Moving Back To Montana -- Someplace like the Bitterroot? (Missoula: real estate, crime)

[MagicHair]

I grew up in the Bitterroot Valley and left after graduating from the U of M. We plan on moving back to Montana as soon as my spouse retires in a year or so. I really loved the Bitterroot Valley but I'm thinking I want a clean fresh start with new people and no old history, so I prefer to avoid Stevensville, Victor, Corvallis and Hamilton. I liked the weather and the views in the Bitterroot. I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations? We are looking for a beautiful small mountain town with a nearby good size town/city within maybe an hour drive or so. Would prefer an area that isn't as overcast and grey.. as say, Polson. Some place that isn't bitter cold and windy.

Economy really isn't an issue because we will be retired. Would prefer a place where the people are friendly, laid back and maybe bit opened minded. Last time I visited the Valley, meth was a big thing. I'm not sure if it is still a big problem but would like to avoid a place that has a lot of crime and meth addiction. We plan on getting a few acres some place kind of secluded, but where we can still get phone and internet service. Would prefer someplace that had reasonable priced real estate.

Can't wait to move back. Pretty much all I think about. Any feedback would be appreciated!

[NW Crow]

Small mountain town near city, not too cold and not the Bitterroot Valley? Hmm... depends of your standards for small mountain town, near city and not too cold but you could look at Superior / St.Regis, Thompson Falls (or Plains / Paradise), Eureka, Townsend, Big Timber, Dillon, Twin Bridges / Sheridan, Whitehall or Bridger. Maybe spots in Idaho, if you are flexible, like Plummer, St. Maries or Orofino. Salmon Idaho or Cody Wyoming if you relaxed the near a bigger city criteria. Possibly Chewelah, Colville or Newport WA. For cheap real estate, there is Harlowton.

[Clark Fork Fantast]

I agree with a lot of those places, in particular Thompson Falls. 1 hour to Sandpoint, about 1 1/2 hour (maybe 2 hours) to Missoula. Smaller and a little more remote, but much closer to Sandpoint would be Noxon, with good cell reception. That can be spotty along Highway 200. Last time we were there last summer we took a nice walk in the very nice, well-kept city park along the river, and realized the big black shadow on the other side of the ballpark fence was a big black bear. In the city park! The Bitterroots are rising right behind Noxon, that's why. Wild country with a nice city park.

Somewhat grey in winter, yes, but not terribly windy, and not very cold, because it is on the big Clark Fork River and the reservoir. The views are stupendous. And did I mention there are bears?

[MagicHair]

Thanks so much for the ideas!! I will start looking at real estate listings in the Thompson Falls area first and hit some of the others mentioned in the thread. Oh also we are looking someplace that has majestic type mountain views like the Bitterroot has.
Again thank you!

[NW Crow]

Thompson Falls beauty shot
http://tinyurl.com/j4yee54

[Clark Fork Fantast]

And down the road (Highway 200, the Clark Fork River)--majestic enough for you?

[MagicHair]

Absolutely beautiful! Been look at listings in Thompson Fall tonight. Not many listings available online there right now and most are only an acre. I will also research nearby towns, this area does looks a place we'd be very interested in exploring further.

[Clark Fork Fantast]

I forgot to mention that you should include Trout Creek in your search, about half way between Noxon and Thompson Falls, on the river. The town isn't as charming as Thompson Falls, but the scenery is every bit as dramatic, and the climate is the same.

[MagicHair]

Thanks, Clark Fork will check that area too! Do either of you know the situation with Libby? Is it considered totally safe now from asbestos? It's hard to get a clear answer from the internet. I hate to ask because it is an emotional topic to many but I have been curious for years about Libby.

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Originally Posted by MagicHair

Thanks, Clark Fork will check that area too! Do either of you know the situation with Libby? Is it considered totally safe now from asbestos? It's hard to get a clear answer from the internet. I hate to ask because it is an emotional topic to many but I have been curious for years about Libby.

The question has come up several times in this forum, and the EPA came out with its finalized report in November:


https://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpres...257F0300766670

https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cu...cfm?id=0801744

The conclusion was that they're still doing clean-up, but that it is safe to live and work in Libby.