Living in Northwest Montana
Living in Northwest Montana
Have you longed to live in Montana since you visited Glacier National Park, perhaps decades ago or just last year? If so, you are not alone! Moving to and living in Montana can be quite the change, especially if you are coming from a warmer climate. Montana Property Angels is here to fill you on what you might not know already!
“I’m in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana, it is love. And it’s difficult to analyze love when you’re in it.“
-John Steinbeck
Montana in Numbers
4th Largest State
44th Largest Population
53 State Parks
100 Craft Breweries
3223 Lakes
28 Million Acres of Pubic Land
“In Montana, if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes”
-Any Montana Local
Montana is proud to say we experience all four seasons each year. From pristine summer days with highs in the 80’s to peaceful winter days with lows in the teens, Montana has a bit of every weather type.
Be prepared to make the most of the great outdoors in summer, when much that is covered in snow through winter is accessible. Fall is a favorite season for many locals, when not only the maple trees burst with color, but the mountains also glow yellow from the changing tamarack trees.
If you are coming from a warmer climate, expect to need new attire for winter weather! Besides a well-insulated and water-resistant coat and boots, you’ll also want hats, gloves, scarves, and, for those extra brisk days, thermals! The gear you will want for everyday use will be different from what you will use for outdoor exploring like skiing and snowboarding.
“Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.”
-Gary Snyder
Northwest Montana has an abundance to offer any outdoor enthusiast, regardless of how you prefer to experience nature. With approximately 30% of Montana being made up of public lands, you never have to go far to be wild and free.
Flathead Lake is the largest fresh-water lake west of the Mississippi, with over 185 miles of shoreline. Fishing, boating, paddle sports, swimming, sailing, windsurfing, you name it, if it can be done on water it’s happening on Flathead Lake. You can find vendors offering motorize and non-motorized rentals around the lake, and public accesses scattered along the pristine shores. Cruises and guided expeditions are also available for the slightly less-adventurous types.
Glacier National Park is known for its 734 miles of hiking trails, loved by locals and visitors in the summer, and also accessible for hiking, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing in winter. Spring and fall are great times to get into the park and feel like you have it all to yourself!
Whitefish Mountain Resort is the winter go-to for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. On clear winter days you can see all the way south to Flathead Lake and east to Glacier National Park. Have you heard of snowghosts? Anther unique sighing you’ll find when skiing in Whitefish, Montana. Whitefish Mountain Resort is a mountain biking paradise in summer, in addition to family-friendly attractions like the alpine slide and gondola rides to the Summit House.
Blacktail Mountain Resort offers skiing and snowboarding on the south end of the Flathead Valley overlooking Flathead Lake and the community of Lakeside. Blacktail Mountain is also a great place to start a day of cross-country skiing on the North Shore Nordic Club trails.
“Montana, where driving for an hour without seeing anyone is not a sign of the apocalypse”
Getting around Montana is easy thanks to the ever-present mountains reminding you which way is north. It also helps if you have the right wheels!
Your needs will greatly depend on where you choose to live, and how far into the outdoor you plan to explore in your own vehicle. Four-wheel drive is best if you’ll be living and recreating in the mountains, but an experienced winter driver can also get around fine with all-wheel drive.
You will see a lot of trucks and Subaru Outbacks for a reason! A lot of Montanans use studded tires seasonally, which provide extra stability in the snow.
“Wildlife and its habitat cannot speak, so we must and we will.”
-Theodore Roosevelt
Not only do we respectfully enjoy the flora and fauna from a distance in Montana, we also forage, hunt, and fish for it when the right season comes.
The elk and bull trout may reign supreme, but we are in it for morels and huckleberries too. With a good bit of effort and time, and a keen eye, you will have the chance to bring the freshest of harvests from forest to table.