Montana

[dread Pirate]

Figure why not. It's winter.
Wife and I have been talking for a couple years, but recently have been talking about it more often. We're probably going to take a trip this summer or fall to do boots on the ground research.

For those of you who live in the great state of Montana, I could use some guidance. I'd like to be within an hour of a city, Missoula, Helena or Bozeman. Really thinking Helena area more as the college towns that bring the California out. I prefer being rural and would like at least 20 acres. The more land the better, but I don't want to sacrifice the home quality and keep within budget. I don't want to be on the plains and prefer trees and mountains. Obviously I'm not buying a 10000 acre cattle ranch.

Pros and cons to areas and things to take into consideration that we may not have considered would be appreciated.

 

[Cole Trickle]

Talk to @angiebaby she should have good details

You should go visit now so you get a feel for what the bad months look like. brrrrrrrr

 

[dread Pirate]

Talk to @angiebaby she should have good details

You should go visit now so you get a feel for what the bad months look like. brrrrrrrr

I've been watching the weather for the last year. Helena is usually 5-10* colder than I am here, but will have the occasional cold ass spells. They're 29* today and I'm 35*. I can live with that.

 

[Tamalewagon]

Helena has a very small town feel to it. I like Bozeman/Belgrade areas. Plenty of great eateries, breweries etc. If you love Home Depot and Sporting goods stores, you're going to love Murdoch's. Big Sky is about an hour and a half away and there is a small ski resort on the other side of the range from Belgrade too. Yellowstone is also about 1.5-2 hour drive. Love the area...

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

No interest in Idaho?

Do your requirements include a nearby body of water you can boat on that is suitable for whatever boat you have (if you do)?

That’s my hang up. I want to potentially wind up in Utah or Idaho or maybe Wyoming but as I do t plan on selling the boat I want to be able to use it. Don’t need to be next to the lake but conveniently nearby is a bonus.

 

[dread Pirate]

No interest in Idaho?

Do your requirements include a nearby body of water you can boat on that is suitable for whatever boat you have (if you do)?

That’s my hang up. I want to potentially wind up in Utah or Idaho or maybe Wyoming but as I do t plan on selling the boat I want to be able to use it. Don’t need to be next to the lake but conveniently nearby is a bonus.

Idaho is also a consideration. More lake time is a must. I'm 4 hours to the lake now on mountain roads. Won't be hard to beat that.

This place has my attention outside Helena. Boat ramp is at the end of the driveway.

5170 Peaks View Dr, Helena, MT 59602 | Trulia

5170 Peaks View Dr, Helena, MT 59602 was recently sold on 02-15-2024 for $850,000. See home details for 5170 Peaks View Dr and find similar homes for sale now in Helena, MT on Trulia.

www.trulia.com

 

[Tamalewagon]

Idaho is also a consideration. More lake time is a must. I'm 4 hours to the lake now on mountain roads. Won't be hard to beat that.

This place has my attention outside Helena. Boat ramp is at the end of the driveway.

5170 Peaks View Dr, Helena, MT 59602 | Trulia

5170 Peaks View Dr, Helena, MT 59602 was recently sold on 02-15-2024 for $850,000. See home details for 5170 Peaks View Dr and find similar homes for sale now in Helena, MT on Trulia.

www.trulia.com

Beautiful place. How do you feel about cold water in summer?

 

[BHC Vic]

Figure why not. It's winter.
Wife and I have been talking for a couple years, but recently have been talking about it more often. We're probably going to take a trip this summer or fall to do boots on the ground research.

For those of you who live in the great state of Montana, I could use some guidance. I'd like to be within an hour of a city, Missoula, Helena or Bozeman. Really thinking Helena area more as the college towns that bring the California out. I prefer being rural and would like at least 20 acres. The more land the better, but I don't want to sacrifice the home quality and keep within budget. I don't want to be on the plains and prefer trees and mountains. Obviously I'm not buying a 10000 acre cattle ranch.

Pros and cons to areas and things to take into consideration that we may not have considered would be appreciated.

I haven’t been yet but we have a training center in Helena I will be teaching at a few times a year. I told them to wait till the snows gone to request me

 

[dread Pirate]

Beautiful place. How do you feel about cold water in summer?

Not a huge fan, but we've wakeboarded in wetsuits before. Hauser lake is supposed to be warmer than Canyon Ferry. No idea of when it warms up?

