to rent our place when the word got out in our town that we were going to rent it out.

[Timberwolf232]

I think I read not too long ago that the wait in Bozeman was a minimum of 18 months.

[Radek]

Thats a good point Rickers. My father has told me the same thing with Seattle.

[Reziac]

Originally Posted by rickers

I have to add one thing. There may be and I think there is, a very long waiting list for housing assistance because of a shortage of landlords willing to let their property be used for subsidized housing. I think the wait in Missoula is two years. When we moved over the mountains we were considering renting our place out as a section 8. We didn't have to, as there was a rush of folks wanting to rent our place when the word got out in our town that we were going to rent it out.

The other problem with Section 8 housing ... when I went to rent out my little house (there are two on this place) I was warned by every landlord I know that it's almost impossible to evict a Sec.8 tenant, even if they've stopped paying (and even if their Sec.8 stops coming) or are destroying the place. And while there are some good people on Sec.8, there are also a lot of scum and deadbeats. And that's the big reason why it's hard to find nice livable Sec.8 rentals. Indeed, around here only slumlords will take it at all, and only because of the guaranteed rent part of it. They figure any steady income for a shack is better than having to fix it up to attract better tenants.

[rickers]

That's what poison nightshade is for, I call it tenant tea ! Just joking !

[Reziac]

Originally Posted by rickers

That's what poison nightshade is for, I call it tenant tea ! Just joking !

'Round here it'd be oleander. Planted handy alongside every freeway. Obviously the gov't endorses its use.