The 10 Best Places to Live in Montana in 2024

[ad_1] When you’re planning on shifting to Montana, add these cities to your record.

With pure magnificence, numerous historical past , and energetic cities, Montana has all of it . Throughout its three distinct areas , there are rivers, glaciers, grasslands, and extra on this expansive state. You possibly can trip a horse, raft down a river, and store at a bustling mall on the identical day, for instance. Even if you wish to expertise “ the center of nowhere ,” Montana has you lined.

Often called Huge Sky Nation, Montana boasts expansive plains, sprawling forests, towering mountains, and flat buttes that give approach to unobstructed views of clear, stunning skies. In all places you go, it appears, there’s extra to see.

Montana’s local weather varies broadly relying on the place you reside. Within the mountainous west, winters are chilly and snowy, and summers are heat and nice. As you progress east over the Continental Divide into the Excessive Plains, the local weather is way drier, though winters are nonetheless very chilly. Farthest to the east and decrease in elevation, you’ll see chilly winters and dry, scorching summers.

Lastly, Montana’s inhabitants has grown constantly over the previous decade, with most newcomers shifting to the hip mountain cities of Bozeman and Whitefish . This has created a loopy housing market, with costs skyrocketing, demand plummeting , and record-low affordability .

So, which cities within the Treasure State are the most effective? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the most effective locations to dwell in Montana, rating them on qualities equivalent to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You'll find extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.

The most effective locations to dwell in Montana

Missoula, MT

Bozeman, MT

Helena, MT

Billings, MT

Nice Falls, MT

Kalispell, MT

Whitefish, MT

Butte, MT

Livingston, MT

Belgrade, MT

1. Missoula, MT

Inhabitants: 77,757 Median Sale Value: $599,000 Median Lease Value: $1,310 Common Commute Time: 16.6 minutes Unemployment Price: 3.7%

Dwelling to the College of Montana, a thriving out of doors economic system, beautiful landscapes, and rather more, Missoula tops our record as the most effective place to dwell in Montana. Town’s prime mountainous location, nice climate, ample out of doors recreation alternatives, and straightforward navigability helped earn it a excessive rating.

Missoula retains a small-town really feel whereas containing all of the big-city facilities you anticipate. Occasions and gatherings just like the Farmers’ Market , the Worldwide Wildlife Movie Competition , Germanfest , and extra all add to town’s attraction and inventive spirit. You’ll expertise a special sort of residing in Missoula – one in every of neighborhood, exploration, and training. The pure magnificence doesn’t harm, both.

Missoula’s historical past provides to its attraction. Town sits in an historical lakebed, on the confluence of 5 mountain ranges which rise steeply on all sides. Indigenous peoples, together with the Salish, Kootenia, and Shoshone, have lengthy lived within the area and brought benefit of the slim passages main into the valley. The Lewis and Clark Expedition introduced the primary European settlers to the world.

Missoula’s local weather is relatively humid and delicate, as a consequence of its location west of the Rocky Mountain peaks. Winters are chilly and snowy, whereas summers are heat however not typically scorching. This implies four-season recreation is pleasurable and plentiful. An enhance in wildfires, smoke, drought, and warmth waves are affecting the area, although, which is necessary to bear in mind.

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2. Bozeman, MT

Inhabitants: 57,305 Median Sale Value: $747,000 Median Lease Value: $1,900 Common Commute Time: 15.4 minutes Unemployment Price: 2.5%

Positioned at 4,800 toes in elevation within the foothills of the Rockies, Bozeman is second on our record. What was lengthy a small city within the Rockies, Bozeman has since grow to be a classy, hip place to dwell. Whether or not it’s the 360-degree mountain views and unbelievable out of doors recreation, or the chance for development and retailers for creativity, folks love town.

“Bozeman is ideal for folks searching for out of doors journey, neighborhood, and tradition,” says the crew at Go to Bozeman . “ You’re surrounded by beautiful pure landscapes, a welcoming and fast-growing neighborhood, and loads of museums, theaters, music, and occasions all year long.”

