Let’s talk Montana…Got a bad attitude??? Please move along.

[WildBoose]

Like many others, we’re looking at moving here…but on a very serious level.
The dreams of living in the mountains off grid isn’t a reality because of my wife’s line of work (medical field). While that limits us to decently populated areas, I’m fine with the trade off.
Helena, Butte and Missoula (towards the bottom of the list) are the main 3 we are looking at.
I’m currently a hunting guide (waterfowl) but have plans of transitioning over into fly fishing and/or other means non-traditional income.
Looking for an area that is good for a growing family with younger kids.
Let’s have an honest conversation. Feel free to DM me if that would make you feel better.
Don’t be an arse with the “we’re full, move to ND”…those comments don’t add value to anyone’s life.

 

[Team4LongGun]

I would suggest figuring out the max distance you and your wife want to be from her work, wally world/costco, doctors office etc. and then backwards plan from that area outward.

I would HIGHLY suggest visiting your top 3 or 4, for at least 3 days each. Go to breakfast, eat dinner out. Go to public places. Take the walmart test....go into walmart and get a fast idea of what the area people are like.

Summer and winter are different-not as in temps, but visitors.....factor that in.

 

[WildBoose]

I would suggest figuring out the max distance you and your wife want to be from her work, wally world/costco, doctors office etc. and then backwards plan from that area outward.

I would HIGHLY suggest visiting your top 3 or 4, for at least 3 days each. Go to breakfast, eat dinner out. Go to public places. Take the walmart test....go into walmart and get a fast idea of what the area people are like.

Summer and winter are different-not as in temps, but visitors.....factor that in.

We definitely have parameters to where we want to live.
Not in the city, but within 30 minutes of her job.
I’m 90% feral but she isn’t quite to that level, so some modern conveniences, restaurants, stores, etc would have to be factored in.
As far as the visitors comment…we have both worked with the public on either end of the spectrum for a long time. We understand the struggles with people in general lol

 

[rbutcher1234]

Also following

 

[nobody]

My in laws live just outside Three Forks, basically a wide spot in the road in the middle of Bozeman, Butte, and Helena. Only thing that keeps it on the map is Wheat Montana, a Flying J, and a strip club.

Anyways, he’s a pilot for Delta Airlines, and is able to be to any of the 3 airports in those towns in a reasonable time to get to SLC where he’s based. There’s plenty of “industry” to support a family in the area, yet puts you out of the center of Boze-Angeles. And the fly fishing from Ennis to Three Forks is awesome. Your wife could work in any of the big 3 cities in the area and you could just guide from three forks, as an idea. Plus you’re not Far from an airport to go on vacations or go visit family or welcome family into town.

Just steer clear of my in-laws if you move there, they’re horrible people that I would recommend my worst enemy avoid at all costs even though he runs the nicest long range shooting range in the state arguably, still not worth getting mixed up with them haha

 

[Dust Rider]

My in laws live just outside Three Forks, basically a wide spot in the road in the middle of Bozeman, Butte, and Helena. Only thing that keeps it on the map is Wheat Montana, a Flying J, and a strip club.

Anyways, he’s a pilot for Delta Airlines, and is able to be to any of the 3 airports in those towns in a reasonable time to get to SLC where he’s based. There’s plenty of “industry” to support a family in the area, yet puts you out of the center of Boze-Angeles. And the fly fishing from Ennis to Three Forks is awesome. Your wife could work in any of the big 3 cities in the area and you could just guide from three forks, as an idea. Plus you’re not Far from an airport to go on vacations or go visit family or welcome family into town.

Just steer clear of my in-laws if you move there, they’re horrible people that I would recommend my worst enemy avoid at all costs even though he runs the nicest long range shooting range in the state arguably, still not worth getting mixed up with them haha

You married into Jeff and Ann’s clan?
They are super nice when taking our membership $$

 

[Dust Rider]

OP
Are you both good at driving in snow? It makes a difference on where you chose to buy a house.

 

[North of 60]

Good luck OP as we will also be heading that way in 2026 - retiring to western MT or north ID. We may snowbird in 15 years or so.

I lived for a while in Missoula and the outskirts aren't bad.

As mentioned, go visit the places you are considering.

Also suggest also at least checking out Kalispell/Whitefish/Columbia Falls...Flathead lake is nice and Polson is scenic, just a bit of a drive to Kalispell.

And expect some "we're full" comments.