How is the economy in Montana? (Helena: transfer, school, wages)

[NW Crow]

If the original poster sees this, you might want to look at Butte or outside it.

[oldtrader]

Billings is the biggest city in the state with the most advantages.

The unemployment rate is several percentage points lower and potential for jobs is much better in that part of the state. You can see the mountains from Billings and be skiing in an hour. Property prices, rent, and cost of living are lower also with average higher income due to the low unemployment. There is much more culture, etc., in Billings.

[flyingcat2k]

Originally Posted by bongo403

All of those look like county populations to me. Keep in mind that 101,000 figure for Missoula is spread over a geographic area similar to the entire state of Delaware. The city is less than 70,000.

None of these cities (except maybe Butte) could hardly be considered inexpensive to live. Property value and rent is high; wages are low. Not a good ratio!

The MSA is a Metropolitan Statistical Area and includes all the suburbs/ex-urbs and other locations which are closely tied to that city. They aren't necessarily county specific as the Billings MSA includes Carbon County (yet not Hardin?!?). The Missoula MSA is just Missoula County.

Again, if you are interested in being able to make a living in Montana rather than living in a broken down area and no disposible income, Billings, Butte or Great Falls are the better bets. Missoula, Kalispell and Bozeman are pretty but you can't eat scenery.

@oldtrader: What culture are you talking about? Billings has some things but they aren't spectacular. What they do have is good for a town of 100k people. I just hope Zoo Montana doesn't close. Bozeman claims to have "culture" but outside of what is affiliated with MSU, it is 3rd rate trash from LA and not very good.

[abcnme]

Just out of curiousity flyingcat, have you ever been to Bend, Oregon? From the threads I read, Bozeman sounds a little similar?? Same story here, beautiful scenery & a million outdoor things to do. Out-of-State people bought up all the property, it's crashed. Not many jobs. Yada yada.

[oldtrader]

Fllyingcat

What culture are you talking about? Billings has some things but they aren't spectacular. What they do have is good for a town of 100k people. I just hope Zoo Montana doesn't close. Bozeman claims to have "culture" but outside of what is affiliated with MSU, it is 3rd rate trash from LA and not very good.

When you consider the size of the city, then it is very good compared to most of the country.

It seems like some of the traveling shows that stop in Billings, are not really considered third rate by most peoples standards.

Lets take just name a few, Elton John, Cher, Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Neil Diamond, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Reba McEntire, The Eagles, Nickelback, Daughtry, Christina Aguilera. Recently of course it has been closed while being rebuilt, due to the Tornado that tore it up.

[SunnyLin]

My fiance and I moved to Montana just outside of Kalispell last year and although it is absolutely gorgeous and the people are very kind we went from making a very comfortable living to hardly making it. We both have jobs but the pay is not the same as it is in other places like SD and so I would see if you can find a very secure job here first before attempting to move. That being said Good Luck and hope you find a great place to live that makes you and your family happy.

[magoomafoo]

You are in S. Dakota now and want to "try" Montana out right? Are you on an oil rig? There are sooo many people living in Montana and working in the Dakota's on oil rigs. The commute alone is wrenching much less living without the family. If you are going to be looking for work in Montana, find the job first then move. There are going to be job openings in the Northeastern part of Montana with the oil rigs moving in but believe me, you will be competing with a flood of Montanans not to mention that is the "flat" part of the state. Every out of stater wants to move to Montana to be in the mountains but fail to realize that the work is on the flatlands. I'm at the top of the Rockies and my husband is gone from Monday through Friday every week in order for us to raise our kids in the town we grew up in. Montana is a sacrifice state. If you're not into sacrificing, it's not for you.

[CTC]

Look for health care jobs-My wife works at Deaconess in Bozeman. There are many jobs posted there.


I am a Chemist/lab type-have not been able to find work in 3 months. Couple of leads, but the local labs are not doing much hiring until the economy improves.


Computer Science, electronics and lasers seem to be strong however. Glad that my wife has such a good job. For now it is Mr Mom without the kids (unless you count the two dogs )

Bozeman is an awesome town however.

[cornerbar]

Move to FLAT Eastrn MT jobs are flowing and pay is awesome, IF you know how to work and stay working, rents are according, so quit looking out the back window and move up to flat MT.

[spiritwomyn]

Well if you are employed seek work before you move. So many not hiring the unemplyed. I live in a tent with my daughter in Livingston as I can only find small part time work. So unless you have a job before coming, stay put. I pay 200 a month to live in a tent, so you know housing not cheap.