Hello, Average temperature is around 49°F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 7.5%, which is pretty low. With a population of 118K, Billings is a mid-size city. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Thoughts? The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
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Aaliyah Wright
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 6 years. Moved from Nashville for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Urban sprawl is real. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.