 

[ChumpChange]

Went a couple years ago and will probably go back up there this year. Buddy from school is the President of a bank up there so always try and go up there and visit. He’s outside the big cities in Hamilton but it’s great to get away.

 

[dread Pirate]

Went a couple years ago and will probably go back up there this year. Buddy from school is the President of a bank up there so always try and go up there and visit. He’s outside the big cities in Hamilton but it’s great to get away.

We have looked at Hamilton. Nice places and prices reflect that.

Is your buddy looking for a loan officer by chance?

 

[Tamalewagon]

Not a huge fan, but we've wakeboarded in wetsuits before. Hauser lake is supposed to be warmer than Canyon Ferry. No idea of when it warms up?

Pray for global warming.

 

[Hoodoo]

Beautiful place. How do you feel about cold water in summer?

The cool water is one of the main reasons I like this latitude. Nothing better on all those hot summers days.

 

[92562]

Idaho is also a consideration. More lake time is a must. I'm 4 hours to the lake now on mountain roads. Won't be hard to beat that.

This place has my attention outside Helena. Boat ramp is at the end of the driveway.

5170 Peaks View Dr, Helena, MT 59602 | Trulia

5170 Peaks View Dr, Helena, MT 59602 was recently sold on 02-15-2024 for $850,000. See home details for 5170 Peaks View Dr and find similar homes for sale now in Helena, MT on Trulia.

www.trulia.com

That shop!!!!

 

[dread Pirate]

That shop!!!!

Exactly!

 

[ChumpChange]

We have looked at Hamilton. Nice places and prices reflect that.

Is your buddy looking for a loan officer by chance?

Was just talking to him yesterday. Didn’t get into that line of business but being in banking, I’m sure they’re always looking for the right people in the right area. That’s how I see the industry.

 

[FreeBird236]

My Great Falls Montana neighbors are here in Havasu From, November to April, but they are a little older.

 

[Tamalewagon]

The cool water is one of the main reasons I like this latitude. Nothing better on all those hot summers days.
View attachment 1332966

That's beautiful!

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Idaho is also a consideration. More lake time is a must. I'm 4 hours to the lake now on mountain roads. Won't be hard to beat that.

This place has my attention outside Helena. Boat ramp is at the end of the driveway.

5170 Peaks View Dr, Helena, MT 59602 | Trulia

5170 Peaks View Dr, Helena, MT 59602 was recently sold on 02-15-2024 for $850,000. See home details for 5170 Peaks View Dr and find similar homes for sale now in Helena, MT on Trulia.

www.trulia.com

Dayum! That’s a nice spread. Too rich for me though.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Idaho is also a consideration. More lake time is a must. I'm 4 hours to the lake now on mountain roads. Won't be hard to beat that.

This place has my attention outside Helena. Boat ramp is at the end of the driveway.

5170 Peaks View Dr, Helena, MT 59602 | Trulia

5170 Peaks View Dr, Helena, MT 59602 was recently sold on 02-15-2024 for $850,000. See home details for 5170 Peaks View Dr and find similar homes for sale now in Helena, MT on Trulia.

www.trulia.com

You should also probably ask who plows the roads in winter. Are they County maintained? Some third party service? Or are buying your own snow plow with that house?

 

[ChumpChange]

 

[dread Pirate]

You should also probably ask who plows the roads in winter. Are they County maintained? Some third party service? Or are buying your own snow plow with that house?

Good questions. I have heavy equipment and would be taking it with me. My driveway is 3 miles long now. This road would be easy in comparison.

 

[HB2Havasu]

Figure why not. It's winter.
Wife and I have been talking for a couple years, but recently have been talking about it more often. We're probably going to take a trip this summer or fall to do boots on the ground research.

For those of you who live in the great state of Montana, I could use some guidance. I'd like to be within an hour of a city, Missoula, Helena or Bozeman. Really thinking Helena area more as the college towns that bring the California out. I prefer being rural and would like at least 20 acres. The more land the better, but I don't want to sacrifice the home quality and keep within budget. I don't want to be on the plains and prefer trees and mountains. Obviously I'm not buying a 10000 acre cattle ranch.

Pros and cons to areas and things to take into consideration that we may not have considered would be appreciated.

What is your budget? Prices up there have gone crazy since Covid.

