need honest montana info (Billings, Missoula: homes, employment, buying)

[bigtrees]

I'd define the Flathead Valley as running from Whitefish to Polson. Some people that live in the South Flathead Valley may want to stretch it as far south as St. Ignatious, but I'd probably call Polson as far south as the Valley runs.

When people refer to the "Flathead Valley" 90% of the time they really are referring to the area between the north end of Flathead Lake (Lakeside/Bigfork) and Whitefish. This includes Whitefish, Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, and Kila. Maybe Hungry Horse but I wouldn't include Hungry Horse in the Flathead Valley region.

Jimj's correct that Evergreen is not incorporated. I'd rate it as a less desireable place to live, especially the part of Evergreen that Highway 2 E and Mt 35 run through. It's a really long strip mall in that area. They have tried to incorporate the area number of times but the people that live there don't want to be part of Kalispell for any money.....it'll be interesting to see what happens.

[seven of nine]

I can pass on my experience in looking into Libby for over one year and they have a major HazMat clean up problem going on. Check into that, it is really pretty otherwise.

[KimnTx]

Thank you both. I'd love to live close to a river and yes, I will be looking for work when I get there. Will I have any luck finding a welding job?

[jarsmom]

The flathead and bitteroot (missoula) areas are both growing as well as the gallatin, these are general areas, however, they are all great places
to live and have outlying areas that are still pretty quiet. There are plenty of small towns in western MT and every where for that matter in all of MT. If you are really stuck get out a map of mt, fasten it to a dart board and start flinging darts.

[KimnTx]

Originally Posted by jarsmom

The flathead and bitteroot (missoula) areas are both growing as well as the gallatin, these are general areas, however, they are all great places
to live and have outlying areas that are still pretty quiet. There are plenty of small towns in western MT and every where for that matter in all of MT. If you are really stuck get out a map of mt, fasten it to a dart board and start flinging darts.

Boy, do you and my husband think alike. I'm already worried about going THROUGH some children of the corn type town. We're going to be going in RV....through Texas.....West Texas. Just pray we still have our skin on when we get there.

[rickers]

The valley south of Polson really is one of the valleys of the Flathead drainage, it's just called Mission Valley because of the old mission in St. Ignatius named after a Jesuit priest. During The last ice age the Flathead River actually ran out of Flathead Lake at Elmo, ran down The Big Draw and then ran down The Little Bitterroot River Valley and entered its present coarse at the Sloan Bridge.

[KimnTx]

Originally Posted by rickers

The valley south of Polson really is one of the valleys of the Flathead drainage, it's just called Mission Valley because of the old mission in St. Ignatius named after a Jesuit priest. During The last ice age the Flathead River actually ran out of Flathead Lake at Elmo, ran down The Big Draw and then ran down The Little Bitterroot River Valley and entered its present coarse at the Sloan Bridge.

Thank you for the history...very interesting stuff. Reading about the many places in Montana, I find I enjoy the legends and pictures of centuries past. I was reading, yesterday, about all the hot springs in Montana.....and all I can say is FANTASTIC!!!!!
I also looked into Boulder, and found it has hot springs there, too. I have traveled to many places in my life, but have never been as excited as I am right now to go to Montana.
Don't get me wrong, Texas really is a wonderful place to live (as long as you don't murder anyone), but the crime is getting way too close to home. And I don't care how long you've lived here, you never get used to the heat. So, that being said, I can't wait for the mountains, snow and beautiful lakes and rivers.
Thank you all for your advice and information. I hope someday I'll be able to pass you on the street and say hi to you.

[lighthearted]

Check Out Absarokee , Montana. Littlle town nestled in the Stillwater Valley. Beartooth Mountains are your Backdrop. The school system is A+++. I am a single mother who wanted to raise my twin daughters in a small town.I discovered Absarokee and fell in love with the small town feel. Downside, the roads are sheets of ice in the winter and nearest big town is Billings 60 miles away. Must wait for sunny days and snowplws to make the roads less stressful. So we did monthly trips to Billings for wal-mart and fun things. stillwatercountynews is the news paper once a week. My children were honered to get to go to places we parents only dream about. New York City, Florida..They really care about the kids.Sports is huge as not else much for them to do. One grocery store and 2 bars. A few small shops and cafes that close early. You have Fishtail, a small town 7 miles away. Bears, Elk and rafting and hunting. There is something to do if you have the will to get out in the winter or summer. My girls have graduated with honors and I no longer live there. I do miss the mountains.

[KimnTx]

Originally Posted by lighthearted

Check Out Absarokee , Montana. Littlle town nestled in the Stillwater Valley. Beartooth Mountains are your Backdrop. The school system is A+++. I am a single mother who wanted to raise my twin daughters in a small town.I discovered Absarokee and fell in love with the small town feel. Downside, the roads are sheets of ice in the winter and nearest big town is Billings 60 miles away. Must wait for sunny days and snowplws to make the roads less stressful. So we did monthly trips to Billings for wal-mart and fun things. stillwatercountynews is the news paper once a week. My children were honered to get to go to places we parents only dream about. New York City, Florida..They really care about the kids.Sports is huge as not else much for them to do. One grocery store and 2 bars. A few small shops and cafes that close early. You have Fishtail, a small town 7 miles away. Bears, Elk and rafting and hunting. There is something to do if you have the will to get out in the winter or summer. My girls have graduated with honors and I no longer live there. I do miss the mountains.

Thank you very much for the extensive info......it sounds wonderful. Will research further in that area. I'm glad you and your family did so well and congrats to your daughters. Best wishes to you and yours....K

[grannymontanny]

If i wasnt already in the flathead valley with no intentions of moving,i would check out Sanders county. (Plains,thompson falls)