Late 20's female wanting to relocate to MT (Missoula, Kalispell: tornado, travel)

[TNSocialworker]

I am 28 year old female who is currently living in Memphis. I am graduating from UT in May with my Masters in Social Work. I am really wanting to get the hell out of the south for a while. I have always been drawn to the northwest. I was raised in a small town in west TN, so I am familiar with rural living.
I am really just looking for a change. The cold doesn't scare me. Honestly I prefer it. It would be a wonderful change from the hellish summers in TN. I was wondering where would be the best place to relocate in MT?
I love to do anything outdoors. I also enjoy a great meal and a nice glass of wine or cold beer. Oh yeah, big big music fan. I also tend to be more liberal in my beliefs, but I do not have any ties to a political party (I noticed that people were talking about the liberals).
I am powered by the sun. I have read about the gray gray winters in Missoula and that freaks me out a bit. I also read that north of Missoula there is much more sun in the winter. Are there any towns north that would offer job opportunities and somewhat of a social life? I am not saying night clubs and such, but a nice pub for good conversation and a good grocery store with a range of healthy foods. My family still lives in rural west tn and I am familiar with the local PigglyWiggly being the only option. Any suggestions???

[little peg]

I have not thought of the piggly wiggly in a very long time (I was born in Alabama, it is refered to in "Driving Miss Daisy")LOL. I am new to the state also but see lots of good advice from the posters here, good luck, do't consider the pacific nw if you need sun, good luck

[jimj]

From someone who's trying to leave here to move to TN I can tell you that you're leaving the sun behind you. There are some real nice days here but I'd bet you could figure on 3 months total of sunshine. It just finished snowing (for now) and is about 19 degrees out with more expected all week long and partly cloudy to overcast for the forseeable future. I guess if you really wanted to see what it can be like here find a walk in refrigerator and stand in it for a week or so, then switch to a walk in freezer....

[Capt. Dan]

lets see---Bolivar-whiteville-somerville-covington milan humboldt trenton dresden bradford mckenzie union city dyersburg--am i getting warmer?

[Capt. Dan]

And wont you miss all of the wonderful tornados if you move to Montana??

[jimj]

Tornado's, we had one or two last summer right outside of Kalispell MT.

[ElkHunter]

This time of year, they mess with my deer. Can't get good travel plans and routes.

[TNSocialworker]

Yes, Yes, tornados will definitely not be missed. I mean I love the thunderstorms, but not when I have to go for cover. I grew up in Camden and graduated from high school in Mckenzie, but I currently live in Memphis.

Thank you all so much for the advice. I believe I may come out there during the beginning of Janurary and middle of March to see a lay of the land and check it out. I am hoping to get a better feel for it then.

When you say pacific Northwest, are you talking Portland and Seattle.....I thought those were gray cities. What would be some good places in that area that are full of sunshine and the beautiful scenery?????

[TNSocialworker]

Sorry after re-reading I saw that you said DON'T consider the Pacific NW if I wanted sunshine.
For the record I am not talking the freaking sunshine state like Florida or something, but just not rain all the time. Clouds are ok as long as I can get outside and stretch my legs.

[jimj]

Originally Posted by TNSocialworker

Yes, Yes, tornados will definitely not be missed. I mean I love the thunderstorms, but not when I have to go for cover. I grew up in Camden and graduated from high school in Mckenzie, but I currently live in Memphis.

Thank you all so much for the advice. I believe I may come out there during the beginning of Janurary and middle of March to see a lay of the land and check it out. I am hoping to get a better feel for it then.

When you say pacific Northwest, are you talking Portland and Seattle.....I thought those were gray cities. What would be some good places in that area that are full of sunshine and the beautiful scenery?????

Bend OR area.