Suggestions for schools/communities...Anaconda, Missoula area, Hamilton (real estate, movies)

[alaskamom1]

Hi Everyone! Thanks for this great forum! It is so very helpful!

Just a few questions: any input appreciated!

We are a family of 5 with 5 dogs & 1 cat...we like a few acres (2-10 or more) and it looks like there is a good selction of real estate in the Butte & Missoula areas.

We are ok with being 40 minutes or so from either of these two cities for our major needs, but want to be close to a small community that would provide some basics (groceries, restaurants, movies, small shops--we would like to open a shop in a downtown area,--etc.) Tourist traffic is a major bonus!

Question is this: What areas would you folks recommend (or suggest to avoid) for a decent school and community that would provide the above mentioned?

Our 2 youngest kids are in H.S. and we have considered Anaconda pretty seriously from our online research, although we have not ever been to that actual town.

Hamilton looks cute too, but we also haven't ventured that far west before.

Is Deer Londge worth looking at? Any other areas? Specifically anything closer to Missoula with a small downtown area?

Thanks in advance!