bub DC to UTEP

[uofmman1122]

Billings is the best town in Montana to live in as adult. Best economy and more affordable than the other major cities. Art and food scene is also the best in the state.

Two things that would make Billings #1 by an even wider margin.

1. More walkable downtown
2. Residents more willing to spend money. We need a better rec center.

We did just get a Lava Island. It is awesome for the kids.

Growing up in Billings really tainted my perception of the place. I don't spend a ton of time there anymore unless I'm visiting family. Maybe if I lived there now in my adult years, I'd like it a lot more, but I don't really feel there's anything compelling me to move there from Missoula.

I don't know how else to describe it other than the vibes are terrible. lol

I've also spent more time in Bozeman in the last 2 years than I had in the previous 20, and the place is just awful. I thought the sprawl on the west end in Billings was getting bad, but it isn't even close to Bozeman.

 

[ilovethecats]

I've also spent more time in Bozeman in the last 2 years than I had in the previous 20, and the place is just awful. I thought the sprawl on the west end in Billings was getting bad, but it isn't even close to Bozeman.

Funny you say that because I spend almost all of my time there on the far west end, maybe even closer to Laurel and I love it over there. Great neighborhoods, decent food nearby, cool parks and walking trails, grocery nearby.

I hardly ever go downtown when I'm there so can't really comment on that though it seems nicer than it was when I'd go there 20 years ago. It just seems slower paced to me than Bozeman. I never feel like I'm stuck in traffic or waiting an hour to eat dinner out. Coming from Bozeman you have no idea how nice it is to find a nice place to eat, not have to wait forever to sit, get good service, and spend half the price. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this Bozeman guy would be defending Billings, but from where I'm sitting it's just better than Bozeman in so many ways for a middle-aged adult that doesn't yet have millions of dollars in my bank account.

 

[mthoopsfan]

Growing up in Billings really tainted my perception of the place. I don't spend a ton of time there anymore unless I'm visiting family. Maybe if I lived there now in my adult years, I'd like it a lot more, but I don't really feel there's anything compelling me to move there from Missoula.

I don't know how else to describe it other than the vibes are terrible. lol

I've also spent more time in Bozeman in the last 2 years than I had in the previous 20, and the place is just awful. I thought the sprawl on the west end in Billings was getting bad, but it isn't even close to Bozeman.

Speaking of spawl, Bozeman has been a good place for the family lumberyard in the last 75 years. And Big Sky, YC, the Gallatin Valley, Paradise Valley and Livingston haven't hurt the business either. I like Bozeman. I like Missoula better. If you're more familiar with Bozeman, you can often avoid traffic and crowds, and focus on the best stuff. The winter is too long, too snowy and too cold, unless you're totally into skiing and outdoor winter activities. Out-of-staters like Bozeman, but they also like Missoula and other parts of MT.

 

[horribilisfan8184]

Billings is the best town in Montana to live in as adult. Best economy and more affordable than the other major cities. Art and food scene is also the best in the state.

Two things that would make Billings #1 by an even wider margin.

1. More walkable downtown
2. Residents more willing to spend money. We need a better rec center.

We did just get a Lava Island. It is awesome for the kids.

I have to flat disagree. Billings has grown too fast for the City Council to handle. This unpreparedness has lead to a runaway crime rate. Never had my car broken into anywhere in Montana, but twice in last 3 years in Billings in motel parking lots. Yeah, shame on me. I didn't bring this up previously but Billings has absolutely the worst cancer care for any city of its size. I've had numerous friends over the years misdiagnosed or delayed diagnosed with cancers, that were told there's nothing that can be done, 6-18 mos to live. All got second opinions at places like MD Anderson, Baylor U Hospital, Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, where all received surgery and follow up care, and each lived a minimum of 5 years. The negatives of this city far outweigh the positives.

 

[ilovethecats]

Speaking of spawl, Bozeman has been a good place for the family lumberyard in the last 75 years. And Big Sky, YC, the Gallatin Valley, Paradise Valley and Livingston haven't hurt the business either. I like Bozeman. I like Missoula better. If you're more familiar with Bozeman, you can often avoid traffic and crowds, and focus on the best stuff. The winter is too long, too snowy and too cold, unless you're totally into skiing and outdoor winter activities. Out-of-staters like Bozeman, but they also like Missoula and other parts of MT.

