Do not move here!!!! (Missoula, Great Falls: low income, transplants, rentals)

[Jayne Cobb]

Originally Posted by gfunkerror

This town loves its Coffee. Beware, Coffee Snobs abound. Good if you like that kind of stuff.

Since this thread popped up in my feed, I just wanted to mention how you locals are very lucky to have Black Coffee Roasting Co in Missoula. I'm a coffee snob and BCRC is the best coffee I've ever had. There's lots of good, organic varieties out there, but they take the cake (coffee cake).

If you haven't tried it yet....YOU'RE WRONG!

[Djjeepers]

OMGoodness, wow and all other words that go with this. I lived in and around Missoula, my. For 18 yrs. during that time so much happened to me and my life. As a result of the action I endured, the federal offices that are suppose to protect and help you advance after such trauma and much needed vocational help, I was thrust back into oblivion and struggled the rest of my days till I had no choice but to leave. However it remains in my heart, and will still locate again but closer to a smaller town. Fare the well!

[USMC1967]

Missoula stopped being Missoula about 20-25yrs ago. I don't know what the hell it is now, some pathetic version of its former self, something akin to a pretentious hell hole you might find in the central valleys of California.

I miss the old Missoula of the 70's/80's and will always have fond memories of that place. You can keep modern day Missoula, it's become nothing but another mediocre cookie-cutter mountain town. RIP.

[mrwumpus]

Originally Posted by USMC1967

I miss the old Missoula of the 70's/80's and will always have fond memories of that place. You can keep modern day Missoula, it's become nothing but another mediocre cookie-cutter mountain town. RIP.

I think this applies to pretty much Anywhere, USA. We who lived in the 70s and 80s didn't realize at the time how good we had it.

[Ghengis]

Originally Posted by gfunkerror

THE LOCALS WILL SHOOT YOU ON SITE!

THE ECONOMY IS SO BAD THAT YOU WILL BE FORCED TO LIVE IN CARDBOARD BOXES AND BE EATEN BY BEARS!

HOUSING IS SO EXPENSIVE THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN AFFORD THEM! UNLESS YOU HAVE 3 PART-TIME JOBS AND BEG ON YOUR TIME OFF!

LIBERALS LIBERALS LIBERAILS OH MY!!!!! HIPPIES EVERYWHERE!!!! FULL OF COMMIE ANTI-CAPITALISTS!

HIGGINS IS AN ABANDONED AMERICAN MAIN STREET TRAGEDY!

CRIME IS OUT OF CONTROL! MURDER IN THE STREETS! THEFT! HIGHWAY MEN RULE! BEWARE!

NO JOBS! LOW WAGES! NO HOUSES! RUN! RUN AWAY!



Or

Realize it is a great town. And you can make it here as anywhere you choose to make a life. It is really up to you. Things are booming. New homes being built. Jobs are there. You just have to make it work if you want to work hard enough. The socialist rats have become Capitalist on Higgins. The Hip Strip is full of shops and restaurants. (Record Shop too!) The Fascist ran Starbucks off the block and to the outer skirts of town. But over all, there is a rebirth on the old "Main Street." Although the Cheese Steak joint closed. But I can always make my own.

Best time to find work is in the Spring when the University Students clear out of town. The job challenge is, the Students are in good position due to the program that pays part of the salary. The employer naturally will be glad to pay part of minimum wage, than full minimum wage. Wouldn't you? So there is that challenge.

Missoula is not a "Manufacturing Town." Plain and simple. Most businesses are Medical, or Service. If you are used to making mucho buckos, then keep on keeping on your way pass this town. Unless, you can," Telecommute." Or..... work for yourself.

The weather is fine. It is Montana, and yeah, it be cold, long, and well...what the heck you move there for if you do not know basic facts like this?

So far the most annoying thing for me are the Buddist and their noise makers. Me and a guy I call Sam Elliot, were entertained a bit by them. Kinda weird for me, but, *shrugs* whatever floats your boat. Or Junk...whatever.

The Mid-Terms were good for Montana I think. Pssst...it's a "Red," State. Deal. If you want to change that...well...*snickers* Good Luck.

Speaking of changing, it happen. Just like when a bear in the woods. But after learning some local history, seems to me the, "way it used to be," ended it's era a while ago. The town hung on for a good bit, but the last 10 - 20 years or so, there is a resurgence in population of the permanent kind. And with it came fresh perspective business wise, (whether you agree with it or not) the proof is on Higgins. The Farmer's Markets. 3!!!!! The city of Philadelphia doesn't have that many! Food Trucks, and diverse choices of restaurants. I feel other than the Higgins District, the town is Business friendly. I say this because there are a few "Elitist," that make things difficult if you are within their culture.

Crime is a reality in every town, city, village, and location. This town has its share. Drugs, murder, and robbery are far to common in the Nation. But the town fairs well in my opinion. I suggest basic street smarts, and maybe take a class and carry a weapon. But hey, that's me. Some people are OK with not doing that. *shrugs* But the only criminal I ran into quickly changed his mind dealing with me...just saying.

