Conservative, mind my own business kind of guy. Hard working responsible and love helping folks. Considering relocating to that area. Food service industry strong? I have to get out of the city and Indiana. Way too liberal here lol
… I would love to move away from California & start a new life in small town Libby., Not married & no kids. On a fixed income. Grew up in a military small town in CA. Moved away over 20 yrs ago to the big city & miss the small town life. I would love to spend the rest of my years in Montana, then in CA.
This was an awesome video. Hubby and I are natives from Roundup, MT. We retired in Bigfork but find ourselves migrating to Libby more and more as we long for the “good old Montana.” So much of Montana is being ruined, Big Sky, Bozeman, Whitefish and most of the FH valley. Libby is a reminder of what Montana has been to us natives, natural beauty and getting out in nature without crowds. Respecting the land and each other, live and let live and not infringing on others. I hope Libby finds that happy medium because it is the last most beautiful untouched place in Montana. We love visiting and maybe one day we too can be members of the community. ☮️ We love and respect everything Libby has to offer. Everyone interviewed did an amazing job. Kudos!
Yeah...thats the thing...lincoln county has been found. The valuation of property Here is going through the roof.. Lincoln county is the 10th most populous county now...no longer 56. So if we were to redo the license plates now it would no longer be 56..it would be 10. You, did say a key word...balance, and we all know how hard that is. I don't have answers just observations. I'm thinking in 2026 I may do a follow up documentary..Just to see how we are doing. Thank u so much for watching.
Elizabeth says, I don't want to live in a small town that wants change. Change brings crowds, traffic, and corruption. Thanks for a open, honest great video. I hope Libby never changes. Those that want big city stuff need to move to the big city, not to Libby.
Only place that brings crime and corruption is from failed Liberal-Democrat ran cities and States. Trying to get out of SF Bay Area for that very reason.
Everyplace in going to grow... just way too many people on the planet. Libby included. Everyone wants space, change is inevitable. I've been going to Libby to visit family for most of my life, haven't been in a number of years, driving out from Oregon next week and very excited. Beautiful place.
So many loud voices in Libby blame the Liberal Boogiemen for everything and wave their Trump flags proudly, not realizing that 20-40% of their friends and neighbors are Democrats. The ignorance and fear of difference is sad but understandable…. They never had to live in a crowded place with people of all kinds!
I managed to hook myself up with a job at Montana machine and fabrication this year through an internship that the school offers to seniors and now I’ve got my foot in the door doing something I enjoy. I don’t plan on leaving long term, but if you move here, for the love of God don’t implement the things you ran from.
I have lived here in Libby since 2002. I still love the small-town atmosphere that it has. And it is true that we keep newcomers at an arm's length. We are hesitant to change because of what we have here. I do hope it never changes, I could see our old bowling alley back in operation, or maybe even a public swimming pool hopefully soon, but other than that it's perfect. I am within a half-hour drive of all the recreational opportunities I need.
Definitely food for thought, we were lucky enough to move here in 2018 and have very much enjoyed the outdoor paradise that Libby is. I can't honestly say anyone went out of their way to make us feel unwelcome, in fact quite the opposite, but as the video states it helps to come here with an open mind and an appreciation for what this place is. Thanks for sharing!
I suppose I should ammend my comment, there was one real jerk of a realtor who insisted on doing little more than make fun of my wife's southern accent... but assholes seem to inhabit every town!
Born and raised in Libby. Left in 1994 and joined the military not long after. Been back a few times over the years and it's not good (drugs/booze/gambling). Without a strong industrial foundation the county will never recover. Timber and mining....we have a lot of both
I was traveling through Libby on my way home and happened upon Sherpa Trailers manufactured in Libby and bought one and towed it home.That was in 2016,got a tour of the manufacturing plant,it was a great experience.Libby will do well,no doubt about that.
Thanks for stopping in and watching! Trying to find a balance between protecting what we have here and creating new jobs to make younger people stick around is something I do not have the answers for. We now have NOMAD. Maybe that will help.
Jessie-- Great job on the review of your incredible Libby MT and the "down to earth" Citizens of "America The Way It Should Be!" I grew up on a 100 acre farm in a small 300 person town in Western NY, won an art scholarship to go to college in Buffalo NY, then went into the military and served overseas and then met my wife in San Diego (just south of Temecula) and raised our family of six. Now my wife and I are retired, and we've been watching about 500 videos of anything and everything in North-Western Montana. I told my wife about Libby about a week ago and then found your video today. When I watched all of the reviews you did, it was like Déjà vu... remembering all the great neighbors we had in my small town of 300 in Western NY when I was younger. We love what we see in Montana and we're making all the plans necessary to make our move to "God's Country" ASAP. If you have the time, any feedback or comments or ideas are most welcome! Glad you "made it back home"... you look like it's something you really wanted to do and that's good for the soul. Take Care! Mr. & Mrs. Brad Bowen Retired, Veteran San Diego BowenOrg@gmail.com
Well I will say housing market is overpriced at the moment. Still not a whole lot of jobs. Lincoln County is now the 10 most populas County in MT at 20,200. That says a lot at one time we were the least at we were 56 out of 56 counties. I think the main thing is just come in with a good attitude. Also another thing to remember is the population of Libby has grown, however the schools are smaller than ever,which tells me we are slowly becoming a retirement community.
Isnt really an issue anymore. Values on homes.in the area have increased 40 to 45%. The median price of a home now in Libby is 320k the median income in 39k. Soooo yea..its not the locals buyingbthe homes anymore. Lincoln County is now the 10th most populous county in MT. We used to be 56 out of 56 counties. We've been found
This is positive news, to me. I'd really like to relocate here. I am completing my BSW at UM with a minor in Gerontology. I want to work with the older adult community! This is an absolutely beautiful community. I lived in Kalispell 20 years and am now in Polson. Keep it just as it is!!!
Yeah a lot of retired folk moving here. Lincoln county is now the 10th most populous county in Montana now...however the classrooms are not getting any bigger. The median home price for a home in Libby is $315k. The median salary in Libby is 39k per year. Just goes to show you who is buying and building the homes. I work for the DOR here in Libby and I'm Herr to tell ya sales haven't really slowed down at all even with high interest rates.