You're correct about all you said hoops. But you're also the demographic that absolutely loves it here. And that's ok. You had a great career and now have money in the bank to do what you please. People with 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th homes in this valley love it and I totally get it. But for the average joe just trying to make ends meet, Bozeman just doesn't make sense. It's our population continues to grow, but many that have lived here forever are choosing to move on to live more comfortably.

I see both sides. I have been here my whole life and love many things about it here. I do great for myself but still see the stupidity going on. So many people who communities need just can't afford to live here. The we wonder why restaurant service is terrible, why there are long lines in every store, why it takes two hours for an oil change etc. The people working those jobs can't afford to live here. So while it has many perks for those well off, what it has become is killing the town as it once was.

Personally I'll be fine. But now that my kids are grown and gone, I just don't see the need to keep in the rat race this place has become.

 

[mthoopsfan]

You're correct about all you said hoops. But you're also the demographic that absolutely loves it here. And that's ok. You had a great career and now have money in the bank to do what you please. People with 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th homes in this valley love it and I totally get it. But for the average joe just trying to make ends meet, Bozeman just doesn't make sense. It's our population continues to grow, but many that have lived here forever are choosing to move on to live more comfortably.

I see both sides. I have been here my whole life and love many things about it here. I do great for myself but still see the stupidity going on. So many people who communities need just can't afford to live here. The we wonder why restaurant service is terrible, why there are long lines in every store, why it takes two hours for an oil change etc. The people working those jobs can't afford to live here. So while it has many perks for those well off, what it has become is killing the town as it once was.

Personally I'll be fine. But now that my kids are grown and gone, I just don't see the need to keep in the rat race this place has become.

Yes, the affordability, at least for housing, is truly horrible in the Bozeman area. Also, fairly bad in some other areas of MT including Missoula. I don't see the long lines for service, etc. in Bozeman, because I mostly do only the fun things there and a bit of shopping. In our Over 55 in Mesa AZ, where my Bozeman brother now has a place, there's a couple from Colorado whose son was a rb at MSU maybe 15 years ago. A guy in his late 70's or early 80's who played for the Griz. More Bozeman people than Missoula, but lots of MT. Also, Bison, Jackrabbit flags all over. Only 1 Bobcat and 1 Griz flag. It sounds like the Bison have a ton coming back, and even a QB or two. Lots of CFL fans here too. I often use the Dickenson brother card with the Canadians.

 

[CDAGRIZ]

You're correct about all you said hoops. But you're also the demographic that absolutely loves it here. And that's ok. You had a great career and now have money in the bank to do what you please. People with 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th homes in this valley love it and I totally get it. But for the average joe just trying to make ends meet, Bozeman just doesn't make sense. It's our population continues to grow, but many that have lived here forever are choosing to move on to live more comfortably.

I see both sides. I have been here my whole life and love many things about it here. I do great for myself but still see the stupidity going on. So many people who communities need just can't afford to live here. The we wonder why restaurant service is terrible, why there are long lines in every store, why it takes two hours for an oil change etc. The people working those jobs can't afford to live here. So while it has many perks for those well off, what it has become is killing the town as it once was.

Personally I'll be fine. But now that my kids are grown and gone, I just don't see the need to keep in the rat race this place has become.

I think sometimes when a small place grows in population, the infrastructure doesn't quite keep pace. When I visit my parents in the CDA area, it's incredible how much worse the traffic can be than where I live in Southern California. I'm sure that seems 100% counterintuitive, but it's 100% true.

 

[ilovethecats]

I think sometimes when a small place grows in population, the infrastructure doesn't quite keep pace. When I visit my parents in the CDA area, it's incredible how much worse the traffic can be than where I live in Southern California. I'm sure that seems 100% counterintuitive, but it's 100% true.

No doubt about it. I think that's why I'm literally less stressed driving in a place like Vegas than Bozeman. Mainly because it's just maddening here.

I was trying to get on the interstate about a month ago heading to Missoula. Taking 19th street it took me nearly an hour just to get ON the interstate. Nothing makes my blood boil more than watching a light change four times before I even get to it!

Probably the reason a place like Billings that is bigger and more people seems so much more laid back to me. I don't even notice traffic over there.

