Selfie of man wearing red hat
Ian Baylon and his now-wife moved to Montana after watching "Yellowstone" and planning a trip to the state.
  • Ian Baylon moved to Montana in April 2022 after watching "Yellowstone" and visiting the state.
  • The 34-year-old said you get more bang for your buck renting in Montana than in the Bay Area.
  • Baylon said not all Montana transplants are remote workers buying property and driving up prices.

This is an as-told-to essay based on a conversation with 34-year-old Ian Baylon, a tradesman who moved from California to Montana in April 2022. The essay has been edited for length and clarity.