Thank you...it was a labor or love...doing a documentary is way different than a hiking video. Doubt I will ever do short doc again . lol. But it made me understand lighting and angles better .
Just go to Troy... they love everyone in Troy. I miss jumping the river with a sixer of Glacier beer. Getting hammered on logging roads, lost up China. When I left, nobody local could afford to do much of anything. I head back w a new truck full of dirtbikes and I must be a tourist lol
Wow what an amazing video! I have no idea how I haven’t seen this before. Great job and the questions and interviews were perfect. As a young business owner here in Libby I think change is happening and I know for a fact I’ve done better in the last few years with more people and businesses coming here.
Yeah it was fun to do. I tried not to slant anything, but as with everything there is no such thing as unbiased. I think it was Sanderson told me we should get in contact with each other and work on some stuff.
@@hyoh-wu True it is hard to not be biased, but it was real and very well put together. I agree we should definitely get together and talk about some video stuff, TH-cam and hiking.
Just saw you posted this up while I'm actually staying in Libby for the weekend! Definitely helps understand the place a little bit more. It's got all the geographical makings of a cool outdoor destination town but if the people don't want it to change it'll never happen. Also, a little selfishly, I'm not sure I want it to change either, I can't decide. I like the Cabinets wild and empty... yet also here I am making TH-cam videos for the world to see. Conundrum.
@@hyoh-wu Sorry I didn't see the invite! We left this morning, hiked Geiger Lakes to Lost Buck Pass and then headed home. Maybe one of these days I'll see you out there on the trail or if I'm back in Libby I'll take you up on that offer!
Thanks for the video. I just spent the last two weeks vacationing in Montana. Don't worry, I'm just visiting. Stopped on a layover in Libby. A nice small town. Great fishing in The Kootenai River. Friendly locals. I don't blame them one bit for being protective of Libby.Too many people moving to a place can literally trash it. I enjoyed stopping at The Pastime my last night in Montana. Had a great trip as always. Montana never dissapoints.
So nice to see a lot of my friends in this video. Good job! I loved our 18 years in Libby. ok no I didn’t. I complained all the time we had to take the day off of work to bring the kids to doctors appointments. 🤣 I miss the people for sure! We had to move because our jobs went away as well.
I was born and raised in Libby. My family left in the 90s. I go back every couple of years to the CARD clinic and fewer and fewer of the people and places from my childhood are there… My dad Tom Allen, of Fennessee, Crocker, and Allen on Mineral was also president of the chamber for a time. That was 30 years ago and they were trying to figure out how to attract tourists back then. Some things don’t change…
I was born in Libby MT and family still live there. As a spiritual minded, plant based, organic, holistic viewing, healthy person....out side of the Natural beauty....Libby doesn't have much to offer myself. Because I changed, I am open minded.... Thus I moved and probably wont be moving back ....LOL unless much change happens. Blessings. Thank you for making this video!
Looking to retire in Libby coming in from a town of 300 people but I’ll e a retire RN and have had my own personal business these last few years so even I’m retired but will bring something to your little town it’s so peaceful and beautiful. God bless
I hear ya but I retired from the Navy (also a Navy kid) so I never had a place to call home, moving around every few years my entire life. After I retired, I got all my stuff in one sock so to speak and moved here to Libby, well, it's the closest town anyways lol (I live up in the mountains). I have had nothing but good experiences with everyone here and not one single person has given my a hard time. I've been here for 2 years now and I love it. I've literally been all over the world and been to all 50 states... This is where I chose to call home and build my life, that should tell ya something.
Great video! We've been thru libby a few times and stay at libby dam for a week or so each time to/from Glacier. Wife an I are looking for places to grow some roots with our 12 month twin boys. Stumbled across your video as we have a few states we are researching. And I have to say your video was an unusual but very informative take. No intentions to move there but it was a good watch to explore the area more
Yeah Lincoln counties home values increased quite a bit from 2019 till now...the average increase is 45%. So people were pretty shell shocked when they saw there property assessments in 2023. Also Lincoln county used to be the least populous of all 56 counties....we are now the 10th most populous. However, no new jobs. Unfortumately i have no answers.
We purchased north of Libby, in Rexford. I think the greatest fear would be new people not respecting citizens private property and established rights. As an outsider, who watched this exact thing happen in our hometown. We would never want to see that happen here. We love the environment and the attitude of the people.
Hey yall, ive been in Temecula area since 1990, graduated in 95, born in PA, worked in Yellowstone, and spent some time in Plains MT, working, and visiting. I get both sides of this. I wish MT could keep using its natural resources to self sustain, because most tourisim is damaging to local culture, and natural resources... as i have experienced in Temecula. In 1990 there was 1 stoplight and most people knew of eachothers families... as time passed, very quickly traffic and no recognition... I dont wish this upon any community, and looking back on my childhood communities of south western PA, my childhood homes and communities dont even exist anymore... sad... but true... im not offering anything but an observation, and one i would not like to admit.... but change is not avoidable, and the best we can do to accomodate it, is with allowance of respectable participants, and educating the others on the standards and values we all require for acceptance in our communities.... stand strong, and much love! We all got to where we are with change, its up to all of us to communicate, and teach the amount and type of change is acceptable for our communities in a responsable and positive manner!
Wow! Very well thought out and articulated. I should have had you write the dialogue for this short documentary. Thanks for watching greatly appreciated!
Haven't watched yet, but just found out about it being a super fund site. Reading a comment where someone stated they keep newcomers at "arms length" reminds me they must be church going folks. Real Godly behavior. If I foolishly relocated there I would keep them at arms length as well. Side arms. You can't trust people that don't love themselves.
I live in a similar place in Oregon.. next to crater lake National park... I hope to visit your beautiful town.. it's seems peaceful and loving I hope I fit in for the visit...
Big employer's & big business will seldom operate a facility that is more than an hour from a big airport. Logging and mining require a nearby railroad, and everything requires a suitable workforce. For older and retired people, a key factor will be availability of good medical infrastructure.
I am not much for change either. Never was. I grew up in a small town and currently live in one in the western part of Washington. Unfortunately we've been engulfed by change. There was a real estate boom here from five years ago. It's as though out of towners found the "mother-load" and started flipping houses so the locals could no longer afford their own. We've been out-priced and taxed now to the gills. This is what occurs when too many people are making like its a "gold rush". It's more the greed than survival. I yearn for the days of simplicity, less traffic, less regulation, more Conservatives, kindness and a common understanding of courtesy towards neighbors. Even though people promise not to make changes, the population and resources will dictate otherwise. I hope Libby never changes.
