Thinking about moving to Montana or Idaho? If you’ve been dreaming of wide-open land, cowboy culture, and a better quality of life, you’re not alone. In this episode of the North Idaho Experience Podcast, we sat down with Abram Antonucci, a former law enforcement officer and now real estate expert in Bozeman, Montana, to compare life, politics, and real estate between two hot destinations: Bozeman, Montana and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Whether you’re weighing the costs of relocating, looking to escape growing urban chaos, or simply curious about which state still holds onto conservative roots—this episode peels back the curtain on what life in Montana is really like in 2025.

The New West Showdown

Both Montana and Idaho have become magnets for people leaving places like California, Oregon, and Washington. But beneath the surface of their rugged beauty lies a growing divide. Many people are starting to ask: “Is Montana going woke?”

While North Idaho continues to hold strong as a freedom-first, family-centered, and deeply conservative region, parts of Montana—especially Gallatin County (Bozeman)—have experienced a shift. With the influx of new residents, university growth, and pop culture attention from shows like Yellowstone, some communities have started to feel more “purple” than red.

Abram shares how this shift is impacting day-to-day life and what it means for future residents. Despite the changes, he makes it clear: Montana still offers the lifestyle many are searching for—it just comes with a few new realities.

The Yellowstone Effect: Real Estate Gone Wild

The TV series Yellowstone may be fictional, but its impact on Montana real estate has been very real. According to Abram, many of his out-of-state buyers call up asking for “a thousand acres with a log home and barn”—all for $350,000. (Spoiler: not happening.)

Bozeman’s median home price now sits at $729,000, with some areas of Gallatin County reaching close to $990,000. Meanwhile, Coeur d’Alene real estate remains more affordable, with homes typically priced between $550,000–$600,000.

The takeaway? If you’re planning to relocate to Montana because of a dream sparked by TV, you might want to check your expectations—or your budget.

Cost of Living + Labor Challenges

Beyond home prices, Montana’s cost of living is soaring. From $9 two-by-fours to service industry wages that can double in Big Sky compared to Bozeman, it’s getting harder for working families to keep up.

And that labor demand? It’s part of the problem. With limited housing stock, many workers—restaurant staff, tradespeople, and seasonal help—are living in RVs, vans, or trailers. Entire streets have become makeshift neighborhoods, prompting new “urban camping” permits just to stay legally parked.

Abram also mentions how services like garbage, snow removal, and housing ordinances are becoming harder to manage, especially with limited city resources and pressure to remain politically “sensitive.”

Politics, Population, and the Woke Debate

Here’s the raw truth: Montana is changing. Not everywhere—but Bozeman and Missoula are leading the shift. With MSU’s growing enrollment (now over 17,000 students), more professors and out-of-state influence are bringing in what some would call “woke” ideology.

That said, rural Montana remains largely conservative, and there’s still a strong “Don’t California My Montana” sentiment.

On the flip side, Idaho—especially North Idaho—remains fiercely independent, freedom-minded, and deeply community-driven. The real question is: Do you want to live in a place that’s adapting quickly, or a place fighting to preserve its way of life?

Lifestyle, Recreation, and the Real Draw

Despite its growing pains, Bozeman is breathtaking. Mountains in every direction. Blue skies over 300 days a year. Ski resorts within an hour’s drive. And yes—celebs like Tom Brady and Justin Timberlake own property nearby. Big Sky, Montana has become a private playground for the ultra-wealthy, with gated resorts, exclusive powder, and even oxygen-pumped homes at 8,000 feet elevation.

But with beauty comes cost. Abram explains how a simple condo in town can cost as much as a luxury home elsewhere. And the working class? They’re either moving out or stretching thin to stay close to their roots.

By contrast, Coeur d’Alene offers similar natural beauty—with more lakes, a milder climate, and more accessible recreational opportunities for everyday families.

Montana vs. Idaho: Which Is Right for You?

If you’re trying to decide between Montana and Idaho, here’s the simplified breakdown:

Need Help Deciding Where to Go?

We get it—choosing where to move is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. At North Idaho Experience, we’ve helped dozens of families make informed, confident moves—whether to the Coeur d’Alene area or across state lines to Montana. Get in touch with our team to find out which place is right for you.