leaving AK for MT

[Kaitum]

In a few short months I'll be packing up the house and driving the ALCAN highway south. My wife accepted a job in Missoula, not sure what I'll be doing yet. Alaska treated us wonderfully but it's time to move south and closer to family. I have a few AK hunts I didn't get checked off my bucket list. The odds of me returning to finish them are slim but I have no regrets. On to MT and new adventures. Now that the relocation wheels are in motion, what do I need to know about living in the Bitterroot Valley?

 

[JCS]

Congrats on coming to MT. I think you have to act like a stuck up snob to live in the Bitterroot

 

[Kaitum]

Congrats on coming to MT. I think you have to act like a stuck up snob to live in the Bitterroot

Anchorage prepped me well for that

 

[mtmuley]

I've lived in the Root since way back pre-snob so I am grandfathered in. Where in the valley you looking? mtmuley

 

[Randy11]

You definitely chose well by commuting to Missoula every day. It's not a bad city, but it's a huge bonus to be able to get out of there and breathe a bit at the end of he day.

I'm a life long Missoulian that finally got out and moved to the Bitterroot a couple years ago. The Bitterroot is a little crowded and wasn't my first choice on where to live, but it's got a lot going for it. The best weather and scenery in the area by far. Since I've moved down here I've seen wolves, a lion, a bear, whitetail, elk and mule deer just on my morning commutes.

Fire away or get in contact if you've got any questions. There's a LOT to do for outdoorsmen here.

 

[mtmuley]

Feel free to contact me also. I'm in Corvallis, right in the middle of the valley. mtmuley

 

[Nameless Range]

I gotta ask why the Root? I know it's beautiful, but I wonder if it's beauty is defeated by the worst road and traffic in MT - Highway 93. That commute seems similar to Russian Roulette.

I always liked the country east of Missoula - Turah, Clinton, Bearmouth, etc.

Either way congratulations. Missoula and all the area around it is great, and is a good area for diverse outdoor activities.

 

[shoots-straight]

I gotta ask why the Root? I know it's beautiful, but I wonder if it's beauty is defeated by the worst road and traffic in MT - Highway 93. That commute seems similar to Russian Roulette.

I always liked the country east of Missoula - Turah, Clinton, Bearmouth, etc.

Either way congratulations. Missoula and all the area around it is great, and is a good area for diverse outdoor activities.

NR, you obviously have not been to the Root in awhile. It's all great, new 4 lane from Missoula to Hamilton.

We use to all have bumper stickers that said: "I drive hwy 93 pray for me". Thats changed. Nothing like it was.

I've lived here 54 years and 5th generation. My daughter and grandson make 6th and 7th. It's safe to say it's tough to beat. I wish things had never changed from my childhood, but such is life.

There's better hunting, but it's OK here. There's a lot of people in the Valley, but we have the largest unroaded wilderness area at our door step in the lower 48 within a 15 min drive of most places. Great weather for Montana, hard to beat the Bitterroot banana belt.

If your looking to build give me a call.

There are richy rich here, but we never see them. Once in awhile Brent Musberger will be walking around, but for the most part those people stay in their gated community. Most regular people are friendly, it's not uncommon to see a arm out the window waving. The Root is one of the most beautiful places in Montana.

 

[Nameless Range]

Shoots, you are right that I have not been down the root for a few years.I knew they were doing construction but I guess I didn't think about that. Just last year a gal from my agency was killed on highway 93 with her daughter, but that happens all over Montana.

I will say that just last night the wife and I were in Missoula and drove down to Lolo to eat at the steakhouse. In my mind, Lolo Creek Steakhouse is reason enough alone to live in the Bitterroot.

 

[Kaitum]

We'll rent short term and get to know the area before buying a house. Can't say at this point we'll live in the valley south of Missoula. However, my wife and I both agreed we'll not live within Missoula city limits. Living in Anchorage is one aspect that I disliked about AK life, not going to move elsewhere only to have neighbors ten yards on either side of me again. My wife will work on the south side of Missoula, so that may influence us to look south around Lolo, Florence, etc.

 

[Lawnboy]

Grow some dread locks for missoula They only have to be 2 inches longer than the ones we have to grow in Bozeman.

I have friends in the Bitteroot and have visited. It seems like a nice place. Like shoots said it has changed. Used to be where the rednecks lived away from the weirdos of Missoula (sorry Randy11) just joking.

 

[mtmuley]

There used to be plenty of rednecks in Missoula. Probly still is. The hippies just are more noticeable. In my opinion, the valley gets better South of Florence. mtmuley

 

[Randy11]

My wife will work on the south side of Missoula, so that may influence us to look south around Lolo, Florence, etc.

That's smart thinking. I have family that commutes from the Bitterroot to north reserve and they often spend more time on reserve than they do 93. Traffic in Missoula is way worse than the population would indicate. I work in Hellgate Canyon and living in Ninemile or Potomac would make my commute so much easier not having to go through town. I do get to avoid Reserve though which is a big bonus.

Lolo's a great little town and community. Unfortunately housing prices are closer to Missoula prices than Bitterroot prices.

93 does get backed up, but it's a very well maintained road and conditions are usually better on it than on I90.

 

[Bambistew]

My condolences. Good luck with the move and MT.

 

[muledeerjunkie]

I have a few AK hunts I didn't get checked off my bucket list.

What's left in the AK bucket at this point?

 

[Pagosa]

Good luck on the move. You and your family will like Missoula. I live north of there but buy stuff and travelthrough a lot. I thought the majority of people were nice and friendly, but I'm newcomer from CO so I don't have any history there. Safe travels.

 

[Kaitum]

What's left in the AK bucket at this point?

Mt goat, Sitka blacktail, and one more crack at a Dall sheep.

 

[BigHornRam]

Best of luck on your move Kaitum. Welcome to Montana.

 

[scapegoat]

I live southwest of Missoula - a few miles outside city limits - and love it out there. My wife and I really enjoy day trips to the bitterroot valley - especially Stevensville (2 breweries, Lee Metcalf NWR, etc). There is a great bike path that runs from lolo to Hamilton and will soon connect to Missoula. It's a great way to do your own shuttles if you float the river. I will also say that while there is a "hippie" element to Missoula - there are also a ton of great conservation minded sportsmen in the area.

Welcome.