How Big Is Montana's "Urban Camping" Issue? Bigger Than You Think

Even though opinions on the topic vary, one thing that I think we can all agree on is that all of the "Urban Camping" that is happening across Montana, won't be ending anytime soon.

Bigger cities across the state have seen an increase in folks living in parks, cars, and RVs. Towns like Bozeman and Missoula have been affected more than most, and while no one wants to see folks struggle, there doesn't seem to be a solution that everyone can agree on.

So just how bad is it? Well, I can tell you that it's being discussed not only in Montana but across the border as well.

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I spent a few days in Alberta visiting friends and checking out the sites and was asked about "all of the broken down RVs in the streets of Bozeman." Yep, it seems that even the people in Canada are aware of our Urban Camping problem.

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To say that I was a little shocked is an understatement.

Don't get me wrong, it seems that most big cities are dealing with this issue in some way or another, but we really don't have a "big city" here in Montana. What we do have, however, is a mess on our hands and on the streets. Overflowing dumpsters, broken down vehicles, car parts scattered around, and people bathing out in public is probably not the image that city or state officials want to portray.

Add in the fact that the two schools of thought are either "Leave them alone" or "Kick them all out" doesn't really help.

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The truth is, it's a sad situation. However, according to many, crime has increased and some of those crimes have been violent. Business owners are frustrated, homeowners are frustrated, and the problem seems to be growing. Throw in the fact, that there isn't a "quick fix" and we've got ourselves a big problem.

There are plans in the works for more affordable housing, but that doesn't help anyone who is currently living in these areas. There are discussions of making folks move every 5 days, but if that doesn't solve the problem either, it just relocates it.

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So what do you do? Complain? Move them out? Wait for a solution? It's a big question for a big problem.

These are the Top 8 Cheapest Towns To Live In, In Montana

Have you been contemplating moving to Montana? Maybe you already live here and the town has gotten so expensive you are having to relocate by no fault of your own. The good news, you can stay in Montana by moving to one of the cheapest towns in Montana.

PropertyClub.NYC has announced its 2023 list of the 8 cheapest Montana towns.

10 Montana Grocery Items That Could Be In Short Supply In 2023.

The last couple of years has been rough for a lot of Montanans as the supply chain was disrupted over the whole pandemic. Of course, we're now a few years removed, and yet certain items are still hard to come by.

Although we've "officially" moved on, there are now other factors that are being blamed for higher prices and lower supply. The war in Ukraine, high fuel costs, lack of manpower, etc. It seems there are several reasons behind it, and none of them look like they're in our favor as consumers.

So what does this all mean? It means that we're looking at a possible shortage when it comes to groceries. Sadly, most of the items on the list are staples that we tend to use on a regular basis.

Here's 8 States That Have Longer And Harsher Winters Than Montana

Winter can be brutal here in Montana with lots of wind, snow, and temperatures well below zero. In fact, that alone should be a word of warning for those thinking of moving here from warmer climates.

A lot goes into being prepared to live in a state with rough winters and if you've never done it before, you certainly need to make sure that you are prepared. You need to make sure you have the right tires, vehicle, and winter clothing. Plus, I would highly suggest you learn how to drive in winter conditions before moving to a state that celebrates winter 6 months out of the year.

And while winters can be very rough here in Montana, we don't even crack the Top 5 for States With The Most Brutal Winters.