“I might be movin’ to Montana soon, just to raise me up a crop of dental floss,” sang the one and only Frank Zappa in another one of his typically offbeat songs. Montana has become an overnight sensation, with more and more Americans flocking to Big Sky state. In fact, the 2020 census indicated that Montana will gain a second seat in the House of Representatives. It’s not hard to see why people move to California, Texas, and Florida, but Montana? It takes some explaining, but once you see the top five reasons to move to Montana, you may pack your bags as well.
Low Taxes
New York, California, and Illinois feature some of the highest property taxes in the nation. If you’ve grown tired of these tax bills, the low property taxes of Montana could put some money back in your pocket. With an effective real estate tax rate that’s nearly 30 percent lower than the national average, homeownership in the Treasure State will build up your own personal treasury.
Room to Work
In a work-from-home world, you don’t need the hustle and bustle of the big city anymore if you don’t want it. As San Francisco and the Silicon Valley have taken on arguably more people than they can bear, we could be looking at a tech worker diaspora across the western United States. Salt Lake City and Boise have already seen an influx of tech labor digitally commuting back to Northern California. Missoula and Billings could see colonies of San Fran expats soon.
Growing Economy
Don’t want to telecommute? Look into local jobs. With a robust state university system and a growing tech sector, Montana’s knowledge economy is expanding by the year. Looking for something more blue-collar? Mining and timber are still major industries.
Unrivaled Outdoor Activities
Moving to Montana isn’t just about sitting at a different desk. If you love outdoor recreation, this is your state. Not only is Montana a great place to hike, bike, and explore, it’s one of the country’s best states for off-road excursions, featuring numerous off-road parks and trails for all-terrain enthusiasts.
Put Yourself First
One of the top five reasons to move to Montana is for you and your health. It’s no secret that the sedentary American lifestyle is an unhealthy one. Taking it so easy is hard on our bodies. We need to get fresh air and stay moving, and no state encourages that quite like Montana. Featuring one of the lowest obesity rates in the country, Montana culture is all about getting out in the great outdoors and enjoying life. It could be the change you need.