Yes, it’s true… sometimes people are born and raised in Montana and still end up living somewhere else. It could be a job that takes them away, or love, or they might believe they’re better off living elsewhere. But no matter how people feel about their home state, there are always things they miss. These are a few of the things former Montanans reflect on.

1. The incredible views of the mountain ranges.
Jake Pfaffenroth/Flickr
Whether you were born in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley or the Eastern plains, if you drive through Montana, you’re going to see some gorgeous snowcapped mountains at some point. That isn’t the case in some other parts of the country. Even a former Montana who has a view of the ocean misses the mountains now and then.
2. The parks.
Troy Smith/Flickr
Yes, they miss Glacier and Yellowstone, but there are also many amazing state and local parks in Montana with incomparable beauty.
3. The people.
Bart Heird/Flickr
Waving to a stranger in a big city will likely get you a confused look. In most parts of Montana, everyone waves on the road, even strangers.
4. The alone time.
Sean Kimmel/Flickr
In Montana, you’re never far from having long stretches of road to yourself, which is perfect when you want to be alone. Of course there are other places like that in the country, but you usually have to try harder to find it. Montana is one of our least populated states.
5. The huckleberry treats.
George Wesley & Bonita Dannells/Flickr
No one bakes a huckleberry pie like a Montanan.
6. The sense of pride.
Andrew/Flickr
Montana is the most prideful state in the nation (yes, including Texas). A recent poll showed that 77% of Montanans think their state is the best. When people move away, losing that sense of community can be difficult.
7. The lack of sales tax.
Aranami/Flickr
If you grow up in Montana and move away as an adult, the first shopping spree will be jarring.
8. The night sky.
Eugene Wilson/Flickr
There’s truly nothing like it.
9. The low crime rates.
v1ctory_1s_m1ne/Flickr
Montana has some of the nation’s lowest crime rates. It’s not perfect, but it’s very safe in comparison to many other places.
10. The snow.
University of Exeter/Flickr
This certainly doesn’t apply to everyone, of course. But for anyone who appreciated the snowy winters growing up, moving to a state where there’s no guarantee of snow (or if it’s nonexistent) will make you nostalgic for all the white Christmases you enjoyed as a child.

If you’ve moved away from Montana, what do you miss most about home?

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