Helena, Montana

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IEC

IEC

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What's it like? I already checked wiki, housing prices, craigslist etc. but want to hear from any ATOTers who have experience living/working in Helena or in that area of Montana in general. I have an offer there and am doing my research prior to committing.

The surroundings at least are beautiful. Being a small town is okay too. FWIW I'm not white, but don't think it would matter in MT (correct me if I'm wrong).

Chime in :)
 
Modelworks

Modelworks

Lifer
Feb 22, 2007
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Everyone knows that Montana doesn't really exist. Have you ever met anyone from Montana ? :)
 
IEC

IEC

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Originally posted by: Modelworks
Everyone knows that Montana doesn't really exist. Have you ever met anyone from Montana ? :)
Click to expand...

Know someone I went to high school with who lived in Billings. Also somebody else who went to MSU Bozeman. Guess I should be asking them what they think of Helena.
 
n7

n7

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Jan 4, 2004
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I got an aunt, uncle, & cousins near Billings.

Montana reminds me of here (Alberta)...it's pretty similar in many ways.

Mountains neaby is always a + IMO :)
 
JMapleton

JMapleton

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Nov 19, 2008
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I prefer to be in large urban centers but it would be nice to go hiking in some forested areas of Montana.
 
BoomerD

BoomerD

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Feb 26, 2006
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Originally posted by: n7
I got an aunt, uncle, & cousins near Billings.

Montana reminds me of here (Alberta)...it's pretty similar in many ways.

Mountains neaby is always a + IMO :)
Click to expand...

Billings is NOT Montana...contrary to what people try to convince everyone...it's the armpit of the west. (ok, it's NEAR the armpit of the west...Coalstrip MT. :D

The "REAL" Montana is farther west...in the mountains...:p


I worked all over western Montana before we moved to Kahleeforneeya, mostly between the Idaho state line and Bozeman, and up to Great Falls.
I worked on a couple of road and bridge jobs in the general Helena area in the 70's.
IIRC, the last time I went through Helena was about 1986, so anything I remember about the place is probably not too current...

You say:
FWIW I'm not white, but don't think it would matter in MT (correct me if I'm wrong).
Click to expand...

I guess that would depend on what race/nationality you are...there are LOTS of Native Americans in most of Montana, many Hispanics, some of the towns have small Chinese populations, mostly decendants of the railroad workers in the 1800's, (with lots of recent immigrants as well). Blacks aren't as common as in many parts of the USA, and Indians (dot not feather) used to be few and far between.
When I worked there, the crews were usually a mix of whites, Blacks, & Native Americans, with an occasional Hispanic.

Like anyplace, you may be judged at first for your appearance, but that is USUALLY replaced by judgement on your character and actions.
 
P

Parasitic

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Aug 17, 2002
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A state that okayed unrestricted speed limits then took it away because some dick cop wanted to ticket a guy doesn't exist in my book.
 
IEC

IEC

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Jun 10, 2004
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Originally posted by: Parasitic
A state that okayed unrestricted speed limits then took it away because some dick cop wanted to ticket a guy doesn't exist in my book.
Click to expand...

It's official, I have an offer to go to the Bermuda triangle :(
 
LtPage1

LtPage1

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Jan 15, 2004
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I think we've accounted for over half the state's population in this thread.
 
BoomerD

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
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Originally posted by: LtPage1
I think we've accounted for over half the state's population in this thread.
Click to expand...

close...I think the Montana population, (not counting sheep...baa-aa-aa-by) is about 940,000.

Montana...where the men are men, and the sheep are nervous.
 
SarcasticDwarf

SarcasticDwarf

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Jun 8, 2001
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Yup. I live in Helena, Montana right now (moved here last year).