Yeah for the most part...we are out of Superfund status. I really didn't touch on that in the video....that would have been another can of worms I didn't want to dive into. Its been over done
I miss all the great business that used to be there, Kings Pizza! And the Dairy Queen that used to be there really would of hit the spot during the heatwave.
Elizabeth says, I'd love to live by a town that has no 'chain'-anything store and restaurants, and that refuses to let them come in; same for industry. Let them stay in the nearby big-city and leave Libby to be the temporary sanctuary for occasional weekend visits. Why does every town have to look the same. Keep Libby the way it is. Satisfyingly unique.
We lived in Libby for 7 years. We made some great friends. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to preserve a way of life, but a species, or a city in this instance, that can’t adapt, dies.
So just let the forests burn instead of putting people to work and bringing logging back? That's how they need to adapt, go back to what worked and not keep trying what doesn't work. Libby will never be much of a tourist destination. I lived there and I would probably never go on vacation there.
I'm usually pretty loud and I have Blitz with me so I very seldom see wildlife. I think the 🐺 wolves have really made an impact on the elk in the area. I don't hunt, but I sure enjoy my venison, heart and backstrap.
Yes I love Montana have friends up there but I could believe how it’s changing and land I saw was just out of my reach so as much love it Alaska will be my last spot love the video
Watch out for mosquitos up there. Yeah in libby the Median price for a home now is 315k the median salary in Libby in 39k per year. Who can afford to live here?
Good to open that can of worms. The town and Montana in general wants the good old days back. As we know they are gone, and what we see now for the kids is, this is their good old days. I know when we use to go to Happys and you could go to Horseshoe and have the entire lake to yourself will never be something kids will ever see. Change is coming and people are part of that change. Western Montana has been discovered and the real money is coming. As a side note, on editing you should have a fish person help you with your identification and also perhaps fish presence in waterbodies. I think you may know a good fish bio........... HAAA Good work as always!
@@hyoh-wu your video was interesting. You hit on some very valid points that a lot of Montana’s small communities are dealing with; lack of industry, lack of acceptance of outsiders and fear of change. Good content.
@@aharley8242 a labor of love. Hopefully my professor enjoys it. I prefer just doing my hiking videos....short docs are to much work. But it did stretch me and in the end will make me a better story teller and content creator.
Great job on the documentary. It's interesting that you were run out of Temecula because of the crowds and high cost of living, but seem to be promoting crowds and the associated high cost of living for Libby. That's confusing to me. Can you explain your thoughts? I live in a small city in Arizona and the influx of new residents has created a perpetual traffic jam and very much eroded my quality of life. I would say, based on experience, that the changes you seem to be promoting are detrimental to most residents of a smaller town. You saw that in Temecula and I've seen it in my 30 years here. So why didn't you learn?
I’m thinking about moving to Montana for turner mountain and to explore their creeks with my fly rod but this video is scaring me away is it really that bad there as far as new comers coming in trying to work and play
Yes it is. I was born an raised not far from Libby. I go back every 5 or 6 yrs. Anybody asks me if I'm a tourist.. I ask if they were born an raised here. If they say no.. I tell them to leave. I'll die in Montana. Besides I don't much care to talk to anyone under the age of 65. I like my peace an solitude. Libby is a great place to live simple an quiet. Leave it that way.
@oldmountaindawg4593 Well if we Montanians stopped selling the land that would stop half the problem. The other part may be the Forest Service selling off public land to investors who want to subdivide and build trophy homes. I heard a rumor that the FS is going to sell the horse range behind Canoe Gulch.
Yeah we have, bears, elk, moose, badgers, porcupines, eagles, mountain lions, worms, and BIGFOOT. LOL! We could always use another great hunter around here.
That is one of the problems here in Libby. There is a certain group of people that don't like new people coming in and they don't want things to change. And that's what's wrong with Libby. They treat people that move here like crap. They don't realize all they're doing is hurting Libby. We need people to move in we need people to start businesses here in Libby. The problem is if somebody moved here they have to have money because there's not enough jobs. That's why we need people to move in and create more jobs for Libby. But one thing is if they move here they need to see how we are here and blend in. The problem is we get a lot of people that move from different states and then when you ask them why they moved they say because there was too many laws where they came from. And then they go to City Council meetings in that and then try to get the same laws pushed on us here in Libby. So if you move here I welcome you in a lot of people welcome you just remember it's a small community and people are sitting there ways. So try to act like everybody else. I know it sounds bad but it's a small community just like anywhere else. So if you actually watch the way people are and act like them things will go smoothly. Like I said there is just a couple people in this area that did not want it to change. But we need to change times are changing and we need to change. I love your videos glad I was able to talk to you today when I was up at my mines. We'll have to get together soon.
Yeah. ..looking forward to learning about the mines, love all the history. Granite lake trail head is my happy spot. Don't know what it is about that place it makes me feel relaxed and at home.
Montana has seriously been put up for sale especially the last 4 years. Governor Bollocks started the advertising and Governor Gianforte is on a selling spree. Now the industries are service related to support the wealthy tourists and ssometime home owners.
Good comment. Unfourtanetly we Montanaians are also to blame because someone has to be selling the property to the Out of staters and Europeans. I work for the DOR and I see the amount of sales coming through...it has slowed a tiny bit...but people are stil selling. Its crazy. My question is after the people sell where are they moving to? Missouri?I dont have the answers unfoutunately. Wish i did.
@hyoh-wu nope not blaming Montanans, pretty hard to resist 450000for a home that cost 150000 when you bought it. However the powers that be will use MT. until there's nothing left. My great grandmother a Widow with 9 children landed in MT. In 1874...from Missouri what goes around comes around hahaha
8% unemployment is an under estimate for Libby when you factor in under employment. I have been travelling to Libby for years and I love it but the resistance to new things is a problem. It reminds me of many towns that made the shift to tourism as a mainstay of the economy. Everyone wants the tourist dollar but doesn't want to deal with different people with different ideas from different places.
