If you are thinking of moving to the West, consider moving to the beautiful state of Montana. From the wide-open spaces to the seemingly limitless recreational opportunities, outdoor enthusiasts– if you are one– will find plenty to love about living in the “Big Sky Country.” Montana also has some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes and national parks in the world. All of that fresh mountain air is beneficial to residents, as the state is frequently ranked as one of the healthiest (and happiest!) in the country. But to help you make the best decisions about moving to Montana, we have provided a list of some of the best places to live in Montana and their irresistible benefits.
Best Places to Live in Montana
Bozeman
Bozeman is a city with a population of 40,319 people; this is easy to forget because your gaze is immediately drawn to the beautiful mountainous backdrop provided by the Rockies.
Residents of Bozeman have access to some of the best schools in the state, as well as natural outdoor activities, making the city one of the best places in the state to raise a family.
The cost of living here is slightly higher than you would prefer, but given the local amenities, health facilities, and economy, it is understandable. An acceptable drawback to accept.
If you’re looking for a place to live with good transportation, Bozeman is a great option. Being in the heart of Montana, crossed by Route 90 and Highway 191, has its advantages.
Four Corners
In the second place, we have Four Corners, a small but perfectly formed entity. Again, Highway 191 runs through this suburban neighborhood, providing residents with excellent commuting options.
Four Corners has the best public schools in Montana, which leads to the unsurprising conclusion that Four Corners is the best place in the state to raise a family.
Local businesses are the lifeblood of this small community of slightly more than 3,000 people. This community ethos, shared by all residents, not only makes Four Corners a happy place to live but also a safe place to live. Residents can be proud of having some of the lowest crime rates in Montana.
Although the median home value is higher than the national average, the median rent is significantly lower, at $836.
Livingston
The Park County city of Livingston is located in the southwest corner of Montana. It is only an hour’s drive to Yellowstone National Park from this location on the Yellowstone River.
Livingston is unquestionably one of the top three best places to live in Montana. The city is a solid all-arounder, with low crime rates, good schools, and high-quality housing. With plenty of nightlife options and a reasonable cost of living, there is little to dislike about Livingston.
With house prices averaging $170,400, the city is becoming increasingly popular with Millennials. It’s easy to see why young people are settling in Livingston for the foreseeable future. With a median rent of $639, the city is an excellent place to buy some time while saving to get on the Montana property ladder.
Whitefish
Although the population of 6,692 people is not particularly diverse by national standards, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of Whitefish overshadows that statistic.
Because Whitefish is a popular vacation destination for many domestic travelers, there are plenty of jobs available, particularly in hospitality, and even more so during the high season. Don’t worry; Whitefish is rarely overrun with tourists, but having that influx of people keeps the place fresh and means there’s always something going on in the evening.
There are numerous opportunities to get outside as the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. Whitefish, with its above-average schools, would be an excellent place to raise a family.
Helena
There are definitely advantages to living in the state capital. The city of Helena has a population of 29,600 people. With this many people comes the suburban feel, as well as all of the amenities and facilities that go with it.
Despite being higher than the national average, house prices in Helena are very reasonable. A quaint, cozy, and charming 2-bedroom home near Helena City Park could be yours for a little more than $150,000.
Helena, according to residents, is a little behind the times, which is both endearing and frustrating. Although the shopping facilities and infrastructure could use some improvement, overall resident satisfaction is high.
The City Hall structure is very impressive, and there is a lot of history to learn! A stroll along Prickly Pear Creek is a popular pastime among locals.
Dillion
Dillion is one of Montana’s most affordable communities. At $120,000, the home value is significantly lower than the national average. Although some properties on the market right now are a ‘project’ in need of some TLC, for $199,000, you can get a pretty perfect 4-bedroom family home that you can just walk into and decorate to your liking.
The 4,193 residents are friendly and welcoming, and they live in a close-knit community. This is reflected in the low crime rates and the large number of families who choose to raise their children in Dillion.
Missoula
Missoula has universal appeal because it is artistic, cultural, and natural. The Missoula Art Museum and the historic Fort Missoula, built in 1877, are located in this western Montana city.
Although the town’s residential area has a suburban feel, you are never more than a few minutes away from Montana’s spectacular landscapes, including Mt Jumbo.
With excellent schools available from elementary to high school, parents should seriously consider Missoula as a place to raise a family.
Missoula narrowly misses out on the top five best places to live in Montana due to higher-than-average crime rates. Residents, on the other hand, are eager to assure visitors that they are happy and safe in this charming city.
East Helena
If you were thinking about Helena, take a break and think about East Helena. If the inner-city feel of Helena was too much for you, East Helena might be the perfect compromise. This community has a much smaller population of only 2,306 people.
East Helena has a village-like feel despite being within city limits. This area is one of the safest in the state and thus popular with a diverse demographic, including retirees, young families, and millennials.
Orchard Homes
Missoula’s Orchard Homes is an endearingly named suburb. You have the best of both worlds, with 5,576 people in the neighborhood. Access to Missoula’s good schools and job opportunities, as well as a more relaxed and small-town-like atmosphere.
Housing is an issue in Orchard Homes; with 60% of residents owning their homes, there are few affordable homes on the market on a regular basis. Homes on the lower end of the price spectrum are either small and cramped or require renovation and investment in improvements.
Regardless, Orchard Homes is popular with young families and has some of the best public schools in the state; you may just have to wait a little longer to find the perfect home for you.
