Missoula, Montana
What It Is Like to Retire in Missoula
Missoula Montana is the second largest city in the state and the home of the University of Montana. It has many parks and various cultural activities. “A River Runs Through It” was set in nearby Blackfoot River, although it was filmed elsewhere in Montana. This small but growing town of 67,000 excels at outdoor activities and recreation due to the many rivers and mountains in this part of Montana. The college town environment gives the Missoula plenty of youthful energy. The town is proud to have a number of micro breweries. Photo of Ancient wave-cut shorelines are visible on the edge of Mount Sentinel, courtesy of Wikipedia and USGS (public domain).
Missoula is the county seat of Missoula County. Spokane is the nearest city.
Where to Retire in Missoula and Home Prices
Real estate is more costly than the national average. Zillow reports the median home value to be $333,236 in early 2020.
What Is Special about Missoula
Small college town. Evergreen forests and Mount Baker ski resort. Great hunting and fly-fishing (Golden Triangle). Blue Mountain recreation area. Montana Snow Bowl. A River Runs Through It was set in nearby Blackfoot River. Forest Service Smokejumpers base. Designated as a bicycle friendly town. No state sales tax
What Is Not Special about Missoula
Property crime is higher than national average, although violent crime is low. It is somewhat remote, and the winters cold.
Who Will Like Retirement in Missoula
College students and alumni generally love living in Missoula. People who crave the mountains and the American west, and who enjoy mountain sports such as skiing and hiking will thrive in Missoula. Some of the people who live here use to be hippies - or maybe they still are.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Education, medical, tourism, National Forest Service, and agriculture drive the economy of Missoula. The unemployment level is several points below the national average.
Climate and Physical Environment
Missoula is located in west central Montana in the deep Bitterroot Valley, surrounded by mountains. There are 3 major rivers, the Clark Fork River, the Bitterroot River and the Blackfoot River. Idaho is nearby. The city is located in the center of the large, ancient Glacial Lake Missoula. Missoula Google Map
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
• The historic Wilma Theatre hosts the International Wildlife Film Festival. • Missoula Children’s Theatre • Active local music scene • The university hosts many cultural programs • The Lewis and Clark Outdoor Art Gala • The University's School of Visual and Performing Arts puts on 20 to 30 different performances each month • For people looking to take classes there is the he Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Crime
The crime rate in Missoula is lower than the national average.
Medical facilities
There are more hospital beds per capita than national average in Missoula. The 2 hospitals are Community Medical Center and St. Patrick Hospital.
Transportation
Missoula International is about 6 miles with limited service. Glacier Park International is 101 miles.
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