Red Lodge Ski Resort (Billings, Laurel: real estate, rental, house)

[Blake94]

I am a 22 year old who works in construction safety in Dallas. My ultimate goal one day, hopefully sooner than later, is to move somewhere near a ski resort where I can basically become a ski bum on the weekend. I have researched and found that Red Lodge is underrated as a ski resort and is within about an hour from Billings which has plenty of jobs. From people with first hand experience, how is the skiing at Red Lodge? How is employment in Billings? I have a bachelors degree in Occupational Safety and Health and currently work in construction but I am open to other industries and other fields other than safety. Also, how are real estate prices? and are their rural communities between Red Lodge and Billings where it would be feasible to buy property?

Thanks!

[Redraven]

I do not ski, but I hear the skiing at Red Lodge Mountain is quite good. As with most areas, if you go outside the "normal boundaries" you do so at your own risk, and they might not find your body until the snow melts!
There are lots of jobs in Billings. Contact the Montana Job Service office for more information, and/or begin sending resumes to companies in the area that interest you.
For real estate prices, go to the Billings MLS and do some research, or find a Realtor in your area that would be willing to search for you. If you ask someone to do a search, be sure you have definite parameters in mind. Don't ask for "A house on some land between Billings and Red Lodge.", ask for "A three bedroom, two bath ranch style house on not less than five nor more than twenty acres, in the Roberts area." Be aware that such rural properties may be on private roads that the County has no obligation to maintain in any way. No grading or snow plowing unless the residents do it or have it done.
Get a Montana map and look at the towns between Laurel and Red Lodge. While you are looking, check the towns between Rockvale and the Wyoming border, the towns North of Billings, and the towns East and West.
Keep in mind that many rental properties in the Billings area do not allow pets, and may have other restrictions.
Good luck in your job and land search

[Blake94]

Thanks! I'll look into the rural communities in that area. For rental properties, I don't have any pets so that won't be an issue. What is the night life like in Billings for people in their early 20's?

[NDak15]

Originally Posted by Blake94

Thanks! I'll look into the rural communities in that area. For rental properties, I don't have any pets so that won't be an issue. What is the night life like in Billings for people in their early 20's?

Billings seems to have a decent nightlife and a fair amount going on. It's the largest city in Montana at about 100k.

[Redraven]

Originally Posted by Blake94

Thanks! I'll look into the rural communities in that area. For rental properties, I don't have any pets so that won't be an issue. What is the night life like in Billings for people in their early 20's?

Since I am long past that age group, and also long past the desire for "night life", I really don't know.
I do know that if I drive by Tiny's Tavern on a Friday or Saturday night, there are a lot of cars parked around the place. The same goes for almost any bar/casino/restaurant combination in town, including the Elks Lodge, the Eagles, and the Moose Lodge.
So, yeah, I guess the weekend night life is alive and well...