GREAT FALLS. What are the pros and cons of moving there?! (Missoula: home, high schools)

[ArrowThruTheMoon]

One of my friends is really trying to sell me on moving there (saying its perfect for a young family)... What do you like about living there? I'm especially interested in the positives, but if you have red flags for us, please share.

[Mr. Doom]

As a born and raised Greatfallsian I can tell you that it lacks some of the charm that other Montana towns have but has a bit more ethnic diversity due to the military base and nearby reservations. The wind is brutal and winters can be cold, but sunny, unlike dreary Missoula.

[rickers]

Sometimes you get stinky air from oil refining operations That is a con, but Black Eagle has the Three Ds restaurant and that's a pro ! The Missouri river is also a pro !

[2anew]

I've lived here for nearly 12 years this fall. I think it's going to depend on when you are looking for and considering a good place to call home. Do you have kids, what are your hobbies or what do you enjoy?

I don't have kids, therefore I haven't had a need to be involved in the school system or sports. But there is the grade and high schools as well as 3 college/universities here plus a Catholic School. If outdoor recreation is important - there's plenty of that around here esp with the River's Edge Trail. In the summer there is the local Pioneer Baseball Club (I believe they are Pioneer) just named the Great Falls Voyagers and each 4th of July they have a home game with a great fireworks show afterwards. Nice summer evening enjoyment if you like baseball. We are currently affiliated with the Chicago White Sox but were with the LA Dodgers for years.

There is a fair each summer usually the 1st week of August. They try to have 7 nights of concerts and 3 or 4 nights with rodeo.

Again, I think it's what you are looking for that will matter - maybe you ought to come out for a good 3 day visit to your friends and look around.
~W