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The Flathead Valley located in the northwest corner of Montana has had a tremendous increase in growth over the past eight years. The reason for the influx of people moving to this area is because of the beauty and quality of life. The Flathead valley has an estimated population of 82,000 and is predicted to double over the next 20 years. This area is welcoming growth. According to the Northwest Montana State almanac the Flathead valley accounts for around 36% of the population growth of Montana.
 The
valley is surrounded by three majestic mountain ranges the Whitefish,
Flathead and Mission Mountains. The Flathead Valley is the home of small
towns, clean air, and friendly people. Kalispell, located in the center
of the valley, is the financial hub and county seat. Further north is
Whitefish, a small recreational town nestled at the base of Big Mountain
ski and summer resort. Columbia Falls is known as the gateway to Glacier
National Park. Lakeside, Bigfork, Polson and Somers are pleasant towns
that surround Flathead Lake. Although growing, these towns continue to
maintain their original character and charm.
 In
years past, Montana lacked economic growth. However in the past few years
the tremendous increase of growth in the Flathead Valley has attracted
large companies to Kalispell such as; Home Depot, Lowes, Target and Borders.
Statistics show that northwest Montana generates 45% of the states economy.
The city of Kalispell is the economic center for the valley. The largest growth sector over the past ten years has been in machinery and equipment manufacturing demonstrating a broad based local economy. From 92 to 2002, the increase has been around 120%. The state also has a 1.8 billion dollar non resident travel industry which also figures prominently in the local economy.
The Flathead Valley had record levels of Montana Real Estate sales that topped over $1.2 Billion in the year of 2006. It increased 12% from the previous record breaking year of 2005. These sales include commercial, residential, agricultural and industrial real estate closings. Those numbers more than double the annual Montana Real Estate sales from 1999. The year 2006 marked the ninth consecutive record year for real estate in Montana. Demand for Montana Land and recreational properties are expected to grow with the upcoming retirement of millions of baby boomers throughout the United States.
The Flathead Valley also has first rate hospitals and medical facilities. Whitefish has a new 82,000 sq foot state of the art hospital that opened in 2007.
 The
Flathead Valley is recognized nationwide as a four season authentic recreational
hotspot. The Flathead Valley and surrounding wilderness provide a variety
of options for anyone looking to get away. The popular winter activities
include downhill snow skiing or snow boarding on the outstanding Big Mountain
resort or Blacktail Mountain. For the adventure seekers there are more
than 3 million acres of wilderness that surround Flathead valley. The
wilderness offers activities such as: cross country skiing, snowmobiling,
hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting, hunting or simply enjoying nature.
Furthermore, the neighboring Glacier National Park, known as crown of
the continent, is more than 1,000,000 scenic acres. This pristine park
exemplifies nature in its truest form. The valley also has an abundance
or water. Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi
River. Summer offers refreshing activities such as golfing on one of the
nine championship courses or enjoying water sports on either Flathead
Lake, Whitefish Lake. or one of the many other lakes which dot our corner
of paradise.
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