Why are People Moving to Montana?

Whether you are pursuing adventure or solitude, there are many reasons to move to Montana. The rugged Rocky Mountains up to the Great Plains make up 147,000 square miles of sprawling terrain.

Montana is also home to some of the most beautiful wildlife in the country and unique cities, towns filled with friendly residents, affordable neighborhoods, and plenty of jobs.

If you are still not convinced Montana is the place for you to move to, we’re outlining some of the most popular reasons to move to Montana.

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Montana has natural beauty

People travel from all over the world to visit Montana because it is simply stunning. This western state has consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places to live on many lists. From the rolling grasslands to the craggy mountains, the reasons to move to Montana are only enhanced when surrounded by the natural beauty everywhere you look.

Montana is also home to some of the most famous national parks. They may only be a few steps right outside your home. The state’s natural treasures include but are not limited to the Lewis and Clark Caverns, the Beartooth Mountains, the Yellowstone River, Grinnell Glacier, the Missouri River, and the Badlands of Makoshika State Park.

Montana has low property taxes

If you are in the market to purchase a home in Montana, you are in luck and will be happy to know that property taxes in Montana are lower than the national average. This makes it the perfect state for homeowners. According to WalletHub, Montana is ranked 20th out of 50 states. Its effective real estate tax rate is .85%. When you compare that to the national average of 1.19%, according to SmartAsset, you will notice how it is very beneficial to be a Montana homeowner.

Plenty of wide-open spaces in Montana

If you are looking for more space, then Montana has you covered. The state is one of the largest in terms of size, but it also happens to be one of the least densely populated areas of the country. World Population Review states that Montana is the 44th most populated state. It only averages about 6.86 people per square mile. Bigger cities like Billings and Missoula are more crowded, though, than say the average Montana town. Generally speaking, if you plan to move to Montana, you can confidently expect to find a lot of wide-open spaces.

Interesting and vibrant cities dot the map of Montana

The state comprises small, rural towns to large, vibrant cities and full of beautiful places to live. Those looking to move somewhere with plenty of shops, parks, and culture can do so in Bozeman. The large town offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, gorgeous surroundings, and flourishing economies: Whitefish, Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Butte, Helena, Anaconda, Livingston, and Laurel.

Montana is the right place for outdoorsy people

Residents of Montana will vouch and say that life in the state is one big adventure not comparable to any other. The reason being is due to the endless number of outdoor activities. One of the main reasons to move to Montana in the first place boils down to the number of activities to do just outside. You will no doubt find the following activities:

• Fly fishing
• Ice climbing
• Horseback riding
• Snowshoeing
• Camping
• Golfing
• Rock climbing
• Hunting
• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Whitewater rafting
• Swimming
• Dog sledding
• Mountain biking
• Hiking
• Biking

No matter what season, you are guaranteed to find outdoor activities that match and pique your interest.

Montana has a rich history

Since Native Americans first inhabited Montana, the state has been full of rich and exciting history. During the expedition of Lewis and Clark in the 1800s, Montana was discovered and quickly became a haven for fur trappers and traders. By the 1860s, the discovery of gold gave people the incentive to search the state’s mountainous terrain.

The grasslands also became home to a plethora of cattle and sheep ranches. Currently, the state of Montana offers a diverse economy with numerous industries and some of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in the world. You can look online to further read up on Montana’s history.

Home to several top-ranked colleges and universities

Students who are pursuing an education in Big Sky Country need not look any further. You will find the state has some great education opportunities. Degree-seeking students will discover several top public and private universities. Among the best colleges and universities in the state are Carroll College, Montana Tech, Montana State University, the University of Montana, Montana State University Billings, Rocky Mountain College, the University of Providence, and the University of Montana Western.

Plenty of jobs in Montana

You won’t find another state with a robust job market and healthy economy than Montana. The state’s official site suggests that Montana has the 8th fastest GDP growth among states over the last five years and ten years that ended in 2013. Its GDP growth has been more rapid than the national average since 2000. Montana’s state income per capita also continues to lead the national average.

Its booming industries involve agriculture, tourism, mining, and timber. Montana has additionally become a haven for business entrepreneurs and high-tech companies. Data in the Missoula Current stated that Montana’s high-tech industry generated nearly 1.7 billion dollars in revenue in 2017. This development grew nine times faster than the overall state economy.

