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Ellie Castillo best-worst

Biggest downsides of living in Kalispell?

Curious what people think. We're a young couple and The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Thoughts? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development.
30 upvotes

16 Replies

Hannah J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Old Town for 1 years. Moved from Austin for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.

**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are surprisingly good. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Property taxes are high. And safety can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Adam
hmm interesting perspective
38 upvotes
Miles Mitchell
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value food scene, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely challenging and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Fairview) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.

My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
36 upvotes
Kaylee Myers
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is improving in most areas.
33 upvotes
vegas_carter
as a local I can confirm
32 upvotes
Jonathan Moore
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Sunset area are excellent. Kids love it here.
28 upvotes
emmett_girl
I'm a sales manager and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
27 upvotes
Brielle Flores
facts
26 upvotes
Gloria P.
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great BBQ places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
21 upvotes
Caroline R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in East for 8 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.

**Employment:**
finance is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is average - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East 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. Nightlife is limited. Can feel isolated. And school system can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Connor Lewis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Midtown for 9 years. Moved from Denver for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.

**Employment:**
finance is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are better than expected. 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. Winters are long and cold. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And healthcare can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Lucas Chavez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
Christian Phillips
I work in marketing here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is excellent. Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Lily Hall
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The cultural scene is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
4 upvotes
Violet Anderson
Saving this thread
3 upvotes
Declan Castillo
underrated comment
2 upvotes
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