The landscape of Montana is rich and diverse. The best places to live in Montana still retain a certain amount of wildness, from the views of the mountain range to Glacier National Park and the Great Plains. There are large parklands to wander around and explore, particularly in the west of the area. Maybe you’re seeking the best places to live in Montana for retirees and families because of its accessibility to wildlife refuges and snow-capped mountains, or maybe on a more pragmatic level, considering housing costs and career prospects. In any case, living in Montana is joyful and pleasurable. The Most Affordable Places to Live in Montana and the worst places to live in Montana will also be discussed in this post.
Overview
Due to its vast expanse, the population of Montana is little over 1 million. Helena, the state capital, is a good example of a city with a thriving downtown and excellent access to the outdoors.
However, based on factors like low crime rates, high-quality public schools, and affordable housing, these are the five best places to settle down in all of Montana. In addition, we considered feedback from locals in each area to offer you a more accurate and complete picture of each neighborhood on the list. Now, without further ado, here are the 5 best places to live in Montana:
#1. Bozeman
Beautiful Bozeman jumps right in first. Even though the stunning Rockies serve as a stunning background, it is easy to forget that Bozeman is really a city with a population of 40,319.
Furthermore, Bozeman is one of the greatest locations to raise a family in Montana due to its high-quality education system and plenty of recreational opportunities in the great outdoors.
Beautiful Bozeman jumps right in first. Even though the stunning Rockies serve as a stunning background, it is easy to forget that Bozeman is really a city with a population of 40,319.
Furthermore, Bozeman is one of the greatest locations to raise a family in Montana due to its high-quality education system and plenty of recreational opportunities in the great outdoors.
The local economy, healthcare facilities, and conveniences all contribute to a higher cost of living here than one may choose. Consequences that can be tolerated. Bozeman is the best place in to live in Montana for families if they value convenient access to public transportation. Being in the geographical center of Montana, where Interstates 90 and 191 meet, has certain advantages.
#2. Livingston
Livingston, the county seat of Park County, lies tucked away in the southwestern corner of Montana. Located on the Yellowstone River, the entrance to Yellowstone National Park may be reached in a little over an hour.
Without a doubt, Livingston deserves a spot among Montana’s top three greatest cities. The city has a relatively low crime rate, respectable educational opportunities, and comfortable living conditions. Few things can be said negatively about Livingston, what with its many entertainment options and relatively low cost of living.
#3. Helena
Living in the state capital has certain advantages. Around 29,600 individuals call Helena, Montana, their permanent home. As you would expect, this many people necessitates the installation of suburban-style infrastructure.
Although housing costs in Helena are higher than the national average, they are still relatively affordable. A cozy 2-bedroom house in a great Helena neighborhood just blocks from City Park, maybe yours for a little over $150,000. Furthermore, Helena’s residents are fond of pointing out the city’s charming but sometimes annoying lack of technological sophistication. The infrastructure and retail offerings in the area might need some work, but residents are generally pleased with life there.
#4. Dillion
Some of Montana’s most reasonable housing costs may be found in Dillon. The median home price is much less than the national average. Although some homes on the market right now are what you could call “projects” and need some work, you can get a very excellent 4-bedroom family house that you can simply walk into and customize to your style for just $199,000.
The 4,193 permanent residents are kind and inviting group that works well together. Dillon’s low crime rate and high concentration of young, stable families are evidence of this, and it’s also one of the best places to live in Montana.
#5. Missoula
Missoula’s attraction extends far and wide because of its artistic, cultural, and natural qualities. Both the Missoula Art Museum and the 1877 Fort Missoula may be found in this western Montana city.
There is a somewhat suburban air to the town proper, yet the town’s residents are never more than a few minutes away from the state of Montana’s many natural wonders, including the towering Mt. Jumbo. Missoula is one of the best places to live in Montana for families, thanks in large part to the excellent public schools the city provides, beginning with kindergarten and continuing through high school.
Best Places to Live in Montana for Families
Looking for the best places to live in Montana for families? There are numerous qualifiers to the notion that Montana is a great place to raise a family, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t.
Children who are fortunate enough to be raised in the Treasure State are gaining access to an incredible opportunity. In any case, Niche.com has gathered some information on things like the cost of living, crime rates, the quality of the local schools, the availability of nearby family-friendly attractions, and more. Here are the best places to live in Montana for families.