If you like being bored? Libby is the place to come!...If your old Libby is your place! If your young do not come here! Boring as hell.....I have lived here for 11 years! Lamo place to live!
There is very little housing unless you're buying something 300k or higher. Finding employment that pays more than $12-$13/hour and minimum wage is less than $9. Don't come here unprepared.
@hyoh-wu Got it. I live in a mining county myself, and fortunately, it's booming again. Very small town with similar views. Libby Montana is very beautiful country.
For real libby ,look up “Ralph V. Hutt.” They killed my father and I’m watching my mother suffer from it now too . I have it my siblings have it . GREAT PLACE Nobody cares Its pretty lol pretty deadly
Why do you want Libby to be like Kalispell and Sandpoint? The Open Mindedness cliche is the mind of sheep....change for the sake of change with no forethought that in a few short years these same people will be moaning about how Libby was once a nice place. Every day I hear the words Kalispell-Sucks. Go look at Kalispell, that is the future of Libby. Its that simple.
Tourism isnt a real economy. Every community is trying to be a tourist trap but that doesnt supply livable incomes for employees. Get some real industries once again.
Not sure what you mean? A quick search shows.....There's no question that travel and tourism is one of the leading economic drivers in Montana. The industry supported 43,900 jobs in 2022. Also last year, 12.5 million visitors spent $5.82 billion in the state and contributed $315 million to state and local taxes.
Well if your gainfully employed or work from home it isn't to bad. Tons of outdoors stuff to do. If you need a break from the small town, Kalispell, Spokane, or Missoula are just a short drive away.
@@grantgray1759 unfortunately I really don't do social media...I probably should but I don't. You can e mail me at hyohwu@yahoo.com and I can answers any questions u may have.
@@hyoh-wu Yeah, not living there right now though. I wanna move back if I can land a remote job in web development. My wife already has a online business so that's a plus. When I was younger all I wanted to do was get out of Libby, but as you get older you appreciate it more and more. I just wish we could get some more work in that town, and hopefully that would help with drug problem in Libby. Seems like everyone there is on pills now days....it's really sad.
As a very conservative Oregonian I am sad to know that my family and I won't be welcomed if we decided to move to Libby. My Fiancé and I grew up in a small farming/logging community and over the last 10ish years our community and whole area has EXPLODED with people. I can honestly say I truly understand where the locals are coming from in not wanting anyone new to move there. I really do. My once treasured and secret lake spots/creek spots/hiking spots, etc are now overrun with people who have no idea what personal space is.... I would never want that for Montana. However... There are good people who have little children like my Fiancé and I who just want to get them to a good community to grow up in. I will not mask my children, period. Therefore we are homeschooling and I adore homeschooling. But my poor children have missed out on all the normal things kids should get to do because of the strict mandates here in Oregon. I don't follow the mandates, but my kids can't go to school, we can only shop at the couple stores that I know won't harass my free face, I am surrounded by Karen's and all we want is to live peacefully in the woods, left alone to homestead and raise our children right. We believe in guns, God, freedom, hunting and everything we enjoy is getting harder and harder to do here. With all that being said it makes me sad to know we wouldn't be welcomed if we decided to move to Libby. 😔
Thanks for watching and the comment. I would suggest before anyone moves anywhere..they should visit. I think you and your family would be pleasantly surprised how nice people are.
Would love to see this community rebound and find and sustain growth through some industry and tourism.A natural resource rich state that has been handcuffed by political overreach of environmental zealots.
Libby Mt needs to utilize their timber so young people can stay there. Vote for TRUMP kick out politicians who are legislating regulations strangling the economy.
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I would like to hear you thoughts.
I got the hell out of California as well too bad we didn't end up in the same area
@@hotrodh11 lol
Conservative, mind my own business kind of guy. Hard working responsible and love helping folks.
Considering relocating to that area. Food service industry strong? I have to get out of the city and Indiana. Way too liberal here lol
… I would love to move away from California & start a new life in small town Libby., Not married & no kids. On a fixed income. Grew up in a military small town in CA. Moved away over 20 yrs ago to the big city & miss the small town life. I would love to spend the rest of my years in Montana, then in CA.
@@PadresFaithful yeah it's awesome here. It did snow up in the Cabinets today though.
This was an awesome video. Hubby and I are natives from Roundup, MT. We retired in Bigfork but find ourselves migrating to Libby more and more as we long for the “good old Montana.” So much of Montana is being ruined, Big Sky, Bozeman, Whitefish and most of the FH valley. Libby is a reminder of what Montana has been to us natives, natural beauty and getting out in nature without crowds. Respecting the land and each other, live and let live and not infringing on others. I hope Libby finds that happy medium because it is the last most beautiful untouched place in Montana. We love visiting and maybe one day we too can be members of the community. ☮️ We love and respect everything Libby has to offer. Everyone interviewed did an amazing job. Kudos!
Yeah...thats the thing...lincoln county has been found. The valuation of property Here is going through the roof.. Lincoln county is the 10th most populous county now...no longer 56. So if we were to redo the license plates now it would no longer be 56..it would be 10. You, did say a key word...balance, and we all know how hard that is. I don't have answers just observations. I'm thinking in 2026 I may do a follow up documentary..Just to see how we are doing. Thank u so much for watching.
Elizabeth says, I don't want to live in a small town that wants change. Change brings crowds, traffic, and corruption. Thanks for a open, honest great video. I hope Libby never changes. Those that want big city stuff need to move to the big city, not to Libby.
Only place that brings crime and corruption is from failed Liberal-Democrat ran cities and States. Trying to get out of SF Bay Area for that very reason.
Everyplace in going to grow... just way too many people on the planet. Libby included. Everyone wants space, change is inevitable. I've been going to Libby to visit family for most of my life, haven't been in a number of years, driving out from Oregon next week and very excited. Beautiful place.
So many loud voices in Libby blame the Liberal Boogiemen for everything and wave their Trump flags proudly, not realizing that 20-40% of their friends and neighbors are Democrats. The ignorance and fear of difference is sad but understandable…. They never had to live in a crowded place with people of all kinds!
I managed to hook myself up with a job at Montana machine and fabrication this year through an internship that the school offers to seniors and now I’ve got my foot in the door doing something I enjoy. I don’t plan on leaving long term, but if you move here, for the love of God don’t implement the things you ran from.
