How is living in Great Falls,MT? (Malmstrom AFB, Belt: real estate, military)

[Angelike]

Our family is considering a move to Great Falls. How is 1st and 2nd Ave as far as traffic? Are there areas that we should avoid when looking for a home? What is the crime rate like? Are there activities for teenagers around town? Closest area for camping/fishing and downhill skiing to town. Any information you can give I would really appreciate!

[bigskylaw]

1st and 2nd Ave. North are busy. 1st and 2nd Avenue South are calm above 15th Street.

Stay out of the lower part of town for the bad parts, i.e. 9th Street or less.

Crime is not too bad, depending on what you're used to.

Your teens might be bored unless they choose to be active.

Closest downhill skiing is 50 miles. You can fish in town. There is decent mountain camping within 40 miles.

Hope to see you soon!

[Angelike]

Thanks Bigskylaw!

I am so excited looks like we will be flying in to Great Falls in a week or so. Prior to going there I wanted to have as much information as possible. I have read every post and researched as much as possible. Our family loves the outdoors. We spent many years in northern MN with our two older boys. They loved fishing, camping, hiking, skiing, etc. They are now grown, one is leaving on my birthday (Monday) to serve his country in the Middle East. The other is married and his wife is still serving our country.

My husband and I are down to earth people. We enjoy the simple things in life. My husband spent a lot of time in Montana over the years and has always wanted us to settle down there. Unfortunately until now it was impossible. His job allows him to live any where that has an airport! I am a stay at home mom. Our youngest son loves the outdoors and can't wait to move!

[jimj]

Originally Posted by Angelike

Thanks Bigskylaw!

I am so excited looks like we will be flying in to Great Falls in a week or so. Prior to going there I wanted to have as much information as possible. I have read every post and researched as much as possible. Our family loves the outdoors. We spent many years in northern MN with our two older boys. They loved fishing, camping, hiking, skiing, etc. They are now grown, one is leaving on my birthday (Monday) to serve his country in the Middle East. The other is married and his wife is still serving our country.

My husband and I are down to earth people. We enjoy the simple things in life. My husband spent a lot of time in Montana over the years and has always wanted us to settle down there. Unfortunately until now it was impossible. His job allows him to live any where that has an airport! I am a stay at home mom. Our youngest son loves the outdoors and can't wait to move!

Be sure and thank your son (s) for us for his service!!! We greatly appreciate the sacrafice you as his parents and he are making being that far apart serving his country! Hats off to you all and god speed!

[JWG71]

Hi Angel, My family and I have lived here for seven years and enjoy it very much. My wife and I have 2 daughters ages 7 and 13 and we all very much love the great outdoors here. I am in the military here stationed at Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls and we purchased a home here 5 years ago. The fishing and hunting are great! Hiking, backpacking, camping,...etc..... outstanding! We call it home and for us the schools are awesome for our girls! We enjoy the extremely low crime rate and the people are warm and will help you out here. We have made a lot of friends here.
On the down side, the wind blows hard here all of the time and for us is useless. That wind can make it bitterly cold during the winter time well below zero with the wind chill. On the other hand, we have chinook winds here from the souther U.S. which you learn to appreciate during the winter since those chinooks really help warm things up quickly well above freezing in a days notice! Not too sure if you are looking to rent or buy a house here but with the soft real estate market here it is a buyers market now and if you are planning on staying here it is a good time to buy.
You can catch rainbow and brown trout right here in Great Falls on the Missouri River and many other species as well. We have Holter Reservoir 53 miles from Great Falls where you can catch large rainbows, kokanee salmon, perch, and walleye. Numerous lakes and rivers within a short drive. Showdown Ski resort is a great little resort and is 65 miles south of Great Falls in the Little Belt Mountains. As far as neighborhoods, I reccoment Fox Farm and definately avoid the old downtown 900 blocks and lower like mentioned in the previous post.
Unfortunately, I have military orders to California and we are leaving June 6, 08 and not looking forward to leaving and our 13 year old is taking it hard. I am elegible for retirement in 5 years and we are coming back to Montana. I hope this helps and wish you luck in your move! I also have a great home for sale......