Montana Living: 7 Myths About Living in Montana

About 1.1 million people live in the beautiful state of Montana. Are you thinking about becoming one of them? 

Montana has gotten more popular over the past few years with the arrival of shows like Yellowstone and the trend of celebrities either moving to Montana or vacationing here.

But is it really what it looks like on television or social media? Let’s talk about it! Read on to learn about a few myths about Montana living and the truth behind them.

1. It’s Only Small Towns

This is one of the biggest things that people think when they’re considering living in Montana. They think that, by default, moving to Montana means moving to a small town.

Believe it or not, there are actual cities in Montana (like Kalispell, for example). These cities don’t have huge populations. As a matter of fact, the most populated city in Montana, Billings, only has about 115,000 people. That said, they’re still cities and they still have city amenities. 

You shouldn’t have a problem getting access to all of the things you love to see, eat, or do if you live in a city in Montana. No, you won’t be living in a major metropolis, but the small cities in Montana are still vibrant and full of people who keep their communities alive. 

Of course, there are also many small towns in Montana. There are places with only a handful of residents, so if that’s more your speed, you can certainly have it.

Just don’t expect to arrive in a Montana city and see nothing but tumbleweeds and an old-timey saloon. 

2. You’ll Never See Your Neighbors

On a similar note, many people think that when they get to Montana, they’ll be out in the wild blue yonder. They’ll be out in the wilderness, miles away from anything resembling a neighbor. They’ll have to drive an hour to get to the “local” general store.

For some people, this sounds like a dream. For others, it sounds like a nightmare.

Again, there are some places in Montana that are largely unpopulated. If it’s your dream to live a life far from neighbors where you can enjoy your solitude, it’s definitely a possibility.

However, Montana’s towns and cities are denser than you’d think. You’ll likely be surrounded by friendly neighbors and a close community just waiting for you to join in on the fun. 

3. It’s Exactly Like Yellowstone

Yellowstone may have put Montana back on the (figurative) map, but don’t expect to have a Yellowstone experience when you’re actually living in Montana. 

There are many working ranches in Montana, but they’re not nearly as dramatic or exciting as the show implies. Like all TV shows, Yellowstone is a dramatization of something that does exist in real life, but it’s not as it looks on TV.

Even if you choose to move to Montana for your own ranching dreams, you should keep your expectations more realistic! Working a ranch is hard (and rewarding) work, but it’s not glamorous. 

4. It’s an Affordable Place to Live

This is a half-myth.

Like everywhere else in the country, housing in Montana has gotten more expensive. That said, you can get a lot of “bang for your buck” in Montana in comparison to many other states.

While homes in certain parts of Montana can be pricey, consider the value you get in comparison to an equally-priced home in a place like Miami, Los Angeles, New York, and many other cities. 

So, can you find affordable homes in Montana? Of course. You can also find beautiful luxury homes and apartments if you want a better quality of living and you want to live in a city. 

5. Everyone Is Outdoorsy

When people think of Montana, they think of the great outdoors. Everyone who lives in Montana must be all about hiking, climbing, hunting, skiing, and other outdoor activities, right?

Not necessarily.

It’s helpful to pick up a few outdoor hobbies if you plan on moving to Montana. There will be communities of people to do these things with, so it’s a great way to make new friends. 

You may also find that you gain a new appreciation for the outdoors once you arrive and see how gorgeous it is.

That said, if you’re more of an “indoor cat,” you don’t have to worry. You can still find your people in Montana, especially if you live in a city. Just like anywhere else, there are people who are far happier making art, seeing theater performances, and otherwise enjoying their time indoors. 

6. Mountains Are Everywhere

It’s true that Montana has some of the most beautiful mountains in the country. People driving through Montana for the first time are often in awe of how gorgeous the geography of the state is.

That said, Montana isn’t all mountains. The geography of Montana is diverse. There are badlands, valleys, canyons, thick forests, and more.

If you love the mountains, you can certainly find them. If you prefer something a little bit closer to the ground, you can find that as well. 

7. It’s Always Cold 

Montana’s weather can be harsh, but remember that Montana is a big state. The weather varies depending on where you live.

Winters are long and snow can start in mid-autumn and last until spring. However, while that cold weather is certainly long-lasting, Montana isn’t always cold.

Montana summers are warm and mild. Average temperatures stay in the 80s, which is a perfect temperature to spend time outdoors without getting too hot.

So while you will have harsh winters, you’ll get the tradeoff of fantastic summers. Get some good cold-weather clothes and bundle up!

Is Montana Living Right for You?

Montana living isn’t what it looks like on television, but it’s still wonderful. If you think that Montana is a perfect home for you, what are you waiting for? Come join our fabulous state.

If you’re looking for a home in beautiful Kalispell, Montana, we’d like to meet you! Check out our current available homes or contact us today for more information.