Thinking of moving to Hamilton, MT (Missoula, Ravalli: home, job market, to buy)

[LostinPDX]

I have been lucky enough to get a great job opportunity in Hamilton. From what I have read on other posts it sounds like a nice town and I will probably be visiting soon. We love the outdoor activities available, conservative bent of Montana, and less rain compared with Portland and so I am pretty excited about it.

I am interested in how good the schools are- we have two little kids (3 months and 2 years). Are there private school options, and what do you think of the public schools? Also are there activities for little kids there, like at a rec center, gym or pool?
Any recommendations for what I should definitely check out while I'm there?
What is the hospital's reputation? (that's where the job offer is)

Thank you all in advance.

[AndersonRM]

Daly Memorial Hospital - I was born in the old one. Lived there until 1979. There is a new high school. The valley is surrounded on three sides by Wilderness area. You'll love it.

[rickers]

The view of the Bitterroot Range from Hamilton is jaw dropping and the Bitterroot river is a good river for floating and fishing. I'm just sorry that I wasn't able to buy anything there, way to expensive for me.

[Montana Griz]

Here are just a few opinions from a 30 yr resident......

Pros: Semi-arid climate, beautiful scenery, Great Hospital, good schools,
June/July/Aug are the warmest months for summer weather - usually no rain in July/Aug/Sept.

Cons:winters can get quite cold (1981/1982 it hit minus 35).
overall job market is not good (twice as bad in winter vs summer),
forest fire smoke usually a problem in August,
frequent "valley weather inversions " in Dec/Jan/Feb,
not very many "good" restaurants. such as what is available in Missoula,
most major shopping is done in Missoula.
county road maintenence is VERY poor.
Wolves have become a problem in the "out-lying" areas. Bear and
Mountain Lion can also pose a problem, depending on your home location.
I live 10 miles outside of Hamilton and have had all three on my property within the last 12 months.

Just my opinions...........................

[Gman2007]

Originally Posted by LostinPDX

I am interested in how good the schools are- we have two little kids (3 months and 2 years). Are there private school options, and what do you think of the public schools?

As far as the private school options, it looks like Blodgett View Christian School is a smaller one but Hamilton Christian Academy is the larger.

http://www.city-data.com/city/Hamilton-Montana.html


Hamilton Christian Academy - Hamilton, Montana/MT - Private School Profile

[seven of nine]

Originally Posted by LostinPDX

I have been lucky enough to get a great job opportunity in Hamilton. From what I have read on other posts it sounds like a nice town and I will probably be visiting soon. We love the outdoor activities available, conservative bent of Montana, and less rain compared with Portland and so I am pretty excited about it.

I am interested in how good the schools are- we have two little kids (3 months and 2 years). Are there private school options, and what do you think of the public schools? Also are there activities for little kids there, like at a rec center, gym or pool?
Any recommendations for what I should definitely check out while I'm there?
What is the hospital's reputation? (that's where the job offer is)

Thank you all in advance.

Hello and welcome!
I found this in an older post,
Hamilton Eyecam - Montana's News Station - Fair. Accurate. To the Point. -
good for a little look, btw I came here three years ago from Multnomah county. Montana is a huge state but you have a few faithful posters on this board. Visit on the porch and introduce yourself.
I giggle a little on your questions, you have much to learn my padawan.

[LostinPDX]

Thank you all so much for the great replies! The webcam is great (I saw it on the older post too- looks like a nice town, not much happening which is OK with me) : )
Seven of nine- hmmm, so you think I am not prepared for the wilderness of Montana? : ) Well, it's true that the closest I've come to an experience like living in Hamilton was a summer I spent in Alaska... how did you like the move from Portland?
I have to admit that bears, mtn lions and wolves in the backyard make me a little nervous especially with kids and pets- thanks for the tip. Since (if I get the job) I'll be on call at the hospital, we will probably live closer to town for that reason too. Are bears and big cats a problem for fly fishing and hiking? In the Alaska backcountry I was always with someone who had a rifle, but not sure I'd want to do that just for a dayhike near my town!
Thank you again so much to all of you for your help, I really appreciate it. I'll probably be visiting next week... I'm looking forward to it.

[LostinPDX]

One more question- is Hamilton winter weather good for playing in the snow and skiing? thanks!

[Montana Griz]

[quote=LostinPDX I have to admit that bears, mtn lions and wolves in the backyard make me a little nervous especially with kids and pets- thanks for the tip. Since (if I get the job) I'll be on call at the hospital, we will probably live closer to town for that reason too. Are bears and big cats a problem for fly fishing and hiking? In the Alaska backcountry I was always with someone who had a rifle, but not sure I'd want to do that just for a dayhike near my town!
Thank you again so much to all of you for your help, I really appreciate it. I'll probably be visiting next week... I'm looking forward to it.[/QUOTE]

Hi PDX: Perhaps I should have provided a little more detail.....maybe the
following info will be more helpful than my previous post...............

Bought 14 acres several miles north of Hamilton in 1977....moved here (from CO) in early 1980. Now in my eighth decade of life, I wouldn't live anywhere else. If you like outdoor activities....you'll love it here!

Marcus Daly Hospital: Great place to work...highly rated. My family and I have used their services many times in the last 30 years. Their Hospice Facility is absolutely one of the finest in the western U.S., as are their Rehab and E.R. service(s)......I know, my immeadiate family and I have used all three.

Schools......... I'm biased, my daughter is an extremely dedicated teacher here in the Hamilton school district and will retire in a few years. She says she would have no problem with having her children attend the public school system here....however she has no children.

Considering the unemployment rate in western Montana (and the desireable aspect of living in the Bitterroot Valley), I would suggest that if you are offered employment at MDH, I would accept it.....providing of course the position, salary and benefits meet your requirements.

You are correct.......if you live in town, the wolves, bears and lions would not be a problem. I happen to live in a forested area on a creek and do not let my dog run free, thus the wildlife feels somewhat safe around my place, plus there is plenty of "cover" for them and the creek is an attractant. In the recent past I have witnessed a bear take down a fawn deer on my property at noon. Also in daylight hours I have had a wolf cross my driveway; a bear on the deck; and have seen lion & wolf prints in the snow from them crossing my property the night before. When hiking, a can of Bear Spray, GPS, cell phone and trail map are strongly suggested. AND always hike with a companion. Fishing (or just floating) the B.R. river presents no wildlife dangers. However fishing back-country streams and lakes should have one employ the same cautions as hiking in the mountains.

Enjoy your forthcoming visit to this area. The local C.of C. can provide you with an assortment of printed data. The weather next week is forecast to be in the 80's and around 50 at night. But be advised.....the Ravalli County Fair is going on next week in Hamilton.......thus the town will be more crowded than usual.

Good luck.

[Montana Griz]

Originally Posted by LostinPDX

One more question- is Hamilton winter weather good for playing in the snow and skiing? thanks!

Lost Trail Pass Ski Area is a one hour drive from Hamilton. Elevation 7500 to 8400 feet.

Snow depths on the valley floor (Hamilton) 3560 feet, vary considerably from year to year. Sometimes we get a white xmas...some times not. March and early April snows are fairly common.....heavy, wet and break a lot of tree branches.