Greetings Montana - so what's it like out there? (job possibility)

[shugah]

my husband has a line on what sounds like a pretty good job over there in Montana. the only thing i know about Montana is that it's, well Montana. it would be in Billings.

so tell me, what is it like out there? weather? culture? things to do that are not hunting or fishing? cost of living? any jobs available? average rent? home cost?

anyone live there that relocated from east coast/midwest? what do you think about it?

[havocmom]

1. Winter is VERY long and VERY cold. Wages about lowest in the nation

Here is link to the Billings paper online edition:
http://www.billingsgazette.net/ That should get you started on rent/home prices/jobs research

Keep in mind, opinions expressed by the pinheads in the 'most commented' section do NOT represent everyone, but do represent too many.

Billings has lots of events. The Hog Jam was amazing a couple years ago. They ran outta hotel rooms for the bikers, so the population was asked to provide rooms to visitors. And they did. Mixed bag of people/events but there is more going on than hunting and fishing.

Local politics are amusing, so long as you blood pressure stays level.

Take the occasional visit to Helena and Missoula for some liberal infusion. Billings IS pretty right wing.

Here is a link for more online papers: http://mt.gov/work/state_newspapers.asp

[shugah]

2. "The Hog Jam?" really?

thank you for your response. i've never been one to hesitate to move across the country when it's been necessary or even just because it's an adventure. i'm a little older now, and not so keen on the uprooting thing unless it is pretty much necessary. if Montana has the only job that we can find, well... :shrug:

the billings gazette is not very encouraging - especially in the jobs listings. there aren't many real jobs that come up with that search. *sigh*

your governor is pretty good tho...

[havocmom]

3. I never saw so much chrome and black leather in one place in my life!

And I am no spring chicken and grew up in Southern California! It was really cool. Then, a few months later there was another big biker rally for 'them furrin motor-cycles'.

Job outlook not great, but that is not just a recent thing. Montana is generally boom/bust still. There was a little surge in service industry jobs when we saw the big (big for us) influx of 'trust funders' moving to Bozeman and points west (where the really pretty mountains are) but even that is slower. Ski lodges did not have a banner year, despite really good snow season this winter.

We do have THE COOLEST governor though! Das a fact. And Senator John Tester is nothing to sneeze at!

If you are interested in alternative energy, jobs there may be opening up soon. Gov is really a proponent and is leading Montana toward that bright future. There may be some jobs created there soon.

Even if those jobs aren't in Billings, that city does serve as hub for a huge area for shopping and medical care. Hell, we have to drive there to get anything above the very basic groceries. It is a 3 hour drive one way. And we stopped doing it on Saturdays owing to all the traffic. The place really swells on weekends.

Speaking of weekends, this weekend is the big home show in Billings. Sadly, I have other obligations and will miss it. There are lots of musical programs/festivals there over any given year too. Last year, Ladysmith Black Mambazo played for one event. Damn, I couldn't get into town for that one!

Oh, and there is minor league baseball. If you have never been to a minor league game, it is worth a look. I much prefer minor league, and I grew up going to Dodger games! The younger players are hungry and seem to play with more passion. Plus it is sort fun to see kids from places like Costa Rica and Dominican Republic up here wondering where the hell SUMMER went. (yes, weather can change very fast here, and it can get cold in July in the western part of the state).

[shugah]

4. i've given up baseball fandom since the steroids thing

can i ask - why is Montana "big sky"?

[havocmom]

5. Why Montana is 'big sky'. Weeellll, it is just something one has to see to believe

Growing up on California coast, I always thought Charlie Russell too a lot of artistic liberties when he showed the skies over Montana. After my first year here, I had to admit, the artist didn't come close enough to the real deal. I was in the western part of the state back then, with incredible mountain ranges breaking up the sky and it was impressive. After moving to the eastern part of the state, were the prairie isn't as flat as Kansas, but without the huge mountain ranges, I REALLY understood 'Big Sky'. If someone is even mildly agoraphobic, this is NOT the place for them! ;)