I think I can be fairly objective about Missoula from a few angles. I was born and raised there but moved away after graduating from BYU. I have lived all over the world since. Also I just built a house on Flathead Lake so I still do like Montana.

However my wife refers to it as Montucky......as it is a bit......well you know. Downside to Missoula is the long cold dark winters which includes the sun not shining much from October to March. If you like lots of sunny days don't move to Montana.

Also housing is surprisingly expensive.......I grew up in the University area and it is now more expensive than some of the pricier parts of Chicago.

As a kid I loved it. I grew up free range style with the University as our playground; swimming in the river and jumping off railway bridges into the Cark Fork. It helps to love the outdoors and winter sports.....also mandatory to love the Grizz.

The best part about Missoula is Flathead Lake.......my favorite spot on the planet....and I have been everywhere. Best grade school is Paxson and best High School is Hellgate.......biased opinion on both counts but who wouldn't want to be a graduate of Hellgate High!