I'd also suggest going up there in winter time (like right now). It's hard not to love Montana in the summer. Completely different experience during winter!

 

[ChumpChange]

What is your budget? Prices up there have gone crazy since Yellowstone

Fixed it for ya.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Figure why not. It's winter.
Wife and I have been talking for a couple years, but recently have been talking about it more often. We're probably going to take a trip this summer or fall to do boots on the ground research.

For those of you who live in the great state of Montana, I could use some guidance. I'd like to be within an hour of a city, Missoula, Helena or Bozeman. Really thinking Helena area more as the college towns that bring the California out. I prefer being rural and would like at least 20 acres. The more land the better, but I don't want to sacrifice the home quality and keep within budget. I don't want to be on the plains and prefer trees and mountains. Obviously I'm not buying a 10000 acre cattle ranch.

Pros and cons to areas and things to take into consideration that we may not have considered would be appreciated.

I've got a 20 year friend who moved from Newport beach to Ennis MT [pop 750] many years ago and enjoys most things about Montana. You can reach out and let her know Big Bill in Corona del Mar referred ya.... she's a super low key realtor. Lisa @406-595-2483 Enjoy the recon!

 

[dread Pirate]

What is your budget? Prices up there have gone crazy since Covid.

I'd also suggest going up there in winter time (like right now). It's hard not to love Montana in the summer. Completely different experience during winter!

Would like to but not this winter. If we get some leads this summer we will go back next winter. My middle son graduates high school in 25 and that would be when we move if we do. Have a little time and I need it to get this place ready to sell.

Budget, depends. I'd prefer to stay under $800k, but the right place could bump that a bit.

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

I've been watching the weather for the last year. Helena is usually 5-10* colder than I am here, but will have the occasional cold ass spells. They're 29* today and I'm 35*. I can live with that.

They were also -30s in Jan.

 

[angiebaby]

Talk to @angiebaby she should have good details

You should go visit now so you get a feel for what the bad months look like. brrrrrrrr

Montana is closed, Brandin.

We are in Polson at the south end of Flathead. We are an hour from Missoula and an hour from Kalispell. 1.5 miles to the lake. Our town is about 6K people and our county has a population of 35K. We have three supermarkets (including the Wal-Mart), one ACE hardware and a building supply. We also have an electrical supply store and the town 10 miles south has all of the same- but only one smaller grocery store. I tell you this because that is how it is in most of these small towns, like Hamilton or Corvallis, for instance. We do have a hospital both in our town and the one immediately to the south. To get to a Home Depot, Costco, Target, Hobby Lobby, national chain restaurant, or Dillards, it's an hour drive. So you make those trips intentionally and have a plan. You're not running to Costco because you decide to smoke a porkbutt tomorrow or your wife decided to invite some friends over tonight. Most routine medical work can be done in our town. We have all the specialists, but usually they only come up from Missoula once or twice a week. If you need something major, like cancer treatments, you're going to have to drive an hour. It's a trade-off.

There is what they call a "banana belt," which would be laughable for most people on this board, but it's the warmest area in the state. This is from the Bitterroot Valley (Hamilton area) up to where we are, maybe up into the Flathead Valley (Kalispell and Whitefish). Plains, MT is one of the warmest places in the wintertime. Anything east of the Rockies is considerably colder. The eastern front (Great Falls, Helena, Bozeman) is notoriously windy. Livingston is the windiest place in the state. Our winter temps are usually in the 30s during the day and 20s at night. We do get a cold snap, usually once a year. Last month it was -33°F on our deck, and windy. That cold spell lasted about a week. It didn't get above 0°F for about 4 full days. The other side of the range was in the -50s, as was Kalispell.

The summers are warmer than Eureka, CA

 

[dread Pirate]

They were also -30s in Jan.

and 16 during Halloween. That's the one that got me. I expect that in January and February, but getting locked inside in October got my attention.

 

[dread Pirate]

Montana is closed, Brandin.

