Any DUers in the Kalispell Montana area?

[truthseeker1]

We're seriously considering relocating there - probably White Fish, maybe Big Fork. I've heard it's pretty conservative and just wondering if any of the smaller areas (like maybe White Fish?) might be a bit more liberal. I discovered there's a big yoga center in WF, which is a good indication that there might be a liberal contingent there. We'll definitely need some other lefties to hang out with!

[greendog]

1. I live in Kalispell...

...it's pretty conservative, but not intolerable. You'll find a lot more liberal types in Whitefish or Bigfork but those places are getting pretty pricey.

[truthseeker1]

2. Hi greendog

:hi:
Yeah, I noticed the prices are pretty steep for some areas. But we're just going to rent for awhile - probably for a few years - we're going to ride out the real estate market drop and hopefully pick up a good deal at the bottom. The rentals don't seem to steep, although they seem to be pretty limited. I'm sure we'll find something though.

Is there a Costco in Kalispell? What about a Trader Joe's or at least a co-op where they sell organic food? I hate the thought of returning to the mass grocer!

[greendog]

3. We have a Costco and several health food stores in the valley...

...and you could consider renting/buying in Columbia Falls which is definitely blue collar but still reasonably priced. A lot of people are starting to look at it as the next "hot" place in the valley though that'll probably take 10 years.

Have you ever visited the area?

[truthseeker1]

6. Yes, we're considering Columbia Falls too

That would put us even closer to Glacier where we plan to spend a lot of time hiking and exploring :)
Yes, we've been to the area several times. We are both from MT - husband is from Circle and my family is from Bozeman (although I don't really count because I was raised mostly out of the state....dad was in the Air Force) - I also have family in Missoula (my grandmother, an aunt, an uncle, cousins) and my husband's brother and wife just moved to Big Fork from Idaho Falls. So, we're looking forward to being closer to family.

We'd like to be either close to one of the lakes, or close to Glacier. Whitefish seems good because it's close to the lake, the ski hill and not too far from Glacier. I have a feeling there may be more sunny days down on Flathead though. Is that true? Is Whitefish more cloudy than Flathead?

And how do you like Kalispell?

Thanks for all the info!

[greendog]

9. The whole valley tends to be a little cloudy...

...especially in the winter. The trade off around here is a grey winter for a summer with sunlight till after 10 pm.

"Big Mountain" the ski resort above Whitefish is known for being fogged in a lot. My skier friends like it because it's not as crowded as some of the sunnier resorts.

Do I like Kalispell? Well, it's the business hub of the valley so I can find the "stuff" I need close by, and it is fairly cheap...but it's not a terribly exiting place. The best thing about it is it's proximity to Glacier National Park, Flathead National Forest, and the various wilderness areas.

My personal favorite place around here is Polebridge in the North Fork Valley on the west side of Glacier. It's by the gate of the NW entrance to the park and close to Bowman and Kintla Lakes. Lots of interesting people up there and it's just a beautiful place. I lived there for a year and I wish I could move back up but it's just not a practical place to live.

[truthseeker1]

10. Polebridge, huh? I'll have to check that out

I've seen a few listings for there (houses) but wasn't sure where it was - thought maybe it was too remote - but will keep in mind your recommendation.

We've never been really impressed with Kalispell but thought maybe we hadn't given it a fair shake. We do love the pizza place in town - (there's probably more than one) Kind of a dark dive-y kind of place where you can throw your peanut shells on the floor. My husband swears it's the best pizza in the country! Not sure I agree, but it is pretty good.

Thanks again for all the info!

[greendog]

11. Lots of nice places up there...

...but you guessed the problem. It's too remote. The North Fork road is gravel and gets pretty rough sometimes. In the winter it can take as long as 1 1/2 hours to drive to C Falls. Also there's no electricity and very few telephones.

Think of it as a great place to visit for a weekend...especially in the fall!

The Pizza place you're talking about is Moose's. I've heard it's good...one day I'll have to try it. My favorite pizza around here can be had on "pizza night" (Friday) at the Northern Lights Saloon in Polebridge. It's worth the drive up there. :)

[C.C.D.]

4. The most liberal place here, I think, is Missoula

Never been anywhere around Kalispell.

[Flaxbee]

5. Bozeman's pretty liberal, too...

but I don't know how far away that is for you... pretty far, if I remember correctly.

[truthseeker1]

8. Freeper family is there

Rules THAT one out! My bro just ran for state assembly - dad just worked on the Repub gov. campaign. It's very hot and heavy with them - I'm just a lib from Hollywood to them. It's no fun being there :(

[truthseeker1]

7. I like Missoula

but my husband doesn't really care for it. I lived there for awhile about 15 years ago and man, the smell! That Stone Container really stinks up the joint.

Plus we really want to be near water (well, *I* really want to be near water!) - I finally gave in and said I'd be willing to give up the beach and the ocean if we could be near a lake :)