Montana is a nice little secret for now
Those of us who were drawn here for the slower pace of life, soon discovered some of the Flathead Valley's best kept secrets, such as Glacier National Park, Big Mountain, Flathead Lake, and were pleasantly surprised to find the variety and quality of the communities surrounding the area and the plentiful recreational pastimes that are all within close proximity. Having spent that last 15 years in the Flathead discovering my passions and blending work, play and family almost without a hitch, I was disenchanted to read the Missoulian article on November 9, regarding branding Montana to make it more appealing to out of state visitors. Although I am a realist and recognize that we are becoming and eventually will be a much larger state when the Californians complete their invasion, I really don't want to share. I have enjoyed this valley with its scarce crowds, welcoming locals and rural pace. I have enjoyed filling my wardrobe with jeans and not worrying about commuting to my job. I am still enjoying waking up and being able to choose between multiple world class parks, forests, golf courses and skiing, as ways to spend my days. I am not inclined to help Travel Montana in their efforts to deliver a consistent message. Anyone else feel the same? What does living in Montana mean to you? Please let us know your thoughts.
View the Missoulian article at this link
To share more thoughts on Montana relocation email me at: relocation@cbwrealestate.com
Living in Montana to me means that when my car breaks down, it won't be long before I get help.
Late this summer after attending a classic car show, my husband and I were driving our classic car home when we had an unexpected mechanical failure that left us at a standstill on the side of the road. Not knowing how far help might be, my husband and I agreed that he would go for help and I would remain with the car. Five minutes later the first passerby slowed and inquired if I needed assistance. I thanked him but told him my husband had gone for help. The next two cars slowed, and only kept going after I gave them a thumbs up. Several other cars passed but then a husband and wife stopped, and after inquiring what had happened, also wanted to know about the classic car club of which we are members. By the time they finally left, we'd had a nice visit, and they had the name and meeting times of our car club which they said they might look into joining. They waved and smiled as they drove away and I felt like I had made two new friends. The next guy drove right past me, slowed a little, but continued to the interstate. "Well" I thought, "finally someone who didn't stop". Funny thing though, as he neared the interstate, I saw his brake lights as he pulled a u-turn and headed back my way. "Young lady", the older gentleman said gruffly, "I'm embarrassed to say that I passed you the first time - but I couldn't do it. I turned around and came back, what can I do to help?" I thanked him and told him that I appreciated his stopping but that my husband would return shortly. He nodded, turned around again and headed back towards the interstate. Just then, a pickup truck came around the corner and out jumped my husband and a thirty-something guy wearing Carharts and a broad smile. "Tough luck" he said shaking his head like he'd been there before, then he and my husband got to work.
15 minutes later we were back on the road and as we drove, I pondered how safe it felt to live in a place where friendly folks that I would probably never see again stopped what they were doing on a busy day to help another human in need. "You know", I said to my husband as we drove home, "things like that are why I love living in Montana.
If people want to move here who want friendly neighbors, and who want to be friendly neighbors in return, I say come on over. You couldn't choose a better place.
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