Eastern Montanans… we feel for you. On one hand, it’s probably often lovely to live in the less populated, less frequented part of the Treasure State. On the other hand, it’s extremely frustrating to keep seeing your part of the world passed over time and time again when you know it’s just as wonderful as Western Montana. So this is for you. These are 10 undeniable reasons why Eastern Montana is underrated.

1. Many of the small towns are actually amazing.

Glendive is home to one of the most visually stunning state parks in the country (more on that later). Scobey is incredibly charming. Fort Peck has a beautiful reservoir and the historic Fort Peck Summer Theatre. Sidney was named one of the best places in Montana to live on moveto.com.

2. Speaking of… they’re really not all small towns.

Billings is the biggest city in Montana, and Miles City isn’t exactly small. Eastern Montana isn’t a booming metropolis, but you’ll find some places that are pretty populated.

3. The plains are just as beautiful as the mountains.

Watch a summer sunset over the rolling Eastern Montana plains and you’ll be every bit as breathless as if you were back in the Bitterroot.

4. Eastern Montana has Makoshika State Park.

The largest state park in the state is not only beautiful but home to a ton of dinosaur bones. And Makoshika looks truly unique, unlike anything else you’ll find in Montana.

5. Eastern Montana also has the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument…

… you know, the site of an extremely important and memorable part of our history.

6. The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale proves Eastern Montanans know how to have a good time.

The annual rodeo and auction of rodeo stock is held every May in Miles City, and it draws crowds from all over the West.

7. The people are close.

We don’t mean the residents of Eastern Montana are close (quite the opposite). But when you’re born into a town of 1,000 people and you’re the third generation to live there, you’re going to bond with your neighbors. Many Eastern Montanans make friends for life.

8. When it comes to the dining scene, there are some amazing finds.

It should come as no surprise that Billings has some spots fit for foodies since it’s Montana’s most populated city. But Miles City, Glasgow, and plenty of other small towns have some restaurants that are every bit as good as you’ll find in a big city… only they’re more affordable and don’t have a two hour wait. This is Eugene’s Pizza, which has food so good that people from out of town often end up enjoying it multiple days in a row.

9. It’s inexpensive compared to the rest of the state… and the country.

The American Dream is alive and well in Eastern Montana. It’s still possible to buy a house or find affordable rent. When your mortgage doesn’t eat up your entire paycheck, you’re a lot less stressed.

10. It’s still The Last Best Place.

Montana is growing and changing whether we like it or not. Small towns are getting bigger and many parts of Western Montana are populated with people from out of state. But despite all the changes, much of Eastern Montana remains as it’s always been, at least to a certain degree. It has its own special charm that you simply won’t find anywhere else.

So there you have it. Eastern Montana is underrated. But in all honesty, we happen to think the entire state of Montana is underrated.