WHY I CHOSE TO LIVE IN WESTERN MONTANA

I will admit – right up front that I am quite partial about this area.

Here are some of the reasons why I chose to live here

rather than staying in Buffalo, New York,

where I grew up, got married, and started a family.

We moved a number of years ago,

when we had three small children ages 6, 5, & 3.

It was the smartest move that we made

for ourselves - - and for our children.

Oh yeah - - when we got to Missoula we had no job - -

and a total of $157.00

I believe that it is important where you live.

There is always work  - for those that want to work.

Was it easy ?  - - Heck NO! - - But boy  - was it worth it ! ! !

THE BENEFITS (AS I SEE THEM) FOR LIVING HERE

ò                For the recreation - the boating, fishing, hiking, golfing, hunting, etc.

ò                For the ease of getting to various places because of Interstate - 90.

ò                For the vast amount of National Forest Service Land

(about 90% of the total land mass here in Western Montana)

It is there for our use for camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, -

or for just enjoying the beauty and serenity of the mountains.

Because of the majority of the land being U S Government land

there is only about 10% of private land in Western Montana.

ò                For the availability of good medical care. With two

fully staffed hospitals, Missoula is recognized

as one of the more respected medical centers in the United States.

There are also highly rated hospitals in some of the surrounding 

towns such as Hamilton, Superior, Plains, and Polson.

ò                For the weather !  Most people think of Montana as an ‘icebox’

however, here in this part of the state it is quite mild.

We don’t have the earthquakes, torrential rains, hurricanes,

tornados, high humidity, extreme cold, or really heavy snow.

As a matter of fact, the house that we lived in

for nineteen (19) years, we had 5 apple tees, 4 cherry tree,

2 plumb trees, 2 pear trees, AND 2 peach trees.

(Yes peach) -  -  OK – so we didn’t get peaches every year –

 but most years – which made it worth while – and enjoyable.

ò                To get away from the crowds.

Montana has only about 935,000 people in the whole state

so we don’t have many of the problems associated with the big cities.

(As a point of reference as to the size of Montana –

when we would drive back to Buffalo to visit Joan’s parents,

we were one third (1/3) of the way from Missoula to Buffalo, NY,

when we crossed from Montana into North Dakota.

ò                For the open spaces,   -  the scenery,   -  and the clean air.

It’s tough living in the “Last Best Place” (title of a book about Montana)

but a few of us are lucky.

ò                For the way of life – One has to ‘produce’ wherever he or she lives,

however, the pace of life here in the rocky mountains is more relaxed.

One has the time - - or finds the time to “smell the roses”.

ò                For the University of Montana. I have thought at different times

 about taking a few courses. Maybe one of these days I will.

At least it’s nice to know that the University is there.

Another point – the “U” has great athletic teams with outstanding

student athletes that are fun to watch.