Just to make sure I haven't been misunderstood,
A majority of the people in the area aren't like I described. However, they are common enough to be bothersome. I just don't want you to think the vast majority of people up there are ignorant rednecks, that wouldn't be a fair generalization.
On cost of living:
I would imagine property values are going to be close to what you know now in CA. The big difference is wages and day-to-day expenses. If Bozeman is anything like Coeur d'Alene, ID (another tourist town), I suspect it's a great place to visit, but it's too expensive to live there.
I'm glad we could provide some useful information for you. I'm sure whatever decision you make will work out for the best.
------------------
"With luck, it can be like quitting drinking without entirely losing the sense of fun you learned while you were smashed." - John Gierach
