Texans possibly moving to Missoula. Asking for opinions please! (Billings: attorney, law school)

[MelissaT77]

My husband and I are considering moving to Missoula. I have read several threads about Missoula, and I am now wondering if it would be a good move.

I have lived in Texas most of my life, and he is from all over the place. I recently had a job offer in Missoula. I am an attorney. We currently live in Austin, Texas. I went to UT for undergrad and law school. I realize Missoula is a college town, does this mean I shouldn't wear any Longhorns gear? Are they that full of Grizzly pride? It's fine if they are, I just don't want to make enemies right away!

My political views are Independent, bordering Libertarian. My husband is quite conservative. We are going to visit Missoula soon, but after reading some posts I am worried about whether the people will be friendly. Has anyone been to Austin, and if so, can you please tell me if Missoula is more or less liberal?

A colleague of mine has moved to Montana (Billings) and is pretty happy there.

I guess my questions are:
1) Would my conservative husband go crazy in Missoula?
2) Are people friendly? I am used to very friendly Texans. Any comparisons?
3) Does it really smell bad in the winter?
4) How bad is traffic? I read a post on this before, are we talking 45 minutes to go 5 miles?

Montana looks like a beautiful place, and I am excited about the prospect of an adventure there. I grew up on a ranch, and I love the outdoors. Any suggestions, advice, or opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[Huckleberry3911948]

Originally Posted by MelissaT77

My husband and I are considering moving to Missoula. I have read several threads about Missoula, and I am now wondering if it would be a good move.

I have lived in Texas most of my life, and he is from all over the place. I recently had a job offer in Missoula. I am an attorney. We currently live in Austin, Texas. I went to UT for undergrad and law school. I realize Missoula is a college town, does this mean I shouldn't wear any Longhorns gear? Are they that full of Grizzly pride? It's fine if they are, I just don't want to make enemies right away!

My political views are Independent, bordering Libertarian. My husband is quite conservative. We are going to visit Missoula soon, but after reading some posts I am worried about whether the people will be friendly. Has anyone been to Austin, and if so, can you please tell me if Missoula is more or less liberal?

A colleague of mine has moved to Montana (Billings) and is pretty happy there.

I guess my questions are:
1) Would my conservative husband go crazy in Missoula?
2) Are people friendly? I am used to very friendly Texans. Any comparisons?
3) Does it really smell bad in the winter?
4) How bad is traffic? I read a post on this before, are we talking 45 minutes to go 5 miles?

Montana looks like a beautiful place, and I am excited about the prospect of an adventure there. I grew up on a ranch, and I love the outdoors. Any suggestions, advice, or opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

i like it but its cold. closest texas example is panhandle.

[montanahogrider]

I think you and your husband will like the Missoula area. It has a lot of variety of things to do and your political views won't matter. Missoula is one of the most Modern cities in the west and whatever your likes you can find them there. But don't listen to the naysayers that don't want anyone else to move into the state, they are the minority. Most people around Missoula are from out of state anyway. Yes it is a friendly town and like any other they are rabid about their support for their sports teams. ( Griz Rules)!. Yes Missoula can have a little fragrance in the air in the winter because there is a paper mill just outside of town. Plus the cold air inversions that settle on mountain cities in the west doesn't spare Missoula. Stagnate air sometimes hangs around for a few days. All in all, not a bad place to be if you like city living. Here is a link to the local paper so you can check out the news and propertys yourself.

Missoulian: News and Resources for Western Montana

[Interpol76]

1. Yes, Missoula city proper is quite liberal. They had the highest green party registration per capita in the U.S. when I lived there. The surrounding county is a bit more conservative.
2. Most people are really nice, but Missoula does have its fair share of pricks.
3. It smells horrible during the winter months usually past 9pm or so on the Western edge of town (near the Wal-Mart Supercenter)
4. Stay off Reserve St. during rush hour to avoid this.

[MelissaT77]

Thanks a lot, I sincerely appreciate your comments.