Moving to Montana: A Step-by-Step Moving Guide

In this comprehensive guide, we cover the good the bad, and the uglies of moving to Montana so you can make an educated decision before you just pack up and go.

Alright, so you just rewatched Yellowstone or you finally got around to playing Red Dead Redemption and you’re feeling inspired to drink in all the beautiful scenery, wide open spaces, and hospitality that Montana has to offer. You’re definitely not alone, but before you jump on the next train to the Treasure State it’s a good idea to know what you're getting into.

Montana offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and a tranquil lifestyle far removed from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan areas. So, making the move to Montana requires careful consideration and planning. We have created a detailed guide to cover the important things to consider if you plan to move there.

Probably best known for its beautiful mountain ranges, Montana actually offers a fairly diverse landscape.

You’re going to want to ask yourself who you really want to be when you decide to move. Are you in touch with your inner mountain man (or woman)? The Western half of the state is probably best for you with the Rocky Mountains, stunning vistas, and gorgeous lakes. Or maybe you’re feeling the little house on the prairie vibe. In that case, you will want to consider the Eastern half which boasts rolling hills and prairies. Take some time to look around online at all the different towns and homes to see where you would fit in best.

Although you won't find Batman defending any of the “big cities”, Montana does offer a few larger cities if that is your style. If you like a little more of a city feel but also want to be able to take a hike on your lunch break, there are definitely a few options to consider. The largest city is Billings with a population of over 100,000. However, there are a handful of other larger cities that are growing by the day like Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman.

Understanding what Montana has to offer will go far in your enjoyment of the state. It’s not known for its big city amenities. Even its largest city, Billings, offers a laid-back lifestyle with an emphasis on enjoying the great outdoors and local events rather than big productions. Embracing this lifestyle means finding joy in nature, community gatherings, and the simple pleasures of life in a less-populated state.

Are you seeing a trend? You will love Montana if you love the outdoors. There are endless hikes, lakes for boating and fishing, and mountains for dirt bikes and skis. It’s not uncommon to take a hike with your coworkers after you clock out that turns into a bonfire in the woods with a few beers. To get the most out of living in Montana, you will want to embrace this sooner rather than later.

I hate being the adult in the room, but you will want to make sure you have a job lined up in your field before moving here. With wages lower than the national average, don't expect to earn the same amount as you would in more populated states. Housing costs have also been on the rise (no kidding), so you’ll want to do all the math and make sure you can afford to make the move.

To absolutely nobody's surprise, the cost of living in Montana is on the rise. With highs being in the $700,000 range, don't let that is not to discourage you. There are still plenty of affordable places to live that will accommodate the lifestyle you want, you will just want to be more strategic about it. A huge draw for the state is the mountain scenery with some areas being more popular than others, but that doesn't mean those are the only areas with mountains. It would be wise to take your time and look away from the high-ticket areas to find a hidden gem, it is the treasure state after all.

IT SNOWS… a lot. The coldest temperature recorded in the contiguous United States was in Montana. If you have never lived in the snow, it is very beautiful for the first two weeks, and then the magic starts to wear off. If you are not prepared to deal with shoveling snow and icy roads half the year, you may want to reconsider.

On the upside, if you love long cold winters bundled up by the fire and ski resorts readily available, this is the place to be. Something else to consider is the long winters and lack of vitamin D have been linked to higher-than-normal rates of depression in the state, so if you know you are affected by seasonal depression, it is something to think about.

Montana is a very vehicle-dependent state so if you're going to live here you're probably going to need to own your vehicle. Most cities don't offer very good public transportation, and it is also a very large state that's spread out . They actually measure how many hours it's going to take instead of how many miles.

Traffic isn't that bad in Montana compared to most places, and bigger cities, but they do have what's called a Montana traffic jam which might surprise you the first time you see one (think buffalo crossing). Oh, and remember that snow we talked about? You're probably going to want four-wheel drive, and you need really good tires to get through winter.

Montana is a very alcohol-friendly state, being number 4 in the country for alcohol consumption. This can be fun when you want to go out with friends or are at a local event. But it should be stated that the DUI rates are fairly high for a place with so few people. The current statistic is around 8 people per 100,000 die in a drunk driving related accident. Now, this may be less of a concern if you plan to live in a remote area, but it is something to be aware of.

It should also be pointed out that there has been an uptick in methamphetamine use in recent years. Montana sits on the I90 and I15 corridors which have been known for heavy drug distribution, mostly affecting the more densely populated areas.

Don't let the last section discourage you, everywhere has its ups and downs to living there. Montanians may complain the state is becoming “overpopulated”, but that just means they actually saw another human being that day. Long-time residents of the state have been recorded as some of the happiest in the country. You can almost expect somebody to stop and help if they see you in a pinch. And, they will probably have the tools in their truck to help you on the spot.

We made this guide to help inform you because every decision is easier to make when you know what to expect. Moving to Montana is an adventure that promises a life closer to nature, with all the beauty and challenges it entails. By carefully considering your desired lifestyle, employment prospects, and the unique characteristics of different regions within the state, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your goals.

Embracing the Montana way of life means not only enjoying its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities but also being prepared for its less glamorous aspects, such as the harsh winters and the need for community in more remote areas. With the right preparation and mindset, relocating to Montana can be the beginning of a rewarding new chapter in your life.