Town has constantly ranked because the fastest-growing metropolis of its measurement within the nation. It has primarily attracted folks from coastal metros searching for a small, energetic mountain escape. Due to its recognition, although, Bozeman has grow to be very costly and even earned a disparaging nickname: Boz Angeles . Homes of all sorts often promote within the thousands and thousands.

Eclectic, locally-owned retailers and eating places are all over the place within the metropolis. Bozeman Taproom, Rice Fantastic Thai Delicacies, and Western Cafe are hotspots for all sorts of delicacies, whereas Heyday and Meridian Males are nice locations for souvenirs and clothes. Facilities are usually positioned close to Downtown Bozeman .

Bozeman is a really snowy metropolis, seeing upwards of 90 inches of snow per 12 months . Winters might be fairly chilly, whereas summers are usually delicate and sunny. Two ski resorts, Huge Sky and Bridger Bowl , are inside an hour’s drive, and cross nation snowboarding trails snake via town throughout the lengthy winter.

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3. Helena, MT

Inhabitants: 34,464 Median Sale Value: $480,000 Median Lease Value: $1,525 Common Commute Time: 13.7 minutes Unemployment Price: 2.4%

With its mixture of historical past, magnificence, and leisure alternatives, Helena earns the quantity three spot. Town was based within the 1860s and embraces each the previous and new – yow will discover previous brick alleyways adjoining to trendy buildings.

The capital of Montana, Helena started as a gold rush city and grew in a short time, turning into a rich metropolis towards the top of the century. 50+ millionaires lived in Helena by 1888. This focus of wealth contributed to the handfuls of elaborate Victorian buildings that dot the panorama, probably the most distinguished of which is the Cathedral of St. Helena . Right this moment, Downtown Helena sits at what was the epicenter of the gold rush and is lined with native retailers, eating places, and parks.

Widespread eating spots embrace the Windbag Saloon & Grill, recognized for its hearty meals, and On Broadway, providing upscale Italian meals.

Town’s gold rush roots influenced extra than simply its wealth. Outdated prospector trails winding across the metropolis’s foothills have been was greater than 400 miles of multi-use path, 80 of which begin proper in downtown. Helena was even named an IMBA Silver Journey Middle for mountain biking, one in every of solely 16 on the planet, as a result of abundance and high quality of trails.

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4. Billings, MT

Inhabitants: 120,864 Median Sale Value: $419,000 Median Lease Value: $1,225 Common Commute Time: 16.7 minutes Unemployment Price: 2.4%

Located alongside the Yellowstone River in south-central Montana, Billings is a thriving metropolis recognized for its previous western character , Midwest attraction, and entry to the outside. An reasonably priced price of residing , loads of facilities, and financial stability assist make it an important place to dwell.

As Montana’s largest metropolis , Billings affords an city surroundings with the scenic backdrop of the Rimrocks to the north and east – and 7 mountain ranges additional out. The Beartooth Mountains to the southwest are probably the most distinguished. Hills, plains, forests, and streams make up the remainder of the awe-inspiring panorama, excellent for adventures of every kind.

Billings’ trendy historical past might be traced again to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, when Clark arrived at Pompey’s Pillar , now a well-liked state park. About 80 years later, settlers arrived to reap the benefits of the nice lumber within the space, and a railroad was constructed not lengthy after. Billings was established in 1882 and rapidly grew to grow to be one of many state’s largest cities.

Right this moment, Billings has grow to be the financial epicenter for a number of states. In actual fact, town’s regional affect is practically unmatched , making it the place to be for job hunters. Even with its giant standing, Billings manages to retain its small-town western roots and bigger than life out of doors area. Riverfront Park and Two Moon Park are two nice spots to benefit from the surroundings.