We are in Polson at the south end of Flathead. We are an hour from Missoula and an hour from Kalispell. 1.5 miles to the lake. Our town is about 6K people and our county has a population of 35K. We have three supermarkets (including the Wal-Mart), one ACE hardware and a building supply. We also have an electrical supply store and the town 10 miles south has all of the same- but only one smaller grocery store. I tell you this because that is how it is in most of these small towns, like Hamilton or Corvallis, for instance. We do have a hospital both in our town and the one immediately to the south. To get to a Home Depot, Costco, Target, Hobby Lobby, national chain restaurant, or Dillards, it's an hour drive. So you make those trips intentionally and have a plan. You're not running to Costco because you decide to smoke a porkbutt tomorrow or your wife decided to invite some friends over tonight. Most routine medical work can be done in our town. We have all the specialists, but usually they only come up from Missoula once or twice a week. If you need something major, like cancer treatments, you're going to have to drive an hour. It's a trade-off.

There is what they call a "banana belt," which would be laughable for most people on this board, but it's the warmest area in the state. This is from the Bitterroot Valley (Hamilton area) up to where we are, maybe up into the Flathead Valley (Kalispell and Whitefish). Plains, MT is one of the warmest places in the wintertime. Anything east of the Rockies is considerably colder. The eastern front (Great Falls, Helena, Bozeman) is notoriously windy. Livingston is the windiest place in the state. Our winter temps are usually in the 30s during the day and 20s at night. We do get a cold snap, usually once a year. Last month it was -33°F on our deck, and windy. That cold spell lasted about a week. It didn't get above 0°F for about 4 full days. The other side of the range was in the -50s, as was Kalispell.

The summers are warmer than Eureka

Excellent!! I'm an hour to anything right now. Costco, gas or beer. Take the kids to school, it's an hour. Need a plumbing part, it's an hour. Last year we were snowed in for 2 weeks although we were able to get out twice, it took 2.5 hours to get to town each way. There are aspects of Montana that will likely be easier than what we deal with currently.

 

[hallett21]

Montana is closed, Brandin.

We are in Polson at the south end of Flathead. We are an hour from Missoula and an hour from Kalispell. 1.5 miles to the lake. Our town is about 6K people and our county has a population of 35K. We have three supermarkets (including the Wal-Mart), one ACE hardware and a building supply. We also have an electrical supply store and the town 10 miles south has all of the same- but only one smaller grocery store. I tell you this because that is how it is in most of these small towns, like Hamilton or Corvallis, for instance. We do have a hospital both in our town and the one immediately to the south. To get to a Home Depot, Costco, Target, Hobby Lobby, national chain restaurant, or Dillards, it's an hour drive. So you make those trips intentionally and have a plan. You're not running to Costco because you decide to smoke a porkbutt tomorrow or your wife decided to invite some friends over tonight. Most routine medical work can be done in our town. We have all the specialists, but usually they only come up from Missoula once or twice a week. If you need something major, like cancer treatments, you're going to have to drive an hour. It's a trade-off.

There is what they call a "banana belt," which would be laughable for most people on this board, but it's the warmest area in the state. This is from the Bitterroot Valley (Hamilton area) up to where we are, maybe up into the Flathead Valley (Kalispell and Whitefish). Plains, MT is one of the warmest places in the wintertime. Anything east of the Rockies is considerably colder. The eastern front (Great Falls, Helena, Bozeman) is notoriously windy. Livingston is the windiest place in the state. Our winter temps are usually in the 30s during the day and 20s at night. We do get a cold snap, usually once a year. Last month it was -33°F on our deck, and windy. That cold spell lasted about a week. It didn't get above 0°F for about 4 full days. The other side of the range was in the -50s, as was Kalispell.

The summers are warmer than Eureka

-33 lol. I love a good storm but I’d be stuck in the house for a week waiting for the thaw.

What do construction guys do in the winter? Obviously indoor work isn’t too bad but you must just shut down the outdoor stuff until spring?

 

[Hoodoo]

-33 lol. I love a good storm but I’d be stuck in the house for a week waiting for the thaw.

What do construction guys do in the winter? Obviously indoor work isn’t too bad but you must just shut down the outdoor stuff until spring?

Not at all. I’m in north Idaho frequently and yes things can get bad enough to stop outdoor work for a couple days but most of the winter it’s business as usual. I’m mostly in FL and used to think the same thing. My concrete guy pours year round.

 

[angiebaby]

-33 lol. I love a good storm but I’d be stuck in the house for a week waiting for the thaw.

What do construction guys do in the winter? Obviously indoor work isn’t too bad but you must just shut down the outdoor stuff until spring?

The storm is one thing, but after the storm is over it stays cold for several days.

