Moving To Montana? It’s Best To Avoid These Popular Towns.

For those reading this and thinking about moving to Montana, I have some helpful tips you may want to consider before you go out and reserve that Uhaul.

First, Montana is a beautiful place with lots to do and see, especially if you are a lover of the outdoors.  From National and State Parks to a plethora of hiking and skiing trails, Montana is one of a kind, but it might not be for everyone.

Winters are long and brutal, some locals aren't partially friendly to outsiders, and several critters can and will kill you that call Montana home.

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Having said all that, if you're still thinking about joining the "Montana Migration" here is something else to think about. It's not a cheap place to live. The popular towns across The Treasure State come with a hefty price, especially when you're talking about housing.

Big towns you should avoid if you're thinking about moving to Montana.

Bozeman is one of the fastest-growing towns in the country and for good reason. Bozeman is close to world-class skiing, and fishing, and also has a thriving downtown. However, it's also one of the most expensive when it comes to living expenses. Sure, you can make 20 bucks an hour working fast food, but an apartment is going to cost you a couple of grand a month. So, unless you have a nice little nest egg, you have 5 roommates, or are willing to work 3 jobs, you might want to skip moving to Bozeman.

Missoula is another town that has a lot going for it. It's a fun, eclectic town that is filled with lots of social activities for both those single and ready to mingle, as well as those with a family, but much like Bozeman, it's expensive. Housing and rentals are hard to come by and if you have a master's degree in English Lit but are working part-time as a Barista while trying to write the next great American novel, you might struggle a bit.

Maybe living in a bigger town isn't what you're looking for, maybe you're looking for small-town charm. While Montana has some wonderful small towns, some of the popular ones are very pricey.

Small towns you should avoid if you're thinking about moving to Montana.

Whitefish is one of the most popular towns in Big Sky Country. Not only are residents right next to Glacier National Park, but there are also tons of outdoor activities with close access to skiing during the winter and enjoying the water during the summer. Whitefish has long been a popular place for tourists, as well as a handful of celebrities that call the area home. Of course, all of that beauty comes at a price, and living in Whitefish isn't cheap.

Livingston is a hop, skip, and jump from the infamous Paradise Valley and has one of the most charming downtowns in not only Montana but the entire United States. While just a short drive from Bozeman, Livingston is located on the Yellowstone River and the town and surrounding area were featured prominently in the movie "A River Runs Through It". While Livingston isn't as expensive as the other towns on this list, it will still cost you a pretty penny to call this town home.

Of course, other Montana towns are expensive to live in as well. So if you're thinking of moving to Big Sky Country, make sure that you're prepared for what living in Montana requires.