Don't Move to Montana if...

Don’t Move to Montana if….

By Janet Cantrell Oct 12, 2020 in Montana

OK, so you’ve seen footage of beautiful snow capped mountain peaks, wide open spaces, and crystal clear lakes and it’s easy to envision living in such gorgeous surroundings. But….not so fast. Every relationship or destination has its pros and cons. So, what should one be aware of before moving to Montana?

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Mt Aeneas - Montana

#1 - Don’t Move to Montana if…..the second amendment makes you uncomfortable.

The second amendment of the US constitution protects the individual's right to keep and bear arms and Montanans value and protect this right with a passion. According to CBS News Montana is the top state for gun ownership with 66.3% of adults living in households with guns.

According to CBS News Montana is the top state for gun ownership with 66.3% of adults living in households with guns.

Research suggests that American households with guns average 3 guns per person. If that holds true in Montana and the current population of the state is just over 1 million residents that breaks down conservatively like this. For simplicity sake we will assume 1 adult per household. The current population of Montana is 1,068,778. Of that population 21.4% are under the age of 18 so we will subtract 228,719 bringing our adult population total to 840,059. Next we will calculate 66.3% of those adults who own guns bringing our total down to 556,959. Finally, we will multiply that number times 3 because American households with guns average 3 guns per person and we are assuming for this scenario only 1 adult per household meaning this number is more than likely far below the actual gun count in Montana. But, even with our conservative numbers that brings the total gun count for the state to 1,670,877.

Guns for Sale - Cabela's - Montana

Montanans love to hunt, value the ability to protect their home, and will open carry or conceal carry when out in public.

Montanans love to hunt, value the ability to protect their home, and will open carry or conceal carry when out in public. Open carry is legal in Montana without a permit and while I don’t often see residents carrying publicly I know that anywhere I go someone is “packing”. A concealed carry permit is required and involves a safety training course for a US citizen over the age of 18 that has resided in Montana for 6 months or more. As of 2013 the Montana Department of Justice numbers for concealed carry permits were around 38,000.

One should also prepare their children for the “Wall of Fame” posted in many elementary schools and of course sporting goods shops during the hunting season. Montana kids grow up learning to hunt and are incredibly proud when they succeed. Bulletin boards featuring photos of them with their kill are just a way of life here.

Wall of Fame - Cabela's - Montana

#2 Don’t Move to Montana if….you don’t love Winter.

According to weather.com January is the coldest month in Montana. However, temperatures throughout the state can vary greatly. In Eastern Montana the average lows for January hover around 2 degrees Farenheit while Flathead County in Western Montana has average lows of 22 degrees Fahrenheit. And, with those cold temperatures one can expect plenty of snow as well which also varies greatly by location and elevation. Some days in Western Montana residents may only average 4 hours of sunshine because of the cloud cover. Eastern Montana sees more sunshine due to clearer skies, but also experiences more bitter cold winds.

Grey Wolf Run - Whitefish Mountain Resort - Whitefish, Montana

Carefully consider the lack of sunshine and effects of the cold on any achy bones you may have. Shorter days and cooler temps last approximately 5-6 months in Montana.

Carefully consider the lack of sunshine and effects of the cold on any achy bones you may have. Shorter days and cooler temps last approximately 5-6 months in Montana. Montana ranks 45th in stacker.com sunniest states article. So, if you currently live in Washington, Oregon, Maine, or Vermont the sunshine in Montana will be an upgrade for you. If not, it’s a worthy consideration. However, the states I spent most of my life in before moving here ranked 33 and 36 and it hasn’t been a problem for me. But, depression has never been a major player in my life. Be honest with yourself and your needs.

And, even if you love Winter, I cannot stress enough the importance of finding a Winter hobby or two or three. Montana provides plenty of wonderful options: Downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, sleigh rides, ice fishing, sledding, ice skating, and more. Residents who don’t play outside during the long Winter stint will find it hard to remain.

Find a Winter hobby - Skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort - Montana

#3 Don’t Move to Montana if…. You don’t own a 4WD or AWD vehicle.

If you’re considering a move to Montana now is the time to trade in that hybrid or RWD vehicle and purchase something practical for this state. Most households seem to own a pickup truck or a Subaru. We currently own neither, but both of our vehicles are 4WD or AWD and have a semi-automatic transmission which is very important here.

