Housing in Shelby, MT (Cut Bank, Conrad: real estate, apartments, rentals)

[NewLtDad]

My understanding is there is a correction facility in Shelby. Where do the people live who work at the facility? (I know, they live at home). What is the housing situation there?

[mattman3seven]

Rentals are far and few between, depending on what you're looking for. There seems to be plenty of one bedroom apartments and lofts, but two to four bedroom homes are pretty much non existent, unless you just get lucky. I have a couple of numbers for you to call if you want to private message me. But give me some information on what you are looking for, i.e. family size, etc... Most of the windmill workers are gone now but it did nothing to open up the rentals, as there were lots of people waiting for them.

Are you moving here just because of the corr. facility? Not to be negative or anything, but that place is soooo understaffed you will be working at least 72 hours(or more) per week. You will more than likely be wanting out after a couple of weeks!

A lot of people that work there live in Conrad and Cut Bank, though. There really is not that many Shelby residents working there anymore. Both Conrad and Cut Bank are within 25 miles of the prison and from what I have researched lately rentals seem more available in those two towns compared to Shelby.

Now if you are looking to buy a home, well that's a different story. You can get homes relatively cheap in all three towns, again depending on what you are looking for. But if you are looking to move here within the next month or two, good luck finding anything more than a crappy apartment or spare room! Again, I may be of some help if you want to message me!

[NewLtDad]

Thanks for the reply. There seems to be conflicting info with respect to employment availability at the correction facility, and your feedback is invaluable. A loft or one bedroom apt will be just great; kid grown and have been in legal/investigative field for abt 30 years. If there are persons with whom you are familiar who have info about the facility, i would like to communicate with them.
A friend of mine might be interested in moving to the area and buying a house. If I get settled, then she would follow and be in the market for small home.

[mattman3seven]

If you have a GED or H.S. diploma and a "mostly" clear criminal record, then they will more than likely hire you. They are pretty desperate for help right now. There are some "characters" working at that place, if you know what I mean. But I do not think you would have any problem whatsoever getting a job there. Again, message me if you need some more information. I can help you out a little!

[NewLtDad]

I have a BS and 25+ years of investigative work background. I would hope I would be able to get position there. A friend of mine was thinking of moving to either MT or WY, and I somehow saw this facility as constant and secure employment. I have been in many facilities, but was always one of those who could leave when I wanted to. That company lost a contract in another state of which I have knowledge. Every place could use a bit of good and fair supervision. If you are aware of something I might need to know, I would be grateful.

[bigtrees]

Have you ever been to Shelby, MT?

I'd never live in that part of the state because it's cold, flat, and far away from mountains. But maybe your needs are different.

[NewLtDad]

Thanks for the cold and flat info. Am also curious about the correction facility there.

[rickers]

Shelby itself has a few small hills right in town but the surrounding area is flat to slightly rolling. It's not all that far from the rocky Mountain Front either.

[akmillerii]

It is not too far from the rocky mountain front. I took a visit to Shelby and Cut Bank and found the area to be nice. I really liked Cut Bank. It is noticably larger than Shelby. Plenty of houses for cheap and first class people.
I was down there from Oct 10-17 this year to look at real estate. I was all set to move down there and still may but for now I am looking at getting into real estate investing more than I was planning in Oct.

If you dont mind a small commute Cut bank is not far from Shelby. There is almost zero traffic. I think that is what I liked most about the area.

[NewLtDad]

I really appreciate all the feedback. Evidently some of the stuff I read which was written by some SoCal people is all wrong. (Joke, there are some very pretentious people here, but I am originally from central Florida, cattle, horses, and agriculture)
I mentioned to someone else that since I finished my book project (see Erik Publishing, erikpublishing.com) I will be looking either in the SoCal area or Montana/Wyoming.

There is no family to restrict my travel, or location. I prob would be just a happy in a small place with an adequate income, heat, computer, and a place to continue to write. Until the writing generates enough money to live on (might be a dream) I will have to work somewhere. The lowest common denomiator for jobs for me is security. My background is investigations and finance.

enuf about me. If someone knows the ins and outs at Crossroads, let me know. Thanks again.