Twin Bridges? (Deer Lodge: real estate, buying, gated)

[Starwalker Fallen Angel]

My husband and I were looking at a property near Twin Bridges, Montana. After calling the realtor, I either think that the land is possibly terrible or the state of Montana isn't looking to move many more people to the area. The property we are looking at would need irrigated but she said that would be hard because the state is giving people a hard time with well permits.

Basically, she said a long drawn out process and that area may result in a lot of money spent and still no permit. We don't want to do irrigation like you see the big units rolling across a field. Just sprinklers to enough to supply 9 horses with year round grass. The rest of the 200 acres just to run on and graze.

Does anyone have more pictures of the city and what it has to offer?
The property is straight over to the right of Twin bridges. See map. On Google it give the area as 200 Bear Gulch Twin Bridges, Montana. The pointer is above where the 200 acres actually is.
[Mod Cut]

[Rickers]

Call the state if you think they may give you trouble about irrigating with the well water. That may save you a lot of hassle.
It sounds like the realtor is trying to give you a hint that maybe you should plan on buying feed if you want that property for the horses. You may want to see if a property that has water rights would be what you need to be looking for.

[ElkHunter]

You should contact the county and see what it takes to feed. They can give you a better estimate then a realitor. Where I live, a horse needs approximately 30 acres to feed year round. But that's where I'm at, not where you are at. The county extension can give you better estimates.

[Reziac]

Twin Bridges isn't exactly a city, more like a large village. It's 9 streets one way and 7 the other, and that's counting the state highway. (Yes, I actually looked at the sat map and counted 'em.) Nice little place but not much there.

I did notice that the area you're talking about has just about NO farming or other development, which doesn't speak well of the water situation. That valley used to be fairly lush but at least on the sat view it looks like a lot of it has become almost desert. Anyway, as someone else says the best thing to do is ask the county extension agent, who probably even knows the property in question, or at least the immediate neighbourhood.

I see that property just took a large price cut so the realtor may also be trying to steer you to one that's more profitable... for the realtor.

[Montana Griz]

Originally Posted by Starwalker Fallen Angel

My husband and I were looking at a property near Twin Bridges, Montana. ................................ Just sprinklers to enough to supply 9 horses with year round grass. The rest of the 200 acres just to run on and graze.

If you're serious about this...........I'd STRONGLY suggest you visit the area involved and educate your self regarding what the growing season is for native grasses, grass hay and alphalfa.

If you're lucky..............you'd be able to use some form of sprinklers, wheel lines etc for a maximum of 90 days a year. The nightime temps in that area are below freezing from approx October through approx May..........yea, about 9 months out of 12!! And don't forget about the snow on the ground (November through March or April); the MINUS 20,30 and 40 degree nights in Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. ... Yes I said MINUS 20, 30 & 40!!!!!! Grazing for 9 horses MIGHT be available from mid June through August.......................the rest of the year you will be feeding hay........................oh yea, and don't forget about having water available for your horses every month of the year.....................Believe me.............Twin Bridges, MT "ain't like KY!!!!!!"
Do your homework!!!!

[Timberwolf232]

I hear that Donald Rumsfeld just bought a spread down that way not to long ago..

[Starwalker Fallen Angel]

I am thinking we will have to take a trip and see just what it is and where it is. Take a few vacations and see where we want to be and how we should go about it. That property does look kind of like a desert.

Being a village doesn't bother me. As long as I can buy milk and a few staples. I currently live in TN but I am from Michigan. I am used to cold and snow. Montana is probably a bit more severe but I am about in love with it. My good friend Walter lives in Deer Lodge.

[MTOlivia]

Montana has many wonderful places to live. I'm familiar with most parts of the state. That particular parcel would not be suitable for much, definitely not horses. I doubt there is enough scrub for an antelope or even a jack rabbit. Bear Gulch is on the way to old mining claims. It is dry, windy, & rocky.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I think the Montana Land magazine is online. It could give you some ideas about real estate options.

[Starwalker Fallen Angel]

We have neen searching fr properties all around Montana. I believe we will have to get our ducks in a row and take a trip out there and see a realtor. I know there's a good place for us. We just have to find it.

I found plenty of properties I'd like to consider but I'd have to win the lottery.

[ElkHunter]

Originally Posted by Starwalker Fallen Angel

We have neen searching fr properties all around Montana. I believe we will have to get our ducks in a row and take a trip out there and see a realtor. I know there's a good place for us. We just have to find it.

I found plenty of properties I'd like to consider but I'd have to win the lottery.

Unfortunately, it's like that all over. You'd think this resession would have brought prices down, and it has, but not near as far as they went up over the last few years prior.

Land is outrageous. If it's reasonable, there's a reason. i.e. no well, no water, no water run off, no access without building a bridge, etc.

It's out there, don't give up hope. You just have to find it.