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5. Nice Falls, MT

Inhabitants: 60,422 Median Sale Value: $385,000 Median Lease Value: $1,040 Common Commute Time: 14.7 minutes Unemployment Price: 2.3%

Nice Falls is pretty small in measurement, however boasts a sturdy trade and really artistic populace. Named after the various waterfalls within the space, Nice Falls has supplied electrical energy via dams and water for agriculture for over a century by way of the long-lasting Missouri River . The 5 dams (and waterfalls) alongside the river helped give town the nickname “Electrical Metropolis.”

Nice Falls was the largest metropolis in Montana from 1950 to 1970 as a consequence of its thriving trade and reasonably priced land. The price of residing has remained very affordable.

Most famously, Nice Falls is an emblem of the American West. Town seemingly begs you to get out and discover the huge wilderness. Positioned within the excessive plains, Nice Falls is nestled between 4 mountain ranges, three rivers, and residential to vistas so far as the attention can see. Greater than 1 million vacationers go to town annually.

This famend panorama has impressed many well-known artists to seize its magnificence, incomes Nice Falls the moniker “The Western Artwork Capital of the World.” You'll find probably the most well-known paintings on the C.M. Russell Museum or see extra trendy items throughout Western Artwork Week . A complete of ten museums dot town’s gridded streets.

Nice Falls’ local weather is pretty dry, with chilly, snowy winters and heat summers. Afternoon thunderstorms in the summertime are frequent, and is when a majority of precipitation falls throughout the 12 months. Like most cities simply east of the Rocky Mountains, sturdy Chinook Winds may cause temporary, unseasonably heat winter temperatures.

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6. Kalispell, MT

Inhabitants: 29,886 Median Sale Value: $698,000 Median Lease Value: $1,315 Common Commute Time: 14.3 minutes Unemployment Price: 4.2%

The sixth-best place to dwell in Montana on our record, Kalispell is the gateway to Glacier Nationwide Park and the hub of Northwestern Montana . A former railroad city turned industrial and business hub, Kalispell is primarily recognized for its out of doors recreation, pure wonders, and small-town attraction. Persons are flocking to take pleasure in this peaceable lifestyle, too: The Kalispell area was the fastest-growing metropolis in Montana in 2023.

Kalispell embraces its function in Indigenous historical past. Quite a few tribes lived and traveled via the fertile area, specifically the Salish and Pend d’Oreille . Kalispell’s identify comes from “Kalispel,” a standard identify for the Pend d’Oreille peoples, for instance. You even have the choice to study Montana Salish, both as a scholar or grownup, via native Salish and Kootenai tribal faculties on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

The beloved Flathead Cherry Competition additionally occurs throughout the reservation each July, alongside Flathead Lake. Remember to come hungry – there are meals carts and extra Flathead Cherries than you'll be able to eat ready for you.

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7. Whitefish, MT

Inhabitants: 9,163 Median Sale Value: $804,750 Median Lease Value: $2,895 Common Commute Time: 16.7 minutes Unemployment Price: 2.9%

Simply north of Kalispell, Whitefish is a fast-growing , upscale trip city recognized for its out of doors recreation, pure magnificence, and mountain views. Town is located alongside crystal clear Whitefish Lake and residential to 2 ski resorts, loads of luxurious lodging, and pleasant, locally-owned companies. Paired with outstanding climate, these high-end facilities have led an inflow of individuals to the world, though many simply seasonally .

The sunny and delicate summer time is mostly when Whitefish is most crowded , however all 4 seasons – particularly powdery winters – have one thing particular to supply. Glacier Nationwide Park can be proper in your yard, simply half-hour away. It doesn't matter what you need to do outdoors, you’ll discover it in Whitefish.

Loads of native occasions maintain residents related throughout the 12 months, with most taking place downtown. The Underneath the Huge Sky Music Competition , Huckleberry Days Arts Competition , and a weekly Tuesday farmers market are among the many hottest. You can too get along with family and friends at high-end eating places, native brunch spots, and energetic espresso retailers. Most every part is walkable from downtown.