#1. Whitefish
Whitefish is a great place to raise a family if you hope they’ll share your passion for the outdoors. The public schools in Montana are among the best in the country, and many of the state’s residents are very fit. It’s considered to be among the finest Montana communities for starting a family.
#2. Lewistown
Lewistown is the state’s happiest city, so it’s not surprising that it’s also one of the state’s most desirable locations for raising a family. Helpful aspects include a high- public education system and a low overall cost of living.
#3. East Helena
According to Niche, East Helena is a good place for families to live and has a B+ score overall. It is one of the finest places to raise a family because of its low crime rate, affordable housing, and plenty of fun things to do outside. East Helena also has a number of excellent dining options.
#4. Glasgow
Consider making Glasgow your home if you and your family feel more at ease in a setting similar to that of a smaller town. It has one of the lowest crime rates in Montana and a relatively inexpensive cost of living, making it one of the best places for families to live permanently.
#5. Four Corners
Bozeman has Four Corners, one of the greatest family-friendly communities in Montana and the only place Niche gave an A rating to. Maybe it’s the A+ public schools or the A+ in physical education that contribute to this. There is a hot spring in the vicinity of Four Corners, Montana.
Best Places to Live in Montana for Retirees
Montana is a great spot to retire if you’re seeking a peaceful, relaxed environment. Those who value safety and beauty in the middle of the country will find a lot to love in the state of Minnesota. Retirees often choose to settle in the Treasure State. These are the best places to live in Montana for retirees.
#1. Butte
Montana’s mountains are rich in a wide variety of minerals and precious stones. Butte has a vibrant culture because of its long history as a mining hub. The state’s geology and mining history may be learned at the World Museum of Mining, which is open to retirees. You should plan on attending the annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade in March, and a good spot near the front would be ideal.
#2. Great Falls
Retirees, particularly outdoor aficionados, will find Great Falls to be a paradise. Natural beauty abounds in and around this northern city, from its lush gardens to its breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and bubbling springs. The River’s Edge Trail, spanning 60 miles, links many of the city’s most well-known landmarks and green spaces. This is one of the best places to live in Montana for retirees.
#3. Billings
Billings is the biggest city in Montana, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t also one of the best places to live in Montana for retirees. Large parks and open areas surround Billings, attracting outdoor enthusiasts like hikers and mountain bikers. A plethora of state parks is dispersed across the city, providing a wide variety of settings to experience. Pictograph Cave State Park is home to over a hundred prehistoric artworks.
#4. Kalispell
This age-restricted neighborhood is ideal for retirees who want to escape the madding throng and rediscover the peace and beauty of the outdoors. Mountains and lakes all around Kalispell provide recreational opportunities year-round, from hiking and fishing to exhilarating downhill skiing in the winter. Local businesses along the main street, including stores, galleries, and eateries, help maintain the city’s warm and welcoming vibe. Kalispell is one of the best places to live in Montana for retirees due to its great features.
Best Places to Live in Montana With Mountain Views
There’s nothing quite as magical as slipping into a perfectly warm pool of water that the earth has fed and heated, especially when it has a beautiful mountain view. Many tourists fall in love with the state of Montana and hope to one day settle down in one of its picturesque cities, such as Whitefish or Bozeman. Those who have lived in Montana for some time know that these locations are stunning, but they are out of reach for the typical resident’s budget. Here are the best places to live in Montana with mountain views.
#1. Libby
Libby is an absolute crown jewel, and it can be found nestled away in the northwest corner of Montana. The long-term residents are exceptionally hardy, and with a population of 2,678, it is the ideal size for the community. It is one of the best places to live in Montana with these fine mountain views.
#2. Darby
The breathtaking scenery of the Bitterroot Mountains extends in all directions around the town of Darby. It is a picturesque, tiny Western town that also happens to have an exceptionally low cost of living.
#3. Eureka
Eureka isn’t the most inexpensive Montana mountain town, with a typical property price of $240,700; but, other expenditures, such as utilities, are cheaper than average. This natural paradise is well worth the effort required to get there.
#4. Choteau
Choteau is well known as the starting point for journeys into the Rocky Mountain Front. It’s not hard to understand why people adore living there: the cost of living is far lower than the average in the rest of the country. It is one of the best places to live in Montana, with very nice mountain views.
What Is the Safest Place to Live in Montana?
Colstrip is the safest place to live in Montana. On Sports Illustrated’s radar was Colstrip, in Rosebud County. The magazine rated this tiny village as the finest sports town in Montana for its range of sports. Electricity and coal mining are major businesses. This safe, close-knit town is 25% cheaper than the national average. It is also one of the best places to live in Montana for retirees.
