College Student Looking to move to Montana... (Billings, Missoula: rent , jobs)

[boricuamami8590]

I am twenty years old and have spent almost my entire life in Cleveland, Ohio. I am a city girl looking for a lifestyle change. I was accepted into Carroll College and the University of Alaska, but reading all the "outsider" posts has me worried. I really would love to live in Montana, but if I am going to be given a hard time about moving there maybe I should just go to Alaska. Is there anyone who has anything postive to say on the idea of moving to Montana. I am not looking to change anything to suit my needs, I am looking to experience new things.

[rickers]

Visit first ! You'll probably be fine because your not from California !

[8 SNAKE]

I can't imagine that you'll have a hard time moving to Montana or Alaska as a college student. College is a place where everyone is new (at some point) and pretty accepting of others. Go for it!

[sweetsommertime]

My husband and I lived in Kalispell, MT and we are in are early 20's. We absolutely loved it there. It has a small town feel, but all the ammenities that one would need. If you love the outdoors, you'll love Montana. If you're planning on going to college, you'll want to be in Missoula, Bozeman, or Billings. I believe there are some extension in other towns too, like Helena, but I'm not sure. Missoula is on the mountainous side and Billings is on the flat side. Both are large. Missoula has a lot of Californians and tends to be more liberal and Billings is more conservative with more of the "cowboy" feel. Just depends on what suits you. You'll be welcomed if you go to any of those towns, there's lots of non-natives and the atmosphere is very laid-back. It's a different way of life and very friendly people!

[boricuamami8590]

OK. So I decided to reserve my spot at Carroll College, can anyone give me any info about places for rent around there. I tried to search online, but I am not getting very much.

[jollygirl]

I moved from suburban Detroit in 1996 for college and lived in Bozeman/Butte for 11 years. Never felt judged nor discrimnated against. I was nieve at first, just as a Montanan would be moving to Detroit, but was able to laugh it off with everyone. One of the best decisions I ever made was moving there. Would do it again in a heartbeat, but can't seem to convince my fiancee. As far as Helena goes I don't have alot of advice for renting but I've been there a few times and had a blast. I have heard excellent things about Carroll College especially the nursing program. When I moved to Bozeman I was surprised how many midwestern natives lived there esp. in Big Sky. I don't know if Helena is any different but if anyone gives you a hard time I assure there are several more who will only find you more interesting for your unique perspective. You made a good choice. Good Luck.

[michael11747]

i think bozeman is the most mixed of all montana cities. we have our extremely liberal, co-op vegan loving yuppies, and we have our native, rancher, 200+ acre and ready to subdivide, neo-conservative types as well. as well as everything in between, plus a huge college (go cats). if i was a college student, i would definately live in bozeman. biggest mountains, most trails within 50 miles, prettiest scenery of any large montana town, most jobs, best pay, and best fishing . hope i don't offend any of my neighbors here, but we all have to rep our towns don't we now? beware, bozeman is also more expensive, which means you will be a broke college student (is there anything else?).