Montana vs. Wyoming (Billings, Missoula, Great Falls: sales, real estate, new house) - (MT) - City-Data Forum

1Amo · 08-23-2007, 05:40 AM

Greetings,

I came across the following thread in the Wyoming Forum, comparing Wyoming to other Western States.

Wyoming vs. other western states

As there does not seem to be a lot of input in that area regarding Montana vs. Wyoming, I am here to find out from all of you what you think?!

I am an American who has lived overseas (mostly in Europe) for the past 20 years, and am looking to move back to the USA. Originally from the East Coast, it is the nature, (and hopefully still) authentic way of living out West, which seems attractive, vs. an overcrowded E. Coast.

Thanks for your time and input,

1Amo

imbobbbb · 08-23-2007, 10:02 PM

well montana has a state income tax and higher property tax then wyoming.montana has no sales tax though.there are a zillion good paying energy related jobs right now in much of wyoming,montana not so much.realestate is priced pretty much the same both places and varies greatly by region in both states.montana is more agricultural then wyoming which is more mining/oil/gas based.the scenery/terrain varies a lot in both states but montana has more mountains.montana has about twice as many people.montana has some pretty liberal areas,wyoming not so much.do you have any specific questions?

1Amo · 08-24-2007, 05:08 AM

Thanks for the feedback.

How is the housing market out there now? I have $350,000 to invest.

I am looking for somewhere not too too rural. I have read that Great Falls is nice. Missoula may be interesting as there is a college (which may make certain ammenities more available?). But maybe these places are already too crowded? I do not need a WalMart, but do occaisionally need an airport. Love the countryside...

Thanks again,

1Amo

1Amo · 08-24-2007, 05:21 AM

PS - As for a house, building does not scare me! maybe a nice piece of land?

UseJeff · 08-24-2007, 10:23 AM

You might be able to find a little bit of land in Montana ....

Missoula is nice, as well as Kalispel if you're looking around that area. There's a fair amount of smaller towns surrounding that area which could be a good choice. You may want to just contact a real estate agent in the area you're looking. They will be able to send you some listings, and if you find a few you like you can research the area in more detail.

georgiainwyo · 08-24-2007, 04:54 PM

Hello!
I've lived in both Montana and Wyoming. Raised in Wyoming in the wide open spaces with very few people, I moved to Billings, Montana about 13 years ago. There are positives about both places as both have wonderful people and have many different types of scenic beauty. Personally, I like living in Montana better. Our property tax is a bit higher than it was in Wyo, but not enough to make a big difference (and we're certainly not rich! lower middle income folks). It's nice not having a sales tax, ESPECIALLY when you buy vehicles!!! A budget of $350K for a home would get you something very nice, but how nice depends on what part of MT or WY you decide on. I live in the Billings area (Laurel, small town 10 miles from there) and you would be able to buy a very nice home or have a very nice one built within your budget. Of course, there are those who have home in the $500K plus range, but it's relatively rare. We are thinking about having a small, simple home (about 2000 or so sq. ft. including basement) built. We can do it for about $220K on a one acre lot or as low as $180K on a small lot in town (new small subdivision in older part of town). Billings has several new subdivisions that are right in your price range, or you could opt to buy your own land....lots running from about $60-$65K on up that would serve well for a home in your range. Keep in mind this is just for the Billings area......we are higher than some places, yet much lower than the more "trendy", so to speak, in the mountainous towns such as Bozeman, Kalispell, etc. I would suggest you contact a real estate agent or look at the online realty sites to compare. I like using the Prudential Floberg site myself for our area. Personally, I prefer living in the area I am at....I think because I was raised in an open area, and I feel kind of closed in when I'm in the mountain towns too long! I love to go camping, but it's nice for me to get home and see the "Big Sky"! Billings, being the largest "city" in Montana, at about 120,000 pop., has everything most people need.....plentiful shopping, airport that serves a large area, cultural & sports entertainment, 2 good regional hospitals, 2 reputable colleges, and a short drive to the mountains. The weather isn't as harsh in some parts of MT & WY during the winter, but we're close to snow for skiing, etc. There are quite a few (well, quite a few for our sparcely populated part of the country!!!) small towns within 30 or so miles from Billings that are all nice little communities. I love all of Montana & Wyoming, so I think that wherever you go you're making a great choice! My choice of the Billings area is right for me....not too far east out in the "boonies" but not smack dab in the mountains either. You just have to decide what you like and choose the place that best fits your needs and desires. Best of luck to you!!!!!!!!!

imbobbbb · 08-25-2007, 09:39 PM

i would prefer billings or greatfalls general areas over the 'trendy' more western cities which most feel are more scenic,i think overrated and overpriced but different people like different things

DanielRead · 08-25-2007, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Amo

Thanks for the feedback.

How is the housing market out there now? I have $350,000 to invest.

I am looking for somewhere not too too rural. I have read that Great Falls is nice. Missoula may be interesting as there is a college (which may make certain ammenities more available?). But maybe these places are already too crowded? I do not need a WalMart, but do occaisionally need an airport. Love the countryside...

Thanks again,

1Amo

Just don't buy land and clutter up the scenery with a new house, I hope you enjoy it here if you decide to move here. We are having a problem with developers cutting the land up into 0.5 acre lots and selling them to out of staters to build there facky "dream homes." Their are plenty of houses allready built to move into, so why develope when it's all ready here for the taking.

DanielRead · 08-25-2007, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Amo

PS - As for a house, building does not scare me! maybe a nice piece of land?

I didn't see this post. I don't think you understand. Why build over our wilderness!

1Amo · 08-26-2007, 08:28 AM

Thank you all again for your words of wisdom. I am doing lots of research on the net about Montana, and am planning a trip there next month.

Daniel - I understand your point of view and agree 100% about what terrible, greedy developers do (I have seen it too many times myself here in Europe, where for example, a little Portuguese fishing village has been turned into a no-shirt British fish & chips snack stand enclave). I am just concerned about the quality of building....

All the best,

1Amo