Funny Yet Undeniable Stereotypes of People Who Move to Missoula

The University of Montana welcomes students from all over the world every year. Our population in Missoula increases dramatically every Fall and then shrinks every Spring. However, not all students that attend UM classes come and go. Some stick around and integrate themselves permanently into the community.

I am not ashamed to admit that I am one of those people. I came here for school in 2001 and I have been here ever since.

Many people who move to Missoula do everything they can to try and "fit in" inside the community. Which can quickly turn into developing some Missoula stereotypes that our town is infamous for. And trust me, Missoula is known for far more stereotypes than just being "full of hippies."

TikTok creator Matt Lyons, has created a following for making videos that point out certain stereotypes for people in different regions or people with specific hobbies or quirks. For example, Matt has a great video that points out just how ridiculous people who own a stand-up paddleboard can be.

@mattslyon Nothing gases him up more #paddleboard #boat #summer #boston ♬ original sound - Matt Lyons

Matt recently created content that aims at "Every Person Who Moves to Missoula." Meet "Trout!" Trout is a recent grad from the University of Montana - ONLINE. He picked up a job with the Forest Service and already considers himself "born and raised in Missoula." His goals are to catch a fish while surfing the Clark Fork and start his beard oil company using recycled sandals.

@mattslyon Trout takes surf casting to the next level #missoula #montana #outdoors #fyp ♬ original sound - Matt Lyons

As funny as those stereotypes may be, there is no denying that there are people just like "Trout" everywhere you turn in Missoula.