Considering Kalispell for 2nd Home

[Money]

Confused in Kalispell wrote:

<quoted text>
Money,
How long have you lived here ? You sound like you don't like it here. May I ask why you live here then ? Thank you :)

Personal reasons.. I (do) like some things here, there are some unforgetable, wonderful people. I have always moved around all my life following my work in the timber industry. These personal reasons are keeping me here for atleast another 7-10 years. Then I will be free to move where I choose. Kind of enjoy the life of a gypsy. Because I know there is so much out there. I have traveled all over the U.S.

[Stay in CO]

FatherOfFourBoysKalispell wrote:

I have lived here 18 years. True, I'm not true native, but I've lived here long enough to know the tremendous growth that is going on. Also, true, the summer vacationers have increased the property taxes, especially in WhiteFish. But it is wrong not to encourage someone to move here because you want to keep the place to yourself. More people means better economy, more work, more money.
"Stay in Colorado, we don't want your money"
Don't you realize how selfish that sounds

I don't think it's selfish at all to want this valley to remain the way it has always been - to not want to ruin the views and mountains with fancy homes that are to only be used during the summer months by out of staters. What is selfish is wanting to build a million dollar home (or a cookie cutter home "development") on land that was once beautiful, open and full of wildlife for all to view and enjoy only to leave that home empty 10 months out of the year.
It's selfish to take from our beautiful valley what the summer offers and then leave us with the mess of the higher taxes.

It's selfish to have two homes when some people are struggle so afford one.(hard working honest decent people with a 2 income family) Want to buy 2 homes? Great - have one and give one to a deserving needy family.

Growth and out of state ways and attitudes are going to ruin what we all love about Montana and the Flathead Valley - it will be ruined and those same people that ruined it wont even realize what they've done because they weren't here when life was good. 20 years ago was best, but if we stop it now there is still time to salvage the valley.

So yeah - I don't want them, their fancy homes in my view or their money. And really, when I'm trying to get to work in the morning, I dont want all the out of state summer time cars jamming up the traffic.

[Money]

I've worked all over N.W Montana in the 20 years I have been here in Montana. I just didn't mean to get stuck here is all, in Kalispell.

[Confused in Kalispell]

Money wrote:

People come, people go, atleast Mr_Ed was polite enough to ask about moving here, while most people just do it and you can't stop it. I've watched towns all over grow. Alot of them all over the Pacific Northwest look so different from 24 years ago. So unless you want to live under a rock, you have to just accept it. When I was young I felt anger about change, exactly like some of the other posts written here, but it happens just about everywhere.

Money,

Thank you for your reply, but can you please tell me how long you have lived here ? As I said before you seem like you really don't like it here. I was just wandering why you are still here. Thank you in advance for your reply if any.

[Confused in Kalispell]

FatherOfFourBoysKalispell wrote:

I have lived here 18 years. True, I'm not true native, but I've lived here long enough to know the tremendous growth that is going on. Also, true, the summer vacationers have increased the property taxes, especially in WhiteFish. But it is wrong not to encourage someone to move here because you want to keep the place to yourself. More people means better economy, more work, more money.
"Stay in Colorado, we don't want your money"
Don't you realize how selfish that sounds

Father of four boys,

People can move anywhere they like it's a free country. The problem I have with people moving here it that they want to CHANGE this town and it's people. Some, not all want to yuppie fi this town, they want another Aspen. Blue collar workers in this area WILL not be able to live her because of that and that is NOT fair !!!! Most of these new people don't have to bust their humps 40 + hours a week just to make ends meet. And sometimes that 40 + hours isn't even enough. They can move here, they can move anywhere but PLEASE do not come here and TRY to change me or our community because it doesn't need changing. If they want to change something, go find a baby with a dirty diaper :)!!!Hell we have a Starbucks in Kalispell, MT how sad is that !!!! And people think Kalispell isn't moving towards yuppie world come on.....And if people also think Kalispell hasn't changed much. Next time your around town on the roads count how many Hummers, Cadillas Escalades, Audi's, BMW's etc are on the roads. I remember not so long ago that all you saw here were cars and trucks that were used for work, bailing wire to keep the farm truck from losing a muffler, dented, rust spots, guns in the back windows, dogs in the back, dirtbikes and ATV's etc. We use our vehicles for work not a status of our wealth. Thank you !!!

