It all depends on him. He could find his version of paradise. Big sky country with fabulous outdoor opportunities (15 degrees F in winter). Taking a spouse and kids to a life sentence would be a big worry and I wouldn't do that, but I think he could make a confident decision with a few short visits. If the faculty are by and large intersting and compatible with his interests he may love it. If he reallt prefers ballet to fishing I wouldn't do it. They have a symphony orchestra in their town of 50,000 people. 15% of the city population have graduate degrees. About half Democratic and half Republican. Church affilitations quite a bit below national averages, spread out over many types. I haven't been there in twenty years but growth is high, and median house value is a staggering $435,000. I don't have negative stereotypes of Montana for some reason (not because of some moral superiority - I like the place). No doubt I'd prefer some places in England over Bozeman but yes you're overgeneralizing.