Trying Again - Missoula? (Kalispell, Bigfork: equity, apartment complex, condo)

[coloradocutter]

I am considering moving to Missoula for graduate school. I have read alot of posts on this board trying to talk people out of moving to Missoula. If I want to study this field, it is one of my choices and no matter the problems, I would have to suck it up and deal. Unlike a lot of the posters, I have a distinct, temporary reason for moving to Montana, but I want to enjoy my time there and be a part of the city.

We just visited this weekend. We saw the issue with housing and food, but it's not near as bad as where we live - Boulder, CO. Crazy insane. Our income would probably be around $50k a year from my spouse's pension, so I think it would be tighter for us than it is now with me working, but we could do it. We also have equity in our current home that should help if we buy. I don't know what else we would be able to string together.

If you had to live in or around Missoula, what neighborhoods and surrounding towns would you recommend? For renting? For buying? We will probably rent first and then buy. We just like to be safe and can deal with a reasonable commute.

Thanks in advance.

[MishaPETROV]

Hi,
I went to Missoula for grad school (MBA) for 2 years and to be honest - this was the great time of my life. There was a nice atmosphere around town with all the coffee shopts downtown, walkable streets, wonderful summers, hiking and skiing..... you name it, it was great. Good places to live - Southern Hills and Rattle snake areas. Downtown has a couple of nice apartments buildings as well - old and with lots of character. I wish I could go back there. Good luck!!

[bigtrees]

I'd recommend going to grad school in Montana. It's not the college students that everyone is complaining about - it's the rich Califorians that move here at try to change everything. As a grad student, you're likely not rich, and since still a student, likely not trying to change things to fit where your from.

Congrats for finding Missoula! Welcome and good luck with your studies.

[Montana Baby]

Originally Posted by coloradocutter

I am considering moving to Missoula for graduate school. I have read alot of posts on this board trying to talk people out of moving to Missoula. If I want to study this field, it is one of my choices and no matter the problems, I would have to suck it up and deal. Unlike a lot of the posters, I have a distinct, temporary reason for moving to Montana, but I want to enjoy my time there and be a part of the city.

We just visited this weekend. We saw the issue with housing and food, but it's not near as bad as where we live - Boulder, CO. Crazy insane. Our income would probably be around $50k a year from my spouse's pension, so I think it would be tighter for us than it is now with me working, but we could do it. We also have equity in our current home that should help if we buy. I don't know what else we would be able to string together.

If you had to live in or around Missoula, what neighborhoods and surrounding towns would you recommend? For renting? For buying? We will probably rent first and then buy. We just like to be safe and can deal with a reasonable commute.

Thanks in advance.

A lot of people live in outlying areas/towns and commute since the housing is cheaper. Renting first would be a good idea. Good luck and for gorgeous drive take a trip up Hwy 93 to Kalispell.

[Jarndyce]

Is there anywhere to rent in Missoula? When I do a 'Net search...all I come up with are the same 3 apartment complexes (no matter the price points I put in for rent).

I have an option of moving to Missoula for grad school also. But I am one of those "hated Californians looking to change everything..."

Seriously, what kind of apartment rentals exist in Missoula? I'm not interested in a house, double-wide or renting someone's condo....

[jimj]

Originally Posted by Jarndyce

Is there anywhere to rent in Missoula? When I do a 'Net search...all I come up with are the same 3 apartment complexes (no matter the price points I put in for rent).

I have an option of moving to Missoula for grad school also. But I am one of those "hated Californians looking to change everything..."

Seriously, what kind of apartment rentals exist in Missoula? I'm not interested in a house, double-wide or renting someone's condo....

Try looking at missoulian.com newspaper.

[Jarndyce]

Originally Posted by jimj

Try looking at missoulian.com newspaper.

Is the physical paper "more complete" with listings then the website? Missoulian.com is a great newspaper website..but I haven't seen much there for apartments. Craigslist is Montana-wide, most of the listings aren't even Missoula based.

This is kind of tricky because I have been to Missoula and Bigfork, and I never considered Missoula to be a small town.

[truckingbronco]

The big property management companies in Missoula are: Lambros, Professional Property Management, Bitterroot Property Management, and Grizzly Property Management...I'm sure I'm forgetting a few but those are the main ones.

You might try their websites as a starting point.