Some years ago I did some traveling in Montana. The areas I liked best were around Libby, Eureka and Red Lodge. In each place the folks were much friendlier than I was used to. Mind you now I was on vacation. I spent about 2 weeks near Red Lodge a good sized town. Had supper at a mom and pop cafe downtown Eureka, had a VERY FILLING meal, went to the Pioneer Museum there.

If your heart is not set on Montana you might give Idaho a looksee. Bonners Ferry and Wallace are nice towns. A friend of mine lives near Blanchard. He's pretty much a lunatic but a more skilled blacksmith and overall good man than he will be tough to find. I don't figure what I've said here really helps you out much; these are just my thoughts.