Comments on Missoula and other areas of the NW?

[tmberro]

Hey guys, looking for some comments on the following areas.

I am flying out to Spokane tomorrow morning for a job interview in Missoula Montana. The company has offices in Spokane, Missoula, Whitefish, and Bend.

Does anyone have any comments about Missoula or any of the above cities?

I am a 23 year old structural engineer. I am from a small town in Upper Michigan. My hobbies include: riding sleds and dirt bikes, watersports, hunting, and fishing. Are any of these the right area for me?

Thanks!

 

[rmscustom]

Which company are you interviewing for?

 

[av8er]

you honestly can't go wrong with either of those 4 locations

Great sledding would be easier to find in Missoula, or whitefish, the cost of renting a house in kalispell is about $200-$300 less a month than missoula, but about =$100-$200 more in whitefish. Misooua college town, whitefish tourist town. Spokane is the bigger city but it is pretty low 2385 elevation, kalispell is 2972 elevation. I personally live in Kalispell.

 

[rmscustom]

I have a good friend that lives in Lolo and works for Rigging International-Saren in Missoula. Awesome area for sledding and everything else your looking for. If you want some info from him PM me and I'll get you his contact info.

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

cost of living is a little high in whitefish, family just moved down from there. but the riding is amazing in most every direction. 20 miles gets you endless riding. Only issue is at 23, your a minority there. its a rich old folks and tourist town.

 

[Scott]

Missoula's elevation is about 3200. It's a good place to live.
a LOT of outdoor recreational opportunities of all types in all directions.

 

[go high fast]

23 yr old structural engineer. Awesome.

Disregard the hobbies and go with the location that offers you the best job opportunity and best chance for advancement.

All things being equal, I would do Whitefish. Do Missoula if your employer will pay for your MBA classes in the evening.

 

[tmberro]

Just landed from my trip. Interview went well. The position is the same no matter the location, except whitefish. They do not have what I need there.

Here is what I could gather from my short time in each place.

Missoula:
Has a nice small town feel. The people I talked to were friendly and loved Missoula. They wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Seems like you can get out of town quickly to enjoy outdoor activities. But the closest boating lake is an hour away??

Spokane:
I didn't get to spend much time there, but the first thing I noticed was how busy it was everywhere. From Spokane to CDA, it was an urban sprawl. I was in a traffic jam this Sunday afternoon. Is that common? I really like CDA being that it is right on the water and would consider commuting to Spokane if I don't find something I like in Spokane. I major advantage I see living in Spokane is being closer to BC for riding and other outdoor activities. I spent some time in BC this weekend also. It feels like home with mountains! I could see myself spending time there.

Does this seem accurate? Sorry for any grammar, typed on my phone. I'll have more questions and comments when I get to a computer.

Thanks!

 

[jerrydecoy]

Spokane is a mess most of the time. I've lived in cda all my life and although its grown its still a pretty good spot to live. We have plenty of lakes, lots of outdoor rec and pretty darn good sledding close by. Though Montana is darn sure not a bad place to hang your hat!

 

[hilpulr]

Missoula

I have lived in Montana my whole life and Missoula the last 23 years. It is a nice town and close to some great sledding. The closest lake is 1 hour away but we dont notice the drive at all its worth it to be on a variety of lakes in 1 hour. PM me if you have more questions our group is always ready for new sledders ( especially young ones that can help me dig out!!)

 

[Scott]

I have lived in Montana my whole life and Missoula the last 23 years. It is a nice town and close to some great sledding. The closest lake is 1 hour away but we dont notice the drive at all its worth it to be on a variety of lakes in 1 hour. PM me if you have more questions our group is always ready for new sledders ( especially young ones that can help me dig out!!)

Exactly. The lakes are worth it.

Salmon Lake is just 40 mins from downtown on a slow day.