As for construction, it seems like everyone lollygags all summer on construction and then there is a mad rush late September-October to get roofs on and windows in so they can work inside. When we bought our house in July, we had some electrical work we wanted done. We have 4 electricians who work in our area. I couldn't even get a call back. When we went home for December, I called the best-reviewed one again. A real person picked up the phone, they came out to bid it two days later, and the job was completed the following week. Now that fishing and hunting season were over, I guess they had time to work. A lot of people don't need to work all year. It's a different culture. They are content with their lives driving a 10-15 year old truck, and tinkering in their shop, as long as they have time to go hunting and fishing. There is not the hustle and chase for the next dollar that you see in the SoCal area. It's not for everyone. It's difficult for a lot of people to slow down that much, including us at times.

Funny story that I may have already shared. Our daughter (31) was at the local Super1 supermarket one random evening in the summer. There were two registers open. My daughter in one line and random uptight woman with her hair in a bun and yoga pants in another. There was some issue with the woman in front of random uptight woman. Seems she was trying to return an item and it was over a certain amount. Random uptight woman starts to get visibly irritated. She has a basket in her arm and is moving it side to side. Clerk has to call the manager to approve the return. Manager is in the back room, will be right up. Uptight woman starts to get irate. "Is there another checker?!" "Will you call someone up? I don't have all night!" and so on, huffing and puffing with anger. My daughter and the other locals begin to kind of snicker under their breath and comment on how obnoxious this woman is being. My daughter then asks, "You'all aren't from around here are you?" with a smile on her face. The woman is pissed. My daughter and the clerks kind of snicker a little more. Random uptight woman walks over to an empty register and throws her stuff on the counter and tells her boyfriend/husband/whatever "I'm done, let's get the fuck out of here!" To which my daughter replies loudly, "Enjoy the rest of your vacation!" Random uptight woman in a bun and yoga pants stops, looks straight at my daughter and says, "FUCK YOU!" giving the middle finger, and everyone in the front end busted out laughing. Things move slower. You have to move slower also, or you might get ran over.

 

[dread Pirate]

The storm is one thing, but after the storm is over it stays cold for several days.

As for construction, it seems like everyone lollygags all summer on construction and then there is a mad rush late September-October to get roofs on and windows in so they can work inside. When we bought our house in July, we had some electrical work we wanted done. We have 4 electricians who work in our area. I couldn't even get a call back. When we went home for December, I called the best-reviewed one again. A real person picked up the phone, they came out to bid it two days later, and the job was completed the following week. Now that fishing and hunting season were over, I guess they had time to work. A lot of people don't need to work all year. It's a different culture. They are content with their lives, driving a 10-15 year old truck, and tinkering in their shop, as long as they have time to go hunting and fishing. There is not the hustle and chase for the next dollar that you see in the SoCal area. It's not for everyone. It's difficult for a lot of people to slow down that much, including us at times.

Funny story that I may have already shared. Our daughter was at the local Super1 supermarket one random evening in the summer. There were two registers open. My daughter in one line and random uptight woman with her hair in a bun and yoga pants in another. There was some issue with the woman in front of random uptight woman. Seems she was trying to return an item and it was over a certain amount. Random uptight woman starts to get visibly irritated. She has a basket in her arm and is moving it side to side. Clerk has to call the manager to approve the return. Manager is in the back room, will be right up. Uptight woman starts to get irate. "Is there another checker?!" "Will you call someone up? I don't have all night!" and so on, huffing and puffing with anger. My daughter and the other locals begin to kind of snicker under their breath and comment on how obnoxious this woman is being. My daughter then asks, "You'all aren't from around here are you?" with a smile on her face. The woman is pissed. My daughter and the clerks kind of snicker a little more. Random uptight woman walks over to an empty register and throws her stuff on the counter and tells her boyfriend/husband/whatever "I'm done, let's get the fuck out of here!" To which my daughter replies loudly, "Enjoy the rest of your vacation!" Random uptight woman in a bun and yoga pants stops, looks straight at my daughter and says, "FUCK YOU!" giving the middle finger, and everyone in the front end busted out laughing. Things move slower. You have to move slower also, or you might get ran over.

SOLD!

 

[Cole Trickle]

-33 lol. I love a good storm but I’d be stuck in the house for a week waiting for the thaw.

What do construction guys do in the winter? Obviously indoor work isn’t too bad but you must just shut down the outdoor stuff until spring?

