mold and age issues on relocating (Billings, Lincoln: house, employment, construction)

[brneysmile2u]

Good morning,

I am going to move to Montana for a new start in life. I live in Oregon on the coast now which I am not from (original Colorado) and have for the past 25 years.- My kids are grown now and I need to get out of here. I am 52yr. old single female that has done mostly labor work-waitress, lumber mills, construction. I want to go back to college and get out of the labor force. I have done quite a bit of homework on Montana and have met many very kind, positive people from your state. My directive in this is:Are there any issues with mold there? I can expect a little but oh my gosh! Here it grows year round(black) and is really effecting my health. How is it for a pettite(but strong) 50 plus to obtain employment? Here in this small town employers want the younger gals and if you do get hired then the hours are minnimal(lucky to get 15hrs. a week) Also I plan to come see you all in less than a couple of weeks, I wonder where you would suggest first checking out (towns)- Just getting started and am a bit nervous as I do not know anyone there but seriously can not handle the depression of this small town, the rain, unemployment, mold and general negative atmosphere. I am a dang hard worker, have good ethics and responsible. So here this goes folks- something is drawing me there! Thank you for the help in advance

[DontLookPhoto]

Hi and welcome. ~♥~
Montana is so vast and diverse in micro climates that it would be wise to visit a few spots before setting down roots. There is black mold here also. I think that employment here may be as bad as where you are, many folks slave away for very low pay. At times I think is easier to start and run a business in Montana than it is to simply go get a job but that takes capital to hang in there until the business takes off and many start ups go down within months of opening.
It's nice here but it can also be tough. Sorry I can't give any specific info but I do wish you good luck and even just the change of scenery may cheer you up a bit. Most folks in Montana seem to be very friendly and helpful unless they get rubbed the wrong way.

[historyfan]

My suggestion is Billings. Do not even look at other places. The economy is strong. Winters are mostly sunny. For example, if you could get a job at Costco you would be set. Billings has best opportunities for you employment wise. Look here for an idea mtjobs.gov

If you want college I would respectfully suggest any community college in Wyoming. They have best bang for buck by far.

I can not speak to mold but Montana is mostly high desert arid.

Good luck & welcome. You'll do just fine here.

[oldtrader]

Moved from Newport to Montana, so understand the mold problem you face. It is not the same here, as we do not have the high humidity and wet winters you are used to. If you let an area in your home be constantly wet, you can have mold anywhere. In Newport it was a constant problem, but here with any reasonable care it will not be a problem.

[brneysmile2u]

Hi and thank you so very much for the reply. How do you like the change? Where did you re-locate to and are you working now? Thanks in advance as I am sure you are aware of my present situation.

[brneysmile2u]

Hey thank you for the encouragement and confirmation. I have been leaning toward Billings according to my "homework" and I have always enjoyed the environment at Costco, it's just getting a position there I do have retail experience. How are the roads around Billings now? Am planning my road trip. Thank you again this helps me keeping positive.

[brneysmile2u]

Thanks for the reply, I also have thought about even a "janitorial business" house cleaning I have done construction clean up before but now most contractors include this in their bid and use one of their own. I agree also about even just getting out of here for a bit. Thank you.

[brneysmile2u]

Sorry all as I am new to the thread thing I attempted to answer each one of you. In case I did not do this correctly thank you all very much for your time. I will read on instructions for replying to posts. Maybe heading out this Saturday and look so very forward to meeting new people and the beauty your state has to offer. Take care.

[oldtrader]

Billings is my major shopping area. Roads are excellent all over the area. Billings is in the snow and rain shadow of the Rockies so is not the terrible weather people associate with Montana.

Billings unemployment rate is 4% the 13th lowest of any metro area in the nation. Considering that 3% is considered full employment as 3% of people are always going to be between jobs as they change jobs, etc., Billings is only 1% above the minimum. Below 3% as in in Bismark ND which is only 2.2% is considered a labor shortage area. Companies keep looking at Montana to move factories to, but there is such a low unemployment factor when they run test ads for say 300 people and only get 50 to 75 applications total, they have to look somewhere else where there are people needing employment.

Billings area, is my choice of a great place to live in Montana.

[RogueYak]

I hope you enjoy your visit. Do extensive research, and choose the location that best suits your needs! The City-Data forum, especially Montana, has always been extremely helpful to those with questions on relocation, and communities in general. My wife and I moved to the Bitterroot Valley in February, and our time here still feels like a vacation! My wife is from Lincoln City (and I, Salem), and is still adjusting to the cold, despite our last three years in Yakima, WA! As for myself, I can handle it just fine.

Please keep us apprised of where you end up.

As a future resident, be sure to catch an episode or two of PBS' "Backroads of Montana" for additional education on the state. Easily found online, it's more on the anecdotal side, but one of the best ways to spend half an hour