Most Affordable Places to Live in Montana
The state of Montana is often regarded as a dream destination for those who like the great outdoors. Not only is Montana home to iconic landmarks like Yellowstone and Glacier national parks and the Lewis and Clark Caverns, but it also has bustling cities, hip college towns, and historic sites dating back to the mid-1800s, when gold was first discovered in the state. Here are the top 3 most affordable places to live in Montana.
- Billings
- Great Falls
- Kalispell
What Are the Cons of Living in Montana?
A state with so many residents should offer numerous perks. Montana is an unspoiled state that’s unlike others in the US. It’s called “The Treasure State” because of its vast gold, sapphire, and silver deposits. This state is also known as “Big Sky Country” because of its expansive plains. Both titles show the state’s key advantages, although they are not all-inclusive.
However, Americans moving to Montana must pick where to reside to ensure their children’s safety, quickly locate a job, save on energy expenses, and find high-quality, inexpensive housing. Here is a list of the cons of living in Montana.
- Lack of housing
- Predators and wildlife
- Climate
- Minimum of amenities
Worst Places to Live in Montana
Montana is a stunning state, and many tourists leave with the impression that it would be a wonderful place to settle down permanently. There are, however, a lot of variables to think about. What makes a town or city great for one person can make it one of the worst places to live in Montana for another. Here are the top 3 worst places to live in Montana.
#1. Wolf Point
Let’s start with one of the biggest worries of homebuyers: crime rates. Wolf Point isn’t a well-known Montana town, but it’s home to the state’s oldest rodeo. Most visitors to this cowboy town come for the rodeo, but some struggle. However, Wolf Point has one of the state’s highest violent crime rates, and most of it targets foreigners. Most tourists and travelers are ignorant of this and fall, victim.
Furthermore, some data mentions 26 violent crimes a year in the 3,000-person Fort Peck Indian Reservation. This may not seem excessive, but it’s 900 per 1000 people per year.
Wolf Point ranks 13th in the state for property-related crimes, which have decreased in recent decades.
#2. Polson
The city of Polson on the Flathead Indian Reservation is ranked as the most hazardous in Montana. This is due to high crime rates, not wildlife attacks, though it ranks 3rd or 4th on some lists.
Statistically, property crime is the biggest concern, and violent crimes are generally tied to theft. Some entries suggest Polson has the most property crime per capita of any town or city in Montana, which may be due to its high unemployment rate.
#3. Cut Bank
Northwest Montana’s Cut Bank has fewer than 3,000 residents. Due to heavy unemployment and a limited population, the town has been ranked as one of the most hazardous in Montana.
In the previous decade, crime rates have decreased, although the municipality still ranks highly statistically. The worst part is that violent crime dominates, while property crime is rare. The town has a reputation as a western adventure zone, yet it’s one of the worst places to live in Montana. Also read CRIME ANALYST: Who Is a Crime Analyst and What Do They Do?
Conclusion
Because of its low population density, Montana is a popular relocation destination. In fact, Montana ranks seventh among the states where the number of incoming moves is more than twice the number of outgoing ones, according to statistics given by the American Moving and Storage Association.
Best Places to Live in Montana FAQ
What is the best part of Montana to live in?
Billings. Located in southeast Montana, this city has more residents than any other in the state. Outdoor activities abound, and newcomers also have easy access to urban conveniences like breweries, fine dining, and concert halls.
Where is the most beautiful place to live in Montana?
Bozeman, Montana, has pure air and a pleasant atmosphere. While it’s one of the state’s biggest communities, it has a small-town feel; national forests and trails are conveniently accessible. This collegiate town is bustling with shopping, parks, arts, and museums.
Where is the most affordable place to live in Montana?
Butte. The city with the lowest cost of living in Montana retains both its small-town character and its big-city vitality. Butte is a great starting point for exploring the Rocky Mountains, with its miles of hiking routes and breathtaking scenery.
Similar Posts
- STATES WITHOUT PROPERTY TAX: Are There Any States Without Property Tax in 2023?
- LOWEST PROPERTY TAX STATES: States with the Lowest Property Taxes in 2023
- STATES WITH LOWEST PROPERTY TAXES: Why States Allow Low Taxes on Property
- Tom Brady Net Worth, Background Story & Business Lessons!!!
Reference
