Page 29 - Flathead Beacon // 6.11.14

FLATHEADBEACON.COM
JUNE 11, 2014 | 29

REAL ESTATE

MONTANA LIFESTYLES
Why We Treasure the Treasure State

By JUSTIN MECCIA

Recently, I read the results of a 2013 Gallup poll
that asked residents of all 50 states, “is the state you

live in one of the best possible states to live in?” Over-
all, Gallup did ind that 46 percent of the residents of
each state, on average, ranked their own state as No.
1. However, I just had to know, which state took the
crown?
Montana!
Yes, 77 percent of people polled in Montana ranked
the “406 state” as the best U.S. state to live in. Alaska

and Utah followed Montana and were the only other
states to have at least seven out of 10 rank their home
state as numero uno.
Gallup polling did notice interesting trends, such as
among the top-10 states chosen, all, with the exception
of one (Texas) are low population states. Another trend
worth mentioning is that only two of the top-10 states

are in the East: Vermont and New Hampshire, and, in-
terestingly, eight of these states are in colder climates,
with the warmer two being Hawaii and Texas. I did per-
sonally ind it interesting that California, Oregon and
Washington were not among the top 10 — either they
didn’t interview residents along Highway 101, or the
U.S. is not as impressed with the West Coast these days.
Nonetheless, as interesting as I found this to be, I

do believe it’s a bit inconclusive to stop the discussion
there. Perhaps the residents of Montana are proud of SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO
their state because of all the access we have — and the
fact that we aren’t afraid to not charge people for it.
And, unlike the East Coast beaches (trust me, I day hike in the Jewell Basin, or a drive to Libby to walk
As a father of four, I do ind our family activities are grew up on one) where the residents are not likely to across the swinging bridge. While you’re out in the Lib-
often heavy in outdoor recreation and exploration. And share their favorite “hunny-holes,” I ind the adventur- by area, take your camera over to the Ross Creek Ce-
there are two really big reasons I love this: There’s so ers in Montana not only willing to share, but they’re dars and get lost among those majesties. How about a
much out there to explore, and most of it is totally free. bike ride around Flathead Lake, or Foys Lake if you’re
likely to point you in the right direction (with the ex-
Well, outside of a hunting or ishing license, and per- ception being any advice on hunting and ishing spots not it for 80 miles and 70 mph traic. Here’s the best
haps a national park pass, it’s free.
— you’re on your own there).
part about the aforementioned, outside of some gas (or
I also ind the sense of adventure is almost like pol- So, gear up and explore. Take pictures, create new diesel fuel), there’s no cost to any of these. None. No
len (and I mean this in a good way); as the air warms up, memories and share stories. I do ask one thing though, parking meters. No state permits. Not even a sign re-
collectively we all become charged and afected by our and it’s on behalf of all of us who do truly treasure our stricting you from access (outside of weather-restrict-
surroundings. Often in unison, we run for the moun- Treasure State, please take care of it so that it is here ed areas in the Jewell).
tains, the streams and the forests. Maybe somehow for those to come. Treasure this treasured state.
Some of those other U.S. states that made the list of

using the concept of magnetism would be a better (or, Just in case you’re wondering, Rhode Island was top 10 chosen by those polled are beautiful, but begin
dare I say, “more attractive”) metaphor?
dead last on the list with only 18 percent of its residents to lose points with this guy when I notice permits, ines
Are you new to the area and in need of a few ideas? putting it irst. Ouch.
and fees imposed upon doing what each resident should
May I recommend some of my personal favorites? Try a
Justin Meccia is a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty
be able to enjoy, regardless of cash on hand.

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