Why Montanans Are Giving Up on the ‘Last Best Place’

The Harsh Truth Behind Montanans Leaving

In the years that I've lived here, I've heard Montana described as "poverty with a view" numerous times.

That could explain why so many Montana residents are fleeing "The Last Best Place" in search of a better place.

Big Sky Dreams, Big Sky Prices

You'd have to be living under a rock to not have noticed or heard by now that the cost of housing in Montana has skyrocketed.

It's why there are apartment complexes in places like Bozeman that are literally empty, while people sleep in campers on the street.

Due to the rising cost of both buying a house and renting here in Big Sky country, people have left for greener pastures, or at least more green.

So Where Are They Going?

While Montana has a lot going for it, such as two wonderful national parks, if you can't afford to live here, what good does it all that matter?

People are going to go where there is opportunity to succeed, and if they can't find it here, can you blame them for leaving?

It's not just the younger demographic either; I've heard from people who are retirement age bemoan how expensive it's gotten to still call Montana home, especially those on a fixed income.

So if Montana is no longer the place to call home, where are they all moving to?

Find out in the gallery below.👇