I have lived here in Libby since 2002. I still love the small-town atmosphere that it has. And it is true that we keep newcomers at an arm's length. We are hesitant to change because of what we have here. I do hope it never changes, I could see our old bowling alley back in operation, or maybe even a public swimming pool hopefully soon, but other than that it's perfect. I am within a half-hour drive of all the recreational opportunities I need.
Not going to talk about the Asbestos outbreak?
Definitely food for thought, we were lucky enough to move here in 2018 and have very much enjoyed the outdoor paradise that Libby is. I can't honestly say anyone went out of their way to make us feel unwelcome, in fact quite the opposite, but as the video states it helps to come here with an open mind and an appreciation for what this place is. Thanks for sharing!
as all documentaries are they are slightly slanted. I did my best to give a fair and even approach. Thank you so much for the feedback.
I suppose I should ammend my comment, there was one real jerk of a realtor who insisted on doing little more than make fun of my wife's southern accent... but assholes seem to inhabit every town!
Born and raised in Libby. Left in 1994 and joined the military not long after. Been back a few times over the years and it's not good (drugs/booze/gambling). Without a strong industrial foundation the county will never recover. Timber and mining....we have a lot of both
Yeah agreed! we may have a small breath of life when NOMAD opens up un the old Stinger building. So we will see. Thanks for watching.
I was traveling through Libby on my way home and happened upon Sherpa Trailers manufactured in Libby and bought one and towed it home.That was in 2016,got a tour of the manufacturing plant,it was a great experience.Libby will do well,no doubt about that.
thanka for watching. Yeah those little sherpas are pretty cool.for sure.
I hope Libby never changes!
Thanks for stopping in and watching! Trying to find a balance between protecting what we have here and creating new jobs to make younger people stick around is something I do not have the answers for. We now have NOMAD. Maybe that will help.
Jessie--
Great job on the review of your incredible Libby MT and the "down to earth" Citizens of "America The Way It Should Be!"
I grew up on a 100 acre farm in a small 300 person town in Western NY, won an art scholarship to go to college in Buffalo NY, then went into the military and served overseas and then met my wife in San Diego (just south of Temecula) and raised our family of six.
Now my wife and I are retired, and we've been watching about 500 videos of anything and everything in North-Western Montana.
I told my wife about Libby about a week ago and then found your video today.
When I watched all of the reviews you did, it was like Déjà vu... remembering all the great neighbors we had in my small town of 300 in Western NY when I was younger.
We love what we see in Montana and we're making all the plans necessary to make our move to "God's Country" ASAP.
If you have the time, any feedback or comments or ideas are most welcome!
Glad you "made it back home"... you look like it's something you really wanted to do and that's good for the soul.
Take Care!
Mr. & Mrs. Brad Bowen
Retired, Veteran
San Diego
BowenOrg@gmail.com
Well I will say housing market is overpriced at the moment. Still not a whole lot of jobs. Lincoln County is now the 10 most populas County in MT at 20,200. That says a lot at one time we were the least at we were 56 out of 56 counties. I think the main thing is just come in with a good attitude. Also another thing to remember is the population of Libby has grown, however the schools are smaller than ever,which tells me we are slowly becoming a retirement community.
Excellent documentary. Almost moved there 4 years ago because of the beautiful Nature, but my husband wouldn't agree due to the asbestos issue.
Isnt really an issue anymore. Values on homes.in the area have increased 40 to 45%. The median price of a home now in Libby is 320k the median income in 39k. Soooo yea..its not the locals buyingbthe homes anymore. Lincoln County is now the 10th most populous county in MT. We used to be 56 out of 56 counties. We've been found
It should be our motto. Don’t move here, we are as full as we can be.
@@mg4721 Yeah thats about right. if people woild stop selling....we wouldnt be having huge increase in property values. lol
This is positive news, to me. I'd really like to relocate here. I am completing my BSW at UM with a minor in Gerontology. I want to work with the older adult community! This is an absolutely beautiful community. I lived in Kalispell 20 years and am now in Polson. Keep it just as it is!!!
Yeah a lot of retired folk moving here. Lincoln county is now the 10th most populous county in Montana now...however the classrooms are not getting any bigger. The median home price for a home in Libby is $315k. The median salary in Libby is 39k per year. Just goes to show you who is buying and building the homes. I work for the DOR here in Libby and I'm Herr to tell ya sales haven't really slowed down at all even with high interest rates.
Well done! LHS 1978 grad living in Seattle. My brother, Brian, moved back after 30 years away. Good message in your video.
Thank you...it was a labor or love...doing a documentary is way different than a hiking video. Doubt I will ever do short doc again . lol. But it made me understand lighting and angles better .
Just go to Troy... they love everyone in Troy. I miss jumping the river with a sixer of Glacier beer. Getting hammered on logging roads, lost up China. When I left, nobody local could afford to do much of anything. I head back w a new truck full of dirtbikes and I must be a tourist lol
Wow what an amazing video! I have no idea how I haven’t seen this before. Great job and the questions and interviews were perfect. As a young business owner here in Libby I think change is happening and I know for a fact I’ve done better in the last few years with more people and businesses coming here.
Yeah it was fun to do. I tried not to slant anything, but as with everything there is no such thing as unbiased. I think it was Sanderson told me we should get in contact with each other and work on some stuff.
@@hyoh-wu True it is hard to not be biased, but it was real and very well put together. I agree we should definitely get together and talk about some video stuff, TH-cam and hiking.
Just saw you posted this up while I'm actually staying in Libby for the weekend! Definitely helps understand the place a little bit more. It's got all the geographical makings of a cool outdoor destination town but if the people don't want it to change it'll never happen. Also, a little selfishly, I'm not sure I want it to change either, I can't decide. I like the Cabinets wild and empty... yet also here I am making TH-cam videos for the world to see. Conundrum.
hey do you want to do breakfast tomorrow?
@@hyoh-wu Sorry I didn't see the invite! We left this morning, hiked Geiger Lakes to Lost Buck Pass and then headed home. Maybe one of these days I'll see you out there on the trail or if I'm back in Libby I'll take you up on that offer!
@@HikingWithJustin oh for sure man.
I met a lady who owned a bookstore in Libby. She said she had been there 37 years and was still an outsider. sad.
