Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
THE ECONOMY IS SO BAD THAT YOU WILL BE FORCED TO LIVE IN CARDBOARD BOXES AND BE EATEN BY BEARS!
HOUSING IS SO EXPENSIVE THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN AFFORD THEM! UNLESS YOU HAVE 3 PART-TIME JOBS AND BEG ON YOUR TIME OFF!
LIBERALS LIBERALS LIBERAILS OH MY!!!!! HIPPIES EVERYWHERE!!!! FULL OF COMMIE ANTI-CAPITALISTS!
HIGGINS IS AN ABANDONED AMERICAN MAIN STREET TRAGEDY!
CRIME IS OUT OF CONTROL! MURDER IN THE STREETS! THEFT! HIGHWAY MEN RULE! BEWARE!
NO JOBS! LOW WAGES! NO HOUSES! RUN! RUN AWAY!
Or
Realize it is a great town. And you can make it here as anywhere you choose to make a life. It is really up to you. Things are booming. New homes being built. Jobs are there. You just have to make it work if you want to work hard enough. The socialist rats have become Capitalist on Higgins. The Hip Strip is full of shops and restaurants. (Record Shop too!) The Fascist ran Starbucks off the block and to the outer skirts of town. But over all, there is a rebirth on the old "Main Street." Although the Cheese Steak joint closed. But I can always make my own.
Best time to find work is in the Spring when the University Students clear out of town. The job challenge is, the Students are in good position due to the program that pays part of the salary. The employer naturally will be glad to pay part of minimum wage, than full minimum wage. Wouldn't you? So there is that challenge.
Missoula is not a "Manufacturing Town." Plain and simple. Most businesses are Medical, or Service. If you are used to making mucho buckos, then keep on keeping on your way pass this town. Unless, you can," Telecommute." Or..... work for yourself.
The weather is fine. It is Montana, and yeah, it be cold, long, and well...what the heck you move there for if you do not know basic facts like this?
So far the most annoying thing for me are the Buddist and their noise makers. Me and a guy I call Sam Elliot, were entertained a bit by them. Kinda weird for me, but, *shrugs* whatever floats your boat. Or Junk...whatever.
The Mid-Terms were good for Montana I think. Pssst...it's a "Red," State. Deal. If you want to change that...well...*snickers* Good Luck.
Speaking of changing, it happen. Just like when a bear in the woods. But after learning some local history, seems to me the, "way it used to be," ended it's era a while ago. The town hung on for a good bit, but the last 10 - 20 years or so, there is a resurgence in population of the permanent kind. And with it came fresh perspective business wise, (whether you agree with it or not) the proof is on Higgins. The Farmer's Markets. 3!!!!! The city of Philadelphia doesn't have that many! Food Trucks, and diverse choices of restaurants. I feel other than the Higgins District, the town is Business friendly. I say this because there are a few "Elitist," that make things difficult if you are within their culture.
Crime is a reality in every town, city, village, and location. This town has its share. Drugs, murder, and robbery are far to common in the Nation. But the town fairs well in my opinion. I suggest basic street smarts, and maybe take a class and carry a weapon. But hey, that's me. Some people are OK with not doing that. *shrugs* But the only criminal I ran into quickly changed his mind dealing with me...just saying.
The traffic is awesome, but there are the usual rush hour stuff. You can find all the major retail stores. And they have a Cracker Barrel! Public Transit is good, but doesn't run late. And soon free fare! Fishing is amazing, hunting, and you are just a short drive to the wilderness, Parks, and Natural sites!
Art is present, small but there. Galleries, and Museum. Plenty of music, but...a lot of that singer song writer stuff. And some very talented Tattoo Artists! Bound For Glory and BlaquOwl Tattoo, Ian is super talented.
This town loves its Coffee. Beware, Coffee Snobs abound. Good if you like that kind of stuff.
There can be Air Quality issues that I have never experienced before. Fires and the resulting smoke gets caught and stalls here. Kinda annoying, but not a constant issue. Pollution can be thick at times. But I think the town has some good options. Free Public Transit is one good thing when the pollution is high. Other than that, the air smells amazing, especially in the Spring.
