Transplants to Montana (Polson, Thompson Falls, Paradise: crime rates, house, pros and cons)

[nwbound27]

Could anyone who has relocated anywhere in Montana, please write about your experiences of the process of moving and how you are doing after relocating? Did something happen that you didn't expect? Pros and cons of the area you picked? Thanks!

[Mt-7]

Hi newbound, and welcome to the forum.
Montana is a big state with many different climates, accessibility and folks.
East is colder than the west, but east has more sun than the west.
Plus for me no traffic!
Neg for me no Starbucks but I learned to make it myself
Plus for me lower property taxes.
Neg for me can't grow all my lovely plants from Oregon in my particular area. There are areas in Montana that are zone 4-5.
Hope this gets things started for you. I you are interested in a particular city/area just type it into the search up top and you can see any older threads about it if there is one.

[nwbound27]

Originally Posted by Mt-7

Hi newbound, and welcome to the forum.
Montana is a big state with many different climates, accessibility and folks.
East is colder than the west, but east has more sun than the west.
Plus for me no traffic!
Neg for me no Starbucks but I learned to make it myself
Plus for me lower property taxes.
Neg for me can't grow all my lovely plants from Oregon in my particular area. There are areas in Montana that are zone 4-5.
Hope this gets things started for you. I you are interested in a particular city/area just type it into the search up top and you can see any older threads about it if there is one.

I was thinking about western MT. I like the mountains, rivers, and lakes. I think the prairie can be beautiful to visit, just wouldn't want to live there. Is there anyplace that is good for at least a summer garden(soil and climate)? It is amazing that people even want to live in MT, because there are so many negative comments on this forum. Hopefully it is just a handful of folks and not the majority. Thanks for your response.

[montygarlic]

•Depending on differences in your current and new elevation above sea level, you may be tired for the first couple of months until your body adjusts to the difference in altitude.
•Disdain for transplants is not nearly as widespread as you might otherwise think. Since more than 51% of Montana's current residents were not born here, you might remind anyone giving you grief of that fact. But do all things respectfully and you will be fine.
•Jobs are scarcer here than hen's teeth, with a few exceptions in the health and engineering professions. There are always openings for teachers, somewhere in the State.

Stories? Well, we've lived in different parts of the US and in different parts of Montana. In as much as each locale has its differences (which are often overstated or over-emphasized), each locale also has its similarities (which are often overlooked). Folks that are able to adapt and get along just about anywhere can...wait for it..... wait.... get along just about anywhere.
My vote is to try to be one of those.

So to be happy in your selection of where to land, you need to decide (in case you haven't already) and explain who you are and what you are looking for, so we can help you find it.

One man's opinion, anyway...

Good luck,


mg

Edit: just saw your latest post. We live in NW Montana (Polson area) and have good gardening MOST years. The Clark Fork Valley from Paradise to Thompson Falls was even better for us to garden in, weather-wise. We love the scenery and climate in NW Montana, and enjoy living an hour or more away from a major population center.

If you haven't already seen it, check this out.

YMMV

[nwbound27]

I had not seen MTsilvertip's post, what a great description of MT! Is there any concern with living near an Indian reservation? I have read that it can be a high crime area and very dangerous. Thanks so much!

[montygarlic]

Originally Posted by nwbound27

I had not seen MTsilvertip's post, what a great description of MT! Is there any concern with living near an Indian reservation? I have read that it can be a high crime area and very dangerous. Thanks so much!

We live on the Flathead Reservation. While the violent crime rates may seem high for such a rural area, we have observed that the vast majority of that (probably above 90%) is intra-family and intra-Tribal. We're non-tribal and are unaffected by it. Living here is less dangerous for us, (with regard to violent crime), than any city you could imagine and most other rural areas. I won't attempt to explain why this is so; merely reporting an observable fact.

Now, as for Mountain Lions, Grizzly Bears, falling into a fast-flowing river or other dangers presented by the natural wonders - maybe this IS a pretty dangerous place!

So keep your powder dry, your bowie knife sharp and always carry a means of defense!

mg

[Mt-7]

You know I should add that there is limited healthcare in many areas. If this is something you need to consider.
And yes there is much crime on reservations on the eastern size, with all the social ills that bring that on.
Good luck

[nwbound27]

Great information! I am hesitant to be too close to a reservation and that isolated. I am healthy right now but you never know when you may need a doctor, so hopefully there is decent health care fairly close. I don't want to live in a big city, but within an hour would be ok. I live in a town of about 7,000 right now and work in one that is around 18,000.

[Montana Griz]

Originally Posted by nwbound27

Great information! I am hesitant to be too close to a reservation and that isolated. I am healthy right now but you never know when you may need a doctor, so hopefully there is decent health care fairly close. I don't want to live in a big city, but within an hour would be ok. I live in a town of about 7,000 right now and work in one that is around 18,000.

..............Perhaps you have a good reason for not giving us more detailed info about your situation......if so, I respect that. However, the more we know, the more we can possibly help you:


Questions: Where would you be moving from:

Have you ever visited Montana....if so, what area?

Your age group: Male or female; Married or single:

Edit: Just for fun....I'm going to "guess" at some potential answers to these questions:

Moving from possibly GA, TN, or MO.
Am a single lady in her 20's.
Never been to Montana.

......Additional info that would be beneficial for us to try and help you ..

Your interests and hobbies:

Your degree of knowledge related to Montana's weather in various parts of the state.

Can you bring your "job with you?", or would you be moving to MT without a job lined uo? If so, have at least 6 months to a years' money set aside for living expenses.

The above is just MHO as to what basic info is needed to try and help a potential transplant to Montana..................

[nwbound27]

Well I'll play along also, even though this thread was not suppose to be about me, but other peoples experiences. I'll tell you the answers to your questions, which are yes, yes(not 20, I guess your being kind), and no.

I am very practical and would never move without a secure job and I will build a house when I move.

Thanks again, you all are very entertaining.