What is it like to live in Montana?

[mtlogger]

Been there already. Got mine - get it

[trwmontana]

I like your question because it leaves the field wide open. You didn't mention where you and your husband are moving from, which really could affect how you might adapt to Montana, especially certain locations in Montana. Taking a job with the BLM would mean federal payscale in (likely) a location with cheaper cost of living (such as the Malta or Glasgow field offices). In other words, depending upon how long you plan to stay with the job, and where you are moving from, you might be able to find a house (to buy or rent) at a much cheaper price then you might be used to. Oilfield work will be possible in Eastern Montana, esp. Sidney, if you are stationed anywhere near there.

Montana is a give and take. If you love the sprawling chain stores, chain restaurants, and shopping of big city life, then be prepared to give that up when you move to Montana. But, in no time, such things become fleeting, and one realizes that Montana offers everything, including many privately-owned options with a strong sense of community pride that soon absorbs you. You'll soon wonder how you ever put up with big city life. So, moving to Montana, without going any further, if you are willing to give up some trivial things, then you are bound to take much more from the experience. Some people move to Montana for this reason alone.

Montana has been called a small community with very long roads. This is true, since Montana is home to some of the nicest people and some of the most beautiful (and long) drives. Despite some of the outside stereotypes of Montana, residents are welcoming to outsiders, but only if those moving in are not attempting to change the way of life. No one wants a new neighbor to tell them what color to paint their house, so to speak. Montanans are hospitable, yet protectively proud of their home, as they should be. Many people who visit tend to stay in Montana, others take the positive experience with them. I would suggest that you heartily research and visit the BLM field office you might work at. Get a sense of the town, the people. Anyone from Montana will tell you that the different communities and regions of the state are diverse.

Hope this helped, please let me know if you have any additional questions.