Moving to the midwest soon. Need info on best states/areas to start a family that loves the outdoors!

[mariaandtanner]

Originally Posted by Montguy

Northern Idaho, like perhaps Coeur d'Alene or Post Falls, may be worth a look for anyone who's considering Western MT. Similar vibes and lifestyle to Northwestern MT, disgustingly conservative, but closer (about 30 mins on a good day) to a medium-sized city, that being Spokane, WA, which is part of a combined metro area with Cd'A. Larger job market, better COL should you maybe decide to live on the WA side of the state-line. A lot of commuters from either direction.

Further to the south, there's Boise-Meridian-Nampa...if you want lower populations, do look into Caldwell, Eagle and Kuna (each within 30 mins to Boise proper), along with probably dozens of smaller towns within the metro. Nice area, growing fast but nonetheless very outdoorsy and proud of it. If the "outdoorsy" culture is what you're looking for, though, you'll find it regardless of which end of Idaho you choose for relocation.

In order to save yourself the hassle of relocating again in 5 years, just nix Montana. At least in Idaho, you'll be close enough to visit.

thank you!

[mariaandtanner]

Originally Posted by patches403

What's your budget? Determining what you consider affordable/low cost could take some of the best Montana options off your list. Based on your list other than price in Montana my first suggestions would be Bozeman or Missoula, but you likely can't afford either. The reality is that affording 10+ acres with a house within a reasonable commuting distance to cities big enough to have colleges is out of most peoples' budgets in a lot of Western states.

Idaho isn't really within your 1 day driving criteria, but would meet most of your other criteria. I can't speak to whether or not it's affordable enough for you. If you're willing to go past the 1 day driving requirement, Spokane sounds like it would be a good option for you and would have better job/college options for both of you than Montana, Wyoming or Idaho. You would have to research to see whether or not it would be affordable for you. Northern Colorado around Denver would work for your criteria other than it's definitely not low cost.

I will be making about $40-50k a year and my fiancee will be going back to school once I graduate so we will be going mostly off of my income. We really don't want to be farther out than one day, we moved 21 hours away for me to go to school and settling down to start a family close to our families is important to us. I'm sure we will find a town that works for us! We have been seriously looking into Helena, MT. The only thing possibly that would drive us away are job opportunities.

[NW Crow]

You might want to check a real estate site or two for property between Winston and Townsend along Canyon Ferry Lake. Might find some affordable, mid-sized land / properties. Might be cheaper than closer in. But check the school choices. The area I mentioned is in Broadwater county and it is a small rural county. Of course you could move in 5 plus years if you later decide it isn't where you want kids to go to school or at least the later years of school.


If you haven't already, use Google maps / street view to "drive around" and look at various spots.

[patches403]

Originally Posted by mariaandtanner

I will be making about $40-50k a year and my fiancee will be going back to school once I graduate so we will be going mostly off of my income. We really don't want to be farther out than one day, we moved 21 hours away for me to go to school and settling down to start a family close to our families is important to us. I'm sure we will find a town that works for us! We have been seriously looking into Helena, MT. The only thing possibly that would drive us away are job opportunities.

I've always liked Helena From what I've been told it's been growing at a pretty good pace in the last few years and is more affordable than Bozeman or Missoula.

You should also check out Great Falls as well; it's only about a 10 - 11 hour drive from Great Falls to Rapid - it might even be a closer drive than Helena is. If I were ever to move back to a city in Montana my first choice would be Bozeman. My second choice would probably be Great Falls and third would be a toss-up between Billings or Helena.

[Dangerous Dave]

Montguy is right, N. Idaho may be a good fit. Or Spokane area. You get a lot of bang for the buck on the Washington side.

[historyfan]

See where you get job offers & then come back here for town comparisons.