Epic Fail! New Montana Residents Have These 10 Big Regrets

Montana has long been romanticized as a place of wide-open skies, breathtaking landscapes, and a slower, simpler way of life. It’s no wonder the Treasure State has attracted a wave of out-of-staters hoping to leave the chaos behind. For many newcomers, the Montana dream quickly gives way to a much harsher reality.

The secret is out, and Montana is feeling the pressure. Longtime residents have watched their communities transform, often in ways that feel more destructive than progressive. Soaring housing costs, crowded towns, and overburdened infrastructure are just a few of the growing pains facing this once quiet corner of the West.

READ MORE: 10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Montana in 2025

New Montana Residents Have These 10 Big Regrets

The thought of moving to Montana may be appealing, but it's not an easy move for most people to make. Atlas Van Lines shared a list of things that you need to consider before moving to Montana.

Get our free mobile app

Montana is beautiful, but beauty alone doesn’t pay the bills. Unless you’re independently wealthy or have a high-paying remote job, making a living here can be a serious struggle.

Wages are among the lowest in the country, yet housing prices have exploded. The state is in the midst of a housing crisis, and it's not uncommon for newcomers to pack up and leave after just a year or two of trying to make it work.

Many Montanans aren’t thrilled about the influx of new residents. Signs reading “Don’t California My Montana” aren’t just bumper stickers, they’re warnings. Longtime locals feel like they’re being priced out of their hometowns, and resentment is growing. If you're planning to move here, expect some cold shoulders.

Montana has a lot to offer, but it also demands a lot in return. If you’re not ready for long winters, limited job opportunities, and the growing pains of a rapidly changing state, you may want to reconsider. It’s not just about living here, it’s about belonging here. And that’s becoming harder to do.