Questions about Montana (Missoula, Bozeman, Livingston: real estate, to rent, safe area)

[Vodkuh]

I want to move to Montana but I don't know which city to live in, I'll probably take a flight and vacation for a week.

First things first, what should I know before moving to Montana? I'm an artist and a slight recluse. I like hip environments. What city do you guys suggest?

[MTSilvertip]

Originally Posted by Vodkuh

I want to move to Montana but I don't know which city to live in, I'll probably take a flight and vacation for a week.

First things first, what should I know before moving to Montana? I'm an artist and a slight recluse. I like hip environments. What city do you guys suggest?

Missoula

[NW Crow]

Probably Missoula. Look for a place up one of the near in canyons.

Other options- Livingston and Whitefish.

More info about your interests, budget, etc. could maybe help get more and better responses. What size city do you prefer to be in or near?

[Vodkuh]

I like a hip scene full of vibrant people, stores, foodies, theaters, outdoor attractions, my budget is just me. Anywhere cheap to rent in a safe area? I'm an artist/game designer. The quite recluse type.

[Senah]

Yeah, I think Missoula is where hip would be. Livingston would not be a great choice - still very traditional compared to other places, and the downtown has been dying as well as most of their community and public events. That said, I absolutely love Livingston, but I also like dogs in the back of pick-up trucks and people in Wranglers.

[Vodkuh]

I dress like a goth, black duster, dr marten boots, black pants, band t-shirts, fingerless gloves, backwards corps black hat, my nails are painted black. I hope people don't treat me weird.

[NW Crow]

There might be a few blocks / bars in Missoula where such attire / vibe would not be that unusual. Everywhere else in the state, you'll stick out and get various reactions including, best case probably, ignored.

There is a real chance some will talk trash or confront you. It could get bad. I assume you have had some experience with that but Montana might react more than Virginia. Most will ignore or accept but it just takes one reacting negatively for a bad event.

Why do you want to live in Montana? You haven't said a word yet about outdoor activities or western culture. Based on what you've said I'd think parts of Seattle, WA, Portland or Eugene OR, or LA would be a better match and Montana generally a terrible match.



Livingston is traditional compared to other bigger, more hip places but it is a fair more hip than the typical small Montana town and I'd put it as the 3rd-5th most hip in the state for low level hipness. Not big city scenester goth "hip" of course.

[oldtrader]

To be honest with you, you will have no competition for looking weird in most peoples eyes in Montana. It would be good to take some strong self protection courses before moving anywhere in Montana.

As NW Crow says, you will get a lot of trash talk, and that can accelerate to something more, and being a boxing or martial arts expert would be to your advantage when that happens if you are in a bar, etc. and some cowboy gets a couple of drinks under their belt.

Of course you may be looking for that type of action, and if you are, you will in most probabilities be accommodated.

[NDak15]

Originally Posted by Senah

Yeah, I think Missoula is where hip would be. Livingston would not be a great choice - still very traditional compared to other places, and the downtown has been dying as well as most of their community and public events. That said, I absolutely love Livingston, but I also like dogs in the back of pick-up trucks and people in Wranglers.

I disagree. Livingston would be just fine. There is an art scene and a decent "traditional" population. The downtown isn't in that bad of shape and there are still plenty of community events.

[Senah]

Originally Posted by NDak15

I disagree. Livingston would be just fine. There is an art scene and a decent "traditional" population. The downtown isn't in that bad of shape and there are still plenty of community events.

Everyone is welcome to their own opinions, but I work there and live in Bozeman, and feel like I can compare places pretty well. There are community events, but they are much more seldom than in bigger places, and the make-up of people is pretty traditional. There has also been a lot of real estate vacant in town, and businesses going out of business.

Like I say, this doesn't bother me because I like Livingston (and mostly what is around it), but if I wanted to be somewhere with lots going on at night or on the weekends throughout the year, Livingston wouldn't be where I would choose. IMO.