[Confused in Kalispell]

Money wrote:

I've worked all over N.W Montana in the 20 years I have been here in Montana. I just didn't mean to get stuck here is all, in Kalispell.

Money,

I wish you the best in getting out of this town which you clearly do not like. Good luck with that.

[Confused in Kalispell]

Money wrote:

<quoted text>
Personal reasons.. I (do) like some things here, there are some unforgetable, wonderful people. I have always moved around all my life following my work in the timber industry. These personal reasons are keeping me here for atleast another 7-10 years. Then I will be free to move where I choose. Kind of enjoy the life of a gypsy. Because I know there is so much out there. I have traveled all over the U.S.

Sounds like your life is never boring. Good luck in the future and I hope you find the place of your dreams.

[Money]

I've been in Kalispell about 7 yrs. Sorry Mr_Ed. Using your post. I am not going to say right now. It is personal. What the heck.. Involves children, if you can figure that one out ? Yes.. Also why I am interested in the death of Loic Rogers, as well at this time.

[Money]

Last comment to Mr_Ed,

Alaska I have never been to. I would love to go there someday. I had a friend who lived there and they liked it. Too cold for me. I am warm weather, sunshine person really. Still would love to go there someday to see Alaska. Because I love beauty but I see it everywhere I go, even in those plains of Colorado and Montana that some people hate. Every place has reasons that make people love their hometown. There are alot of places that are just as nice as the Kalispell area, you just have to open your eyes.

[Money]

Confused in Kalispell wrote:

<quoted text>
Sounds like your life is never boring. Good luck in the future and I hope you find the place of your dreams.

Thanks, hopefully not confused in Montana for long !
Yeah my life has slowed down in the years I have been in Kalispell, though. You have to make alot of sacrifices for your children if you LOVE them. No problem with that... That's why you decide to have children.

But I did grow up in a very beautiful place when I was young, and many people who have been by there agree. I used to sell firewood there to the rich people who moved in and yet I kind of hated them for moving in. Yet they threw money out their car windows(literally) just to buy firewood for their evening fires in their big, beautiful homes. Kind of odd, but I resented them moving in at the same time, but liked them for supporting me too. This is confusing to me but this is life.

[Confused in Kalispell]

Money wrote:

I've been in Kalispell about 7 yrs. Sorry Mr_Ed. Using your post. I am not going to say right now. It is personal. What the heck.. Involves children, if you can figure that one out ? Yes.. Also why I am interested in the death of Loic Rogers, as well at this time.

Well once again I hope it all works out for you and the children involved. Everyone deserves to be happy and enjoy their life. Good luck !!!!

[FatherOfFourBoys Kalispell]

Confused in Kalispell wrote:

<quoted text>
Father of four boys,
People can move anywhere they like it's a free country. The problem I have with people moving here it that they want to CHANGE this town and it's people. Some, not all want to yuppie fi this town, they want another Aspen. Blue collar workers in this area WILL not be able to live her because of that and that is NOT fair !!!! Most of these new people don't have to bust their humps 40 + hours a week just to make ends meet. And sometimes that 40 + hours isn't even enough. They can move here, they can move anywhere but PLEASE do not come here and TRY to change me or our community because it doesn't need changing. If they want to change something, go find a baby with a dirty diaper :)!!!Hell we have a Starbucks in Kalispell, MT how sad is that !!!! And people think Kalispell isn't moving towards yuppie world come on.....And if people also think Kalispell hasn't changed much. Next time your around town on the roads count how many Hummers, Cadillas Escalades, Audi's, BMW's etc are on the roads. I remember not so long ago that all you saw here were cars and trucks that were used for work, bailing wire to keep the farm truck from losing a muffler, dented, rust spots, guns in the back windows, dogs in the back, dirtbikes and ATV's etc. We use our vehicles for work not a status of our wealth. Thank you !!!