Many roads that Montana residents want to traverse for a good hike or fishing spot will be dirt roads with large pot holes or my absolute least favorite dirt road experience….the washboard. You want a vehicle with good clearance and capabilities so you can enjoy all that Montana has to offer!

Camas Creek Drive - Montana

If you live in town, a good pair of snow tires on one of these vehicles should be enough. If not, you will probably want to add studs to your tires in Winter or purchase a good set of tire chains to put on when needed.

If you live in town, a good pair of snow tires on one of these vehicles should be enough. If not, you will probably want to add studs to your tires in Winter or purchase a good set of tire chains to put on when needed.

And, speaking of driving...previous experience driving on snow covered roads is a plus. In addition to the snow here, most residents will hit a deer at some point (a steel bumper or winch is a great investment) and will also have to deal with poorly lit + high speed roads at night. Get familiar with those brights.

Montana Winter

#4 Don’t Move to Montana if… you don’t respect nature and love the outdoors.

Along our cross country move to Flathead County Montana we stayed at a small bed and breakfast in Red Lodge, MT. The owner there was friendly enough but warned us that we had a lot to learn about Montana living. I felt he was being a bit over dramatic and in truth he was, but his point was valid. Montana is beautiful but wild. Be wise.

I’ve seen visitors here step out onto a snow pile in Glacier National Park for a photo not considering where they would end up if that snow pile collapsed while on it.

I’ve seen visitors here step out onto a snow pile in Glacier National Park for a photo not considering where they would end up if that snow pile collapsed while on it. The same goes for photo ops with rivers leading to a falls or wildlife that people get far too close to. I’ve heard stories of people going off trail to take a shortcut and sliding down a hill covered in shale with no way out. (rescue teams were called and they lived to tell about it) Or going off trail on the ski slopes without anyone else to help them if needed. Don’t be scared, but be smart. Think and learn from locals.

Camas Creek Drive - Montana

I hate to admit that on our first few Glacier National Park hikes we didn’t carry bear spray at all. Shortly after we started carrying bear spray on every hike. But, it wasn’t until a few years later and several bear incidents in the news that I realized at least two people on our hikes should have one in case the single person with bear spray happened to be the one the bear attacked. What would the rest of us do to help? It’s an easy fix. Now we always have at least two people carry one. Click here for my bear spray tutorial.

Bear Spray Tutorial - Lake McDonald - Glacier National Park - Montana

If you plan to backcountry camp and hike, tell someone where you’re going, when you plan to be back and possibly invest in a satellite communication device since mobile phones rarely have service in the backcountry.

And please, please, please learn what it means to “leave no trace”

And please, please, please learn what it means to “leave no trace”. The seven principles are as follows: plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors. The national park services work hard to maintain these beautiful areas for current and future generations to enjoy, but we all need to do our part.

Avalanche Lake - Glacier National Park - Montana

#5 Don’t Move to Montana if… you want to change it.

In our travels overseas we’ve learned and taught our girls to observe and respect the different customs and etiquette of each culture. We are visitors and while we may not always understand we are there to learn. A big concern expressed by local viewers of my “Moving to Montana Guide” is that they don’t want people moving here and trying to change it.

Why would you move to Montana if you don’t love it? If you love it, why would you want to change it?

I guess this is part of human nature, but I would ask these questions. Why would you move to Montana if you don’t love it? If you love it, why would you want to change it? If you want to change it, Montana may not be the place for you.

Skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort - Montana

This is by no means an exhaustive list of reasons, but if you’ve read through this list and still feel like Montana is right for you, then it probably is.

if you’ve read through this list and still feel like Montana is right for you, then it probably is.

The learning curve varies greatly based on whether you desire to live in a Montana city, out in the country, or off the grid entirely. Montana is a very large state and choosing the best place in Montana for your needs will probably be your next step.

Whitefish Mountain Resort - Montana

If Flathead County in Northwestern Montana interests you, be sure to check out my guide for the area.

If Flathead County in Northwestern Montana interests you, be sure to check out my guide for the area. The guide covers cost of living, schools, recreation, shopping, dining, and more for 5 of the major cities within the county.

If you feel I’ve missed something or have any questions feel free to post them in the comments below or contact me through the website, Facebook, or Instagram.

Radiant Wanderings