Helena is a VERY odd town in so many ways. While the actual population is ~30k, there is the infrastructure of a much larger city (largely because the nearest "larger" city is Boise at 550 miles away). Shopping wise there are two Albertsons, one Safeway, Costco, Walmart, Staples, Office Depot, Radio Shack, ~5 outdoors stores, etc. All in a small town. The other thing to keep in mind is that there are a LOT of "cultural" activities going on every day. Music is available at at least 3-4 nights at a number of locations every week. A lot of people are into dancing. But ultimately the major recreational activity is hunting/fishing/hiking/camping/hitting wildlife with your car.

Also keep in mind that Helena (and Montana in general) is not very up on technology. The best place BY FAR to look for a rental is the local newspaper classifieds. I have a large living room you are welcome to crash at for a while if needed.
 
Kaido

Kaido

Elite Member & Kitchen Overlord
Feb 14, 2004
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Originally posted by: Modelworks
Everyone knows that Montana doesn't really exist. Have you ever met anyone from Montana ? :)
Click to expand...

It's true :Q
 
X

xSauronx

Lifer
Jul 14, 2000
19,582
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Originally posted by: Spartan Niner
What's it like? I already checked wiki, housing prices, craigslist etc. but want to hear from any ATOTers who have experience living/working in Helena or in that area of Montana in general. I have an offer there and am doing my research prior to committing.

The surroundings at least are beautiful. Being a small town is okay too. FWIW I'm not white, but don't think it would matter in MT (correct me if I'm wrong).

Chime in :)
Click to expand...

jeebus, to montana from durham?

hell of a change.
 
compman25

compman25

Diamond Member
Jan 12, 2006
3,767
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Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf
Yup. I live in Helena, Montana right now (moved here last year).

Helena is a VERY odd town in so many ways. While the actual population is ~30k, there is the infrastructure of a much larger city (largely because the nearest "larger" city is Boise at 550 miles away). Shopping wise there are two Albertsons, one Safeway, Costco, Walmart, Staples, Office Depot, Radio Shack, ~5 outdoors stores, etc. All in a small town. The other thing to keep in mind is that there are a LOT of "cultural" activities going on every day. Music is available at at least 3-4 nights at a number of locations every week. A lot of people are into dancing. But ultimately the major recreational activity is hunting/fishing/hiking/camping/hitting wildlife with your car.

Also keep in mind that Helena (and Montana in general) is not very up on technology. The best place BY FAR to look for a rental is the local newspaper classifieds. I have a large living room you are welcome to crash at for a while if needed.
Click to expand...

Hmm, I'm only 310 miles away in a city with over 200,000 people and almost 500,000 in the metro area, is that not a larger city?
 
SarcasticDwarf

SarcasticDwarf

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2001
9,574
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76
Originally posted by: compman25
Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf
Yup. I live in Helena, Montana right now (moved here last year).

Helena is a VERY odd town in so many ways. While the actual population is ~30k, there is the infrastructure of a much larger city (largely because the nearest "larger" city is Boise at 550 miles away). Shopping wise there are two Albertsons, one Safeway, Costco, Walmart, Staples, Office Depot, Radio Shack, ~5 outdoors stores, etc. All in a small town. The other thing to keep in mind is that there are a LOT of "cultural" activities going on every day. Music is available at at least 3-4 nights at a number of locations every week. A lot of people are into dancing. But ultimately the major recreational activity is hunting/fishing/hiking/camping/hitting wildlife with your car.

Also keep in mind that Helena (and Montana in general) is not very up on technology. The best place BY FAR to look for a rental is the local newspaper classifieds. I have a large living room you are welcome to crash at for a while if needed.
Click to expand...

Hmm, I'm only 310 miles away in a city with over 200,000 people and almost 500,000 in the metro area, is that not a larger city?
Click to expand...

It depends on your definition. On a national level I think Boise would be the nearest larger city.
 
IEC

IEC

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Super Moderator
Jun 10, 2004
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Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf
hmm, op, where are you...................
Click to expand...

Out of classes + work (finally) :D
 
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