Lewistown
This town should be at the top of your list if you have to commute across the country for work. Lewistown Airport has daily flights to six cities across the country, including Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Seattle.
Despite its proximity to the airport, Lewistown is peaceful and quiet. The home value here is astoundingly low, and you also get good value for money. A two-bedroom, one-bathroom family home with offload parking and a small garden costs only $79,900.
Similarly, rental properties in Lewiston are plentiful and reasonably priced; the town’s median rent is $699 per month.
Billings
Billings, like Livingston, is located on the Yellowstone River. This city, located in the state’s south, is a hiker’s paradise. There is so much to explore just outside Billings’ city limits, from sandstone cliffs to rough and rugged scrublands.
Billings, with a population of 108,134 people, is very much a city. Start thinking about Billings if you want a little more going on in terms of social life and entertainment options.
Billings has a diverse population that is popular with retirees. Good schools draw young families, job opportunities and easy commute options draw millennials, and the pace of life, cost of living, and proximity to the ‘wild’ draw older generations.
Kalispell
Kalispell, as the gateway to Glacier National Park, offers a great mix of city living and natural escapes. With alpine trails to explore and grizzly bears to encounter, this is one of Montana’s most diverse places to live.
The cost of living in Kalispell is very low, but housing availability and quality are a bit limited. With only a few properties on the market at any given time, you’ll need to strike while the iron is hot if you want to save money in Kalispell.
We can expect Kalispell to rise higher on our list of the best places to live in Montana in the coming years, as it is becoming a popular destination for young millennials.
Glasgow
Glasgow Montana Airport, which operates daily flights across the state, will safely transport you to Billings in just over an hour.
Glasgow’s low house prices and monthly rent are key attractive factors. With median rents as low as $500 per month, it’s easy to see why Glasgow is a popular millennial destination. When you consider that the median home value is $134,400, you’re on to a winner.
Glasgow is ranked as the second safest place to live in Montana, with the only drawback being the long distances required to access Montana’s epic natural landscapes.
Belgrade
Belgrade is only eight miles from the number one best place to live in Montana, Bozeman. Living in Belgrade gives you access to all of the wonderful things that Bozeman has to offer, but it is more affordable, particularly in terms of house prices.
Rental properties cost an average of $793 per month, with a median home value of $198,000. Consider this: $189,900 will get you a charming 3-bedroom family home just 8 miles from Bozeman’s excellent schools. If you believe a compromise is required, Belgrade is a viable option.
Great Falls
There is a large military community here, with an Air Force Base next door, creating a wonderfully diverse group of residents.
Locals say that having access to hiking, biking, and camping opportunities is important to their happiness here. Furthermore, with a plethora of locally owned restaurants throughout the city, there are numerous opportunities to socialize and get out and about.
With the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art right on your doorstep, this city has a lot to offer.
The city’s 15th-place ranking is largely due to crime rates, but residents say they rarely feel unsafe or threatened in their homes.
Glendive
Glendive is known for its many amenities, low cost of living, and affordable housing. It is situated between the badlands and the Yellowstone River and serves as a transportation hub for the rich inland agricultural region of eastern Montana and western North Dakota. The historic downtown district, with its restaurants and art galleries, and the Makoshika State Park are Glendive’s main attractions. Because the park is located in the badlands, visitors can expect to see amazing rock formations, prehistoric fossils, and dinosaur bones. Visit the town’s website for more information about Glendive.
Glasgow
Glasgow is an appealing option because of its excellent schools and affordable housing. It is known for its diversity and nightlife, and it is recommended for families and young professionals. The town was founded in the 1800s as a railroad town and was named after the Scottish city of Glasgow. As a result, it has a lot of historic charm. The Valley County Pioneer Museum is ideal for those interested in fossils and pioneer history. The nearby Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and Fort Peck Lake are wildlife habitats with plenty of outdoor activities. Visit Glasgow’s official website for more information.
King Arthur Park
King Arthur Park covers 200 acres and has a population of just under 2,000 people. It’s within the city limits of Bozeman, another highly regarded Montana city. The town is praised for its high-quality public schools, affordable housing, job opportunities, and a diverse range of outdoor activities. King Arthur Park is widely regarded as an excellent place to raise a family.
Polson
Polson is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation on the southern shore of Flathead Lake, the western United States’ largest natural freshwater lake. The town, named after pioneer rancher David Polson, serves as a trading hub for one of Montana’s most fertile farming areas. The annual Cherry Festival in downtown Polson honors the region’s cherry growing and orchards. Polson has several lakeside city parks, a gold course, two museums, and plenty of outdoor recreation.
The Mission Mountains border the Mission Valley south of town, and Glacier National Park is about 70 miles north. On Flathead Lake, there are numerous state parks for camping or day use. Moiese’s National Bison Range is home to a large population of bison, elk, deer, antelope, and barn sheep, and the nearby Ninepipes and Pablo Wildlife Refuges are ideal for bird watching.
Which part of the US is Montana?
The state of Montana can be found in the northwest part of the United States. On the north, it is bordered by three different provinces in Canada. It shares a border with Idaho to the west. It shares a border with Wyoming to the south, and it shares borders with North Dakota and South Dakota to the east.
What state is close to Montana?
It shares its northern border with the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan; its eastern border with the states of North Dakota and South Dakota in the United States; its southern border with Wyoming; and its western and southwestern borders with Idaho.
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