I was watching a youtube channel and they were building a house in the winter. Subs still showed up every day and them boys were busting ass.

Light a fire and come thaw out every hour i guess...lol

Balls of steal F- that

 

[hallett21]

I was watching a youtube channel and they were building a house in the winter. Subs still showed up every day and them boys were busting ass.

Light a fire and come thaw out every hour i guess...lol

Balls of steal F- that

If I were to do it I’d really have to schedule projects a year out to figure out what could be done when.

I’m not doing exterior conduit work in negative anything. But then in the middle of summer it seems like a waste to change someone’s dimmers lol.

My wife and I toy with living in Mammoth for a few years. Supposedly if you just show up you’ll stay busy. But I hear that a lot, until the customer sees the estimate lol.

 

[angiebaby]

@Bullhead bully would also be a good resource.

 

[Sportin' Wood]

@dread Pirate Helena is really nice and a place we considered. My Daughter works for the state and has to make trips often to the Capital, so there is an outside chance we may revisit the area for an investment property. It seems like there are a lot of good places to buy in the area. The Missouri River is pretty damn remarkable, and the lakes seem equally as lovely in this area. I would be super careful about the wind. We don't like wind. For others, it may not be an issue, but you can just tell the area with wind because nothing grows more than 2 feet. I like the vibe in Helena.

Ennis is really nice if you want a small town, but the wind turned out to be more than we could handle. I really like to visit.

Missoula is OK, but it's a college town and a liberal arts school. At Least Bozeman is an engineering and Ag school.

Bozeman and Livingstone or the other areas around Bozeman are too expensive for our budget. We do love to visit and suggest aligning your trip with the summer "Wine Walk" that happens every month. Downtown Bozeman truly is an excellent experience.

Hamilton area, we liked and considered it, but we decided we wanted the lake more than a river. I like going down there to fish and explore; it is only a couple hours drive.

Kalispell is a non-starter for me. It's okay to visit Costco and shop, but I could not live there. Think Temecula, California, with snow.

We traveled all over and almost bought in Plains but settled on Polson. The Polson bay is shallow and warms up enough for a refreshing swim. You can boat all day and never leave Polson Bay if you want to stay in warm water. It's on the Rez, so it is unattractive to many, including me, at first, but now I like living on the Rez.

Construction and skilled trades are in high demand. As Angie said, forget about getting anyone in Summer. The days are very long, the weather is nice, and people don't put a lot of value in the hustle.

We obviously leave in winter, but it is primarily because of me. I love offroading and don't like the cold. Worse yet, the short days of winter are not good for me, and even in the south, I am a grumpy bastard. The compounded short days in Montana and cabin fever are not for me. That said, I really have come to appreciate the slow pace and friendly atmosphere. It is not for everyone, and I hope to hell it never changes.

Montana does not work well for people who are not handy. This is my opinion. You have to be totally cool without having conveniences at the ready. You must be able to perform basic tasks yourself because you will never find people to do it for you.

Oddly, I find North Idaho to be wholly unique when compared to Montana. I also love North Idaho, but it just seems different.

 

[Bobby V]

-33 lol. I love a good storm but I’d be stuck in the house for a week waiting for the thaw.

What do construction guys do in the winter? Obviously indoor work isn’t too bad but you must just shut down the outdoor stuff until spring?

Check out this thread about building a house in winter. https://www.riverdavesplace.com/for...r-forever-home-in-north-idaho-finally.260353/

 

[ChumpChange]

Montana!

 

[TonyFanelli]

Parents got 60 acres 7 miles south of Eureka (55 miles north of Whitefish) nice heavily wooded and meadows. And like said previously, it's in the banana belt. Eureka is 7 miles from the Canadian border and close to Glacier National Park.

Winters of late have been cloud covered. Ennis is great, cept for the wind. Polson is probably where we'll end up, and if you don't mind the "res" Ronan is just south of Polson with pretty reasonable prices for acreage.

 

[Dog boy]

I've got a 20 year friend who moved from Newport beach to Ennis MT [pop 750] many years ago and enjoys most things about Montana. You can reach out and let her know Big Bill in Corona del Mar referred ya.... she's a super low key realtor. Lisa @406-595-2483 Enjoy the recon!

