Alaskan considering Billings area (Missoula, Kalispell: sales, house, camping)

[AK76]

Greetings all, I have been perusing some of the threads related to our possible move to Montana for Alaska and one thing I notice is that several have made comments about property taxes being high, can I get some examples ?

I have serious doubts that they can compare to what we pay in Anchorage, AK. as all of the municipal revenue is generated from property taxes here as we have zero sales tax and zero state income tax.

An example of property tax burden here, my home and lot, was assessed by the municipality for 2011 at $285,000.00, the same as 2010. My tax liablity for 2010 $4,300.00.

Right now we are in favor of the Billings area up to 30 mile radius outward. We would like a large lot/small acreage, a pond or creek would be ideal (but who does'nt want that ?). I am a mechanic with a great deal of experience, my wife has a background in computer technology. We both love camping/hiking/hunting/fishing/boating etc.

So, what is the tax burden really like ?

How are the opportunities for someone in computer tech.,or a 22yr experienced professional mechanic ? Any knowledge of what a mechanic is payed at a dealership or independent shop ?

Is public land/water easily accessible, are there significant jet boating waters ?

Thanks in advance for your though and replies.

[Danimarie]

I can't tell you much. We like it here. Hubby hasn't complained about the property tax. We just bought a house in 2009 in Laurel. We are thinking to sell though as we want to move to VA. We don't make a lot of money and have been able to manage here alright.
I prefer living in Billings to Laurel but mostly cuz I like to be close to stores and closer to hubby's work.

You'll have to probably go looking around for jobs to find out what's available. Billings gazette and craigslist are good places to check.

Hope that helped a little.

[bongo403]

The MT property tax burden probably won't be as bad as you saw in AK. I find our property taxes are pretty reasonable compared to some other states I've seen.

If jet boating is important to you, Billings is probably not where you'll want to be. Flathead Lake has some good opporunities for that, so you may want to look at cities closer to it (Kalispell, Missoula).

[AK76]

Thanks for the replies. As for jet boating it is not terribly important, boating in general is important, the jet boating aspect in particular is due to the fact that I currently own a 22ft inboard jet and part of the equation is whether to sell it here, or take it along. I do see that jet boating the Yellowstone is popular, are there any other rivers that allow such boats ? I will pose this ? on a dedicated jet boat forum as well.

Speaking of Laurel, I have been looking at that area, any more info on it or other not-to-distant areas near Billings that anyone has info on would be appreciated.

Something I have taken notice of regarding water, it seems that a cistern is common for water supply ? Any insight from someone in that area ? Is water somewhat unreliable, or is it plentiful/shallow in terms of well depth ?

As far as my line of work, I guess the better question would be; What do people pay per hour for auto repair at a dealer, at an independent shop ? That will give a good idea of what a good tech would earn.

Thanks again !

[CTC]

Originally Posted by AK76

Thanks for the replies. As for jet boating it is not terribly important, boating in general is important, the jet boating aspect in particular is due to the fact that I currently own a 22ft inboard jet and part of the equation is whether to sell it here, or take it along. I do see that jet boating the Yellowstone is popular, are there any other rivers that allow such boats ? I will pose this ? on a dedicated jet boat forum as well.

Speaking of Laurel, I have been looking at that area, any more info on it or other not-to-distant areas near Billings that anyone has info on would be appreciated.

Something I have taken notice of regarding water, it seems that a cistern is common for water supply ? Any insight from someone in that area ? Is water somewhat unreliable, or is it plentiful/shallow in terms of well depth ?

As far as my line of work, I guess the better question would be; What do people pay per hour for auto repair at a dealer, at an independent shop ? That will give a good idea of what a good tech would earn.

Thanks again !

We lived in Billings for 2 years and were on a Cistern. It was no big deal for my wife and I. 4,000 gallon gave about 6 weeks worth (about 80.00). We would call the water delivery company and they would make the drop that afternoon. We had a light in the garage when the cistern was low.-No big deal

We lived in one of the most scenic areas of Billings IMO,,actually just outside the city limits(Alkalai Creek Road) and true to its name the well water we had was very alkaline. We had a great well however and used it for watering the yard.

Water is expensive in Billings-so keep that in mine. Co workers of mine on city water had 150-200.00/month during the hottest months. Our well was a great producer, but we were conservative in using it, I can only remember it running dry once or twice. Our neighbor across the street relied on his for his house-had an RO filter system, otherwise your pipes will get ruined with well water.

One other neighbor was obsessed with a green kentucky bluegrass lawn and watered incessantly-he had problems with his well.

I think our well was about 120' down in sand stone (Eagle Formation). We incorporated xeric plants and grasses-yucca grows great in Billings and is very beautiful when in flower.

One other thing radon, is very prevalent in the area-our basement was positive (barely over the action level) and we installed a fan/vent system for about 1200.00 which solved the problem.

Billings is a great place to live and the nearby Beartooths are really something.

For jet boating like you already know, there are some JB's on the Yellowstone, which rapidly increases in size going downstream from Billings. Seemed like more rafts than JB's however

[AK76]

Thanks for the info CTC, very helpful !