The traffic is awesome, but there are the usual rush hour stuff. You can find all the major retail stores. And they have a Cracker Barrel! Public Transit is good, but doesn't run late. And soon free fare! Fishing is amazing, hunting, and you are just a short drive to the wilderness, Parks, and Natural sites!

Art is present, small but there. Galleries, and Museum. Plenty of music, but...a lot of that singer song writer stuff. And some very talented Tattoo Artists! Bound For Glory and BlaquOwl Tattoo, Ian is super talented.

This town loves its Coffee. Beware, Coffee Snobs abound. Good if you like that kind of stuff.

There can be Air Quality issues that I have never experienced before. Fires and the resulting smoke gets caught and stalls here. Kinda annoying, but not a constant issue. Pollution can be thick at times. But I think the town has some good options. Free Public Transit is one good thing when the pollution is high. Other than that, the air smells amazing, especially in the Spring.

There are Locals who are unhappy for what ever reason. Yeah, same as any where, they, "don't what you coming here, and changing things." I can say no one has out right to my face made issue. But I have experienced some , lets call it passive-aggressive acts. So what? But if you are sensitive to these kinds of things, better learn how to deal. Or never leave your home. As a Military Brat, I deal with this very well. But over all people are friendly and are will to help, answer questions, and explain things.

The TV, and TV News stinks here, kinda cheesy at times. But that's just me as my wife says.

So there is a real time opinion. Nov. 5th 2014

It is a town that is what you make of it. I will not engage in any further debate. I did it. I am OK.

Good luck you, and all your endeavors! GO GRIZ!!!!

_g



P.S. I came back to the East Coast to visit with family and the Holidays. I am not bringing any of them with me back to Montana. I promise. I am missing the Elvis Burger.

in spite of these many negatives you've pointed out, I always liked the sound of the Missoula...Miz-ew-LA! So I vote yes

[BBslider001]

LOL, what a cesspool this town is. I give it a step above third world Mexico...wait, that insults the Mexicans. And Missoula sounds like a place for manbuns and disconnected millenials. Enjoy! We are out of here not soon enough.

[Atalanta]

Originally Posted by Redraven

Even back in the 1970s, I could never understand why somebody would want to live in Missoula (I lived in Columbia Falls at the time).
Now, I can't understand why anybody would want to live in either Missoula or the Flathead Valley. The enviros killed logging, so the lumber mills are pretty much history. the paper plant is gone, the aluminum plant is gone, there just isn't much industry in either place.
How do people survive selling groceries and clothes to each other?
The changes in the Flathead Valley are so drastic that I can barely stand going there for a few days to attend a class reunion. It is said "You can't go home again!" It is true! The Valley is no longer "home"!
No, 50 years ago or now, I would not live in Missoula.

Originally Posted by MTmillbilly

My feelings exactly on Missoula........

And you're right about the Flathead. Although I still live here, it isn't like it was when I was growing up. Problem is everyplace else I go I look around and think...."wow, this place sucks even more".
We've been over ran by yuppies, hipsters, and Canadians which are the worst of all.
However, the timber industry isn't in as bad of shape as you may think. The mill I work in still pulls in $800,000 to $900,000 per month after all the bills are paid.
My wife and I work like dogs for higher than average income levels for this area and spend every minute we can during the warm months playing in the woods as far away from the touristy crap as we can get.

This is sad to read.

I was out in Missoula, Flathead, Kalispell, and Condon about 12 years ago.
I have had in my back mind to move there someday.
Not if it is like you described.

I live in Minnesota and there are so many yuppie liberals with no sense, almost getting California like way of thinking.
It is getting unpleasant here too.

That is a shame for your area.

[gfunkerror]

Wow this site is still up? Wow.

Hey yeah so if you’ve been missing me I am still in Missoula. Have a full time job. Make over the the living wage average. This town is beautiful! And awesome. And all the mean people are leaving angry because the economy is good, more jobs than can be filled. But the problem is affordable housing. I solved mine by working hard and making more money.

Missoula is ready for you!!If you want to be here come! We will have open arms!

Hey I saw Alice Cooper, Pearl Jam, and Eleton John, that Beatles guy, and Paul simon, that Neil young guy, and a ton more bands!

Lots of food options! In about 4 months a certain large employer in the city will need to double its size. And they are about to pay full time too! So there is work here!

Move to Missoula!

I can’t wait to met you!

[Drow]

Looking forward to moving there. I look forward to sledding in the winter and bike/horse in the summer.
How is the dating scene for a single male in his late 30s?

[Arktikos]

Originally Posted by gfunkerror

And all the mean people are leaving angry because the economy is good, more jobs than can be filled.

Where are they going? Save to assume it's not California.

In response to thread title: Don't worry, I won't!