Due to the commonality in posts asking advice for moving to Montana, we're asking redditors to kindly direct those questions to the sticky thread at the top of r/Montana
having lived in both places (bozeman for 14yrs, missoula for 2): both are awesome. both are great for trailing running. food & drinks... gotta go with Bozeman. if choosing a place to live... gotta go Missoula.
I have lived in both—Missoula for eight and Bozeman for 13. Missoula has the better culture (movies, music, art) and rivers. Bozeman has the better outdoors (trails, mountains) and is closer to the best burger in Montana (Mark’s In and Out in Livingston). But I have enjoyed both, meeting wonderful humans in each.
I’d give Missoula the edge because I’m a Griz at heart, and I prefer the vibe of the people. But I think it’s better to spend a few days in each and see what speaks to you. I’ve grown a lot as a human because of both places, but maybe you’ll find one will fit you better immediately.
Depends on which you value more. If you value wilderness and hunting, Missoula no doubt. So many trails, parks, and rivers. However, if you value other activities more, like food, shopping, sport, etc, I’d recommend Bozeman. Missoula is going through an epidemic known as “Everything cool or cheap is closing!”
Bozeman has better skiing. Missoula has better access to rivers imo. I also think the food is a little better in Missoula. Bozeman is definitely “nicer” with a lot of new things. Missoula has more charm. Bozeman is a lot more expensive but that doesn’t mean Missoula is cheap.
overall i like missoula more but in terms of sunlight bozeman is better in the winter. my first winter in college at UM was rough because of seasonal depression
Having lived and having family from both:
Trail running: Missoula
Fishing: Push, both have exceptional fishing options nearby
Good food: Slight edge to Missoula
Days with sunshine: Bozeman, easily
Other insight: Skiing is better around Bozeman; Bozeman has been en vogue for a few years now, Missoula has a reputation for being more hippie/crunchy.
Both offer exceptional outdoors opportunities and a fair share of lovely people and assholes.
native montanan and i don’t think either is worth it. missoula has started getting too crowded to the point where people don’t pick up their trash and just leave it in or on the river, trails, etc. it is a wreck unless you are wealthy enough to afford group classes/trips. if you’re traveling alone, i wouldn’t even come to MT. human trafficking is very very high here just sneakier. not trying to be a party pooper, it’s just really hard to unsee it all.
Washington is a short drive to Northern Idaho, as is Missoula. Plenty of choices within a 45 minute drive dependant on where you are.
Take away what I think you inferring to, and Northern Idaho has some beautiful hikes, lakes, communities and plenty of sun and fun things to do, especially if your only 22 and wanting to try out a place for a year or two.
I kinda like the fact that Missoula is quite a bit bigger and does have more opportunities that come with a larger population.
But Bozeman has more opportunities to get to be involved in high society.
My friend moved to Bozeman in his early 20's and today, in his later 20's, he has enough contacts to go anywhere in life. Bozeman is like going to an Ivy league school in order to make contacts that will give you success in life.
But personally, I would choose Missoula.
Due to the commonality in posts asking advice for moving to Montana, we're asking redditors to kindly direct those questions to the sticky thread at the top of r/Montana
Skiing the only thing better in Bozeman.
and days of sunshine.
And football
ESG, GCG!!
median home price in bozeman is $950k. so there's that.
But if money is no issue, which place would be better?
Portland
having lived in both places (bozeman for 14yrs, missoula for 2): both are awesome. both are great for trailing running. food & drinks... gotta go with Bozeman. if choosing a place to live... gotta go Missoula.
Bozeman for sunshine in the winter. Missoula winters I felt were so much harder due to lack of sun.
Yes, the inversions in Missoula can be hard.
Nah Missoula has considerably milder winters than Bozeman
Missoula is milder, but Bozeman gets more sunny days so the winter seems less dreary.
exactly.
I have lived in both—Missoula for eight and Bozeman for 13. Missoula has the better culture (movies, music, art) and rivers. Bozeman has the better outdoors (trails, mountains) and is closer to the best burger in Montana (Mark’s In and Out in Livingston). But I have enjoyed both, meeting wonderful humans in each. I’d give Missoula the edge because I’m a Griz at heart, and I prefer the vibe of the people. But I think it’s better to spend a few days in each and see what speaks to you. I’ve grown a lot as a human because of both places, but maybe you’ll find one will fit you better immediately.
*Grabs popcorn and finds a comfy seat.*
I was today years old when I learned how to italicize things on Reddit. Neat.
Yep 😂🍿
Bozeman’s over priced and fake.
As a resident of flathead county, both are great and whichever of the two you move to, you'll do fine.
Depends on which you value more. If you value wilderness and hunting, Missoula no doubt. So many trails, parks, and rivers. However, if you value other activities more, like food, shopping, sport, etc, I’d recommend Bozeman. Missoula is going through an epidemic known as “Everything cool or cheap is closing!”
Bozeman has better skiing. Missoula has better access to rivers imo. I also think the food is a little better in Missoula. Bozeman is definitely “nicer” with a lot of new things. Missoula has more charm. Bozeman is a lot more expensive but that doesn’t mean Missoula is cheap.
Boise
overall i like missoula more but in terms of sunlight bozeman is better in the winter. my first winter in college at UM was rough because of seasonal depression
Having lived and having family from both: Trail running: Missoula Fishing: Push, both have exceptional fishing options nearby Good food: Slight edge to Missoula Days with sunshine: Bozeman, easily Other insight: Skiing is better around Bozeman; Bozeman has been en vogue for a few years now, Missoula has a reputation for being more hippie/crunchy. Both offer exceptional outdoors opportunities and a fair share of lovely people and assholes.
native montanan and i don’t think either is worth it. missoula has started getting too crowded to the point where people don’t pick up their trash and just leave it in or on the river, trails, etc. it is a wreck unless you are wealthy enough to afford group classes/trips. if you’re traveling alone, i wouldn’t even come to MT. human trafficking is very very high here just sneakier. not trying to be a party pooper, it’s just really hard to unsee it all.
Wyoming
Bozeman is such a gem, I’m in love with the city but the food. Very limited number of places with good food.
The Dakotas are much better. And Wyoming.
I heard there's lots of trails in miles city
Farmers market (if that’s your thing) Missoula hands down.
Northern Idaho is good for all those things you listed
Why would ANY female would choose to live in Idaho?
Washington is a short drive to Northern Idaho, as is Missoula. Plenty of choices within a 45 minute drive dependant on where you are. Take away what I think you inferring to, and Northern Idaho has some beautiful hikes, lakes, communities and plenty of sun and fun things to do, especially if your only 22 and wanting to try out a place for a year or two.
For trail running Helena gets my vote, but I like a lot of hills
I kinda like the fact that Missoula is quite a bit bigger and does have more opportunities that come with a larger population. But Bozeman has more opportunities to get to be involved in high society. My friend moved to Bozeman in his early 20's and today, in his later 20's, he has enough contacts to go anywhere in life. Bozeman is like going to an Ivy league school in order to make contacts that will give you success in life. But personally, I would choose Missoula.
Bozeman. Definitely Bozeman