Should I Move to Flathead Area? (Kalispell, Whitefish: rentals, homes, employment)

[azgirl31]

I am considering a move to the lakeside / flathead lake area. I have heard that jobs there are scarce & I was wondering if that applied to the service industry as well. Is most of the work seasonal? I understand that there are quite a few summer residents but few winter residents, is that true? Also, how are housing costs? Am definitely not the "mansion" type, more "guesthouse" suited. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

[MTRoughneck]

Been quite awhile since I lived in the Flathead, but it is one of the three major growth areas in Montana, along with the BitterRoot and Gallatin valleys.

There has been some growth in the tech sector but a decline in the manufacturing sector, so I'm not sure how employment prospects look. There has always been a fair amount of service work in the area, since there are two "resort" and a "resort/retirement" community(ies) in the area.

Given the number of monied people who have moved into the area, especially in Bigfork and Whitefish and as I understand it now, even Columbia Falls, I imagine that the cost of living is not favorable.

When I lived there, Columbia Falls was a real find, housing costs were quite good, schools excellent and a real sense of community since it was a "blue collar" town. Kalispell was similar in housing and schools, not quite as connected as a community. Money changes everything so I wouldn't expect things to be the same.

I wish we could have stayed there. Out of all the places that my family and I have lived, Columbia Falls is one of the places where we had the best family memories and experiences.

Hope this helps. Wish you well!

Tony

[Debee]

Originally Posted by azgirl31

I am considering a move to the lakeside / flathead lake area. I have heard that jobs there are scarce & I was wondering if that applied to the service industry as well. Is most of the work seasonal? I understand that there are quite a few summer residents but few winter residents, is that true? Also, how are housing costs? Am definitely not the "mansion" type, more "guesthouse" suited. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

The Lakeside housing market has skyrocketed. It is true that most jobs are seasonal.The wages here are low.But..... Its beautiful

[montann]

Wages are low here, housing (rentals, homes) out of sight. I have seen so many people come here to live and end up going back to where they came from.
Just know these things before you come and be prepared to work more than one job, or have some money set aside, or something.
It is beautiful and we love it. We sold our home in WV and had some money here to buy land with. My husband built our home and saved us thousands of dollars. We are doing ok but it isn't easy.