When choosing a new city in the United States, many people start by looking at the weather or housing prices.

Of course, those factors are important. However, when immigrants choose a city to live in for the long term, different criteria are needed.

Especially for Koreans, determining which city is livable involves more than just saying, "the housing prices are low" or "the scenery is beautiful." Information that directly impacts daily life is much more important.

Practical information such as where to find Korean ingredients, the size of the Korean population, the quality of hospitals, safety, how cold winters are, the level of rent and housing prices, the educational environment for children, and whether the city is suitable for living after retirement becomes the main concern.

In fact, many Koreans regret their city choice not because of the weather but due to a lack of information about living conditions. Once they move, they may find it difficult to obtain Korean food, hospitals may be too far away, finding a job may be challenging, or winters may be harsher than expected.

Therefore, when discussing cities that are good for Koreans to live in, it is important to focus on practical living information from the perspective of actual residents rather than just tourist information. Details such as where the grocery stores are, which neighborhoods are safe, what the rent prices are in different areas, the accessibility of hospitals and airports, and how well the Korean community is established are much more helpful.

Billings, MT, is the largest city in Montana, but it is considered a small to medium-sized city by national standards.

The first advantage is the cost of living and housing. The housing prices and rent in Billings are significantly lower compared to large cities. The rent for a two-bedroom apartment ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month, which is less than half compared to over $2,500 in LA or Seattle. Montana has no sales tax, so there is no additional tax burden on everyday purchases. This provides a practical economic advantage that allows for a more comfortable lifestyle with the same income.

The second advantage is the natural environment and outdoor life.

If you are an immigrant who enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, camping, and skiing, the natural surroundings of Billings are a big attraction. Yellowstone National Park, Bighorn Canyon, and the Beartooth Mountains are all within a 1-2 hour drive. The city itself also has natural attractions like the Rimrocks Trail that can be enjoyed on foot, allowing for life in the great outdoors.

On the other hand, the disadvantages are clear. The biggest disadvantage is the lack of diversity. Over 80% of Billings' population is white, and the Asian population is only about 1-2% of the total.

The cultural infrastructure for Koreans, such as Korean grocery stores, Korean restaurants, and Korean churches, is very limited. To find Korean ingredients, one must rely on online orders or seek out the rare Asian market. In terms of language, expecting Korean services is difficult, and communication in English is essential.

The second disadvantage is the limited job opportunities. Billings primarily offers employment in healthcare, energy, logistics, and retail, while there are relatively few professional jobs in IT, finance, and cultural industries. If you work in a field that allows remote work, this may not be a significant issue, but if you need to find an offline job, your options may be limited. In particular, there are virtually no positions that utilize Korean language skills.

The third challenge could be the winter weather. Winters in Billings can see temperatures drop below -10 degrees Celsius, and snowfall is quite significant. There is also a phenomenon known as 'Chinook,' a warm wind unique to Montana that can cause sudden temperature increases, making it take time to adapt to weather changes.

For immigrants without experience driving in winter, snow tires and practice driving in winter conditions are essential. Overall, Billings is suitable for immigrants who want a quiet and safe environment with a comfortable economic lifestyle in the U.S.