Conrad? (Great Falls, Malmstrom AFB: for sale, real estate, houses)

[melindar930]

My husband could possibly have the opportunity to take over his dad's business in Conrad, which would mean we'd have to move there, obviously. Currently we live in Texas. But he grew up in Conrad.

Is anyone familiar with the area? Is there any job opportunities there? I have tried finding online newspapers or something with classifieds but come up with nothing. Right now I am a computer tech but am really open to anything to keep me busy.

How are the schools? Real estate?

[rickers]

If you like Oklahoma or Kansas then you might like Conrad !
Conrad is all about small grain, dry land farming, with maybe an oil well here and there.
The economy is a boom or bust economy depending on the weather. The population is shrinking as we speak !

[Hospitality]

Conrad has only one grocery store IGA there are no dept. stores. I have friends that live there and wouldn't move any where else. You could work in Great Falls which is about 64 miles away. There are a lot of people that do it. As for being a computer tech. Maybe you could work at Lockheed Martin on Malmstrom AFB or SoFast internet service or the hospital. Good Luck!

[melindar930]

Thanks for the replies. We were recently there and I liked Conrad better than some of the other small towns nearby. I don't mind being in the country and small town living. I rarely go to department stores and just order online so that isn't an issue.

Is there a newspaper where people put employment ads, or real estate ads?

[prairierose]

A search turned up a link, through the Montana Newspaper Association, to The Independent-Observer which is a weekly newspaper serving Pondera County.

[melindar930]

Thanks, I did find that but it doesn't seem to have a classifieds section, I have managed to find some houses for sale through united country.

I would like honest opinions of Conrad if you have been there recently (say the last 6 months) or live there. How bad are the winters? My husband grew up and graduated HS from there so I don't think we will have any issues with being accepted. How warm was it this past summer? Is there a large range of ages or mainly younger or older?

I appreciate any opinions you can give.

[melindar930]

Oh and also is there high speed internet available?

I was wondering if the economy and/or population would keep a youth activity center in business? From what I read they don't have anything like that.

[melindar930]

After reading threads I have to say I am kind of leery to move to Montana. My husband, who grew up there, says it will be great and the people will be nice....but there seems to be a lot of hostility towards newcomers. I guess one thing I have going for me is I married a native who is moving home to help his Dad.

[Reziac]

Originally Posted by melindar930

Thanks, I did find that but it doesn't seem to have a classifieds section, I have managed to find some houses for sale through united country.

I would like honest opinions of Conrad if you have been there recently (say the last 6 months) or live there. How bad are the winters? .

Be careful about United Country properties, they are often distressed or neglected, and not quite what they sound like.

As to winter... well, that's the extra cold part of north-central Montana

I like it up that way, but my idea of a perfect view is endless grasslands and wheat fields and the occasional pothole lake or butte.

[rickers]

Hi Melinda, My wife and I are getting real close to moving to Conrad I hope. Don't worry Conrad is not getting over run and is a very welcoming town. It is the quintessential Mayberry of a town in central Montana. I freaking love the town and the good friendly folks who live there. I would like Conrad better if it was right on a river but if it was I would be totally priced out of there.
Wheat prices are up and Conrad is smiling ! I'll see you at "The Keg" for a really good charbroiled burger ! Stay away from the KFC in Conrad, it's freaking awfull ! The worst I've ever had , and I ain't afraid to say it out loud ! There are a few Hutterite colonies in the area and you can buy good produce from them.