I think it actually is a great place to live. I will look to possibly go back someday.

- I would look at the west end, that's where most of the LDS population is, and where most of the new housing is. I didn't grow up out there, and as a result my wards always had less youth. I'm not a heights person, I wouldn't even consider it, because I'm a snobby non-heights person . But people do like it up there. I had some really good friends up there. In Billings you are either a heights person, or not.
- Not sure currently which wards have the most youth, but any west end ward in the Billings Stake will have lots of youth.
- The school system was decent. I mean I did fine I think... public schools all the way though. You want to live in West High (west end) or Skyview (heights) boundaries. I wouldn't live in Senior high boundaries. Just my 2 cents on that.
- I was really happy there, but again I grew up there...
- Lots of great recreation actually. Good organized sports, decent high school athletics, I was very involved in lots of activities and because the city is decently sized but not big or too tiny there are lots of opportunities to get involved. And there isn't a ceiling to break through for new people like there are in lots of places.

Other general stuff- It isn't in the mountains yes, this is true. But... it is an easy 45 minute drive from some great mountains, the beartooths. I grew up camping and backpacking in them. They are a wilderness area, partially in wyoming too. Lots of great remote backpacking trips up there. I've gone days without seeing people before.

There is a little local ski resort there- Red Lodge. I loved it growing up. It is cheap, and when it gets snow it is really fun, but then again what mountain isn't. It isn't a world class resort though, it's a small town resort. But it is a 45 minute to 1 hour drive from Billings is all.
If skiing is your thing Big Sky is absolutely a world class resort (the biggest in the US actually) and is only 3 hours away. Not good for day trips, but I spent many a weekend skiing in big sky. Although it does come with a world class price tag.

The yellowstone rive goes through town and offers lots of fishing, floating etc.

Billings is isolated because of it's lcoation, but it is also the biggest show for miles and miles. Next biggest is Salt Lake really so yeah... it does fin on it's own. Lots of concerts stop in Billings on their way to Seattle, lots of travelling shows stop there, it has plenty of shopping because all of eastern montana and Northern wyoming go to Billings to shop. It's mall... sucks.

The airport is tiny,but it has frequent flights, but they are not terribly cheap. I'm actually flying there in a couple of days and it costs me a few hundred at least every time. There aren't many budget airline options in (no southwest).

Oh they also have Cafe Rio now, which is cool. Anyways you can boardmail me if you have any specific questions. I still have family in the area.