If you’re looking for reasons why not to move West, you’ve come to the right place. As the United States saw a significant reshuffle over the past two years during the pandemic, people began to think that life “out there” was better than the one they had. However, remember the adage, “wherever you go, there you are,” and moving is not usually the answer to your unhappiness.

The West is great in many regards, but it’s not for the faint of heart. I’m primarily talking about Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, and most of Nevada when I say West. Although there are parts of Oregon, Washington, and Utah, it may also apply. It takes a hearty person to live here, someone that can do without creature comforts, easy travel, and lots of people. Sure, it sounds great, but even those who live here get tired of it. So think twice before making your move. 

Reasons to Not Move West

Not every Western state is created equal, to be sure. Politics seem to play a huge role in where people move these days. Others think they want to escape people, live off the land, and “be free.” But let me share with you six reasons to not move West.

People

While there aren’t as many people in many Western states (minus California, but I’m not talking about them) as where you may have come from, the people that are here aren’t always friendly. Sure, some are, but many don’t want you here. We like our privacy, our solitude, and being left alone. So if you come moving into a place like Montana, trying to make it like where you came from, you’re in for a rude awakening.

Don’t expect a warm welcome. The other day I watched someone with out-of-state plates get honked at for a city block, for nothing I could tell they did wrong other than they weren’t from here. People are pissed that our housing prices have gone up, and people are coming in trying to tell us how to do things. And they’re not afraid to take it out on you. 

In general, I know people in Montana are a little cranky. As I travel around for work, I notice that people in rural areas like to be left alone. It varies slightly according to state, but the general pulse seems similar.

Perhaps it’s the long winters making us cranky. 

Weather

The Instagram photos show beautiful, clear mountain lakes and green meadows full of wildflowers. TikTok shows someone frolicking down a trail to an inspirational quote or chopping wood at their cabin in the forest.

They don’t show the one month a year that idyllic scenery exists. Winter lasts a full eight months (sometimes nine!), and then we have wildfire smoke season. If we’re lucky, we’ll have a month of clear, warm weather, but rest assured there will be a snowstorm during that month for good measure. 

We don’t get a spring as you do elsewhere. While the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in D.C., the green grass is only thinking about popping up in the cold Western states. There are still massive piles of snow remaining in the gross corners of parking lots, and a winter’s worth of dog shit has piled up in the yard. 

And don’t even think about planting your garden until late May or early June. You might be able to get some potatoes planted. However, these will likely be the only thing you have left at the other end of summer. It will all depend on the grasshoppers, hail storms, or heat. 

If you’re used to long, warm days on a boat on the water working on your tan, kiss that notion goodbye. Yes, there are warm days in August. But rest assured, a mid-afternoon thunderstorm will likely interrupt your day and send you running for cover. Not only do these storms bring rain, thunder, and lightning, but wind.

Oh, the wind. Spring, summer, fall, and winter. It has gotten worse in recent years. It blows. And blows. And blows. It will suck the life out of you, devastate your garden, blow all your shit away, and leave you feeling demoralized. And then it will do it again tomorrow. 

And I can’t forget to mention wildfires. They occur almost year-round now, and yes, they could happen in your backyard. You may get evacuated. And if you don’t, you’ll suffer through what we now call “smoke season.” Starting in about July and lasting through October, most days will be smoke-filled. Some days will be better than others, but it can be stifling and miserable. If the cold winters don’t chase you away, the smoke very well might.

Travel

Speaking of wind and weather, there is a 95% chance your flight will get canceled or delayed due to weather (no, that is not a scientific number, it’s just based on my own experience). Many of these states have small airports, which means planes have shorter airstrips to navigate during lousy weather. 

This winter, I flew from Denver to Helena. However, due to snow, we got diverted to Great Falls, which is 80 miles north of Helena. We flew over Helena to get to Great Falls, but because the runway was shorter in Helena, they had less room per regulations to land with the low visibility we were experiencing. So they were going to try again, with the risk of diverting back to Denver. At that point, I jumped ship, rented a car, and drove through a blizzard to get home. 

Flying out of Montana and any other small airport is expensive. Yes, Boise, Salt Lake, Seattle, and Denver have a good selection of flights. But if you live in a place like Montana, it’s at least a day’s drive to reach any of them. Maybe if you live in Missoula, you could drive several hours over mountain passes to get to Spokane…

Remember, almost everywhere you drive in the West is mountainous, windy, and usually snow-covered (except in July). There are no straight lines or easy routes to anywhere. Do you want to get from Helena to Boise quickly? Good luck. 

Also, because everyone has given up and become #vanlifers, the interstates and highways are FULL of obnoxious vans and RVs to dodge all summer long. I’ve never seen so many on the roads as I did last summer, and trust me when I say I spent a lot of time driving, dodging these #influencersinthewild. The worst is the winding, two-lane mountain roads with no passing lanes or turnouts, backed up for miles by one of these rigs. 

Regardless of the season, plan lots of extra time for travel and expect to get delayed or not get out at all. 

Services, Shopping, and Entertainment

Suppose you’re used to lots of shopping opportunities, boutiques, fancy clothes, and creature comforts. In that case, these are good reasons not to move West. Some of the bigger towns may have some options, but Costco will likely be your best bet for clothes shopping. And anything else. Walmart is another great option. 

Many places are trying to revive their quaint downtowns, but they’re usually targeted at tourists. So if you like huckleberry jam, you’ll be a happy camper. Otherwise, be prepared to shop online. 

You’ll likely find a shady little place tucked in an old strip mall next to Papa Johns if you want to get your nails done. Same if you need a pawn shop or payday loan.

Activities? There is usually a bowling alley, and the movie theaters usually have films that came out a few months ago. If your town is lucky, there will be one new release, but it probably won’t be a good one.

High school sports are usually the top entertainment. Just don’t become a track and field or soccer fan because you’ll likely be cheering on your school in a blizzard (yes, even in June). 

Wild Animals

While weather and travel are good reasons not to move to the West, let’s not forget lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Well, we might not have tigers here. Still, there are certainly mountain lions, black and grizzly bears, wolves, and numerous dangerous wildlife. Sure, it may all look like Yellowstone National Park from afar, but come on, we all know that’s a dangerous place despite people treating it like Disneyland.

If you move here, likely there will be mountain lion sightings and occasional bear sightings, even in town, let alone in the outlying areas and mountains. If you buy a house with apple trees, rest assured you’ll have visitors. And no, the game wardens won’t just relocate them. They may even say you’re baiting them. 

If you live in the wild, expect the wild to surround you. It will be more than just raccoons attracted to your garbage and livestock feed. Check out this grizzly fatality for proof in point. If this doesn’t deter you, make sure you now how to recreate in bear country.

We’re not making this up. Wild animals exist, and you must learn to live among them if you plan to move into their territory. So please don’t come here expecting them to be eradicated for your comfort. If wild animals out your back door scare you, it may be best to move elsewhere. 

Cowboys

Finally, this one applies explicitly to Montana and I hate that I even have to mention it. Things are not as they seem in “Yellowstone.” Ranching is not that romantic, and trust me when I say cowboys aren’t either. So don’t expect to move here and find yourself one (cue manic laughing at the thought).  

Final Thoughts

I don’t write this as a spoof; I mean every word. If you’re looking for reasons to move West, this isn’t the article. Of reasons not to move to the West, there are many. It’s a reality you must consider. While it sounds romantic, especially if you can maintain your high-paying job and work remotely, rest assured you will be making compromises. If the winters or the wildfires don’t get you, the wild animals or natives might.