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July 2016                      



Believe in Better:
LANDSCAPES  
Take a leisurely drive around Helena and you'll see what a huge difference landscaping efforts over the past five years have made in improving the look and feel of the city. Traveling west on Highway 12 or exiting onto Prospect from I-15, locals and visitors alike are welcomed into Helena with a beautiful meandering paved bike and walking trail that leads to downtown and connects the east side of Helena to the heart of the city. At the juncture a manicured lawn catches the eye with its deep green hue while Aspen and Pine trees form an attractive backdrop to a "Welcome to Helena" sign. Last Chance, The Great Northern, Mountain View Meadows and other parts of the city that promote landscaped bulb-outs, tree-lined boulevards and beautiful streetscapes transform Helena into a colorful and welcoming community that encourages people to get out, walk, shop, relax and dine or merely stop and smell the roses. And streetscapes are not the only place to incorporate landscaping for beauty and visual appeal. Check out the parking lot at the Montana Board of Investments on Colonial Drive which to date sets the standard for turning a sea of asphalt into an attractive car park. As new trees are planted and shrubs, trees and flowers bloom in boulevards and along trails and streetscapes throughout the city, it is easy to see the value of landscaping in creating a better look and feel to a community, spurring tourism and economic development while raising property values and heightening the spirits of residents. 

Building a Better Community
PRICKLY PEAR FIREWORKS 
It's that time of the year again! As we kick off the 4th of July weekend it seems like the right time to give a shout out once again to Prickly Pear Fireworks which makes the East Helena fireworks display an annual event that delights people of all ages throughout the entire Helena area. But such an outstanding display isn't cheap. Prickly Pear Fireworks is a registered business with the Montana Secretary of State and has received its 501(c)(4) non-profit tax exempt status.   Like many non-profits that provide publicly accessible services on a regular basis that many people enjoy for free, we sometimes forget that service isn't free to the organization. At this time, Prickly Pear Fireworks is requesting donations for the continuation of its 4th of July fireworks display which is readily visible from most of Helena with an outstanding view from Mountain View Park. If you've ever oohed and ahhed at the colorful bursts shooting upward and streaming across the sky from East Helena on Independence Day, then now is a great time to lend your support. Mail your much appreciated donations to Prickly Pear Fireworks, P.O. Box 383, East Helena, MT 59635.
On Topic:
MILLENNIALS AND THEIR HOMES 
Last month we focused on Baby Boomers. Now it's time to take a look at Millennials, that is, the generation of young adults born between 1982 and 1994. According to the 2016 National Association of Realtors �Home Buyers Seller Trends Study, Millennials made up 35% of all recent home buyers. And it appears from the study, the move from central urban to the "new" suburban style living seems to be a growing trend as Millennials marry and begin a family.


As the economy continues to improve, Millennials' influence on the housing market is expected to be significant. A recent study by The Demand Institute debunks several myths about Millennials: they all will move to the city and rent; they don't want things; they won't need cars; and there will be a massive slump in demand for housing because they are all going to be living single in their parents' basement. On the contrary the study revealed that Millennials are likely to behave more like earlier generations with the following findings:



1 .By 2018, 21.6 Million households will be headed by a Millennial.
2. By 2018, Millennials will account for 27% of all spending on rent and 22% of all spending on home purchases.
3. 79% expect their financial situation to improve.
4. 74% expect to move.
5. 60% plan to purchase, 24% already own and 73% believe ownership is an excellent investment.
6. 36% will purchase a single-family home when they move with the primary reason; more space.
7. Transportation used one+ times/week: 89% cars; 48% walking; 22% public transit; and 15% bicycles.
8. 44% of home owners age 30-34 and 49% age 35-39 are college graduates.
9. 44% think it will be difficult to get a mortgage.
10. 48% want the "new" suburban lifestyle; 38% urban and only 19% rural.
 
