looking seriously to relocate to montana

[Vegabern]

I don't know how much luck you'll have at finding work in any of these towns but they are some of my favorite small towns in Western Montana

Choteau
Augusta
Darby
Ennis
Dillon (One of the bigger of these)
Sheridan
Lincoln
Wolf Creek
Thompson Falls
Philipsburg
Whitehall
Livingston (probably the biggest of these)
Red Lodge (Not in Western MT but close to the mountains)
Lewistown (Again, not in Western MT but close to some mountains, also bigger than some of these other towns)
Lima

Could you tell us some of the towns you've been looking into and found reasonable real estate?

[historyfan]

I will echo what others have said regarding cost of living. Just because it is rural people think it is cheap. It is not. There are many Midwest states or Southern states where it is cheaper all around.

That said, all towns in Montana are small. The lifestyle you seek is here. I would suggest renting until you get a feel for what you like. The any true bargains will not be listed with a real estate agency. Towns with a college and or government offices like US Forest service with transitional employees are used to people moving in and out and generally are more open to newcomers.

Some towns have more employment opportunities than others of the same size. Post your inquiries about specific ones and someone here will tell you if it is a vital community or not. For example there are old mining or logging towns that have cheaper real estate but employment would be limited to minimum wage at a gas station quikway, if available at all.

Welcome & Good luck.

[NDak15]

Originally Posted by MTSilvertip

Lots of small towns that match your criteria, most aren't as cheap as you may hope, good paying jobs are few and far between, but living here can be done if it is what you really want.

College is an option, but not imperative to finding a job. If you are a good mechanic for instance, you can find a job. Diesel mechanics are always in demand in farm country for instance, and usually make fair wages.
Electricians, Plumbers, skilled trades can usually find work. General labor can be had, but usually doesn't pay much.
You might find work on a farm or ranch if you have some skills. There are still a couple of sawmills and post and pole plants operating.

Places like Townsend have mountains, close to Helena, not far from Bozeman, nice little community, cheaper than the western side of the state.

Good Luck

Oh yeah, P.S.

Most Montanans are tri-lingual, American, Canadian and North Dakotan

Aren't North Dakotan and Canadian the same languages?

[MTSilvertip]

Originally Posted by WyoEagle

Aren't North Dakotan and Canadian the same languages?

Close, but different accents