Montana is a truly unique state. With vast stretches of unspoiled land, thousands of farms, and national parks boasting wondrous natural landmarks, it’s among the most beautiful places in the country. The state boasts a thriving agricultural industry and low unemployment rates, while also offering endless opportunities for adventure and a rare chance for peace and quiet.
But life in Montana, with its unpredictable weather, booming property market, open-range laws, and throngs of tourists, isn’t for everyone. Big Sky Country is heaven for some, and quite the opposite for others.
Think you might like to live in Montana? These top pros and cons of living in Montana should help you decide!
Montana Living
Montana living is for the active, as the state offers up an abundance of activities from exploring Glacier National Park to bustling nightlife. Those who wonder what Montana is like should try to experience the picturesque views of Big Sky Country and the many communities that make up Montana.
What Are the Pros of Living in Montana?
A Small Population
Montana is the ninth least populated state in the United States. This relatively small population comes with lots of upsides for Montana residents, one of the greatest being less traffic. With less busy roads, it can take less time for locals to travel on a daily basis than it would in other states.
Along with being the ninth least populated state, Montana is also the fourth largest state by area. The combination of these two factors means that there’s a sense of having much more space when living in Montana. Rather than the feeling of being cramped or living on top of your neighbors, Montana offers wider spaces and more untouched land.
Due to the small population, life in Montana tends to be quieter, slower, and more peaceful than living in states with bigger, busier cities. For those who crave peace and quiet, the Montana lifestyle is perfect.
A Low Unemployment Rate
According to Montana’s official state government website, the local unemployment rate has dropped lower than it has in 14 years, reaching 3.5 percent in August 2021. Comparatively, the average unemployment rate across the United States in September 2021, seasonally adjusted, was 4.7 percent.
There are several flourishing industries in Montana, including agriculture. In fact, 521,408 local Montana residents were employed in August of 2021, which resulted in the recovery of nearly all the jobs that were lost in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Natural Beauty and Abundance of Nature
Montana is often referred to as the most beautiful state in the country. While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, there’s no denying that Big Sky Country is home to spans of untouched landmarked by mountains, prairies, valleys, and lakes. Those who live in Montana naturally have the most access to the natural beauty blooming all over the state.
Just some of the natural wonders present in the state include Glacier National Park, sections of Yellowstone National Park, and the Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area.
The untouched land also offers residents more opportunities to spend time in nature, which can result in several health benefits. According to research conducted by the University of Exeter, spending time in a natural environment can boost a person’s physical and psychological wellbeing. The study found that those who spent just two hours per week in nature were much more likely to report good health than those who didn’t.
Thrills for Adventure-Seekers
Life may run at a slower pace in Montana but that doesn’t mean the state is lacking in opportunities for adventure-seekers. Actually, the natural landscape lends itself to a range of actio