Montana is a foodie’s paradise

Residents and tourists alike can find some of the country’s best and most unique culinary options. The abundance of wildlife, farms, the state’s reputation, and cuisine should not come as a surprise at all. Some of Montana’s most popular foods are huckleberries, bison, trout, flathead cherries, elk, pastured beef, and lamb. There is also an endless number of fresh, homegrown fruits and vegetables. No matter what city or town you reside in, you will have ample food selection.

Montana is among the healthiest states in the country

Finally, Montana residents can enjoy a healthy and happy lifestyle. Fresh air, healthy food, and physical activities have contributed to the state’s healthy habits. The State of Obesity mentions that Montana has the 6th lowest adult obesity rate in the nation. It is also the 9th lowest obesity rate for the youth. U.S. News ranked Montana as the 10th best for overall well-being among other channels by stating that it emphasizes high purpose rates, social, financial, community, and physical well-being. In turn, people have more of a tendency to live happier, healthier lives.

Making the great state of Montana your new home could very well be one of the best decisions you ever made in your life. Check reputable online sources to understand Montana better and gather more information on the state. Reports can include demographics, real estate information, quality of life factors, and more. All you have to do is enter the zip code or the state and city of your potential move for a quick free report. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a local moving company for assistance either. They can answer all your questions and concerns.

Is Montana an excellent state to move to?

Yes. Montana is a great state to move to for a variety of reasons. The best reasons to move to Montana are low density, abundant outdoor activities, educational options, diverse wildlife, friendly people, thriving business opportunities, numerous job opportunities, and lifestyle.

Is Montana expensive to live in?

To accurately determine the cost of living in Montana, utilize a cost of living calculator to compare living costs in your current location to Montana easily. Consumer Price Index and salary differentials are used in over 300+ U.S. cities to give you a better comparison of costs and salary.

One of the pros of living in Montana is that residents enjoy a low cost of living. It is a great state to live in on a minimal budget. Your typical expenses like groceries, health, housing, transportation, and health costs are lower than the national average. For example, you could buy a studio apartment with an average monthly $566. A two-bedroom house might cost you up to only $823 for rent.

Is it nice to live in Montana?

It is nice to live in Montana because crime rates are relatively low to further add to its attractive qualities. Montana’s past was packed with battles and violence, but it has mellowed out over the years. It is one of the safest states due to its low-level crime rate. Property crime levels are below the national average at 42.09 per 1,000 residents. There are hardly ever any gang violence incidents or robberies either.

Is Montana cheap to live in?

The average rental prices in Montana are much cheaper than the national average. A one-bedroom apartment, for instance, would cost an average of $641 in rent which is opposed to the national average, which sits at $930. If you buy a home, you can own one for $367,030. Realty experts state that almost 56% of the houses in the state fall between $118,674 and $356,480.

What should I know before moving to Montana?

Quick facts you need to know before moving to Montana are listed below:

• The unemployment rate in Montana is lower than the U.S. average.
• Montana’s average one-way commute time takes roughly 17 minutes.
• The cost of living in Montana is 94. The U.S. average is 100.
• Montana has no sales tax.
• Property taxes in Montana are lower than the U.S. average.
• The average annual pay for hourly jobs in Montana is about $56,575.
• The average hourly rate for hourly jobs in Montana is $27.20 per hour.

What is the weather like in Montana?

Some quick facts about the weather and climate in Montana:

• Montana on average gets 15 inches of rain per year.
• It gets an average of 49 inches of snow per year.
• There are approximately 189 sunny days per year.
• July is the warmest month, with temperatures reaching 84 degrees.
• January is the coldest month, with temperatures dropping around 12 degrees.
• There are about 88 days of precipitation per year.

What are the jobs in Montana?

Montana’s popular jobs include physical therapists, supervisors, construction workers, electricians, personal care assistants, plumbers, cost estimators, grooms, registered nurses, and mechanics.

How long does it take to get to Montana?

The time it takes to move to Montana depends on where you are currently living. It is recommended that you use a distance calculator to determine how long it will take to move from your current location to Montana. You also want to consider the different options of traveling and moving to Montana. Specific modes of transport are faster than others, like flying.

Moving to Montana

If you are looking for a new place to live, whether for school, a job, or just a fresh start; Montana has a lot to offer individuals and families. The weather, job market, school systems, parks, and low property taxes all make Montana a top choice for those planning a move.