Curious what people think. I've been here for 1 years and With a population of 75,600, Missoula is a smaller city. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What are your go-to spots? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
1 upvotes
12 Replies
Anthony L.
big facts right here
39 upvotes
Samantha B.
facts
33 upvotes
Nathan Morgan
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Lily Rogers
I've lived in Lakewood for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- The weather scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Leonardo Bennett
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Downtown. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in construction. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Julian Edwards
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 36, moved here 9 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Oak Park and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- South: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Houston, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
22 upvotes
Kayden Cruz
I work in consulting here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is underrated. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Delilah Harris
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
20 upvotes
Noah
I work in engineering here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is challenging. Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Skylar Davis
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much growing but now it's hit or miss.
19 upvotes
Isaiah G.
I've lived in South for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The outdoor recreation scene is improving
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
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