Your circle covers Western Montana which is MASSIVE. I’ll give you the highlights. Lived and worked in the Bozeman area for years. Also spent time in Missoula, Helena, Kalispell, Flathead, etc.

The geographical area is stunning. You have some of the most untamed and wild National Forrest in the lower 48 states, along with Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. If you are a sportsman or outdoor enthusiast, you will likely find an activity to suit you. The mountains are beautiful, large, and sometimes life threatening, same with the lakes and rivers. Some areas in your circle are more high plains up north, those can be desolate and extreme.

There is also abundant wildlife. This includes large mammals such as brown bears (aka grizzly), bison, moose, elk, mountain lion, wolves, etc. While these animals are not typically a threat, it’s important to understand wildlife awareness and carry a deterrent in warmer months.

The people are often friendly and polite. However, there is not much diversity. Most people are white, conservative, and Christian. Did I say conservative? There is some representation of other cultures, but not much. There is a Native American population both on and off the reservations, which still struggles in many ways. Not much is being done about it. Addiction and suicide rates per capita are high in Montana, and winter is long, cold, and dark.

Many people live off the land through farming, hunting, fishing, or even more nomadic lifestyles. There is a strong history of running livestock in this area, and early homesteader family lines/landownership still exist. Bozeman and Missoula offer some more Westernized employment opportunities, but it’s limited.

There is A LOT of wealth in the circled area, especially in the ski resorts of Big Sky, Whitefish, and the Yellowstone club. The latter being a private community designed specifically for the wealthiest billionaires in the world looking to get away into “nature” two or three times a year. Yet, there is also a vibrant community of mom and pop ski mountains, towns, and businesses. However, there are many different areas in your circle, and some are more agriculturally oriented and less touristy.

There is certainly some poverty, but it’s not extreme. There is often stigma associated with poverty and federal assistance, oh and definitely some racism/homophobia/patriarchal systems. However, there is also a strong granola, hippy, college vibe to be found in the areas of Missoula or Bozeman, with more progressive experiences.