Need help on best location for our needs. (Billings, Missoula: low income, apartment) - Montana (MT) - City-Data Forum

Morbius Dark · 08-05-2011, 06:39 PM

Hi.

My family and I are moving to MT. this Oct. As I just became permanently disabled, we only have my SSI at this time. We are looking for a 3 bdrm home, rent to own preferably, not too far from shopping (Target, Walmart ect.). We have 2 children 9 mos and 3yr. We like to walk at night so it would have to be a safe area. Other than that we like to do the move theater scene. We can only afford $750 a month but really don't want the apartment scene if we can avoid it.
A good medical center or hospital within 20 or so miles would also be good as I will have to have a surgery or two next year. Missoula has been recommended to me but i know nothing about that area as far as low income resources.
Any help would be great.

Thanks.

happiness is · 08-05-2011, 06:49 PM

Missoula is a university town, so the students who are a large block of renters may make prices out of your range.

For medical care, I recommend being near or in Billings. Rental rates for a small house in Billings, I think, would be lower than Missoula and probably more chance of finding one available.

bongo403 · 08-06-2011, 05:48 AM

Your chances of finding the type of rental you described in that price range in-town in Missoula is pretty slim. It may be possible in some of the smaller towns within 10-20 miles or so, although rent-to-own properties are hard to find in general. Missoula does have very good medical facilities.

Mt-7 · 08-06-2011, 07:56 AM

I would encourage you to understand the distance travel to medical facilities, also the hard winter could be difficult for a disabled person.
Do you have other job abilities?

Morbius Dark · 08-06-2011, 09:56 AM

My disability is new but I can do website design and I am looking into finding a "Good" work at home opportunity if there is one out there.

Where else in MT would be a good option for us other than Missoula? "Happiness Is" says around Billings area but I heard that Billings had more drugs and gangs than alot of MT. I could have been told wrong though.

Mt-7 · 08-06-2011, 10:39 AM

Here is a good thread on Billings
Billings - I'm on the fence...

We are few posters here but we like to help, we share threads to see if that can help you in your search.
Many areas of Montana are not in the high speed loop, maybe that would narrow your search.
Also look at your medical needs as they are quite scattered for services here.
I know it seems frustrating but it is a huge state! Good luck.

Mt-7 · 08-06-2011, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morbius Dark

My disability is new but I can do website design and I am looking into finding a "Good" work at home opportunity if there is one out there.

Where else in MT would be a good option for us other than Missoula? "Happiness Is" says around Billings area but I heard that Billings had more drugs and gangs than alot of MT. I could have been told wrong though.

Did I missed where you are coming from? That would help you understand winter temps and travel.

NW Crow · 08-06-2011, 12:13 PM

Some pockets of Missoula neighborhoods might have a lower price and might be acceptable in terms of housing condition and safety but that is a judgment only you could make. It would take careful on the ground search effort and October might not a good time for that after all the students took their choices in the months before. June might better. As for assistance programs, check the government sites and ask about the non-profit programs as well.

If you looked 10-15 miles outside of Missoula you might find a decent balance between home rental price and access to the city around Clinton, or in Frenchtown or west of it.

Billings is a good suggestion. Parts of Great Falls or outside it might work and might be a bit cheaper than Billings.

Mt-7 · 08-06-2011, 12:16 PM

As well as the snow could already be on the ground.

JohnPaul · 08-06-2011, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morbius Dark

My disability is new but I can do website design and I am looking into finding a "Good" work at home opportunity if there is one out there.

Where else in MT would be a good option for us other than Missoula? "Happiness Is" says around Billings area but I heard that Billings had more drugs and gangs than alot of MT. I could have been told wrong though.

Billings drugs and gangs??...no man, this is montana..few wanna be's and pot heads....Try the Flathead area...Kalispell & Columbia Falls area.