The implications of these findings are important for a range of consumer-facing industries and policies. Although the suburbs are going to remain important destinations for young families, the ideal suburban location for Millennials may not be the same as it was for previous generations. Communities that can offer the best of urban living (e.g., convenience and walkability) with the best of suburban living (e.g., single family homes, more parks and open space) will thrive in the coming decades. The vast majority of Millennials have cars and use them regularly and findings show most Millennials are fine being a short drive from grocery stores, restaurants and the like. Providing transportation alternatives and innovations to make cars and thoroughfares more efficient, safe and intelligent will be critical to the success of American communities in the years to come.*



*Source: Jeremy Burbank, Vice President and Louise Keely, President, The Demand Institute  

Benefits & Updates:

MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS  
1. It was brought to our attention that there are programs through the Montana Dept. of Revenue that may help reduce property taxes, specifically for homeowners on a fixed income and also for 100% disabled veterans and the unmarried surviving spouses of veterans killed in action. To qualify for the PTAP program, you must live in your home a minimum of 7 months a year and make less than $21,032 as a head of household and $28,043 for married couples. If eligible, you could save from 30%-80% on your taxes on the first $200,000 of the market value of your home. Veterans who are 100% disabled can save up to 100% on taxes. To find out more, go to revenue.mt.gov/propertytax-relief for an overview of the PTAP and the MDV programs.
 
2. Mountain View Meadows Residents are invited to a 4th of July BBQ at Mountain View Park. Your HOA is spear-heading the community event sponsored by Chicago Title, Mark Runkle and Rebecca Ryland. Activities include free hot dogs and soft drinks, a Horseshoe Tournament for teens and adults and old-fashioned field games for kids 5-12. There will also be chalk for little ones to create their best sidewalk art. Activities begin with the Horseshoe Tournament at 6:00 PM. Find information regarding sign-ups for the tournament in the Fun & Fitness section of this newsletter. We'll send out a reminder about times and activities on Monday and you can email questions to [email protected].
New Homes for Sale:

PLANS TO BUILD & BUILD TO SUIT 
A choice of new homes to meet your lifestyle and budget are ready for move-in at Mountain View Meadows with more under construction. Visit our Information & Sales Office at 431 S. Alice Street to tour our right-now homes, view plans to build and check out lot maps. Have your own plan? Give us a call at 406-449-0800 to arrange a meeting. The availability of new homes and lots is subject to change so check back often. Below is a listing of some of the new homes ready for move-in or currently under construction.
Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows

Located only 5 minutes from the new BCBS headquarters, this upscale 2015 Parade Home has all the bells & whistles you expect in an executive-style home featuring: 5BD/3.5BA; a European-style Bar-Tile Roof, Hardy Plank Siding, Solid Wood Floors, Tiled Entry, Kitchen & Baths, Honed Granite Countertops, Main Level Office/Formal Dining, 17' Stone Fireplace, Central Vac, Wet Bar in Lower Level Family Room, Luxurious Carpeting, Custom Designed Open Stairway, Tons of Natural Sunlight, Hand-wiped Alder Doors & Trim, Oversized 2-car Garage with Storage Room, Owners' Entrance, Mud-room, Outdoor Living Space, and a Fully-Landscaped Yard with a Living Rear Fence.
Antelope Trace at Mountain View Meadows

2780 Favor Loop - Known for their rustic natural finishes and well-crafted homes, this new 2-story built by Grewett Construction, comes complete with A.C., full landscaping and UG sprinkler system. Ready for move-in, this 4 Bedroom, 2113 Sq. Ft. home features great upper-level views of the Elkhorn Mountains. Priced at $289,900, now is the time to call us at 449-0800 and we'll arrange a personal tour.



491 Twilight - 3BD/2BA with opportunity for additional 2 Bedrooms, a bath and a large family room in the walk-out basement on the last walk-out lot in the Antelope Trace neighborhood. Family owned and operated Grewett Construction just getting this new home underway. If you want to get a jump on claiming this 3000+ S.F. home for your own, stop by to talk. Purchase now and watch your dream home grow from start to finish. Call 449-0800 for additional information.




Craftsman Village at Mountain View Meadows

2811 Alexis - The Rancher. Recently completed and ready for move-in, this Sierra Custom Homes new construction is just the ticket for you and your family with its location directly across from Mountain View Park. This 1836 S.F. single-story 3BD/2BA home features a generous front porch, a covered side outdoor living space, granite countertops, laminate flooring, arched 9' ceilings, an upgraded cabinet package, fireplace, and stainless steel appliances. Contact Dawn Purvis at Century 21 for more information. $269,900. MLS#293976.


2847 Alexis - The Coach House. 3BD/2BA New Construction well underway on the dream home for the buyer who wants lots of garage space for all your toys and little yard maintenance so you have time to enjoy them! This 3BD/2BA Weatherall built home features a 3-car rear garage and an inviting front porch with beautiful craftsman columns. Price includes front yard landscaping with UG water system and a landscaped rear border along the paved carriage lane (alley.) With nearly 1500 Sq. Ft., this new home is unbelievably priced at only $254,900. For information call 449-0800.


