When you think of Montana -- vast stretches of landscape, jagged mountain peaks, mesas, pine trees and pristine waterways -- you wouldn't think of lush gardens. But "Garden City" is the nickname that has stuck with Missoula, situated within a glacial lakebed, and traversed by the Clark Fork River. Missoula, nestled within a valley, earned its nickname because its winter weather is comparatively kinder than the rest of the state.

That's a relative comparison, of course. With an average annual temperature just shy of 45 degrees, Missoula winters aren't a picnic by any stretch of the imagination, but if you're going to hang your hat somewhere in this lovely state during the frigid winter months, Missoula is a good bet. And, speaking of offbeat nicknames, author John Updike named Missoula the "Paris of the '90s" upon one of his visits here. Besides the fact that the University of Montana is located here, which has attracted a proliferation of local professors and scholars, that's where the parallels end. You won't find anything like the Champs d'Elysses in Missoula.

But you will find spectacular scenery -- mountain peaks, peaceful streams, many, many trees, and yes, even flowers. Missoula is, in fact, quite lush by Montana standards. In this natural playground, residents and visitors have plenty to keep them occupied -- from fishing, rafting and kayaking to hiking, skiing, rock climbing, golf, horseback riding and excellent mountain biking. The United States Forest Service has chosen to maintain its Northern Region headquarters here for obvious reasons. Amidst this landscape, tourists have come flocking, although Missoula has seen a particularly significant increase in tourism over the past decade. Tourism and all of the industries that come with it -- retail and real estate, for starters -- are doing quite well and outpacing traditional industries, although wood and paper products still contribute a substantial amount to the local economy.

In addition to its own natural beauty, Missoula is conveniently located three hours south of Glacier National park and approximately three and a half hours west of Yellowstone. Hunters find plenty of fowl and wild game just outside of Missoula to keep themselves occupied. The nearest downhill ski trails are located at Snowbowl and Marshall, and plenty of cross-country trails are situated nearby, as well.

Missoula's city planners have chosen to capitalize on its surroundings. A network of walking and biking trails and parks wind through Missoula, creating a synergy between the city proper and the natural landscape that surrounds it. This setting is perfect for studying, people-watching and picnicking. It lends itself to the sort of atmosphere that Missoula exudes effortlessly: a calm, peaceful serenity with nature.

That's not to imply that Missoula doesn't have the sort of amenities present in a traditional city. The University of Montana is known by the locals for its theater performances, and Missoula is home to the country's largest touring children's theater company, the Missoula Children's Theater. Within Missoula, you'll also find an abundance of world-class cultural events, from symphony and chamber music performances to ballet and modern dance to art museums. On a more local scale, visitors and residents show a particular affinity for such events as the Western Montana Fair, the Missoula Farmers' Market and "Out to Lunch," a unique event held at Caras Park. Out to Lunch, held weekly during the summer months, invites residents and visitors to sample a wide variety of foods prepared by local chefs, and local performers entertain crowds with plays, stories and other amusing fare.

One sight you can't miss while you're paying a visit to Caras Park is its world-famous carousel. Built thanks to the contributions of generous donors, it's the first hand-carved carousel to be carved since the Great Depression era. Volunteers donated hundreds of thousands of hours to its construction -- from the restoration of its frame to carving, painting and assembly. Its stained glass windows and attention to detail make it a memorable experience for any visitor -- young or old.

Residential real estate remains reasonable in Missoula, for the time being, at least. Montana has grown of late to become a flocking ground for celebrities and vacation-home-building professionals, so it's difficult to estimate just how long these prices will remain conservative in relation to the rest of the country. But as of December 1998, the average selling price of a single-family home in Missoula was an extremely affordable $126,783. The average monthly rent (also as of December 1998) was $597, far lower than larger U.S. metropolitan centers. Missoula has seen a growth of planned communities, which typically run higher in price than other local properties. Not suprisingly, log cabins are popular here. While they're certainly rustic, they've become quite luxurious in recent years, as deep-pocketed visitors elect to stay here permanently or on a seasonal basis, and opt for a taste of local color in their homes' architecture.

It's little wonder why the Garden City continues to draw newcomers-turned-residents yearly. Missoula's stunning landscape, coexistence with nature -- as well as its friendly, laid-back environment and refusal to join the hustle-bustle mentality of other U.S. cities -- are moving this special place to the forefront of the nation's list of favorite hometowns.

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Published: November 1, 1999

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