Vacation vs Living Here
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3/31/2008
Kalispell is a great place to vacation if you like outdoor recreation or beautiful scenery. But if you’re thinking of moving here be prepared: there are definitely not 151 sunny days – there are about 70 (trust me, I’ve been here for years - and check the chamber’s page too). Kiss the stars goodbye – it’s always cloudy. Expect to miss all wonderful astronomical events because of this. The Flathead Valley has only 6 weeks of true summer weather (shorts & tshirts) – beyond that you will be wearing jackets and pants at some point every day or you will be cold. Lakes and rivers don’t get real warm, even in the summer. Winters are mild, but it’s definitely a long, dark season with short daylight hours, and thick cloud cover – expect to have SAD most of the year. Job opportunities are limited, and often seasonal. People with college degrees can expect to do work that does not require a degree. The cost of living (especially housing) is expensive in comparison to average earnings. The average Joe needs a working spouse to afford an entry-level house. Property taxes are high. Communities are highly conservative-Christian. Social hot spots are non-existent. Shopping is limited, but improving due to area growth. There is a community college, but no university. If you like to read genres other than fiction, expect to use inter-library loan. Airline ticket prices are off the charts! On the upside, it is a safe and caring community, still fairly quiet, and definitely beautiful all year long. Great views, no tall buildings around. There is no sales tax and you don’t have to wait in line anywhere.
Brett | Kalispell, MT