I've lived all around the state (Eureka, Whitefish, Hungry Horse, Great Falls, Sand Coulee, Missoula (3 or 4 times different times), Miles City and Helena) and they all offer up different things. Eastern Montana is a lot (lot) more affordable and the hunting is tough to beat; the best deer, antelope and bird hunting in the state- the elk hunting is tremendous too, but almost all relies on drawing. Fishing is very good, but it's warm water species- sauger, smallmouth, catfish, etc. It doesn't have mountains, but depending on where you are, not crazy far. Restaurants, shopping and entertainment are a little lacking on the east side of the state, if that holds any importance.
The western side of the state is more expensive, but the mountains are closer. Most (not all) elk areas are open to an over the counter license. Obviously trout fishing is king here. Pockets of good bird hunting, but pales to E Montana overall.
As a sleeper, I'd throw out the Butte area- yeah there is crappy looking mine "leftovers", but the area has some tremendous elk hunting very near by. Several good restaurants and big enough to get by shopping wise easy enough. AND the housing is much more affordable than Bozeman/Helena/Missoula/Flathead. At least a worth a look see
The western side of the state is more expensive, but the mountains are closer. Most (not all) elk areas are open to an over the counter license. Obviously trout fishing is king here. Pockets of good bird hunting, but pales to E Montana overall.
As a sleeper, I'd throw out the Butte area- yeah there is crappy looking mine "leftovers", but the area has some tremendous elk hunting very near by. Several good restaurants and big enough to get by shopping wise easy enough. AND the housing is much more affordable than Bozeman/Helena/Missoula/Flathead. At least a worth a look see
