Is there life in Billings? (Houston to MT) (fit in, transplants)

[TXmember]

Hello everybody!
I have a job opportunity in Billings that sounds very exciting. It looks like they are having a hard time recruiting for this position (I wonder why...there would be tons of people fighting for this job here in Houston). I am seriously considering it but... I am not sure if we are going to be the right fit for that city. Maybe you can help me out
We are both from Europe, white, professionals. We have two teenagers. Now we are in Houston and enjoying every day of living in this great city. We like its diversity, the weather, culture, wonderful parks and restaurants. Lots of jobs and a great choice of housing for every budget! Tons of events and family activities! We have foreign accents and feel very comfortable here. We are very open-minded and value education. We are not very religious and do not attend church on a regular basis. I know I would never be able to live in places like rural Missouri, for instance. I am not trying to sound snobbish but I have certain standards and want a great future for the kids.
I really like the job and would do my best to become a part of the community but I am not willing to break myself trying to fit in. What is Billings like? Are people friendly? What is their attitude to "foreigners" and diversity? Are winters very COLD?
Please forgive me if I sound naive. In my defense, I want to visit before accepting the job.

[NDak15]

Originally Posted by TXmember

Hello everybody!
I have a job opportunity in Billings that sounds very exciting. It looks like they are having a hard time recruiting for this position (I wonder why...there would be tons of people fighting for this job here in Houston). I am seriously considering it but... I am not sure if we are going to be the right fit for that city. Maybe you can help me out
We are both from Europe, white, professionals. We have two teenagers. Now we are in Houston and enjoying every day of living in this great city. We like its diversity, the weather, culture, wonderful parks and restaurants. Lots of jobs and a great choice of housing for every budget! Tons of events and family activities! We have foreign accents and feel very comfortable here. We are very open-minded and value education. We are not very religious and do not attend church on a regular basis. I know I would never be able to live in places like rural Missouri, for instance. I am not trying to sound snobbish but I have certain standards and want a great future for the kids.
I really like the job and would do my best to become a part of the community but I am not willing to break myself trying to fit in. What is Billings like? Are people friendly? What is their attitude to "foreigners" and diversity? Are winters very COLD?
Please forgive me if I sound naive. In my defense, I want to visit before accepting the job.

Billings is pretty friendly and accepting of outsiders. There are quite a few transplants there. As far as diversity there isn't a whole lot of that in Montana, although Billings has more than other areas. It is mostly white. Winters are colder than Houston but they seem more mild than in other parts of Montana. It is a bit of a banana belt. I would recommend visiting if you can.

[historyfan]

You will find no killer humidity or nasty traffic in Billings. But it is a rural town. The biggest in Montana but still rural. There is a blue collar aspect due to the oil industry's presence.

In order to love living in Montana you need to love the outdoors. It is a place where you have to entertain yourself. It is a way of life that can develop independent thinkers and confident young people but it is not a great fit for everyone.

[NDak15]

Originally Posted by historyfan

You will find no killer humidity or nasty traffic in Billings. But it is a rural town. The biggest in Montana but still rural. There is a blue collar aspect due to the oil industry's presence.

In order to love living in Montana you need to love the outdoors. It is a place where you have to entertain yourself. It is a way of life that can develop independent thinkers and confident young people but it is not a great fit for everyone.

This is very true. Montana would suck if you don't like the outdoors.

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Originally Posted by TXmember

Hello everybody!
We are both from Europe, white, professionals. We have two teenagers. Now we are in Houston and enjoying every day of living in this great city. We like its diversity, the weather, culture, wonderful parks and restaurants. Lots of jobs and a great choice of housing for every budget! Tons of events and family activities! We have foreign accents and feel very comfortable here. We are very open-minded and value education. We are not very religious and do not attend church on a regular basis. I know I would never be able to live in places like rural Missouri, for instance. I am not trying to sound snobbish but I have certain standards and want a great future for the kids.

It will be a different experience, for sure. Many people are fleeing Texas for the NW, and they are not enthused with the big-city atmosphere that you enjoy (or the weather!). Just keep in mind (and I believe I know what your expectations may be, with a European background) that open-mindedness is not just having an open mind toward diversity and education, but also an open mind toward other lifestyles, opinions and traditions. If you take your Billings life as an adventure where you will get to absorb and understand a different kind of America, then I think you will feel it was worth-while. Your kids will experience another side of the United States which, if they choose to stay here, will benefit them immensely and broaden their horizons. If they get hooked on the outdoors, they may never want to leave the NW! You may find that your idea of a great future and theirs may differ after some years...

The mindset you will encounter in MT is fiercely independent, more than anything you have encountered in Europe or Houston (of today, I suspect). Your foreign accents will be fully accepted (although you may be asked to repeat what you said) if what comes out of your mouth is respectful and doesn't reflect a superior attitude. Nobody is going to drag you off to church, but be polite if you're invited...

[Redraven]

chances are there aren't people lining up for the job because of the pay scale. Many jobs in Montana go begging because those who are qualified don't like the low wage, often half or lesss than can be made elsewhere.
One of my sons is in IT. There have been several jobs here that he is well qualified for, but he would not accept them because the pay was WAY too low. While he would really like to return to Montana, the cost of living isn't low enough to justify a 50% pay cut!
Billings is a nice little city. The weather this year has been pretty fair, only a few days below zero F., but below freezing nearly every night. Right now it is 41 degrees, and the snow from last night is nearly all gone, except for the shady areas. There seems to be a fairly diverse night life, with many bars/casinos/night clubs. There are a couple of street dances every year. Several big name acts visit our theaters and the Metra.
Your accents should not isolate you. the big thing in Montana is to make every effort to fit in. One thing that is never welcome is the statement that "Well, where I used to live, we did it THIS way!" It is quite likely somebody will not-so-nicely invite you to return from whence you came, as soon as possible!
Come visit us, we will try to make you welcome.