When I moved here, I had no desire to change anything. I am a hard working contractor in the valley, I thoroughly enjoy it here. The crime is getting worse, but that's happening globally.
You keep going on and on about people who are only here part of the year. Those people only account for maybe 5% of our population. A lot of the reason for property tax increase is local people selling out for top dollar. Property values are assessed using figures like, how much did similar home in the area sold for.
This sounds more like a personal vendetta for you. I am in people's homes on a daily basis, and to tell you the truth, I hardly remember the last "summer home" I worked in. 9 out of 10 of these "summer homes" are in White Fish (or yuppieville). Whitefish has a lot of nerve charging a sales tax when it doesn't benefit anyone else in the valley.
The truth is, the politicians in White Fish are the ones who should move.
If you've got such a hard-on for not changing rules, why don't you get into politics? It sounds like you might be pretty good at it. We need better officials in this valley.
I've always heard the saying "Them dam** Californians are screwing up this valley with their money and their crimes!!" , when quite a bit of the problems lie right here in the valley.

[from wisconsin]

Hmmm. My daughter moved to your area about ten years ago and now lives in Kalispell. She loves the Valley and has more than once mentioned the recent growth from positive and negative viewpoints. My heart is there ... in the form of a granddaughter who I haven't been able to see often enough.

My husband died recently and I have little keeping me from moving plus a house that I won't be able to afford to keep much longer. My child is urging me to move to Kalispell and live with her awhile while I get settled in and find a job and small apartment or house to rent.

Ten years ago I would not have even considered moving there because of how difficult it would have been to find work. Today the growth of the area has created a different market and I am more hopeful that there will be a niche of some sort whereby I can supplement my social security income.

Some of the comments I've read and the warmth of certain residents who've been posting to this and other Kalispell forums make me want to pack up and be out there today. I hope that if and when I relocate to Kalispell, I will have the good fortune to meet folks like 'Father of Four' and 'Confused in Kalispell'. If I move to your area, my motives will be purely to be close to those I love. Never more than right now do I wish I could be hugging my grandchild. The loss your community has suffered has touched hearts across the nation and heightened my awareness of how precious each moment of life actually is. Nothing I can think of really matters as much as the people who are in our lives. They are the true gifts. Cars and boats and big homes and cash in the bank mean nothing compared to our health and the well being of those we love.

[Confused in Kalispell]

from wisconsin wrote:

Hmmm. My daughter moved to your area about ten years ago and now lives in Kalispell. She loves the Valley and has more than once mentioned the recent growth from positive and negative viewpoints. My heart is there ... in the form of a granddaughter who I haven't been able to see often enough.
My husband died recently and I have little keeping me from moving plus a house that I won't be able to afford to keep much longer. My child is urging me to move to Kalispell and live with her awhile while I get settled in and find a job and small apartment or house to rent.
Ten years ago I would not have even considered moving there because of how difficult it would have been to find work. Today the growth of the area has created a different market and I am more hopeful that there will be a niche of some sort whereby I can supplement my social security income.
Some of the comments I've read and the warmth of certain residents who've been posting to this and other Kalispell forums make me want to pack up and be out there today. I hope that if and when I relocate to Kalispell, I will have the good fortune to meet folks like 'Father of Four' and 'Confused in Kalispell'. If I move to your area, my motives will be purely to be close to those I love. Never more than right now do I wish I could be hugging my grandchild. The loss your community has suffered has touched hearts across the nation and heightened my awareness of how precious each moment of life actually is. Nothing I can think of really matters as much as the people who are in our lives. They are the true gifts. Cars and boats and big homes and cash in the bank mean nothing compared to our health and the well being of those we love.

I am so sorry for your loss of your hubsand. I wish you all the luck in getting here to be with your family and to hug your grandchild. I hope it happens VERY soon for you. Once again good luck in your move and the new year.