493 & 495 S. Alice St. -  "The Townhome" Condos. Just finished! A brand new condo building featuring two single-story units with a 2-story in-between. Single-story units feature a covered private outdoor living space. All three condos come with their own attached 2-car garage and an inviting front porch with low monthly dues that provide care-free exterior maintenance so you can have more free time to enjoy all that Montana has to offer. One of the single-story condos is sold, but there's still time to stake your claim on the other, and if you prefer, the 1812 S.F. 3BD/2.5 BA 2-story features a big loft space and tons of room to spread out! For additional information contact Dawn Purvis at 406.439-6380. MLS#294204 & MLS#294205.




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Mountain View Meadows | 406-449-0800 | [email protected] | http://www.MVMeadows.com

431 S. Alice Street

Helena, MT 59601

In This Issue
The Best in Our
Neighborhood

The Single-Family Neighborhoods HOA officers and Supervisory Committee have been meeting and working on developing positive methods of communication with residents and procedures for submitting CC&R concerns and complaints. This small and dedicated group takes your best interests seriously and will be in touch with you before you know it!


Left to right: Roberta Lawson, Phyllis Michelson, Damara King, Dave Gates & Armando Oropeza
Welcome to the
Neighborhood

PAM LEMIEUX

Recently moved into her lovely home on Favor Ave.

in the Antelope Trace neighborhood 
 

RACHEL AND VINCE AGTARAP

Purchased a beautiful new home by Grewett Construction in Antelope Trace.



Congratulations! 
And Welcome to the Neighborhood!
Fun & Fitness
HOA 4th of JULY 
HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT
Obviously playing horseshoes is an excellent way to improve hand-eye coordination. Playing video games also improves hand-eye coordination, but the physical benefits of any game that gets you off the couch and outdoors in the fresh air is sure to beat sitting around with your eyes fixated on a hand-held device. So, what fitness benefits can you expect from a friendly (or competitive) game of horseshoes? Health Guides, a Fun Times Guide Network Site promotes four fun easy outdoor games that burn calories and help you stay in shape and one of those, you guessed it, is horseshoes. According to the site, a 155 lb. person will burn 211 calories per hour playing horseshoes and suggests three ways to make horseshoes even healthier: use heavier shoes (up to 2 lb, 10 oz. max); Speed up the pace of the game; and warm up first to open up your muscles and get the feel of the shoe. But honestly, the fun of playing might still be the best part of horseshoes, so if you live at Mountain View Meadows, be sure and sign up for the HOA 4th of July Horseshoe Tournament sponsored in part by Chicago Title. Check out how to register below:


From Mark & Rebecca
We were gone off and on the end of May and first part of June attending family events and Mark's class reunion. (He had 35 people in his class!). So you can imagine when we got back, after all the rain and favorable weather, that the grass and weed growth was out of control. But Mark isn't afraid of hard work, so along with some occasional part-time help, he set out over the past two weeks mowing and weed-eating along the Fun & Fitness Trail, along streets and in undeveloped lots. He put in weekends and evenings and a number of daytime hours (maybe just to get out of the office), but he was determined to get the place in shape before the 4thof July. Mountain View Meadows, as most of you know, is a prime viewing spot for the East Helena Prickly Pear Fireworks. And he wanted everyone to feel proud of their community when visitors piled in to enjoy the show. But, of course, Mark wasn't the only one out getting Mountain View Meadows in shape. We've seen many homeowners sprucing up their yards, planting flowers, trimming bushes and weeding the boulevards in front of their homes. We all know the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child", but it also takes a village to keep a community ship shape. So, we wish to thank all of you who do your part to keep Mountain View Meadows looking beautiful. We wish each and every one of you a safe and fun Independence Day and we hope all of our residents will join us at the HOA Community BBQ at the pavilion at Mountain View Park. And if you aren't a resident, be sure to come up to the park on the 4th. It's a great place to have a picnic and enjoy the fireworks display.
Mark mowing along the Fun & Fitness Trail
The City trimming ornamental grasses by 
Mountain View Park 
Patti Parker keeping the Condos looking fine! 


Troy Modden trimming along Alice St.


Mountain View Meadows | 431 S. Alice Street | Helena | MT | 59601