Where should we look in Montana to relocate? (Billings, Missoula: elementary schools, college)

[natepickle]

Hello,

My family and I are considering a move to Montana. I am an accountant so hopefully it will not be a problem finding a job. We are interested in an area that gets a lot of sun in the winter yet still gets enough snow to ride snowmobiles. We don't have to be directly in the mountains but would like to be with in 30 to 50 min of them. We have 2 children that are into competitive swimming, horseback riding, football, ice skating, baseball and guitar. We hope to be in an area that would let them continue their interests.

Jim

[srmcgowan]

Because the competitive ice skating and probably easier on the job hunt; I am thinking you would need to be near one of the bigger cities; Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, Billings, Helena and maybe Kalispell area. I would say Great Falls would be a little farther away than others for the better snowmobiling. Bozeman and Missoula are the big college towns and Billings is the largest; albeit not huge city in the state. In my opinion; Kalispell is the most beautiful area in the state, maybe that I have ever seen. If you love winter sports as well as hiking and going to the lakes; this would be a great place, but can be limited for nighttime entertainment; in my opinion. Missoula and Bozeman would provide some fun college sporting events to take the children to as well. If it were me in your situation; I would cross Helena and Great Falls off the list, but that is only my personal preference; nothing against the cities, but I prefer the other areas more.

[happiness is]

Given your children's activities, I would say put Bozeman at the top of your list.
The skies are more clear and sunny (though cold) in the winter in Bozeman than in Missoula.
Swim Center (http://www.bozeman.net/bozeman/recreation/swimCenter.aspx - broken link)
Four of the city parks have skating rinks in the winter as do some of the elementary schools.
There is a Bozeman Figure Skating Club.
Two major ski areas are close to Bozeman.
There is cross country skiing at Lindley Park in town.
For a schedule of the clubs, groups and teams for city sports, go to this link:
Bozeman Recreation and Parks

[prairierose]

Originally Posted by natepickle

Hello,

My family and I are considering a move to Montana. I am an accountant so hopefully it will not be a problem finding a job.

Jim

When you inquired last year, you were working in commercial and residential refrigeration and HVAC...Have you changed careers?

[natepickle]

Yes, I suffered a nerve injury and can no longer feel my right arm and hand.The doctors tell me I cant do Refrigeration or Hvac anymore so.This has required me to go back to school and finish my accounting degree, which I will be done in another year. Since I cant do Hvac Refrigeration work anymore I am focusing on what I can and will be doing in the future so that is why the job title.

Thanks for asking,
Jim

[ElkHunter]

Originally Posted by natepickle

Yes, I suffered a nerve injury and can no longer feel my right arm and hand.The doctors tell me I cant do Refrigeration or Hvac anymore so.This has required me to go back to school and finish my accounting degree, which I will be done in another year. Since I cant do Hvac Refrigeration work anymore I am focusing on what I can and will be doing in the future so that is why the job title.

Thanks for asking,
Jim

Sorry to hear. But, I'm really glad to hear that you have the gumption to carry on.

EH

[prairierose]

I wish you well in your new endeavor, and hope that you will find a perfect place for your family. Thanks for sharing.