[FatherOfFourBoys Kalispell]

from wisconsin wrote:

Hmmm. My daughter moved to your area about ten years ago and now lives in Kalispell. She loves the Valley and has more than once mentioned the recent growth from positive and negative viewpoints. My heart is there ... in the form of a granddaughter who I haven't been able to see often enough.
My husband died recently and I have little keeping me from moving plus a house that I won't be able to afford to keep much longer. My child is urging me to move to Kalispell and live with her awhile while I get settled in and find a job and small apartment or house to rent.
Ten years ago I would not have even considered moving there because of how difficult it would have been to find work. Today the growth of the area has created a different market and I am more hopeful that there will be a niche of some sort whereby I can supplement my social security income.
Some of the comments I've read and the warmth of certain residents who've been posting to this and other Kalispell forums make me want to pack up and be out there today. I hope that if and when I relocate to Kalispell, I will have the good fortune to meet folks like 'Father of Four' and 'Confused in Kalispell'. If I move to your area, my motives will be purely to be close to those I love. Never more than right now do I wish I could be hugging my grandchild. The loss your community has suffered has touched hearts across the nation and heightened my awareness of how precious each moment of life actually is. Nothing I can think of really matters as much as the people who are in our lives. They are the true gifts. Cars and boats and big homes and cash in the bank mean nothing compared to our health and the well being of those we love.

I welcome you to the Flathead, the views are great and there is a lot to do and see here. Watching how many people banded together to find Loic, and seeing how much support there is here in the Flathead. It brought a tear to my eye, and made me proud to be part of this community (even though there is a few sour-pusses around).
Sorry to hear about your husband (may he rest in peace).

[from wisconsin]

Confused in Kalispell wrote:

<quoted text>
I am so sorry for your loss of your hubsand. I wish you all the luck in getting here to be with your family and to hug your grandchild. I hope it happens VERY soon for you. Once again good luck in your move and the new year.

Thanks for the very kind words. You and I will probably meet ... I believe paths cross for a reason.

Just wonder if Kalispell is ready for another person who's confused.

[Confused in Kalispell]

from wisconsin wrote:

<quoted text>
Thanks for the very kind words. You and I will probably meet ... I believe paths cross for a reason.
Just wonder if Kalispell is ready for another person who's confused.

Come on aboard, you can never have enough of us confused folks :):):). Life would be WAY to boring without us !!! Take care and once again good luck in your relocation here. You sound like a good ol small town lady :):). Just what some of us like. Take care.

[Mom of 4 in the Flathead]

Yes the Flathead Valley is a beautiful place. I was born and raised here, spending a total of 18 months out of the state in 30 years.

A) What I like about living here, the scenery, wildlife, communities getting together in time of need. Good quality schools for my children, teachers who care about about their students, recreational activities. We have Bigfork, and Whitefish both rich with Arts, and history all around us.

B) What I don't like about living here is the fact that even with an income of 30K a year (my wages), I'm being forced out of finding affordable housing for me and my family. Rent on a threee bedroom apartment is averaging right at $800 a month, add in the expense of paying child care for 2 children who are not school age and you live paycheck to paycheck. The cost of a 3 bedroom home in Columbia Falls (one of the cheaper areas to live) can range from 119K (apartment) to 350K. The majority of these homes are priced at over 200K and for the single parent completely out of reach to purchase.

C) If I could live anywhere, I would love to move back to SE Alaska. I loved having the wildlife, mountains, and the added bonus of the ocean. But cost of living is to high for me to raise my family there.

[Thinkinoutloud]

I had to go to the Kalispell--Columbia Falls area on business a couple years ago. I never had car horns blown at me so many times in 3 days, as I did there! I lived in Billings at the time, so I thought I knew how to drive, but apparently I just didn't move fast enough for the people in the NW area.

[Money]

Hey your absolutely right. I had a friend come up here from Huntley, Mt. It scared him up here in the Kalispell area. He was used to a slower, friendlier pace of life. I have lived in Huntley, and did business around Billings and lived in Harding,Mt and life just seemed slower over there.

Not a bad thing. Also worked around Hysham and Forsythe and life/people just seemed friendlier and easier going. Scenery isn't the greatest. But?
Homes and property as well are considerably cheaper too. And that is nice.

Then your not to far from the Black Hills of South Dakota, also a jump away from Big, Wonderful, Wyoming. And not awfully far from Yellowstone Park. Plus the Yellowstone River is a favorite for people who like to fish for some ling, and other fish worth eating? Not sure about those last two words really, but?