Missoula (Kalispell, Whitefish, Libby: ski resort, homes, asbestos)

[coloradocutter]

Now, I am a little sad - I have read the posts re: Missoula and I am thinking that it is not for me. I enjoy hiking, skiing, and lakes and scuba diving occassionally (yes - know that means flying to another locale). I live in Colorado and love the sunshine. I don't know what I would do without it. I hated the dreary winters in the Carolinas, which are nothing compared to what I saw described in Montana. Is Missoula in view of decent size mountains? Are things greener there in Colorado? Any positive that make it livable?

[Carolina_Belle92]

Montana winters can be a little dreary, but I love them. The roads are well-plowed, and in Missoula, as long as you bundle up, you should be fine.

The city sits at the intersection of five valleys, and has wonderful mountain views. Things are much greener than most of Colorado in the summer, but during the rest of the year, it's pretty brown, especially in the Sapphire range. The Bitterroot range is lovely, and if you're wanting even more rugged mountains, head about half an hour north and you're in the Mission Mountains, which are incredible.

Missoula has tons of wonderful qualities! It's an incredibly livable place. The people are friendly, the shops are great, the housing is nice (especially in the Rattlesnake and University areas), there is a certain element of culture (although the Symphony is not phenomenal), and the outdoor activities that you enjoy are in large supply. If you like hiking, skiing, and lakes, I suggest either Missoula or Kalispell, which is on Flathead Lake. Kalispell is about two hours north of Missoula.

[dangerousdan]

Missoula is a very cute town and has a lot to offer from what I can tell. I would just visit and see what you think.

[jimj]

By reading your post on what you are looking for I would say the Kalispell area (not necessarily the city itself) would be a fit for you. There are many people who scuba the several lakes here and I am pretty confident that the underwater search/rescue team here could use some help if you are so inclined. I believe there is a scuba club as well. The skiing here from what my son and his friends say is great, you would be within 15-20 minutes of the mountain depending on where you live.
Hiking,biking and camping are minutes away and if you REALLY want to get away there is the Bob Marshall forest where if you see anyone it is unusual.

We aren't as developed as Missoula (yet) and people still have to go there for some items if they really want them. The lakes here are fantastic to say the least, lake McDonald in Glacier park has been almost deserted every time I have gone there and if you have a boat you can tool around all day without seeing a soul. Hungry Horse resevour is warmer but can get a little crowded on hollidays. Whitefish lake is the wealthy and tourist playground and gets very busy during the summer. I guess it would be easier to say that there are more lakes within a half hour drive than you probably need. During the summer the ski resort opens for mountain biking and your ski pass gets you a lift ride to the top. Hope this helps....

[MontanaGuy]

I'm from Montana but I lived in Denver for a few years and I'm familiar with the mountains and developments there. Colorado is very fortunate because it has some of the premier winter resorts of the country. To be honest I can't imagine why someone from Colorado would want to move to Montana. Montana is much colder and the mountainous areas are only located in the far western part of the state and they don't compare to Colorado's well developed ski industry. I'm attracted to Montana because it's my home state and I think it would be wise to reconsider your thoughts about Montana because you're already living in a great area.

[Rickers]

Don't be put off by neg info on Montana, it's a great place but hard to move to. Bring skills and accept low pay and you will be fine. If short but nice spring and fall seasons, and long cold winters but short and hot summers are ok with you then you got it made. Home prices are high in western Montana unless you move to a town with issues ! It might be wise to check on lead content for road dust and tap water in any area you may think of moving to. Libby has a problem with Asbestos, but the tainted vermiculite was spread all over. It was used for insulation in older homes in many places other than Libby. Any old mining districts have some kind of pollution issues and work is very hard to find in most of the nicer places to live even if you bring a good skill.