A Lively Conversation with Mitch and Emily Hanson:
A Family Rooted in Love, Outdoor Fun, and Community Spirit
Q: How long have you lived in the neighborhood? Where are you and your family from initially, and what brought you to Bozeman?
Mitch: We recently moved to the White Horse Ranch subdivision in May, but we’ve been in Bozeman for 10 years. I’m originally from Montana, having grown up in Deer Lodge, while Emily hails from the Bay Area in California. She attended Chico State and earned a degree in Hotel Management. Our paths crossed at a gym in St. Helena, CA, where I worked as a personal trainer and fitness director. I introduced Emily to Montana in July 2013, and she fell in love with it. After that, we made it our mission to move back to Montana. I had previously lived in Bozeman from 2004 to 2010 and knew this was the place for us. Over the years, I’ve lived all over the state, from Deer Lodge to Sidney and Billings, where I played football at Rocky Mountain College. I work as a broker, operating principal, and supervising broker at Keller Williams, Montana Realty.
Q: Tell us more about your adorable two boys, including their educational or extracurricular pursuits and what you like to do together as a family.
Mitch: Our boys are amazing. Our oldest son, Hunter, is four, adventurous, social, and outgoing. He loves playing in the snow and dirt with dump trucks and shovels and is passionate about reading. Hunter attends Stepping Stones Christian Preschool three and a half days a week and is interested in various sports, including golf, football, and basketball.
Barrett, our two-year-old, is Hunter’s shadow. He enjoys playing, reading, and riding his strider bike. He just learned how to jump, which he thinks is pretty cool! Barrett attends Hyalite Kids Preschool two days a week.
We also have Millie, our three-year-old mini golden doodle; she adds a lot of energy to our family. She’s excellent with the kids and is quite the character!
As a family, we cherish spending time outdoors—building forts, visiting playgrounds, riding bikes and scooters, and enjoying each other’s company.
Q: Are there any unique talents or interests that each family member brings to the mix?
Mitch: Absolutely! Emily is an incredible mom, and her patience is unmatched. She loves to run; it’s her way to unwind when she can. I enjoy golfing, working out, and skiing. I can’t wait to get Hunter back on skis again this year. Our boys are eager to play with us and make friends with the kids in our neighborhood. White Horse Ranch has been an incredible move for our family.
Q: How did your family celebrate the holidays?
Mitch: We’ve been celebrating the holidays here in Bozeman recently. Emily's parents have a condo nearby and often visit throughout the year. One of our favorite traditions is venturing into the mountains to cut down our Christmas tree. We enjoy a cozy fire pit with food and drinks—the boys absolutely love this tradition! Additionally, we try to escape to a warmer climate every winter, as Emily is still (and probably never will) acclimating to Montana’s cold winters.
Q: What are your favorite places to visit around the community (restaurants, food markets, shops, parks, hangout spots, etc.)?
Mitch: Our family loves exploring the various parks throughout the valley, including the pump track at Gran Cielo, the new park at West Post, and the expansive 100-acre park. As for dining, our favorites include Blackbird, Urban Kitchen, and Cafe Zydeco. We also enjoy visiting Chico Hot Springs, where we got married, and love Big Sky's hiking and skiing opportunities.
Q: Does your family participate in any social activities or events in the neighborhood?
Mitch: Yes, we actively participate in neighborhood social activities. In White Horse Ranch, we have monthly meetups and social events. For Thanksgiving, we recently participated in a Turkey Trot 5k in the neighborhood, which was a great way to burn off extra calories before Thanksgiving dinner and connect with our neighbors.
Q: How does your family contribute to fostering a sense of community spirit in the neighborhood?
Mitch: Emily and I have been deeply involved with Big Sky Bravery since 2017. I served on the board for five years, and Emily and I still volunteer for their week-long programs and help with various other events. It's a fantastic organization, and we love giving back to the incredible men and women who have served our country.
Q: Please describe your favorite family memory in the neighborhood so far.
Mitch: One of my favorite memories is when five families gathered at the basketball and pickleball courts. The kids were having a blast, and music was playing—it was just a perfect night. It reminded me of my childhood when neighbors would gather in the park and chat during walks. There’s a wonderful sense of community here, and everyone is incredibly friendly.