There are Locals who are unhappy for what ever reason. Yeah, same as any where, they, "don't what you coming here, and changing things." I can say no one has out right to my face made issue. But I have experienced some , lets call it passive-aggressive acts. So what? But if you are sensitive to these kinds of things, better learn how to deal. Or never leave your home. As a Military Brat, I deal with this very well. But over all people are friendly and are will to help, answer questions, and explain things.
The TV, and TV News stinks here, kinda cheesy at times. But that's just me as my wife says.
So there is a real time opinion. Nov. 5th 2014
It is a town that is what you make of it. I will not engage in any further debate. I did it. I am OK.
Good luck you, and all your endeavors! GO GRIZ!!!!
_g
P.S. I came back to the East Coast to visit with family and the Holidays. I am not bringing any of them with me back to Montana. I promise. I am missing the Elvis Burger.
Last edited by gfunkerror; 11-05-2014 at 01:56 PM..
Reason: gamer, mispellz,and poor education
it's a great place for the trustafarians and cool kids living off mastercard and visa. There's no jobs that pays enough to pay your rent, so you have to rent out a shabby chic apartment with a few other cool kids to help with that. The Griz culture makes me wretch, but whatever. To each their own.
I remember one time this girl told me at a taco time that Missoula was like "mini Berkeley". I had such a good laugh, since I actually used to live near there and Missoula is not that at all. It's just some wannabes and druggies and yippies all playing along Missoula used to be so nice a few decades ago until urban sprawl took over and everyone thought it would be a good idea to come there and make it into vegan paradise for the liberals.
"Crime is a reality in every town, city, village, and location. This town has its share. Drugs, murder, and robbery are far to common in the Nation."
yeah. My husband and I were accosted on our anniversary in the parking area by Scotty's table. Lot's of druggies, homeless and jerks hang out down there at night. The ones that came up to us were hiding in the dark behind a bush. Yep. Tried to get my husband's wallet, threatened to rape me if we wouldn't turn it over. Husband punched him a couple times and they all ran.
Know what's crazy? I lived in the San Francisco bay for 7 years and never once had someone bother me. Maybe I got lucky.
I currently live in Oregon, southern coast. We are thinking of moving from this very small, rural, conservative and very isolated area. For many reasons more than I just implied. My husband loves the Rocky Mountains because of the availability of hiking & backpacking and more importantly, fly-fishing. I love the outdoors too, but I'm good being a homebody as well. I miss snow, too. Sounds weird. One thing about living where I do, the climate is nearly perfect, always, if you don't care about extremes on either end. Which I don't. We're both getting 'up there' in years (we're in our sixties, I'm in the low side, my hub's on the higher side), but are healthy and active right now. Still, we have to think about the coming years when we won't be as spry.
The idea of moving to Missoula is appealing to both of us at this point. I've never seen the area, but my husband has been there several times and likes it. We're planning to visit come next spring.
I was wondering what you all can tell me about the area. I know the population in general is a lot younger than we are but that too is appealing. We don't want to live around old fuddy-duddies for the rest of our lives, which is mostly what we have around here. I love the idea of having the University nearby too and looking forward to taking classes. I like that the area is more politically progressive than elsewhere because (dare I say?), so am I. Politically and socially progressive. Having grown up in various cities along the east coast, with my formative years spent in New York City, I don't have a lot of fear of the city-environment that includes street crime. I'm street smart, certainly. Rampant crime would be another matter, though.
I too lived in San Francisco for twelve fabulous years. Best city I ever lived in, and never once was a victim of crime, but that's true, too, of my years living in New York City. Much of street crime has to do with being in the wrong place at the wrong time; and home burglaries and car thefts happen everywhere. In today's world you have to be prepared and one step ahead of the criminals, lock doors, have security systems, know self-defense, and yeah, maybe... have a weapon too, although I've seen more trouble than good come from that.
I'm just starting to explore City-Data's information base on Missoula, and will be looking at other nearby areas, towns, etc., too. I'm interested in hearing about the areas just outside of Missoula because we'd probably want to move somewhere near the city, but not live directly within it.
Right now, I don't have any specific questions, though. If there is any 'retired' persons out there reading this who wish to share their experiences with me, I will be much interested and grateful.
And "gfunkerror," I really enjoyed reading your post. You gave a good general description of life in Missoula, some of its pros/cons, the people and what it might be like to live there. I agree, too, that wherever you go, there you are, and it all comes down to your own perspective and attitudes.
