Missoula Neighborhoods (friendliest, safest). (Helena, Lolo: rent, crime, houses)

[MidcntryMom]

We are moving to Missoula. Hubby is an OTR Trucker, I am a SAHM. 3 teens and a grandbaby in tow. Our plans are to move asap. We currently live in Idaho. Bonner Co. to be exact. We could live anywhere. Why have we decided on Missoula? I have been through Missoula many times. Stayed the night, shopped there etc. for the last 10 yrs I have listened to my eldest son (a resident of Helena) proclaim the excellent school system and Montana lifestyle. I have to admit anywhere the schools will be better than Idaho. I taught here for 1 yr and was shocked at how horrifying the schools are.

Our youngest adopted son is bi-racial and I had to pull him and homeschool due to the racism and bullying. So definitely believe Missoula will be more tolerant. Our income is just about smack middle class. I am wondering what are some of the better neighborhoods? By that I do not mean wealthy I mean friendly and safe. We will be renting for the 1st year or 2.

Haters you can complain about Missoula, until you move to Priest River and do Parent Conferences with Meth heads and Alcoholics and realize the local Andy and Barney Cops are as corrupt as any big city cop, then do not complain about Missoula. Priest River Id. is the epicenter of ignorance and intolerance and ridiculous behavior. I can not wait to leave. yes, I know weirdos and druggies are everywhere, but they generally do not make up 90% of a town.

I am excited. My kids are excited. I am looking forward to living amongst the literate once more.

[NDak15]

Originally Posted by MidcntryMom

We are moving to Missoula. Hubby is an OTR Trucker, I am a SAHM. 3 teens and a grandbaby in tow. Our plans are to move asap. We currently live in Idaho. Bonner Co. to be exact. We could live anywhere. Why have we decided on Missoula? I have been through Missoula many times. Stayed the night, shopped there etc. for the last 10 yrs I have listened to my eldest son (a resident of Helena) proclaim the excellent school system and Montana lifestyle. I have to admit anywhere the schools will be better than Idaho. I taught here for 1 yr and was shocked at how horrifying the schools are.

Our youngest adopted son is bi-racial and I had to pull him and homeschool due to the racism and bullying. So definitely believe Missoula will be more tolerant. Our income is just about smack middle class. I am wondering what are some of the better neighborhoods? By that I do not mean wealthy I mean friendly and safe. We will be renting for the 1st year or 2.

Haters you can complain about Missoula, until you move to Priest River and do Parent Conferences with Meth heads and Alcoholics and realize the local Andy and Barney Cops are as corrupt as any big city cop, then do not complain about Missoula. Priest River Id. is the epicenter of ignorance and intolerance and ridiculous behavior. I can not wait to leave. yes, I know weirdos and druggies are everywhere, but they generally do not make up 90% of a town.

I am excited. My kids are excited. I am looking forward to living amongst the literate once more.

I can't speak for friendliness, but as far as safety, Missoula isn't a dangerous city. You're not going to have a violent ghetto neighborhood. It's not immune to crime but it's not an unsafe place.

[Montanaguy04]

I've been in Missoula for over 30 years now. There are no unsafe neighborhoods, no places that I would feel unsafe walking around at night, even in downtown alleys. There are better parts of Missoula with more affluent housing, but there are no bad parts in Missoula.

[pivotraze]

I will agree with the other people. I have never felt unsafe in Missoula. The first month of living in Maryland and I get my rear car windshield smashed in. That was a hefty $250 repair after just spending $10,000 to move to Maryland.

Anyways, in MT I would not recommend Northside (it's not unsafe, but does have a bit more drug dealing (not violent!) then others). I would recommend the houses right off of Mullan near Walmart (44 Ranch I think?) or the South Hills. Both were great, and rent in Missoula/Montana is relatively cheap.

I wouldn't say Missoula has an excellent school system, but it isn't the worst. They have middle of the road test scores. There have been some scandals in the system as well. Having just recently graduated from Big Sky High, I would say I did enjoy my time in Missoula schools, but don't feel they are the best.

[War Beagle]

Are there communities within 50 or so miles of Missoula that are significantly more affordable in terms of housing?

[pivotraze]

@War Beagle:

When we were in MT, we lived in Clinton . About 18 miles if I remember correctly. Great little City. There is also Lolo (12 miles), Frenchtown (16 miles), and Stevensville (30 miles). Huson (20 miles) is also affordable. All of those cities are cheaper than Missoula, but close enough it is reasonable.

[Lost...]

look up canyon creek, about 300+ homes. lots of kids and play grounds away from busy streets, 155K to 275K

[Lost...]

also pleasant view I always wanted to live over there
gonna have get a realtor and look at lots of homes and be patient, they are out there
these areas are close to schools, grocery, all shopping and some activity's but only miles to trucking facility's