That's probably Rocky. She's a cool lady!
Thanks for the video. I just spent the last two weeks vacationing in Montana. Don't worry, I'm just visiting. Stopped on a layover in Libby. A nice small town. Great fishing in The Kootenai River. Friendly locals. I don't blame them one bit for being protective of Libby.Too many people moving to a place can literally trash it. I enjoyed stopping at The Pastime my last night in Montana. Had a great trip as always. Montana never dissapoints.
Thanks for watching. I just wish we had more jobs for people here. I don't have answers....for the problems...I just love my town.
So nice to see a lot of my friends in this video. Good job! I loved our 18 years in Libby. ok no I didn’t. I complained all the time we had to take the day off of work to bring the kids to doctors appointments. 🤣 I miss the people for sure! We had to move because our jobs went away as well.
Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks so much for watching.
I was born and raised in Libby. My family left in the 90s. I go back every couple of years to the CARD clinic and fewer and fewer of the people and places from my childhood are there… My dad Tom Allen, of Fennessee, Crocker, and Allen on Mineral was also president of the chamber for a time. That was 30 years ago and they were trying to figure out how to attract tourists back then. Some things don’t change…
thanks for stopping by and watching.
I was born in Libby MT and family still live there. As a spiritual minded, plant based, organic, holistic viewing, healthy person....out side of the Natural beauty....Libby doesn't have much to offer myself. Because I changed, I am open minded.... Thus I moved and probably wont be moving back ....LOL unless much change happens. Blessings. Thank you for making this video!
Thanks for watching and commenting.
where do you live now?
Looking to retire in Libby coming in from a town of 300 people but I’ll e a retire RN and have had my own personal business these last few years so even I’m retired but will bring something to your little town it’s so peaceful and beautiful. God bless
That's awesome. Thank you for watching.
I camped in Libby for 2 days in July. Love the place.
You did an awesome job Jess as usual
I hear ya but I retired from the Navy (also a Navy kid) so I never had a place to call home, moving around every few years my entire life. After I retired, I got all my stuff in one sock so to speak and moved here to Libby, well, it's the closest town anyways lol (I live up in the mountains). I have had nothing but good experiences with everyone here and not one single person has given my a hard time. I've been here for 2 years now and I love it. I've literally been all over the world and been to all 50 states... This is where I chose to call home and build my life, that should tell ya something.
Yep...we are pretty spoiled with all the mountains and lakes we get to call our playground. Thanks for watching.
Great video! We've been thru libby a few times and stay at libby dam for a week or so each time to/from Glacier. Wife an I are looking for places to grow some roots with our 12 month twin boys. Stumbled across your video as we have a few states we are researching. And I have to say your video was an unusual but very informative take. No intentions to move there but it was a good watch to explore the area more
Yeah Lincoln counties home values increased quite a bit from 2019 till now...the average increase is 45%. So people were pretty shell shocked when they saw there property assessments in 2023. Also Lincoln county used to be the least populous of all 56 counties....we are now the 10th most populous. However, no new jobs. Unfortumately i have no answers.
We purchased north of Libby, in Rexford. I think the greatest fear would be new people not respecting citizens private property and established rights.
As an outsider, who watched this exact thing happen in our hometown. We would never want to see that happen here. We love the environment and the attitude of the people.
Good point! Thanks for watching!
Extremely well done
Sounds like my kind of place to retire to. I feel the same way and Texas is getting crowded.
@@bryanmontgomery4050 alot of people from Texas here.
Hey yall, ive been in Temecula area since 1990, graduated in 95, born in PA, worked in Yellowstone, and spent some time in Plains MT, working, and visiting. I get both sides of this. I wish MT could keep using its natural resources to self sustain, because most tourisim is damaging to local culture, and natural resources... as i have experienced in Temecula. In 1990 there was 1 stoplight and most people knew of eachothers families... as time passed, very quickly traffic and no recognition...
I dont wish this upon any community, and looking back on my childhood communities of south western PA, my childhood homes and communities dont even exist anymore... sad... but true... im not offering anything but an observation, and one i would not like to admit.... but change is not avoidable, and the best we can do to accomodate it, is with allowance of respectable participants, and educating the others on the standards and values we all require for acceptance in our communities.... stand strong, and much love!
We all got to where we are with change, its up to all of us to communicate, and teach the amount and type of change is acceptable for our communities in a responsable and positive manner!
Wow! Very well thought out and articulated. I should have had you write the dialogue for this short documentary. Thanks for watching greatly appreciated!
Haven't watched yet, but just found out about it being a super fund site. Reading a comment where someone stated they keep newcomers at "arms length" reminds me they must be church going folks. Real Godly behavior. If I foolishly relocated there I would keep them at arms length as well. Side arms. You can't trust people that don't love themselves.
I live in a similar place in Oregon.. next to crater lake National park... I hope to visit your beautiful town.. it's seems peaceful and loving I hope I fit in for the visit...
Make sure when you come, you have a beer at the Pastime and dinner at the Shed or The Black Board Bistro. Thank you so much for watching.
Big employer's & big business will seldom operate a facility that is more than an hour from a big airport. Logging and mining require a nearby railroad, and everything requires a suitable workforce. For older and retired people, a key factor will be availability of good medical infrastructure.
All valid points. Thanks for taking the time to watch.
I am not much for change either. Never was. I grew up in a small town and currently live in one in the western part of Washington. Unfortunately we've been engulfed by change. There was a real estate boom here from five years ago. It's as though out of towners found the "mother-load" and started flipping houses so the locals could no longer afford their own. We've been out-priced and taxed now to the gills. This is what occurs when too many people are making like its a "gold rush". It's more the greed than survival. I yearn for the days of simplicity, less traffic, less regulation, more Conservatives, kindness and a common understanding of courtesy towards neighbors. Even though people promise not to make changes, the population and resources will dictate otherwise. I hope Libby never changes.
Great observations and well stated.
Met a nurse here in Edmonton from Libby,,wild weekend!!
lol...thanks for watching
Has the situation with all of that asbestos contamination been finally cleaned up or is it still causing problems for the town?
Yeah for the most part...we are out of Superfund status. I really didn't touch on that in the video....that would have been another can of worms I didn't want to dive into. Its been over done
I had been contemplating going to the town and possibly buying a business there.