Ennis is a great little town with the Madison river and just south is the west side of Yellowstone with beautiful granite mountain views. I live about 100 mile south in Idaho and have been thru Ennis many times.If you don't want snow and cold in the winter then you don't get forests alpine lakes and the rocky mountain range that's just how it is.

 

[dread Pirate]

Montana!
View attachment 1333160

I have the same quad.
Can't kill these old Honda's as long as you don't let the tank rust.

 

[angiebaby]

Parents got 60 acres 7 miles south of Eureka (55 miles north of Whitefish) nice heavily wooded and meadows. And like said previously, it's in the banana belt. Eureka is 7 miles from the Canadian border and close to Glacier National Park. View attachment 1333163 View attachment 1333164 Winters of late have been cloud covered. Ennis is great, cept for the wind. Polson is probably where we'll end up, and if you don't mind the "res" Ronan is just south of Polson with pretty reasonable prices for acreage.

Ronan is a nice town. Kids wear wranglers and drive flatbed lifted trucks. Anywhere on the backroad (called "Backroad" by everyone, I'm not even sure what it's real name is) from Ronan to Polson is nice also. Stay away from Pablo. It's not so nice.

We do love the town of Ennis also. World-class trout fishing. There is a meat market there right at the highway junction that is off the chart. We have one in our town also, but the one in Ennis beats it hands down.

 

[TonyFanelli]

Ennis is a great little town with the Madison river and just south is the west side of Yellowstone with beautiful granite mountain views. I live about 100 mile south in Idaho and have been thru Ennis many times.If you don't want snow and cold in the winter then you don't get forests alpine lakes and the rocky mountain range that's just how it is.

View from my brothers house in Ennis

 

[TonyFanelli]

Ronan is a nice town. Kids wear wranglers and drive flatbed lifted trucks. Anywhere on the backroad (called "Backroad" by everyone, I'm not even sure what it's real name is) from Ronan to Polson is nice also. Stay away from Pablo. It's not so nice.

We do love the town of Ennis also. World-class trout fishing. There is a meat market there right at the highway junction that is off the chart. We have one in our town also, but the one in Ennis beats it hands down.

Yep, Deemo's Meats...yum!

 

[angiebaby]

View from my brothers house in Ennis
View attachment 1333168

How about that steak house? McAllister's.

 

[TonyFanelli]

How about that steak house? McAllister's.

Yippers! Took this 3 years ago and put it on Google Maps...

The distillery in Ennis is amazing too! Try this the next time you're up that way!

 

[Hoodoo]

I think Montana has more majestic mountain/valley scenes but North Idaho has the water.

 

[Bullhead bully]

Montana is closed, Brandin.

We are in Polson at the south end of Flathead. We are an hour from Missoula and an hour from Kalispell. 1.5 miles to the lake. Our town is about 6K people and our county has a population of 35K. We have three supermarkets (including the Wal-Mart), one ACE hardware and a building supply. We also have an electrical supply store and the town 10 miles south has all of the same- but only one smaller grocery store. I tell you this because that is how it is in most of these small towns, like Hamilton or Corvallis, for instance. We do have a hospital both in our town and the one immediately to the south. To get to a Home Depot, Costco, Target, Hobby Lobby, national chain restaurant, or Dillards, it's an hour drive. So you make those trips intentionally and have a plan. You're not running to Costco because you decide to smoke a porkbutt tomorrow or your wife decided to invite some friends over tonight. Most routine medical work can be done in our town. We have all the specialists, but usually they only come up from Missoula once or twice a week. If you need something major, like cancer treatments, you're going to have to drive an hour. It's a trade-off.

There is what they call a "banana belt," which would be laughable for most people on this board, but it's the warmest area in the state. This is from the Bitterroot Valley (Hamilton area) up to where we are, maybe up into the Flathead Valley (Kalispell and Whitefish). Plains, MT is one of the warmest places in the wintertime. Anything east of the Rockies is considerably colder. The eastern front (Great Falls, Helena, Bozeman) is notoriously windy. Livingston is the windiest place in the state. Our winter temps are usually in the 30s during the day and 20s at night. We do get a cold snap, usually once a year. Last month it was -33°F on our deck, and windy. That cold spell lasted about a week. It didn't get above 0°F for about 4 full days. The other side of the range was in the -50s, as was Kalispell.

The summers are warmer than Eureka, CA

Yep….MT is close. to cold to far to conservative