The city of Bozeman has been ranked number four on a list of the 25 best college towns in which to live. The second annual rankings were made by SmartAsset, a financial technology company that provides research to individuals looking to make big financial decisions. The company’s rankings were based on such factors as rates of crime and unemployment, median incomes, housing costs and the local availability of dining and entertainment amenities.

Bozeman, home to Montana State University, was the highest-ranked town in Montana on the list. Each community was ranked according to the overall highest quality of life as determined by the researchers.

Citing its proximity to Yellowstone National Park, SmartAsset reported that “Bozeman is the perfect college town for those who love the outdoors.” In addition to a low unemployment rate and a “booming economy,” the study also noted Bozeman’s close proximity to some of the country’s best fly-fishing, skiing, backpacking and mountain biking.

Additionally, Bozeman offers walking trails, parks and playgrounds, a vibrant downtown area and a variety of cultural opportunities, including a local symphony, opera, theater and ballet companies.

There are also several museums, including the Museum of the Rockies, which houses a paleontology research facility, as well as one of the most important dinosaur fossil collections in the world. MOR is affiliated with MSU and the Smithsonian Institute and is a federal repository for fossils.

For more information on the SmartAssest study, visit smartasset.com/mortgage/best-college-towns-2015

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