how bad is the commuting in montana? (Bozeman, Helena: homes, living)

[ElkHunter]

Thats why I said Billings proper. Didn't include the burbs.

[Timberwolf232]

Originally Posted by rickers

My commute is simply walking downstairs from my apartment to our shop below.
I strongly urge everyone to live as close to their job as possible cuz the price of gas is not going to go down any time soon. As to the driving in the winter I would think twice about what you're contemplating as it is way too expensive, hazardous and way too much hassle.

Way to be!! I might be in your boat if the FAA would re-write their rule after 9/11 that banned people from living in the apartments built on top of hangars on airport property! It was a bummer, we had it all worked out and BAM 9/11 happened and couldn't do it. (If I had enough ground for a private airstrip we could try again, so the dream isn't completely gone, just on hold for a bit!)

[seven of nine]

I know we have to watch out for the deer and antelope as well as the occasional cattle. Makes for an eye-bugging commute! Something to consider if you are driving long distance everyday. I am with the above posters as I am two blocks from work.

[Radek]

heh. I think I have the longest commute of about 5-6 miles from Bozeman to Four Corners.


Countrygal: I understand your concern, coming from extremely small towns... which are probably more like extended families than town.

But, none of the places I've been in Montana FEEL like cities. Granted, I grew up around Seattle and the downtown of Seattle scares me. Particularly driving in it. Its sooo hectic and rushed and packed and yeah. Bad news.

The few times I've been in Billings though, it feels more like a suburban sprawl than any city.

Oh, and Bozeman's not a city. :P We're still a town. And I'd love to keep it that way.

[rickers]

Not only do I not have a commute, all within 1 block is the post office, bank, restaurants, supermarket, city office, police department, courthouse, sheriff's department, library, pharmacy, a dollar store, and more ! Also there is a tire shop and a gas station real close too but I don't seem to have much need for those these days !
I still drive a little bit to go fishing and all. My town would be perfect if there was a big lake or river within walking distance !

[seven of nine]

No it would be perfect if it was a tax-free town Most places in Montanta are just as bout a perfect as you can get. I just have to remind the OP that the concept of long distance driving is just something you will have to live here to understand and experiance. There is a big difference in the commmute here and the one on for example I-5 on the west coast. Weather, wildlife, just the lack of help on the road due to the low population are all considerations you should think about. A long commute in a deadly low temp is just that. You have to be smart, noone is going to rescue you. I am learning this as I live in Montana. Would not go back to the crowed commute for anything. Good luck.

[Reziac]

Originally Posted by CountryGal27

Hey....I was wondering about the road from Lewistown to Billings in the winter? I would have to drive once a month for meetings. I would be working from home otherwise.

How is that road usually? Bad? I really like Lewistown. Laurel would probably work out okay as well however. I just am not used to LARGE cities and will feel out of place living right in Billings.

The road through Lewistown always seemed to have more ice there than all the other roads combined. They get more snow and fewer thaws, I think. I would not want to be commuting on any of the N/S roads between I-90 and Hwy 200 in the winter, but once a month shouldn't really be an issue.

Otherwise, sometimes the Bozeman pass would be a skating rink, and 287 between Toston and Three Forks can be another Ice-world Adventure, but I've never seen 'em impassable -- if you're careful and experienced. I drove from Bozeman to Helena and back in a raging blizzard more than once, and thought nothing of it... it was just normal Montana winter weather

[CountryGal27]

Thanks again for everyone's input. I will sure keep all this in mind.

Being I'll haaaavve to commute to the hospital for the first 1-3 months, I'm not real crazy about the idea of finding a place and then moving, especially if I do end up working the full first 3 months, then will be into October...so more than likely I will be "forced" to stay around Billings, live there for a year then next summer do more thinking about the moving idea.

Believe me, I've had my share of winter blizzard driving here in WI. But most WI roads have houses dotted along each side of the road as well if one gets into trouble.

I would also hope on those days that I would have meetings, that if the weather was real bad, they could make an exception for me missing it.

[Radek]

Originally Posted by CountryGal27

Thanks again for everyone's input. I will sure keep all this in mind.

Being I'll haaaavve to commute to the hospital for the first 1-3 months, I'm not real crazy about the idea of finding a place and then moving, especially if I do end up working the full first 3 months, then will be into October...so more than likely I will be "forced" to stay around Billings, live there for a year then next summer do more thinking about the moving idea.

Believe me, I've had my share of winter blizzard driving here in WI. But most WI roads have houses dotted along each side of the road as well if one gets into trouble.

I would also hope on those days that I would have meetings, that if the weather was real bad, they could make an exception for me missing it.

Now there you go!

Can't you telecommute for the meeting? Conference call and what not?

Slightly off topic:
I keep hearing people complain about Bozeman Pass on the way to Livingston... I'll be honest, I've never had a problem on that pass. I get much more freaked out by Homestake by Butte, and Lookout Pass on the MT/ID border. Even those two are starting to not scare me to death anymore.

[GEORGIAINMT]

Originally Posted by Reziac

The road through Lewistown always seemed to have more ice there than all the other roads combined. They get more snow and fewer thaws, I think. I would not want to be commuting on any of the N/S roads between I-90 and Hwy 200 in the winter, but once a month shouldn't really be an issue.

Otherwise, sometimes the Bozeman pass would be a skating rink, and 287 between Toston and Three Forks can be another Ice-world Adventure, but I've never seen 'em impassable -- if you're careful and experienced. I drove from Bozeman to Helena and back in a raging blizzard more than once, and thought nothing of it... it was just normal Montana winter weather

When I was working all over the state taking school pictures I hated the driver from Billings to Lewistown in the winter. That little pass between Lewistown and the highway to Billings was really nasty. It can also get bad up around the Roundup area. My husband works with a guy who commutes from Roundup and he misses or is late for work quite often during the winter due to the roads. Personally, I wouldn't want the commute from Lewistown, even once a month.