California in our rearview mirror (Bozeman, Kalispell: transplants, neighborhood, school district)

[keno65]

First off, I can't say I blame many Montana folks for feelings of annymosity towards some of the outsiders moving into their state. I've sat, delayed and irritated on the taxiway at Gallitan County Airport more than once while a steady stream of bigshots land their private jets for a weekend of skiing or pretend cowboying.

We've been considering a move to Montana for "Family Reasons"..... I was a big-city Firefighter and sustained career ending injuries on the job....Anyway, in the quest to live closer to relatives and the like, Montana keeps popping up on the radar. We've been checking out posts in this forum in regards to transplants, and I've got to to say, it's a little intimidating considering we hail from Norrthern California.

My wife's family is from the Gallatin Valley and we've spent a lot of time in that part of Montana over the years. In many ways we frequent and do things as would locals when we're in town. We're not interested in anything other than to be respectful and productive members of the community and get our kid involved in school, sports and whatever. I'm still able to work in some capacities and luckily pay isn't exactly the motivator for me. My wife would be an asset to any school district, anywhere, as she's a talented teacher of deaf and special education kids. We sure don't look and act like we're from Malibu or San Francisco. So what gives? We really don't have to explain ourselves to anyone, but we're just curious. We have family connections in ways many newcomers to Montana may not have. But in the end, are we always just going to be outsiders? The people next door from you-know-where. Thanks.

[ElkHunter]

No, you won't be considered outsiders for long. Just blend in and don't try and change the charm that draws you there.

[jimj]

Also the fact that you're a big city firefighter injured or not could be a big asset to where ever you move. Most fire depts are volunteer and are happy to get ANY help they can. I'm sure you know things they haven't been exposed to. I know a few partially handicapped people who are involved with the FD and do what they can. Once you mix in with that type of thing I think you'll make friends quickly. FD's seem to be a brotherhood just like the military and look out for their own so that's what I'd do.

[ElkHunter]

Excellent idea Jimj.

Not knowing the extent of your past injuries, with a volunteer fire department you can probably still do things like help with training, equipment checks, etc. It's even nice to know that dispatch, your only point of contact, knows what it's like in the field. You would be a valuable asset to any FD.

[gowestgal]

Having come from the east coast in Oct '07 we worried about the same thing. I think it depends on where you move to. We're in Bozeman and probably 75% of residents are from someplace else so no one comments on it. We've visited surrounding towns and everyone is very nice. My only advice would be to change your license plates as soon as you can You'll also have an easier time with family in the area to help.

The strange thing is hearing people who live here talk about not wanting others to move here. Yet somehow most moved here from somewhere else, so why is it ok for them? But once you settle in, you too will end up with "protection-itis", not that it is bad, just haven't experienced this before. You'll be driving somewhere and curse the new neighborhood being developed on a great "backroad" you found. But doesn't that happen everywhere? Seems like it on this forum. Many opinions on this forum on how to address this, and that's all to say on that.

Housing prices may surprise you more than the people. Hope this helps and good luck!

[jimj]

The other thing you'll notice happening to you is your outlook on driving. When we used to visit our relatives here we couldn't understand why they moaned about driving to Kalispell which is a whole 13 miles away. We'd say, "let's go to xxx in Kalispell" and the answer would be "awww, I don't want to drive all the way to Kalispell" in a whiny voice. Now coming from a place where we commuted 45 miles each way to work we didn't understand and thought it was very funny.
Fast forward to us living here and after the first year we noticed that we now save up things to do in Kalispell and go only when we have multiple things that we need. We now whine like everyone else.... I guess we get spoiled in a way, we lowered our thoughts on what we really need and for the most part that stuff is available right in town. Now we look at Kalispell as a pain to go to and the traffic there a teeth grinding experience since 4 cars at a light in our town is a lot of traffic.

[Timberwolf232]

If you move to the Gallatin Valley and need help meeting people in the Fire and SAR community, DM me and I may be able to help.

I know and work with a lot of them on a regular basis. Most places are always looking for help, and someone with experience would be welcomed for sure. (If not hounded until you gave in and joined up! =-)

[keno65]

Thanks for all the help, some of the suggestions are really thougtful. Yeah, the FD thing is in my system and dispatching and/or volunteering has been a consideration. I will explore some of that and might take you up on that.

[ElkHunter]

Something else to consider. In a lot of places, the Fire fighters are volunteer, but the dispatch is a paid position because they have to man the phone and be able to contact everybody. Not all, but there's a few.

Back where I come from, the dispatch was a paid position, but the dispatcher worked from home. The 911 people would just hit a button and the call was forwarded to whoever was on as dispatch. He had a radio and everything he needed right at the house. Didn't pay much, but what do you expect with a job that gets 2 calls a week.

[spashark]

Makes me want to go down to the Fire station. I retired on 05/07/08. Been on vacation to move up here. And I keep looking for something to keep me busy. But not as busy as I was in Calif.