And yes, my little brother lives in Carlsbad and while I don't LOVE that traffic, at least it's expected and if you know where you're going it doesn't seem awful.

 

[uofmman1122]

No doubt about it. I think that's why I'm literally less stressed driving in a place like Vegas than Bozeman. Mainly because it's just maddening here.

I was trying to get on the interstate about a month ago heading to Missoula. Taking 19th street it took me nearly an hour just to get ON the interstate. Nothing makes my blood boil more than watching a light change four times before I even get to it!

Probably the reason a place like Billings that is bigger and more people seems so much more laid back to me. I don't even notice traffic over there.

And yes, my little brother lives in Carlsbad and while I don't LOVE that traffic, at least it's expected and if you know where you're going it doesn't seem awful.

For all the shit I give Billings, the road layout is very clearly organized and has awesome throughput.

When you have like 15 different ways to get from the west end to downtown or the south side that all take about the same amount of time it makes driving so much easier.

 

[HookedonGriz]

Average price for a home in Bozeman 695-715,000 depends on site.
In Missoula 555,000

That price is maybe for Three Forks now. Hell to buy a simple 3 bed, 2 bath, double garage, 2800 sq foot home in Bozeman or even Manhattan is 850k all day

 

[bigsky33]

Yes, the affordability, at least for housing, is truly horrible in the Bozeman area. Also, fairly bad in some other areas of MT including Missoula. I don't see the long lines for service, etc. in Bozeman, because I mostly do only the fun things there and a bit of shopping. In our Over 55 in Mesa AZ, where my Bozeman brother now has a place, there's a couple from Colorado whose son was a rb at MSU maybe 15 years ago. A guy in his late 70's or early 80's who played for the Griz. More Bozeman people than Missoula, but lots of MT. Also, Bison, Jackrabbit flags all over. Only 1 Bobcat and 1 Griz flag. It sounds like the Bison have a ton coming back, and even a QB or two. Lots of CFL fans here too. I often use the Dickenson brother card with the Can

I think sometimes when a small place grows in population, the infrastructure doesn't quite keep pace. When I visit my parents in the CDA area, it's incredible how much worse the traffic can be than where I live in Southern California. I'm sure that seems 100% counterintuitive, but it's 100% true.

Yes CDA, you nailed it. In Bozeman, the infrastructure has not at all kept pace. Trying to get around town nowadays is a freaking nightmare. Even if you know all the shortcuts, they don't work anymore. It seems like every intersection now gets backed-up. We are down in Mesa, AZ now, not far from Hoops, and the traffic here is like nothing compared to Bozeman. It is very easy to get around. Yes, Bozeman in the last few years has vastly changed and not for the better.

As far as losing Bobby Daly, I heard that co-dc Sean Howe is taking over. He has a lot of experience and has done a good job in his five years on the staff. The players really like him. I can't blame Bobby or Justine Mesa for leaving as they will be making a lot more money. I am sure it costs a lot less to live in El Paso and for Justin Mesa, getting an NFL opportunity is huge. Going to be an interesting year for the Bobcats with all the changes.

 

[Copper Griz]

I think sometimes when a small place grows in population, the infrastructure doesn't quite keep pace. When I visit my parents in the CDA area, it's incredible how much worse the traffic can be than where I live in Southern California. I'm sure that seems 100% counterintuitive, but it's 100% true.

CDA has certainly grown into something I never expected. Not just there, but everything by Post Falls and north to Canada. The west has been discovered and it isn’t benefiting the average citizen. I am not one to oppose or try to stop progress. I don’t have to like it though.

 

[bigsky33]

That price is maybe for Three Forks now. Hell to buy a simple 3 bed, 2 bath, double garage, 2800 sq foot home in Bozeman or even Manhattan is 850k all day

You are right on the home prices. It seems like Missoula is a few years behind Bozeman in home prices. Now that Bozeman is out of reach the rate of growth in Missoula will probably increase as it becomes the next hot spot. I see that the developer, Halloran, that has built all the big, ugly buildings in Bozeman, has been doing the same thing in Missoula. He moves to where the money is going.

 

[mtgriz]

Logjam and the Kettlehouse Amphitheater have made Missoula an even more solid #1 on the list.