Taxes are through the roof cause republicans keep cutting funding to things so we end up having to raise taxes to pay for things we almost didn't have enough money to pay for are fire stations and police stations so we had to create a special district and raise taxes just to afford them so Yes Missoula is Awesome but the conservative rest of the state sucks and make it hard on us its a liberal area with potential being squashed by conservatards
Hi,
We recently moved to Missoula and I can relate to both the posts here. It is beautiful here and peaceful when you want it to be. We live right up against the mountains and I love it. We work here, have our kids in the public schools like at home in CA and love the less up tight attitude. I am a moderate demo and it works just fine - I can see both sides. What I like, is the low-key approach to life. It seems like the focus is on quality of life and not all about the $ and barely making your house payment. The cost of living (house rental, etc...) is not low around here like one might think. Still, people do okay and are willing to help you out if you get stuck in the snow...(my husband's first week here before we joined him...he got a tow up the road...nice!).
Anyhow, I am not a rose-colored glasses person, there is just a lot that I like so far. I am a jeans and boots kind a gal and it works just fine (the kids are nice too) and I really like the school (kids actually get to play on the playground before and after school...which is not allowed in CA). The teachers have been great...
Good luck...best idea is to come out for a visit first!
Working mommy~
it's a great place for the trustafarians and cool kids living off mastercard and visa. There's no jobs that pays enough to pay your rent, so you have to rent out a shabby chic apartment with a few other cool kids to help with that. The Griz culture makes me wretch, but whatever. To each their own.
I remember one time this girl told me at a taco time that Missoula was like "mini Berkeley". I had such a good laugh, since I actually used to live near there and Missoula is not that at all. It's just some wannabes and druggies and yippies all playing along Missoula used to be so nice a few decades ago until urban sprawl took over and everyone thought it would be a good idea to come there and make it into vegan paradise for the liberals.
Even back in the 1970s, I could never understand why somebody would want to live in Missoula (I lived in Columbia Falls at the time).
Now, I can't understand why anybody would want to live in either Missoula or the Flathead Valley. The enviros killed logging, so the lumber mills are pretty much history. the paper plant is gone, the aluminum plant is gone, there just isn't much industry in either place.
How do people survive selling groceries and clothes to each other?
The changes in the Flathead Valley are so drastic that I can barely stand going there for a few days to attend a class reunion. It is said "You can't go home again!" It is true! The Valley is no longer "home"!
No, 50 years ago or now, I would not live in Missoula.
Even back in the 1970s, I could never understand why somebody would want to live in Missoula (I lived in Columbia Falls at the time).
Now, I can't understand why anybody would want to live in either Missoula or the Flathead Valley. The enviros killed logging, so the lumber mills are pretty much history. the paper plant is gone, the aluminum plant is gone, there just isn't much industry in either place.
How do people survive selling groceries and clothes to each other?
The changes in the Flathead Valley are so drastic that I can barely stand going there for a few days to attend a class reunion. It is said "You can't go home again!" It is true! The Valley is no longer "home"!
No, 50 years ago or now, I would not live in Missoula.
My feelings exactly on Missoula........
And you're right about the Flathead. Although I still live here, it isn't like it was when I was growing up. Problem is everyplace else I go I look around and think...."wow, this place sucks even more".
We've been over ran by yuppies, hipsters, and Canadians which are the worst of all.
However, the timber industry isn't in as bad of shape as you may think. The mill I work in still pulls in $800,000 to $900,000 per month after all the bills are paid.
My wife and I work like dogs for higher than average income levels for this area and spend every minute we can during the warm months playing in the woods as far away from the touristy crap as we can get.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
But I can always make my own.
in the woods. But after learning some local history, seems to me the, "way it used to be," ended it's era a while ago. The town hung on for a good bit, but the last 10 - 20 years or so, there is a resurgence in population of the permanent kind. And with it came fresh perspective business wise, (whether you agree with it or not) the proof is on Higgins. The Farmer's Markets. 3!!!!! The city of Philadelphia doesn't have that many! Food Trucks, and diverse choices of restaurants. I feel other than the Higgins District, the town is Business friendly. I say this because there are a few "Elitist," that make things difficult if you are within their culture. 
But over all people are friendly and are will to help, answer questions, and explain things.
I am missing the Elvis Burger.
