Thanks for all the great info. I've got five more years to go before I can retire from the Army, and then I'd like to move out to where the weather does not stay obscenely hot year round. One thing I really liked about Great Falls was that even though it hit 95 degrees during the day (July 1-4), it cooled down to the 50s at night. And no humidity during the day.

I would not mind living 20-30 miles outside of a big town (maybe like Ulm or Craig). Those two places would fit the bill because they are close to Great Falls, but far enough away. I'd also look at some of the other towns in NW Montana, like Eureka or Polson. Or...gasp...Canada. Employment is going to be an issue, but with an Army pension helping out, hopefully I'll be able to get something nice. Nice for me includes land (I'd like over an acre, but a small house (1000 sf) is fine for me.