If you love nature, you’ll consider Montana a good place to live. Montana is a state famous for its abundance of scenery and wildlife. If you want to know more about living in Montana, this is all the guidance you need.
In this article, I’ll discuss the pros and cons of living in Montana. Some frequently asked questions are also addressed at the end of the article. Without wasting more time, let’s get into the details.
Life in Montana
Montana has been called different nicknames including the “Big Sky Country”, “Land of the Shining Mountains”, “The Last Best Place”, and of course the “Treasure State” because of its abundance of natural resources.
Montana State has a thriving economy that is solely agricultural-based. Because of its abundance of natural resources, the state engages in oil, gas, and mining businesses.
If you’re wondering how its tourism sector is, Montana has one of the fastest-growing tourism sectors. In fact, the state hospitalizes about 13 million tourists annually.
Residents of Montana do not have the best jobs. However, there are investment opportunities to take part in.
Let’s discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in Montana in detail.
Summary of Pros and Cons of Living in Montana
| Pros of Living in Montana | Cons of Living in Montana |
| Great Education | The Weather may be a Challenge |
| Truckload of Activities to Take Part in | Risk of Predators |
| Low Population | No Public Transportation |
| Abundance of Wildlife | Housing is an Issue in Montana |
| Best State for Bibliophiles | Small Population |
Pros of Living in Montana
If you live in Montana, these are some things you can look forward to
1. Montanans are Friendly People
This is a proven fact about Montana! Come to Montana and you’ll be awed at how helpful residents are. You’ll find it especially warm if you’ve been in some cities where rudeness is their stock-in-trade.
2. Montana has Good University Education
There are wonderful public schools in Montana. If you’re moving to Montana for school, then you’re going to the right place. You can consider
- Montana State University
- The University of Montana
- Carrol College
- The University of Providence
- Montana Technological University
- Rock Mountain College
3. Low Population
If you love quiet environments, you’ll love Montana’s sparse population. According to the World Population Review, Montana has a population of 1,103,187. This is a small number in comparison with other states.
However, you’ll like it here if you don’t like areas bustling with people. Moreover, areas like these are great for raising families.
4. Abundance of Wildlife
If anything, Montana makes up for human beings in its abundance of cattle. You’ll find some of the most iconic animals both on land and sea — Grizzlies, bighorn sheep, walleye, trout, bison, mountain goats, elks, and wolves.
5. Proximity to Top Travel Destinations
Montana is home to some of the best cities for tourism. If you live in Montana, you can plan your vacation around some of these beautiful cities. Helena for instance is Montana’s state capital. The city has notable attraction spots including the Charlie Russell Chew-Choo. Butte is another great city to consider.
6. It’s a Good Business Environment
Montana has a thriving economy — from natural resources to wildlife, agriculture, oil, and gas. 64% of Montana land is used actively for agriculture while mining activities also go on there.
Sapphire production is one popular trade in Montana. Most gemstone dealers come to Montana to source the best Sapphire colors for their trade.
The most popular type is the Yogo sapphires which have a very intense blue color.
7. Best State for Bibliophiles
Montana is leading in bookstores per capita. You’ll find some of the largest independent bookstores in Montana including the Country Bookshelf, Fact & Fiction in Missoula, and Elk River Books.
8. Truckload of Activities to Take Part in
Of all activities available in Montana, Montanans take pleasure in bird watching. The state is home to a wide species of birds including the American white pelican, snow bunting, bald Eagle, and the Bohemian waxwing. Other activities you can take part in include
- Explore Montana National Forests
- Go skiing at Big Sky Resort
- Fly Fish Blue Ribbon Waterways
- Go on an excursion to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
- Visit the Museum of the Rockies
9. Great Investment Opportunities
This advantage is clear, especially with the natural resources, wildlife, and agricultural produce in Montana. In fact, Montana is a leading State in the production of organic wheat. The state ranks in the top 10 honey-producing states in the United States. If you decide to live in Montana, you should make moves to invest in a sustainable business.
10. Many Sporting Activities to Engage in
Do you love sports? Montana is a great opportunity for you and your family. Baseball, Basketball, Boxing, Golf, Rugby, and so on. If your children are sports-inclined, Montana is a good place to start.
Cons of Living in Montana
1. Extreme Weather
Montana experiences severe thunderstorms and moody weather. When it’s summer, it can get too hot too. It’s not unheard of to have temperatures rising to 100 degrees. Since Montana is close to the Canadian border, winter is always freezing.
2. No Public Transportation
You have to own a car in Montana, or else you’ll be stranded. This is something residents particularly find challenging. The rural roads don’t do much either. If you can’t get a car immediately when you arrive in Montana, you can make plans to get it as soon as possible.
3. Risk of Predators
Montana has some of the deadliest animals — pronghorns, rattlesnakes, black bears, wolverines, bobcats, rubber boa, and so on. While the government is doing its best in forestry, you can’t guarantee your safety when exploring the mountains.
4. Renting a Home may be Challenging
Montana is lacking adequate housing. The median price for a home is $115,000 with an average of about $560. Residents complain that housing makes living in Montana very expensive. It’s no doubt that the housing market is experiencing severe inflation, and it’s not dropping anytime soon.
5. Small Population
This is a disadvantage for whoever loves a bustling environment. If you like having people around and must live in Montana, the tourist population will motivate you (especially in the summer).
Finally
It all depends on you. Montana is a top recommendation for nature lovers. Far from that, the housing issue leaves much to be desired. I hope the pros and cons discussed in this article were helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Montana
Is Montana home to many celebrities?
For what it’s worth, David Lynch, a world-renowned filmmaker is from Montana. Though his movies are criticized for their rather disturbing images, he still has a large following. Other celebrities from Montana include Myrna Loy, Evel Knievel, Gary Cooper, Michelle Williams, Gary Cooper, and John Mayer.
Is there traffic in Montana, USA?
With the small population, there’s no traffic in Montana to be worried about. Even with the influx of tourists, you can find your way around the state without hitches.
Are property taxes high in Montana?
They’re not actually. Property tax is as low as 0.83%. The national average is 1.03%. However, they’re not even enough houses to start with.
What is the least taxed state?
Alaska is the least taxed state in the United States with a 5.10% tax burden. Other states include Wyoming, Florida, South Dakota, Nevada, Washington, and Tennessee.
What are the 13 states that tax social security?
Out of the 50 US states, these 13 states tax social security
- Colorado
- Nebraska
- Missouri
- Rhode Island
- Vetmont
- Connecticut
- Utah
- North Dakota
- New Mexico
- Minnesota
- West Virginia
- Kansas
- Montana
