IF you've never experienced the "joy" of a northern winter, you will be in for a awakening. I saw a road side sign that read "I've NEVER heard anybody say that they wanted to retire and move north." In WY. the folks never see anyone because they are constantly bent over at the waist due to the wind. Oh yeah---the term "tie line" is a rope tied to the house and the other end at the barn, so you don't get lost in between during winter.
Having traveled a large portion of the states you are mentioning, you will have a pretty good choice of employment, but the weather might be a shock. Now, also having been in Texas in July--that can be a shock too.
The comments about Butte are funny. Where else can one watch dead geese fall from the sky.