Not everyone is lucky enough to be born in Montana. Sadly, some people have to discover its splendor later in life. But Montana life doesn’t come with a manual, so there are some things our transplants have to learn pretty quickly about the Treasure State. These are a few of them.
- The people are warmer than the temperatures.
Lance Fisher / Flickr Montanans are, for the most part, a very kind-hearted bunch. As long as you’re a polite, friendly person, you can expect to be treated with respect.
- But seriously, it gets cold here.
Eric Moreno / Flickr A lot of people are unprepared for the frigid winters we experience here, especially if they come from warmer climates. You’d better learn to love snowy landscapes and dressing in layers if you want to be happy in Montana.
- Not paying sales tax is awesome.
Ann Larie Valentine / Flickr Other than a very small tax in our resort towns and tourist areas, Montana is sales tax-free. It doesn’t take you long to learn (and love) that.
- Montana is enormous.
Loco Steve / Flickr If you move here and decide to try and explore the state in a single weekend, you’ll realize how big it really is.
- If you don’t enjoy the great outdoors, Montana may not be for you.
Jonathan C. Wheeler / Flickr This doesn’t mean you have to be an avid skier or hiker, but if you don’t enjoy some sort of outdoor activity (or at least camping), living in the Treasure State seems kind of pointless.
- Our Flathead cherries are the best…
Julie / Flickr
- … and so are our huckleberries.
Julie / Flickr
- You will not find a more prideful group of people anywhere.
Brian Kingsley / Flickr Montanans love their home, and for good reason. So if you’re new, don’t imply that your old home was better or that you’d like to change anything about Montana. Trust us.
- Our “big cities” may be different than the big cities you’re used to.
Micah Sheldon / Flickr This is Missoula, population 70,000. Billings has a population of around 109,000. Our biggest cities would be considered mid-sized anywhere else, but they still have all the amenities you’d expect in a populated area (and they’re beautiful).
- MOST of the silly stereotypes you’ve heard about Montana aren’t true.
Sean Kimmel / Flickr We have electricity, WiFi, cars, and other modern conveniences. Montanans do tend to drive fast, however. We can’t help it—we live in a giant state and we have places to be.
- The summers make up for the winters.
Always Shooting / Flickr Summer weather may arrive a little later than you’re used to, but it’s definitely worth the wait. Montana summers are gorgeous.
- Strangers may wave at you. This is not a bad thing.
Beverly & Pack / Flickr If you see a friendly wave when you’re driving down the road, smile and wave back. This is a Montanan politely acknowledging your existence.
- You’ll (probably) love it here.
Dave Sizer / Flickr Montana isn’t for everyone. But more often than not, whether it’s their parents, a job, a relationship or curiosity that brings them here, people tend to end up loving it. It just has that effect on people.
One thing most Montanans old and new can agree on: The state is highly underrated.
Lance Fisher / Flickr
Montanans are, for the most part, a very kind-hearted bunch. As long as you’re a polite, friendly person, you can expect to be treated with respect.
Eric Moreno / Flickr
A lot of people are unprepared for the frigid winters we experience here, especially if they come from warmer climates. You’d better learn to love snowy landscapes and dressing in layers if you want to be happy in Montana.
Ann Larie Valentine / Flickr
Other than a very small tax in our resort towns and tourist areas, Montana is sales tax-free. It doesn’t take you long to learn (and love) that.
Loco Steve / Flickr
If you move here and decide to try and explore the state in a single weekend, you’ll realize how big it really is.
Jonathan C. Wheeler / Flickr
This doesn’t mean you have to be an avid skier or hiker, but if you don’t enjoy some sort of outdoor activity (or at least camping), living in the Treasure State seems kind of pointless.
Julie / Flickr
Brian Kingsley / Flickr
Montanans love their home, and for good reason. So if you’re new, don’t imply that your old home was better or that you’d like to change anything about Montana. Trust us.
Micah Sheldon / Flickr
This is Missoula, population 70,000. Billings has a population of around 109,000. Our biggest cities would be considered mid-sized anywhere else, but they still have all the amenities you’d expect in a populated area (and they’re beautiful).
Sean Kimmel / Flickr
We have electricity, WiFi, cars, and other modern conveniences. Montanans do tend to drive fast, however. We can’t help it—we live in a giant state and we have places to be.
Always Shooting / Flickr
Summer weather may arrive a little later than you’re used to, but it’s definitely worth the wait. Montana summers are gorgeous.
Beverly & Pack / Flickr
If you see a friendly wave when you’re driving down the road, smile and wave back. This is a Montanan politely acknowledging your existence.
Dave Sizer / Flickr
Montana isn’t for everyone. But more often than not, whether it’s their parents, a job, a relationship or curiosity that brings them here, people tend to end up loving it. It just has that effect on people.
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