@@thomasbleming7539 oh nice..what type of business?
@@hyoh-wua saloon and pizza restaurant.
@@thomasbleming7539 the Red Dog is legendary...it was a staple of the town.
I miss all the great business that used to be there, Kings Pizza! And the Dairy Queen that used to be there really would of hit the spot during the heatwave.
KINGS PIZZA WAS AWESOME......and now no more Red Dogg pizza. Thanks for watching.
@@hyoh-wuMessage me.
Elizabeth says, I'd love to live by a town that has no 'chain'-anything store and restaurants, and that refuses to let them come in; same for industry. Let them stay in the nearby big-city and leave Libby to be the temporary sanctuary for occasional weekend visits. Why does every town have to look the same. Keep Libby the way it is. Satisfyingly unique.
We lived in Libby for 7 years. We made some great friends. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to preserve a way of life, but a species, or a city in this instance, that can’t adapt, dies.
Well said...well said.
So just let the forests burn instead of putting people to work and bringing logging back? That's how they need to adapt, go back to what worked and not keep trying what doesn't work. Libby will never be much of a tourist destination. I lived there and I would probably never go on vacation there.
If you don’t mind not seeing the sun for three months or more in the winter, you’ll love it.
@@SeldomSeen-0824 hahahaha good one
Thank you for all the great content! Can you tell me do you ever see elk while hiking in the cabinets?
I'm usually pretty loud and I have Blitz with me so I very seldom see wildlife. I think the 🐺 wolves have really made an impact on the elk in the area. I don't hunt, but I sure enjoy my venison, heart and backstrap.
Yes I love Montana have friends up there but I could believe how it’s changing and land I saw was just out of my reach so as much love it Alaska will be my last spot love the video
Watch out for mosquitos up there. Yeah in libby the Median price for a home now is 315k the median salary in Libby in 39k per year. Who can afford to live here?
Thanks for watching
Good to open that can of worms. The town and Montana in general wants the good old days back. As we know they are gone, and what we see now for the kids is, this is their good old days. I know when we use to go to Happys and you could go to Horseshoe and have the entire lake to yourself will never be something kids will ever see. Change is coming and people are part of that change. Western Montana has been discovered and the real money is coming. As a side note, on editing you should have a fish person help you with your identification and also perhaps fish presence in waterbodies. I think you may know a good fish bio........... HAAA Good work as always!
I had to work with what I had . lol thanks for watching . hahaha very true statements by the way
Moved there in 6th grade and graduated from there. Would never consider living there again. Glad to have gotten out.
Thanks so much for watching and leaving a comment.
@@hyoh-wu your video was interesting. You hit on some very valid points that a lot of Montana’s small communities are dealing with; lack of industry, lack of acceptance of outsiders and fear of change. Good content.
@@aharley8242 a labor of love. Hopefully my professor enjoys it. I prefer just doing my hiking videos....short docs are to much work. But it did stretch me and in the end will make me a better story teller and content creator.
If Libby is to be some sort of tourist destination and attract businesses or an industry, it needs a bigger and better airport.
I agree.
Great job on the documentary. It's interesting that you were run out of Temecula because of the crowds and high cost of living, but seem to be promoting crowds and the associated high cost of living for Libby. That's confusing to me. Can you explain your thoughts? I live in a small city in Arizona and the influx of new residents has created a perpetual traffic jam and very much eroded my quality of life. I would say, based on experience, that the changes you seem to be promoting are detrimental to most residents of a smaller town. You saw that in Temecula and I've seen it in my 30 years here. So why didn't you learn?
You forgot about mesothelioma
I’m thinking about moving to Montana for turner mountain and to explore their creeks with my fly rod but this video is scaring me away is it really that bad there as far as new comers coming in trying to work and play
Yes it is. I was born an raised not far from Libby. I go back every 5 or 6 yrs. Anybody asks me if I'm a tourist.. I ask if they were born an raised here. If they say no.. I tell them to leave. I'll die in Montana. Besides I don't much care to talk to anyone under the age of 65. I like my peace an solitude. Libby is a great place to live simple an quiet. Leave it that way.
I think people in general are nice they just keep people at arms length.
@oldmountaindawg4593 Well if we Montanians stopped selling the land that would stop half the problem. The other part may be the Forest Service selling off public land to investors who want to subdivide and build trophy homes. I heard a rumor that the FS is going to sell the horse range behind Canoe Gulch.
You have moose?!!? Man, Pennsylvania blows. 😂 I wanna live in Libby, where can I get an application?
Yeah we have, bears, elk, moose, badgers, porcupines, eagles, mountain lions, worms, and BIGFOOT. LOL! We could always use another great hunter around here.
That is one of the problems here in Libby. There is a certain group of people that don't like new people coming in and they don't want things to change. And that's what's wrong with Libby. They treat people that move here like crap. They don't realize all they're doing is hurting Libby. We need people to move in we need people to start businesses here in Libby. The problem is if somebody moved here they have to have money because there's not enough jobs. That's why we need people to move in and create more jobs for Libby. But one thing is if they move here they need to see how we are here and blend in. The problem is we get a lot of people that move from different states and then when you ask them why they moved they say because there was too many laws where they came from. And then they go to City Council meetings in that and then try to get the same laws pushed on us here in Libby. So if you move here I welcome you in a lot of people welcome you just remember it's a small community and people are sitting there ways. So try to act like everybody else. I know it sounds bad but it's a small community just like anywhere else. So if you actually watch the way people are and act like them things will go smoothly. Like I said there is just a couple people in this area that did not want it to change. But we need to change times are changing and we need to change. I love your videos glad I was able to talk to you today when I was up at my mines. We'll have to get together soon.
Yeah. ..looking forward to learning about the mines, love all the history. Granite lake trail head is my happy spot. Don't know what it is about that place it makes me feel relaxed and at home.
There's no townies on the streets and no ski lift in town. What is there to like about the place?
Turner Mountain.
Montana has seriously been put up for sale especially the last 4 years. Governor Bollocks started the advertising and Governor Gianforte is on a selling spree.
Now the industries are service related to support the wealthy tourists and ssometime home owners.