 

[BDizzle]

I have to flat disagree. Billings has grown too fast for the City Council to handle. This unpreparedness has lead to a runaway crime rate. Never had my car broken into anywhere in Montana, but twice in last 3 years in Billings in motel parking lots. Yeah, shame on me. I didn't bring this up previously but Billings has absolutely the worst cancer care for any city of its size. I've had numerous friends over the years misdiagnosed or delayed diagnosed with cancers, that were told there's nothing that can be done, 6-18 mos to live. All got second opinions at places like MD Anderson, Baylor U Hospital, Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, where all received surgery and follow up care, and each lived a minimum of 5 years. The negatives of this city far outweigh the positives.

Billings definitely has some crime. Largest city in the state. Easy drive to denver. Close to the oil fields. We also are the main mental health hub in MT and close to a very large reservation. But I’ve lived here most of my adult life and had zero issues.

Billings has the two largest hospitals in the whole state. With one of them building a new billion dollar campus starting this year.

We also have medical schools and a new veterinary school opening up on the west end.

Soon Billings will have a state of the art hockey facility.

It’s a great growing city.

 

[goatcreekgriz]

Logjam and the Kettlehouse Amphitheater have made Missoula an even more solid #1 on the list.

This. And Missoula will also see more stadium concerts after the success of shows last summer. The entertainment options in Missoula place it head and shoulders above the others.

 

[BelierPeaux]

I have to flat disagree. Billings has grown too fast for the City Council to handle. This unpreparedness has lead to a runaway crime rate. Never had my car broken into anywhere in Montana, but twice in last 3 years in Billings in motel parking lots. Yeah, shame on me. I didn't bring this up previously but Billings has absolutely the worst cancer care for any city of its size. I've had numerous friends over the years misdiagnosed or delayed diagnosed with cancers, that were told there's nothing that can be done, 6-18 mos to live. All got second opinions at places like MD Anderson, Baylor U Hospital, Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, where all received surgery and follow up care, and each lived a minimum of 5 years. The negatives of this city far outweigh the positives.

Worst cancer care? Maybe, but let me introduce you to Dr. Weiner:

A Hospital Helped a Beloved Doctor’s Practice Flourish Even as It Suspected He Was Hurting Patients

Hailed as a savior upon his arrival in Helena, Dr. Thomas C. Weiner became a favorite of patients and his hospital’s highest earner. As the myth surrounding the high-profile oncologist grew, so did the trail of patient harm and suspicious deaths.

www.propublica.org

 

[AZGrizFan]

You're correct about all you said hoops. But you're also the demographic that absolutely loves it here. And that's ok. You had a great career and now have money in the bank to do what you please. People with 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th homes in this valley love it and I totally get it. But for the average joe just trying to make ends meet, Bozeman just doesn't make sense. It's our population continues to grow, but many that have lived here forever are choosing to move on to live more comfortably.

I see both sides. I have been here my whole life and love many things about it here. I do great for myself but still see the stupidity going on. So many people who communities need just can't afford to live here. The we wonder why restaurant service is terrible, why there are long lines in every store, why it takes two hours for an oil change etc. The people working those jobs can't afford to live here. So while it has many perks for those well off, what it has become is killing the town as it once was.

Personally I'll be fine. But now that my kids are grown and gone, I just don't see the need to keep in the rat race this place has become.

Thank Kevin Costner. He's going to single-handedly destroy the secret that WAS Montana...

 

[kemajic]

I didn't bring this up previously but Billings has absolutely the worst cancer care for any city of its size. I've had numerous friends over the years misdiagnosed or delayed diagnosed with cancers, that were told there's nothing that can be done, 6-18 mos to live. All got second opinions at places like MD Anderson, Baylor U Hospital, Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, where all received surgery and follow up care, and each lived a minimum of 5 years.

BS. The Intermountain oncology center is first rate for a MT frontier town. I have personal experience, not second hand comments from friends. Of course it is not MD Anderson, their Houston site is larger than my hometown.

 

[horribilisfan8184]

BS. The Intermountain oncology center is first rate for a MT frontier town. I have personal experience, not second hand comments from friends. Of course it is not MD Anderson, their Houston site is larger than my hometown.

I don't believe any of these folks I refer to were treated at St. V's. They include my golf tournament partner, my best man, and other close friends giving first hand information, not people's stories I heard about.

I no longer live in Billings, and do hope the recent hospital affiliation with Mayo has helped with these issues.