Montana Living: The Real Pros and Cons Compared to Other States

Whether you were born and raised here or you’re dreaming of a big move, Montana has a lot to offer—but it’s not for everyone. As more people look to escape crowded cities, the Big Sky State continues to draw attention. So what’s it really like to live in Montana, and how does it stack up against other states?

Here’s a no-nonsense look at the pros and cons of living in Montana vs. other places across the country.

Pro #1: Natural Beauty and Outdoor Lifestyle

Montana is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the U.S.—from Glacier National Park to the wide-open plains of the east. Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, skiing, or just enjoying the view, it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise.

Compared to other states: Places like California and Colorado also offer outdoor beauty, but they come with higher cost of living and overcrowding.

Pro #2: Low Population Density = Peace and Quiet

If you’re tired of traffic, noise, and overdevelopment, Montana delivers a slower pace of life. Even in its larger cities like Bozeman and Missoula, you can still find wide-open spaces just minutes away.

Compared to other states: Montana has one of the lowest population densities in the country, making it a stark contrast to states like New York or Florida.

Pro #3: Strong Sense of Community

Montana towns often feel like extended families. People help each other, wave at strangers, and support local businesses. There’s pride in being local here.

Compared to other states: You may not find this kind of neighborly culture in big metro areas across the country.

Pro #4: Business-Friendly Environment

Montana has no sales tax and a relatively low regulatory burden. It’s a good place to start a small business if you’re willing to hustle.

Compared to other states: States like California and New York are notoriously tough on small businesses due to red tape and high taxes.

Con #1: Harsh Winters

Let’s be honest—winters in Montana can be brutal. Sub-zero temps, icy roads, and months of snow aren’t for everyone.

Compared to other states: If you prefer palm trees and flip-flops year-round, you’ll find Montana winters tough compared to Arizona, Texas, or California.

Con #2: Limited Access to Big City Amenities

Montana doesn’t have major league sports teams, huge shopping malls, or five-star international airports. If you want those things, you may feel a little isolated.

Compared to other states: States like Illinois, Nevada, or Washington offer more entertainment and urban convenience.

Con #3: Job Market Can Be Tough

Unless you’re in healthcare, education, trades, or remote work, finding high-paying jobs can be a challenge. Many Montanans work multiple jobs or start their own businesses (like we did!).

Compared to other states: Larger states with booming economies (like Texas or North Carolina) may offer more career diversity and higher salaries.

Con #4: Limited Healthcare Options in Rural Areas

Cities like Bozeman and Missoula have solid hospitals, but rural communities may have limited access to specialists or emergency care.

Compared to other states: Urban states generally offer better healthcare accessibility.

Owning a Restoration Business in Montana: Unique Pros and Cons

Starting and running a restoration business in Montana comes with its own unique set of rewards and hurdles—especially for women entrepreneurs.

Pro: There’s strong demand for restoration services in a state where extreme weather, older housing stock, and seasonal disasters create consistent needs for water, fire, and mold remediation. As a woman-owned business, you may also qualify for grants, contracts, and community support specifically aimed at empowering female business leaders.

Con: The small population and vast rural areas can mean limited workforce availability and higher travel costs. Breaking into a male-dominated industry as a woman can also come with challenges in perception and access to funding. But with resilience and high-quality service, it’s possible to not only compete—but lead.

At Right Now Cleaning & Restoration, we’ve built our reputation on integrity, hard work, and community connection—values that matter even more in a tight-knit state like Montana.

Final Thoughts: Is Montana Right for You?

Montana is a place where independence, resilience, and connection to the land still matter. It’s not a fit for everyone, but for those who crave wide-open skies, honest work, and strong community values, Montana might just be the perfect place to call home.

Whether you’re thinking of moving here or you’re already a proud Montanan, there are always trade-offs. But if you’re like us at Right Now Cleaning & Restoration, you know there’s no place like it.