What Are The Pros of Living In Missoula? (real estate, homes)

[gfunkerror]

I think I have read through all the threads at this point. I see all the Cons folks have had to say. But what are the Pros?

Thx!

[constantcuriosity]

In MSO, there is something for everyone. You can find ultra conservative groups to join or the most liberal people on the face of the earth. There is always something to do for any age group, including seniors. The park system is excellent, so even those without much money can entertain the family without spending a fortune. The town is fairly compact compared to other places, so you can be anywhere in less than 15 minutes. For such a small town, there is a fair choice of private schools for children. Homeschooling groups and choices in the area are active and excellent! There are lots of locally owned interesting shops. There are summer and winter mountain and water activities. You will never feel out of place walking or riding your bicycle somewhere, practically everyone else is also (not just the kids). At a major four-way traffic light, everyone might be stopped for the deer to cross. Hope this helps.

[1ceTr0n]

What you WON'T find is affordable housing for the basic pay range for most jobs and decent paying jobs on top of it.

Unless you brought money with you from elsewhere or are a doctor, lawyer, very good real estate agent, dentist.

[WyoEagle]

Considering how many cons have been posted on City Data I would probably conclude there aren't a whole lot of pros. I think 1ceTr0n summed it up.

[NYMTman]

So much unwarranted negativity.

Missoula has character and funk, a charming downtown, beautiful scenery, trees, rivers, etc. And it's really not that expensive; the only cheaper areas are generally in the plains, midwest, and south. Granted, wages DO suck, but for those of us who've been lucky enough to exceed the average wage here, Missoula and Montana are great. Haters gonna hate.

[MontanaGyrl]

By living in a university town, you have the benefits that go with that -- concerts, plays, lectures, and the opportunity to take classes. Also sporting events, of course.

I live in Missoula and often have a love-hate relationship with it, although I've been here over 20 years and so the love wins out, obviously. Missoula is a strange bird. I read of it described once as "a melting pot that refuses to melt," and completely agree. There are great things like Out to Lunch and the Farmer's Markets in the summer, and more recreational opportunities than you can possibly do in all seasons.

Missoula is the liberal "black sheep" of Montana and that's why, I think, it gets a lot of negativity from the rest of the state.