Anaconda MT. (Missoula: foreclosure, houses, find a job)

[OR2MT]

from all the info on the web, Anaconda seems like a great place to raise a family. Is this a correct statement?
We are looking to relocate to a nice peaceful place.
We are hard working folks who just want to be left alone but still be part of a community that cares about each other.
Any insight would be appreciated.

[NYMTman]

Anaconda's economy has been lagging ever since the Anaconda Company shut down and its schools also lag behind much of the rest of the state. Businesses struggle to survive and many have been closing as the town's population has been dwindling. Much of the surrounding scenery has been altered for the worse by the old mining industry.

You should also know that Anaconda consistently has the most liberal voting record in Montana alongside Butte - more liberal than Missoula I might add. This is not a place where you'll find conservative values, etc, which many seek when they move to Montana.

That said my family is from around there so it holds some sentimental value for me... but I'd never want to live there.

[lorelei2873]

Um, Anaconda is a union democrat type of place, but you would find that most people there have conservative moral values. They're real gun-toters, too. They generally vote Democrat but that doesn't mean they're socially liberal. Don't worry about it. I'm not sure where NYMT man lives, but I thought it was actually NY. There are many nuances to voting records in MT.

Houses are cheap, the area is pretty, etc. but it's a town that has seen better days. It has lost a ton of population in the last 20 years and it's kind of sad in a way. But, there's a lot of recreational opportunities, history, and charm still left there, too. I think it would be a fine place to raise a family.

[sky1949]

The above comments are accurate. It's actually very nicely located as far as access to Montana outdoors and activities. A small town, getting smaller, but probably a decent place to live. Lots and lots of Montana history surrounding this place.

[rickers]

I used to sell my work at an arts and crafts show there called Art In The Park and found the folks there very nice. Although while we were camping at Lost Creek State Park there, a hippie couple stole some of our firewood when they thought we were asleep and tossed it on their campfire. I watched them take my wood through our little campers window ! I had plenty so I let it go.
Anaconda is a nice little town and deserves to be revived by newcomers, I just don't know where newcomers will find a job.

[voivod]

greatest lil american legion baseball field, park like setting, trees past the outfield fence. they'll serve a drink to anyone who has the guts to belly up to the bar, and some of the best fist-fighters in the west. great town! my hat's off to you anaconda!

[rambrush]

Anaconda is what you make of it, we like to come down off the mountain and shop and have not had any problems. The golden arches place leaves a bit to be desired and some shopping has to be done over in Butte. Otherwise the locals are all pretty helpful.
Take a look around Aspen Hills area south of town just down Millcreek road, I know there is at least one place in foreclosure status and might be a good deal.