Questions on Hamilton, Mt (Missoula, Polson: crime, homes, neighborhoods)

[Heart]

We are considering moving to Hamilton. My husband has a decent job offer and it would put us closer to aging family members in the area who need us right now. We lived in Lolo for a few years, so we already know about the Bitterroot. Although we visited Hamilton on a few occasions and passed through, we know nothing about what it's like to actually live there.... and I'm trying to do some digging and get outside opinions before making the jump.

1. Crime - How's the crime, and does the town have any big drug problems? After living in Polson, we actually saw a woman lay a needle down in the parking lot of a gas station and watched her crawl around on her hands and knees. We don't want to live somewhere, where it's that prevalent. Can I go out walking at night and not worry about someone bothering me?

2. People - Are people generally friendly there, or kind of keep to yourself? Is this a more conservative area, or liberal?

3. Stores - I see that the town has a few options, but will I have to drive to Missoula for everything?

4. Snow - heavier snow fall in the area?

5. My mother in law says there are FLDS or mennonite that live in the area, does anyone know anything about this?

6. Farmers market - one each week..? how would you rate it?

7. Possible living right outside of Hamilton, anything I need to know? Wildlife.. etc.

My main worry is moving into a town that has drug problems. Polson was horrible and I don't want to relive that. You cannot really know an area just by visiting it... so please add in anything else you can think of about Hamilton. Thanks!

[406FIRE309]

R u sure you lived in Lolo?? Wildlife outside of Hamilton??? You do realize that Hamilton is in Montana. Smh

[Heart]

Ummm, yeah, I'm quite certain I lived in Lolo. I am aware that there is wildlife here. I'm asking individual questions about a place I have never lived in, because I learned the hard way that every single town in Montana has its own vibe, a certain amount of wildlife in that particular area...understand what I'm getting at? No need to be rude so..shake your head at someone else!

[Clark Fork Fantast]

I know one of our members is very familiar with Hamilton, so maybe you'll hear from him. We've passed through several times, that's all, but we've felt perfectly safe, even staying overnight in a dump off the main drag. Very friendly people. Several good restaurants, but everything closes early. Not unusual for small towns, of course. We took a drive around the neighborhoods toward the west, between the river and the mountains, and that area is just beautiful. Nice old homes and ranches, big old trees, very livable (judging from just driving through).

[Heart]

Thanks Clark Fork. It is a very beautiful area, and my experiences living in Lolo were good. My in laws in Florence really love it there as well. We've had the opportunity to meet some of their neighbors and they are really down to earth, kind and welcoming people.

[historyfan]

I have never lived in Hamilton, but I've friends who do. It is very similar to Dillon, but without a college. I would call it a middle class town. It has an independent bookstore, which is my personal indicator that it is an okay town.

In any place it is a good idea to walk with a buddy or two----day or night. The safest seeming place can have a predator. Be wise, be safe, & don't be a target. Good luck.

[Montana Griz]

Depending on where you live in hamilton and/or just outside of Hamilton you will encounter various types of wildlife....
On the west side, I have a famile member who lives on 20 acres right up against the mountains. They have coyotes, badger, skunk, porkupine, deer, moose, elk, and various small rodent type animls......as well as Northern Harrier Hawks, Bald Eagles, Great Horned Owl & Great Grey Owls (all 4 of these birds like an occasional cat for variety in the diet).

On occasion you will see someone "open carrying" in one or more of the stores in the area. (also, many others you see in a sporting store, hardware or gun shop may be "carring concealed".). Just last week I saw an older(70's rancher) in a popular local restaurant bend over to tie his boot and his waist length jacket 'rode up above his belt line and there was a 1911 45acp pistol in an IWB holster in clear view........Didn't bother me.

If you had "problems with living in Lolo", I'm sure you'll have problems lining in Hamilton. Pretty much the same "type of people" and same type of unruly and disrespectful kids and punks...(probably a little worse in Hamilton than Lolo.)

[Montana Griz]

Originally Posted by historyfan

I have never lived in Hamilton, but I've friends who do. It is very similar to Dillon,>>>>>> but without a college.<<<<< I would call it a middle class town. It has an independent bookstore, which is my personal indicator that it is an okay town.

In any place it is a good idea to walk with a buddy or two----day or night. The safest seeming place can have a predator. Be wise, be safe, & don't be a target. Good luck.

..

The "Bitterroot College" is located on West Main Street in Hamilton. It is part of the University of Montana.
It has been in existence for over two years.

[Heart]

Hi, thank you all for your responses. Griz, I had problems in Polson, not Lolo, something I hope to not repeat. If people in Hamilton are like the people in Polson, then I best stay out of Hamilton. I'm kind of surprised to hear this because my husband's great uncle is living right outside of Hamilton and loves it.

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Originally Posted by Heart

Hi, thank you all for your responses. Griz, I had problems in Polson, not Lolo, something I hope to not repeat. If people in Hamilton are like the people in Polson, then I best stay out of Hamilton. I'm kind of surprised to hear this because my husband's great uncle is living right outside of Hamilton and loves it.

I think Griz meant that Lolo and Hamilton are similar. You should have no particular problems in Hamilton other that the usual stuff life will throw at us all...