potential move to kalispell or missoula (Whitefish, Columbia Falls: home, living, bill)

[fsHotshot]

Let me start by introducing myself, I currently live in a small town in VERY northern California. I lived in san diego while i was in the navy last year. Now i'm fed up with all of the typical california crap. I currently work for the forest service in fire suppression. My fiancé and I were both raised in small towns, but are now seeing these same small towns being ran by the uber-liberals in san francisco. So with that, what would be a good place to move to in montana that still has small town values, yet has a nice ski hill nearby, and a hospital. not looking to try and change any town that we might move to, just get back to what is still real in life. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[jimj]

FS, being very familiar with the area you are currently in it would help to know exactly where or close to it so as to offer a compareable area here.

[fsHotshot]

I live in Weed Ca, I love the town, but hate all of the policy and politics that tend to be making its way up from the bay

[jimj]

Dang, it's gotten as far as Weed now? That's really a shame! That's where I turn right to get back home from visiting my family in CA.
There's a hotshot base in Missoula and I'd suggest living outside of Missoula if you want to be close to a hotshot base and if you like Weed Missoula is way too big for you.
I'm also guessing that being a hotshot doesn't mean you have to live by a base as such year round?
I know that whitefish just put an ad in the paper looking for a full time firefighter/ems person if you're qualified for that, I'd apply most quickly if you are.
Columbia Falls is alot like Weed in population/size so is Libby,Eureka,Kila and many others and definately not uberliberal (yet). What else do you do besides wildland firefighting?
Come on up and visit, ski big mountain (Whitefish) or blacktail mountain. I think many towns here will fit your bill just fine!
Let us know what other info you need, we'll do what we can!