Looking to live in billings area. (Laurel, Lockwood: apartments, house, neighborhoods)

[Weelookin]

We are a 5 member family looking for a nice place to live in the Billings area, possibly lockwood. My girlfriend and I reside with a 19, 14, 7 year old siblings, we need a house to live and Jobs to find. I am a seasoned carpenter with experience managing apartments, I have 4 years of college in business administration. My girlfriend also has 3 years of college in the business area. We would like to get a foothold in a nice area of town where we can enjoy our lives, raise our children, and later think of buying property.

[rickers]

Welcome to the forum. Just bumping up your post for you even though you didn't ask any questions.
Maybe one of you should go to Billings on a scouting trip to find work and secure a place to live first then send for the rest of the family.

[organick]

why would anyone want to move to billings????? Just my opinion.

[rickers]

Originally Posted by organick

why would anyone want to move to billings????? Just my opinion.

For a job perhaps. Maybe the close proximity to the Yellowstone River.
I would consider moving there if I were looking to move again.

[Redraven]

Originally Posted by organick

why would anyone want to move to billings????? Just my opinion.

Obviously, YOU don't want to. I live here, and like it. I'm glad you don't.

[Weelookin]

Thanks Rickers, I guess my question was, and since i am a small town guy is.. is it a nice place to live and work? There is not much work for contract carpenters in a small town where everybody wants in on a piece. In additon, there would be much more for us to do. Our job skills will be a plus for another community. Yes i do think one of us should go and scout for a place and job. Thanks for your opinion.

[Redraven]

Lockwood is growing, and in the process of upgrading their infrastructure.
Billings Heights is nice, but most of the "action" is on the West end.
the South side is supposedly the "bad" side of town, but there are some really nice neighborhoods there, and the people who live there are trying hard to reverse the bad reputation.
The outlying towns (to the West, Laurel, Park City, Columbus, Reed Point, and as far as Big Timber; To the North, as far as Lavina; To the East, Shepherd, Huntley, Worden, and as far as Pompey's Pillar; To the South as far as Bridger) are all becoming "bedroom" communities of Billings. There are even prople who commute from Roundup(52 miles away)!
construction is ongoing, in fact they will soon be starting a new Federal building downtown. Framing and finish carpenters should be in high demand. I don't know if these are union jobs or not.
Check the Job Service website.

[organick]

Originally Posted by Redraven

Obviously, YOU don't want to. I live here, and like it. I'm glad you don't.

It was really a joke but yes I am very glad I don't. That town is so damn conservative it isn't even funny. Its like the concept of a new idea has been outlawed.

[Reziac]

Originally Posted by organick

It was really a joke but yes I am very glad I don't. That town is so damn conservative it isn't even funny. Its like the concept of a new idea has been outlawed.

I'm reminded of this old saw:

There are two kinds of fools:
One says, "This is old, and therefore good."
The other says, "This is new, and therefore better."

[sky1949]

redraven: you're right; Billings is a very nice place to live...variety, good medical care, jobs, good food, sports, two colleges, an active downtown, plus the growing west end and Heights. Many opportunities.
organick: your original comment threw me. However, you're correct-Billings is traditionally conservative. However, it is changing. Like I remind people--there are more Democrats in Billings than any other place in Montana! It's just that there are a lot more Republicans, too!!!