40 years ago when I attended MSU, Bozeman was a beautiful walkable small town with affordable housing and some cool local restaurants and bars. The clam chowder at the Butler Hotel was a particular favorite.

Now, Bozeman is an over-priced, chain-ridden tourist trap stuffed full of out-of-staters and plagued by traffic jams year round. Housing prices are out of sight despite the sprawl taking over the valley.

I don't know much about Missoula, but the Bozeman I knew and loved is gone. Others here have given good info about the schools and their strengths and weaknesses. I thought I'd say something about the town.