Does Montana have more in common with Oregon and Washington or North and South Dakota? (Billings: to live in)

[iPwn]

im gonna guess that the western part is more like the PNW, and eastern Montana more like the dakotas.

[Mt-7]

Originally Posted by iPwn

im gonna guess that the western part is more like the PNW, and eastern Montana more like the dakotas.

That would be true but there is the elevation difference if we are talking climate

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Did you forget Idaho? You know, that stuff in-between Montana and Washington? Western Montana has a lot more in common with North Idaho than with any of the other states mentioned. IMHO. I see very little of PNW in Western Montana. As a matter of fact, I see little of PNW in Eastern WA! And the climate in WMT is nothing like Western WA/Oregon. Also, include Wyoming in your comparison.

[truckingbronco]

In terms of people, culture, and geography, here's my opinion:

Most of Western MT is comparable to N. Idaho and E. Washington. Missoula would be the exception, which is more comparable to Western Oregon (more so in culture than weather, however, it can be gloomy for months on end).

Central Montana reminds me of a cross between Central Oregon, Southeast Idaho, and Western Wyoming.

Eastern Montana is comparable to the Dakotas and Eastern Wyoming.

These are very broad generalities, of course.

[NDak15]

It depends where you are. West of the divide is more like the Pacific Northwest and east of Billings is more like the Dakotas. Southwest Montana is a hybrid o the two.

[Timberwolf232]

Montana is pretty unique.. Mountains, Plains, Farmland, Ranchland... It's kindof like a mix of Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, Dakotas, and Kansas... Except colder during the winter, (except for N Dakota now that place has some extreme winter... brrrr!)

That said it's not exactly like any of those areas, but kindof an entity of it's own, and absolutely wonderful. It takes a special person to make it here, and if you are considering it, be prepared to put in your time to get settled. I know.. I grew up part time here, and part time in Colorado. I did 3 tours in the Army, and later took a job in the big city for 3 years and came back because money wasn't as important as the love for my homeland. For the right person it's a great place, but at the same time it can be very hard for a well intentioned Urbanite that's looking for a change of pace. Most times when an Urbanite (not that there is anything wrong with that) comes out here they are overwhelmed with things and try to hire out a lot of household chores.. and there is a market for that (that's great for the rich), but a working person looking for a change might get a bit of culture-shock at the beginning.. Loads of them come and go, but truth be told, if you are an honest, good person, you won't find a better community to live in, and you will find good neighbors and friends that are top notch.. I love the helpful, thoughtful attitude that still exists here.. and I hope as more and more come out here that that kind of mindset stays alive... Lots have changed here, and not all for the better, however there is a fight to keep the good going, and I've seen the Californians come in and try to make a selfish impact, but lately I've seen more of them leaving for greener pastures, and even some that have adapted and gained a better view and have started to actually help out. A good thing!

Good luck.. Follow your gut and do what's right!