Is Montana right for us? (Billings, Helena: travel, jobs, housing)

[Kodiak314]

Ive been driving my fiancee crazy with the idea that I want to move to Montana.

Well...I do ....but coming from a very large city (Philadelphia) I am somewhat cautious on where I should look.

Im a former Marine working in construction and Id love to stay in the same line of work. Im a Union man and Ive already located a few Unions in MT that I can transfer to if necessary.

Ive been looking at Billings or Helena....somewhere close to a populate area but not to close..... When I was in ther service I lived in San Diego and ive traveld all over the US and the world....so being somewhere new wont shokc me that much.

The cold does not bother me....I despise the summer and look forward to the winter months....I even go camping during the winter....of course the fiancee stays home....she hates the cold and that might be a big issue.

I appreciate the input anyone can give me.....Ive been doing my research online and we are looking to visit MT sometime next year to see what its all about!

Thanks
Vince

[bigtrees]

Originally Posted by Kodiak314

Ive been driving my fiancee crazy with the idea that I want to move to Montana.

Well...I do ....but coming from a very large city (Philadelphia) I am somewhat cautious on where I should look.

Im a former Marine working in construction and Id love to stay in the same line of work. Im a Union man and Ive already located a few Unions in MT that I can transfer to if necessary.

Ive been looking at Billings or Helena....somewhere close to a populate area but not to close..... When I was in ther service I lived in San Diego and ive traveld all over the US and the world....so being somewhere new wont shokc me that much.

The cold does not bother me....I despise the summer and look forward to the winter months....I even go camping during the winter....of course the fiancee stays home....she hates the cold and that might be a big issue.

I appreciate the input anyone can give me.....Ive been doing my research online and we are looking to visit MT sometime next year to see what its all about!

Thanks
Vince

Well, are you in the market for a new fiancee?

[Kodiak314]

Originally Posted by bigtrees

Well, are you in the market for a new fiancee?

LOL no

She puts up with all of my BS and it would be very hard to find one just as understand as she is. More then likely she will have to bite the bullet if we do move.....but im sure she wouldnt mind a bigger house & more land.

[Stephan_K]

Originally Posted by Kodiak314

she will have to bite the bullet if we do move.....

Now that's the attitude I like to see .

[Kodiak314]

Originally Posted by Stephan_K

Now that's the attitude I like to see .

She already said she wasnt driving to work in the snow LOL as if we dont have any snow here in the city.....I know the snow here is nothing compared to MT snow LOL

[Angel Eyes]

Originally Posted by Stephan_K

Now that's the attitude I like to see .

Careful Bubba! You know you don't see that attitude around here!

[Stephan_K]

Originally Posted by Kodiak314

She already said she wasnt driving to work in the snow LOL as if we dont have any snow here in the city.....I know the snow here is nothing compared to MT snow LOL

You will get a little more snow in Helena and Billings than you do in Philly but I think the biggest adjustment you will have to deal with is with the COLD... It gets much colder and stays much colder a hell of a lot longer than it does in eastern PA. That cold makes the snow hang around longer too which is not the case back east in most parts.

Originally Posted by Angel Eyes

Careful Bubba! You know you don't see that attitude around here!

yes dear...

[Kodiak314]

Originally Posted by Stephan_K

You will get a little more snow in Helena and Billings than you do in Philly but I think the biggest adjustment you will have to deal with is with the COLD... It gets much colder and stays much colder a hell of a lot longer than it does in eastern PA. That cold makes the snow hang around longer too which is not the case back east in most parts.

What snow? This past winter was pathetic.....not enough snow to even call it winter ... It has been 95+ the past 3 or 4 days....even the schools are closing at lunchtime because of the oppressive heat and humidity....this is insane to say the least! Thankfully tomorrow will be relief!

Ive been brainwashing the fiancee with images of MT but even with all the beauty she will still cry about the weather.

yes dear...

Whipped!

[bigtrees]

In all seriousness, I wouldn't recommend anyone move their fiancee to Montana if she doesn't like the cold. Montana winters are long and hard, and it's something we're well known for. They start in late October/early November and will run until early to mid April. The winters seem like they never end. It's something to think about really hard and try visiting here in the wintertime. If she doesn't enjoy it in the winter, I don't think that'd make for a very happy family.

Most people don't mind driving in the snow, but they do mind driving on the ice, which will frequently stick around all winter long. Ice driving is challenging to say the least.

As far as a bigger house/more land, I don't know what your financial situation is, but most people will generally say that's it's expensive living in Montana compared to other places. The housing costs are lower but the jobs are more scarce and harder to get. Lots of people will find houses out in the boondocks (Belt, MT) for example and see how affordable they are but not realize that they really are way out there and there's not a lot of jobs nearby. It's cheaper than PA but you have to balance the availability of jobs, too.

[Kodiak314]

Originally Posted by bigtrees

In all seriousness, I wouldn't recommend anyone move their fiancee to Montana if she doesn't like the cold. Montana winters are long and hard, and it's something we're well known for. They start in late October/early November and will run until early to mid April. The winters seem like they never end. It's something to think about really hard and try visiting here in the wintertime. If she doesn't enjoy it in the winter, I don't think that'd make for a very happy family.

Most people don't mind driving in the snow, but they do mind driving on the ice, which will frequently stick around all winter long. Ice driving is challenging to say the least.

As far as a bigger house/more land, I don't know what your financial situation is, but most people will generally say that's it's expensive living in Montana compared to other places. The housing costs are lower but the jobs are more scarce and harder to get. Lots of people will find houses out in the boondocks (Belt, MT) for example and see how affordable they are but not realize that they really are way out there and there's not a lot of jobs nearby. It's cheaper than PA but you have to balance the availability of jobs, too.

Im trying to way all the PROS and CONS to moving.....as far as jobs go Im in construction/remodeling and Im banking that residents will always need homes built & houses remodeled. MT has Unions also....which Ive been a member of for 6 years now so thats a plus also....Ive also looked into gov jobs...city/state...

Like I said Im trying to swing a visit next year to see some of the areas....My fiancee knows once I get an idea in my head we are all doomed!

This is a short term idea....meaning it would be within the next few years so I have plenty of time to change my mind or let her change it for me.

Ive always dealt with the cold way better then most people I know....and since I work outside the heat tends to annoy me to say the least....for example its 96 today with a heat index of 100+....I have the AC going full blast to keep myself and my Huskies cool.....oh yeah I have two of those.....I have photos of them on my profile if anyone is interested in seeing my babies.

Oh how are the schools in MT? I spent 12 year in catholic school and the public system here is sub par to say the least...

Thanks again!