Good comment. Unfourtanetly we Montanaians are also to blame because someone has to be selling the property to the Out of staters and Europeans. I work for the DOR and I see the amount of sales coming through...it has slowed a tiny bit...but people are stil selling. Its crazy. My question is after the people sell where are they moving to? Missouri?I dont have the answers unfoutunately. Wish i did.
@hyoh-wu nope not blaming Montanans, pretty hard to resist 450000for a home that cost 150000 when you bought it. However the powers that be will use MT. until there's nothing left. My great grandmother a Widow with 9 children landed in MT. In 1874...from Missouri what goes around comes around hahaha
What happened to the Branding Iron?
it's an old folks home. Had many a beer there when I was younger.
8% unemployment is an under estimate for Libby when you factor in under employment. I have been travelling to Libby for years and I love it but the resistance to new things is a problem. It reminds me of many towns that made the shift to tourism as a mainstay of the economy. Everyone wants the tourist dollar but doesn't want to deal with different people with different ideas from different places.
Thanks for watching. Good cooments.
If you like being bored? Libby is the place to come!...If your old Libby is your place! If your young do not come here! Boring as hell.....I have lived here for 11 years! Lamo place to live!
I've been thinking about moving to Libby, Montana.
Is there anyone who can give me any information on just what I should do?
The biggest thing is having gainful employment and a place to live.
It is 90 miles to the closest box store (e.g. target Walmart) we lived there 18 years.
There is very little housing unless you're buying something 300k or higher. Finding employment that pays more than $12-$13/hour and minimum wage is less than $9. Don't come here unprepared.
Was that the mine that poisoned the community with asbestos?
Rhyolite was the asbestos mine. ASARCO was a silver mine.
@hyoh-wu Got it. I live in a mining county myself, and fortunately, it's booming again. Very small town with similar views. Libby Montana is very beautiful country.
@@momma370 Absolutely. Ive had job offers to make more money...but it means moving..and i love my Cabinet Mountains too damn much.
I recognize that voice! 😄
yeah Travis has been gifted with the perfect narration voice.
For real libby ,look up “Ralph V. Hutt.”
They killed my father and I’m watching my mother suffer from it now too .
I have it my siblings have it .
GREAT PLACE
Nobody cares
Its pretty lol pretty deadly
Why do you want Libby to be like Kalispell and Sandpoint?
The Open Mindedness cliche is the mind of sheep....change for the sake of change with no forethought that in a few short years these same people will be moaning about how Libby was once a nice place. Every day I hear the words Kalispell-Sucks. Go look at Kalispell, that is the future of Libby. Its that simple.
The revolutionary spirit
Sure is beautiful there.
it is indeed
Tourism isnt a real economy. Every community is trying to be a tourist trap but that doesnt supply livable incomes for employees. Get some real industries once again.
Not sure what you mean? A quick search shows.....There's no question that travel and tourism is one of the leading economic drivers in Montana. The industry supported 43,900 jobs in 2022. Also last year, 12.5 million visitors spent $5.82 billion in the state and contributed $315 million to state and local taxes.
How's the night life here for a guy in his 30's?
Well if your gainfully employed or work from home it isn't to bad. Tons of outdoors stuff to do. If you need a break from the small town, Kalispell, Spokane, or Missoula are just a short drive away.
You got a IG that I could ask you questions?
@@grantgray1759 unfortunately I really don't do social media...I probably should but I don't. You can e mail me at hyohwu@yahoo.com and I can answers any questions u may have.
Can you get me a discount on a parcel of land? I can't afford $200K for 2 acres
Oh man...yeah its not looking good. Who can afford a house or land in this market.
I watched it, and now I'm thinking of moving to Libby! =)
lol
So basically they want to become an abandoned ghost town..lol
Unfortunately, I don't have the answers. Thanks so much for watching. Thinking maybe next year I will do an update.see whats going on 4 years later.
Libby is ok…that’s it, just ok
Thanks for watching.
Im from Libby.
Awesomeness!
@@hyoh-wu Yeah, not living there right now though. I wanna move back if I can land a remote job in web development. My wife already has a online business so that's a plus. When I was younger all I wanted to do was get out of Libby, but as you get older you appreciate it more and more. I just wish we could get some more work in that town, and hopefully that would help with drug problem in Libby. Seems like everyone there is on pills now days....it's really sad.
@@Cognitoman yeah I know I really didn't appreciate what we had here when I was in high school.
Asbestos poisoned town
So poisoned everyone is moving here. Just like Butte, and Pinehurst Idaho.
As a very conservative Oregonian I am sad to know that my family and I won't be welcomed if we decided to move to Libby. My Fiancé and I grew up in a small farming/logging community and over the last 10ish years our community and whole area has EXPLODED with people. I can honestly say I truly understand where the locals are coming from in not wanting anyone new to move there. I really do. My once treasured and secret lake spots/creek spots/hiking spots, etc are now overrun with people who have no idea what personal space is.... I would never want that for Montana. However... There are good people who have little children like my Fiancé and I who just want to get them to a good community to grow up in. I will not mask my children, period. Therefore we are homeschooling and I adore homeschooling. But my poor children have missed out on all the normal things kids should get to do because of the strict mandates here in Oregon. I don't follow the mandates, but my kids can't go to school, we can only shop at the couple stores that I know won't harass my free face, I am surrounded by Karen's and all we want is to live peacefully in the woods, left alone to homestead and raise our children right. We believe in guns, God, freedom, hunting and everything we enjoy is getting harder and harder to do here. With all that being said it makes me sad to know we wouldn't be welcomed if we decided to move to Libby. 😔
Thanks for watching and the comment. I would suggest before anyone moves anywhere..they should visit. I think you and your family would be pleasantly surprised how nice people are.
@@hyoh-wu that's nice to hear. And I loved the video!
Would love to see this community rebound and find and sustain growth through some industry and tourism.A natural resource rich state that has been handcuffed by political overreach of environmental zealots.
Thanks for watching Chad. Nicely arriculated as well. Hope all is good in FL
I wanna move there and build a Seattle-style espresso bar in Libby!
Just kidding.
Matcha, Golden Milk, mushroom elixirs, avocado toast, vegan scones, kombucha on tap lol
Thanks for watching. I think a bar would make more money. Lol.
Libby Mt needs to utilize their timber so young people can stay there. Vote for TRUMP kick out politicians who are legislating regulations strangling the economy.