Living in Montana: Here Are 7 Things You Need to Know

MOVING TO MONTANA

Relocating to the beautiful state of Montana has become a popular choice for many. With its high quality of life and endless outdoor recreation, the Montana lifestyle is appealing to many. But life in Montana comes with its own set of challenges. Living here means enduring 8-month long winters, below freezing cold temperatures, and limited access to popular amenities. 

Here is our honest take on everything you need to know about living in Montana. 

1. LIMITED AMENITIES 

Montana is a very large state with plenty of wide-open space. Outside of a handful of major cities, most of Montana is still very rural, to say the least. Many people assume that the towns in Montana will have everything they need, but the reality is that settling down here can often mean giving up previously enjoyed comforts. Easy access to entertainment, public transportation, and conveniences like Uber and DoorDash can be limited, depending on where you choose to live. 

2. HARD TO RELY ON CELL SERVICE 

No matter where in Montana you decide to live, when you go on road trips or head into the mountains, be prepared to lose cell service. Regardless of the carrier, there are still plenty of areas that have no cell coverage. For people coming from out-of-state or larger metro areas, this can be surprising. It’s important to prepare properly by ensuring your navigation will work without service and that you’ll have access to any maps you need. It’s also equally important to always travel with emergency kits and supplies, so you’re ready if your car breaks down or you find yourself stuck in a snowstorm. A true Montanan is always prepared!

3. ENDLESS OUTDOOR RECREATION 

Montana’s endless outdoor recreation is another highly attractive for newcomers. If you love to fish, hike, camp, ski, climb, or bike, Montana is truly a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Since the pandemic has changed the way we work out and socialize, access to outdoor recreation has become increasingly appealing. 

If you decide to move to Montana and want to enjoy all the outdoor activities, please be respectful of our land and wildlife and keep these tips in mind. 

4. NOT CROWDED (YET)

When the pandemic hit in 2020, it put personal space to the forefront of everybody’s minds, and many people began seeking out where they could find more. Known for its wide-open spaces and seemingly endless landscapes, and the fact that it’s one of the largest and least populated states in the U.S., it’s no surprise that Montana became highly attractive during the pandemic. This resulted in towns like Bozeman, Missoula, and Whitefish experiencing the largest population increases in the last decade, and by Montana standards, they are starting to feel little crowded. This leads us into our next point…

5. FINDING HOMES IS TOUGH 

Montana’s fast-growing population has put serious pressure on pinch the real estate market in recent years. Cities like Bozeman, Whitefish, and Missoula saw their real estate markets explode, and smaller towns like Butte, Manhattan, and Livingston were not far behind. However, it does appear that the craziest of times may finally be behind us. 

Today, Bozeman homes are spending more time on the market, inventory has become more varied, and buyers are regaining more negotiating power. 

To learn more about Southwest real estate statistics, click here. To learn more about Bozeman’s market specifically, click here.

If you’d like our professional advice about purchasing a home in Montana, click here. 

6. THE WEATHER ISN'T A JOKE

The weather in Montana can be challenging, especially if you’re coming from a milder climate. No matter the time of year, there are extreme temperature swings, very long winters, and blizzards in June are just a few of the weather-related challenges that come with life here. If you’ve lived in Montana long enough, chances are you’ve seen it snow every single month of the year. 

Seasoned Montanans understand the importance of being prepared for anything: always dressing in layers, carrying a coat, and keeping survival kits in vehicles. 

7. NO RELIANCE ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION 

The only thing Montana truly lacks is public transportation. While some cities do have public transportation options, they are not what you may be used to, particularly if you’re coming from a larger city. Many people who are considering moving to Montana often ask us if they will need a car, and the honest answer is yes. Even if you do end up in one of the cities with public transit, you will find it is very limited and not easily accessible all the time. You will also find it difficult to find ways to get out and explore all Montana has to offer, missing out on what makes living here so great! 

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