Posted: 1/6/2010 9:15:46 PM EDT
What is it like? There is a job there I'm considering and wondering a little about the area. I've been in Missoula, Butte, and that part of the state but never up to Helena (at least not since '77). Have a wife and 8 y.o son who absolutely love being outdoors. What is the cost of housing, general living, and very importatnly, how are the schools? If the schools suck, I'm not even going to consider the area. We already have that where I'm at. 
Thanks for any info and/or links you can provide! Off to go see what else I can find on the area. |
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I live in the Helena area (North Hills) and I think it is great. I'm originally from Butte and would rather live there but Helena is a close second. No kids so I don't know much about the schools.
Nearby shooting range: Last Chance handgunners |
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I live in the Helena area (North Hills) and I think it is great. Anything you can tell me about property cost? I don't do well with close neighbors.  I looked in the Helena paper and there wasn't much listed. houses in town seemed reasonably priced (compared to WA, anyway).
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I hope that Lincolndz will jump in here. I grew up in Helena, and currently live north of town in the sticks. :) The price of housing is subjective compared to where you are coming from. To get some land with a house, you either need to head to the north valley, or south to Montana City or Jefferson City. If you don't mind a 25 mile commute, you could even head to Boulder. Sometimes you can find places out in Birdseye. You could also head more towards the east valley, which will likely show up as East Helena. I would expect that you will be looking to start at $300k for a few acres and a house. Overall the schools are pretty good, but I believe that the ones that are outside of Helena proper are better. -Corn |
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I'm in the Helena valley (east valley). I was born and raised here. As for your most important question - schools; sorry, but I don't have personal experience. I went to a private school and we home school our children. However, I have friends with children in public schools and have heard no complaints. I have heard that the school in MT City (4 miles south of Helena just across the Jefferson County line) is a great school.
I have 1.25 acres and a 2400 sq ft house that appraised for $220,000 two years ago. Jefferson City and Montana City are good suggestions for housing. Though, Montana City will be a bit more costly. That area is growing pretty fast. Winters here aren't too bad. Usually most of the snow is dumped before storms make it over the Continental Divide, but we can get our share of snow. Winds aren't bad in most of the valley, but up in the northwest corner of the valley there are heavy winds. |
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Helena is a government town. As such it passes its mill levies and supports public education. It also has one of very few public school Montissori (sp?) programs in the U.S.A. Education system is fine.
Housing in town is quite reasonable. I live four blocks from the Capitol building and two blocks from a trailhead into the publicly owned South Hills system (whcih connects to Natl' Forest Service). Bought my house in 2003 for under $100k. I had to fix it up quite a bit, but similar houses still available for under $170k. If you want land (and to manage your own septic, etc.) it'll cost more. I think its better to live near your job, your kids' schools, etc. and save up for a cabin for the weekends. The common complaint about Helena is that it's a quiet town. Not much nightlife. If that's your thing, you may not like it here. If you're not a barfly, you'll be fine. |
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<snip> The common complaint about Helena is that it's a quiet town. Not much nightlife. If that's your thing, you may not like it here. If you're not a barfly, you'll be fine. I'm not exactly known for getting out at night. That wouldn't be a problem adn is actually somewhat desireable in my book. Just have to see how this works out. |