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James James living

Honest thoughts on life in Missoula

Average temperature is around 45--F, so expect cold winters. Homes are going for about $427,400 on average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Has anyone dealt with this? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to.
21 upvotes

2 Replies

Austin Johnson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a sales manager, 39, moved here 7 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Springfield and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Boston, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.

**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
Angel C.
I work in finance here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is underrated. Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
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