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8. Butte, MT

Inhabitants: 35,701 Median Sale Value: $323,000 Median Lease Value: $800 Common Commute Time: 16.2 minutes Unemployment Price: 3.1%

Butte, formally Butte-Silver Bow, is a small metropolis about 100 miles northwest of Bozeman. Butte was the primary main metropolis in Montana and retains its old-western ambiance to today. Mining has performed a significant function within the metropolis’s economic system and tradition since its founding and continues to today . Right this moment, pure magnificence, an reasonably priced price of residing, and entry to out of doors recreation make it a fascinating place to dwell.

Butte’s lengthy mining historical past introduced jobs, wealth , and other people to town. Nevertheless, it has additionally harmed the surroundings. When one of many largest mines shut down in 1982, Butte unknowingly inherited one of many largest Superfund websites within the nation The Berkeley Pit , because it’s now recognized, is positioned on the sting of city and was the location of open-pit mining. The pit is now stuffed with poisonous groundwater , which remains to be rising in the present day.

The Berkeley Pit has grow to be a vacationer attraction of types, with a viewing stand and memorial plaza devoted to misplaced miners. It’s notorious for its function in chook migrations, as nicely – birds who land on it for various hours will die. Montana has funded efforts for 40 years to scare birds from touchdown on the lake.

Butte’s historical past additionally features a strong Chinatown and immigrant inhabitants (just like most of Montana), together with the oldest continually-operating Chinese language restaurant within the nation.

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9. Livingston, MT

Inhabitants: 8,908 Median Sale Value: $519,000 Median Lease Value: $1,380 Common Commute Time: 23.2 minutes Unemployment Price: 1.4%

Simply half-hour east of Bozeman, Livingston is the ninth-best place to dwell in Montana on our record. Livingston is a picturesque city often known as being the gateway to Yellowstone Nationwide Park , however is residence to loads of pure wonders in its personal yard. Town sits in aptly-named Paradise Valley , flanked by the rugged Absaroka and Gallatin Mountains on both facet. The Yellowstone River flows via downtown earlier than reaching open plains and thick forests.

There’s lots to do within the city, too. Livingston is a small railroad city, however you'll be able to nonetheless study one thing new, seize an important espresso, and sit down for a pleasant dinner all inside a mile from one another. Campione and the Murray Bar supply a few of the greatest experiences. Distinctive retailers and historic buildings additionally line the brick-filled streets.

Importantly, although, Livingston is pretty costly for householders, with home costs about $80,000 above the nationwide median. Individuals proceed to be drawn to small-town residing within the rugged American West.

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10. Belgrade, MT

Inhabitants: 12,509 Median Sale Value: $540,000 Median Lease Value: $2,150 Common Commute Time: 23.4 minutes Unemployment Price: 0.6%

Belgrade, a suburb 20 minutes from Bozeman, rounds out our record of the most effective locations to dwell in Montana. Individuals searching for extra reasonably priced houses with out sacrificing the Bozeman way of life will really feel proper at residence in Belgrade. Plus, with a historic metropolis middle and distinctive retailers and occasions, you’ll make sure to discover one thing to like. The Fall Competition is the preferred amongst locals.

Belgrade is pretty rural and has a historical past of agriculture , just like most cities within the Gallatin Valley . The realm has easy accessibility to water, loads of fertile land, and favorable summer time climate for wheat, oats, and different crops . An advanced community of irrigation canals which were used for a century carve via the panorama for dozens of miles, influencing native water use and regulation .

The 4 seasons closely affect life in Belgrade. Winter is ideal for having fun with the snow and spending time inside, whereas summer time is right for exploring the nice outdoor. Spring and fall are nice in-between seasons for many actions, however are depending on climate.

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Methodology

Redfin’s Greatest Locations to Stay rankings are supposed to assist residence searchers make an knowledgeable determination when selecting the place to dwell. To try to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes under consideration a number of key elements, together with entry to healthcare, open out of doors area, navigability, housing tendencies, employment statistics, earnings, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of seven,500 or higher have been thought-about for our Montana record. Extra details about our methodology might be discovered right here .