Perhaps the most amazing thing about Montana is the staggering amount of geographic and cultural diversity that exists within its borders.  So where to live in the 406 is largely dependent upon the kind of life you want to lead.

 

The Eastern half of the state is more agricultural, defined by rolling hills and open prairies, small-town communities, farming, and a slow, relaxed lifestyle.  Rodeos are common at major holidays, and fairs and other traditional events mark the summer months.  People from Eastern Montana pride themselves on their ability live an upright, self-governing life and are usually skilled in many trades, from hunting to vehicle repair to home building.  They value family and God and enjoy the satisfaction of living in accordance with those values.  Havre, Miles City, and even Montana's biggest city, Billings, are great places to investigate if this lifestyle sounds like the one for you.

 

As you approach the Western side of the state, the gentle hills gradually turn to towering mountains and winding rivers.  Most of the major populations centers exist in the West, and much of the progressive thinking that is often found on the West Coast of the United States also exists here.  The outdoor lifestyle is the supreme value for many in Western Montana, and you'll find people blending work and play, social activism with community building.  Cities like Bozeman and Missoula are host to Division One universities and the expected cultural opportunities of sports, music, and entertainment are only increasing each year.  Kalispell and Whitefish sit at the door to Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake, providing an endless paradise for summer and winter enthusiasts alike to explore the beauty of the mountains.