Polson and Missoula (Billings, Hot Springs, Evaro: to live in, law, dangerous)

[dallas3740]

Hi, Could anyone tell me what it would be like communting from Hot Springs to Polson and/or Missoula? Are the roads pretty much cleared during the winters? what would be the average heating bill for this area of Montana? I have read that the Missoula area has the mildest winter. Is this true? any info would be appreciated. thanks

[NYMTman]

I wouldn't suggest either of those commutes, simply because they're so long. The roads should be reasonable in the winter, but you might have to go slow and that could take up to two hours to either Polson or Missoula. Missoula does have mild winters, although I'd say that Billings has the mildest.

[JoeJoeMan]

Hiway 93 is REALLY dangerous, regular fatlities, I sure other while verify that. Lots of people do commute but it is really dangerous, not just because of the weather that can be bad a times but because of the drivers. And for some reason that section going up Evero Hill in the winter it seems to snow almost everytime I go thru there, a weird weather phenomena.
If you have a choice make the commute as short as possible and move as close as possible.

[rickers]

I live in Hot Springs and drive to Polson a few times a week. It's a 45 minute drive most of the time. the only time it takes longer is when it is actually snowing or is icy in the morning before the sand trucks get going. Commuting from H.S. to Missoula is way longer and scary at times. Commuting from H.S. to Polson, no problem. I even go over the ridge to Polson when I want a scenic drive, it's a lot shorter but takes a bit longer as it's gravel and dirt road most of the way. From Hot springs go up Garson Gulch over the saddle and you end up coming out by the polson airport. I like going this way even in the winter (It's plowed) and there aren't any crazy speeders sliding about like on the highway.

[Carolina_Belle92]

Hot Springs to Missoula? No one does that if he knows what's good for him. Even though the roads are sometimes plowed (emphasis on "sometimes"), the commute is long and boring.

As for the winters, you're essentially correct. Missoula is in the banana belt of Montana, as is the rest of the Bitterroot Valley. Although it is warmer than most of the state, it still gets fairly cold in winter. Negative temps are not uncommon. In the Missoula area, the streets are plowed well and it's easy to live there.

If you're looking to work in Missoula, I strongly suggest moving someplace closer.

[Carolina_Belle92]

Originally Posted by JoeJoeMan

Hiway 93 is REALLY dangerous, regular fatlities, I sure other while verify that. Lots of people do commute but it is really dangerous, not just because of the weather that can be bad a times but because of the drivers. And for some reason that section going up Evero Hill in the winter it seems to snow almost everytime I go thru there, a weird weather phenomena.
If you have a choice make the commute as short as possible and move as close as possible.

Just had to add... I'm verifying! Hwy. 93 is a death trap. Very high rates of drunk driving fatalities. That being said, I've never been involved in an accident on that road, and I have been driving on it for over 8 years.

[NYMTman]

Yes, I'll also verify that 93 is terrible. And the weather over Evaro Hill CAN be messy. Don't do Missoula for sure.

[rickers]

If you happen to live in Hot Springs as I do It's hard to not drive 93 as well as 200 and 28, as there isn't much in H.S.in the way of work or shopping. 93 is bad because of the volume of drunks in the Mission Valley and the total of volume of traffic in general. 200 and 28 aren't as bad. The weather and road conditions aren't all that big of a deal unless you have bald tires on a rear wheel drive, it's the bad drivers that freak me out.

[jimj]

Unfortunately drunk driving isn't limited to the Mission Valley. I do wish they'd start really enforcing the laws and jailing these fools!

[rickers]

These days it seems that too many people have no respect for law and order. I think many people view laws as suggestions on how one should behave and that breaking the law is OK until you get caught ! I like taking the back roads when I can, I like to go to Missoula via Sieman creek over and down Ninemile, but that's not practical for commuting of course.