In terms of shear scenic beauty it's tough find a more beautiful place in the world than Montana (specifically the western side of the state). Montana is home to 11 national forests comprising 17 million acres. It's hard to fathom.
#4 (CON)
It wasn't always this way but Montana is now the fourth worst state for wildfires. Our vast forested areas and changing climate conditions contribute to a higher risk of wildfires, especially during increasingly dry, hot summers.
WILDFIRES
#3 (PRO)
Montana is ranked as having the 6th best economy in the US. The economy's hotter than a prairie sun in July, and it's bringing with it good jobs, new businesses, and a sense of optimism that's downright contagious.
The cold is so penetrating that it feels like it seeps into your bones. Going outside requires layers of clothing – thermal underwear, heavy sweaters, insulated coats, gloves, hats, and scarves. Any exposed skin stings and numbs within minutes.
BRUTAL WINTERS
#1 (PRO)
Ah, the open road, the endless sky, the whisper of wind through the pines – there's something special about having space to roam, isn't there? Montana is has the 3rd lowest population density of any state in the US at less than 8 people per square mile.