For those who’re planning on shifting to Montana, add these cities to your listing.
With pure magnificence, various historical past, and vigorous 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 journey 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 middle of nowhere,” Montana has you coated.
Generally known as Huge Sky Nation, Montana boasts expansive plains, sprawling forests, towering mountains, and flat buttes that give approach to unobstructed views of clear, lovely skies. In all places you go, it appears, there’s extra to see.
Montana’s local weather varies extensively 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 far 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 persistently 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 perfect? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the perfect locations to reside in Montana, rating them on qualities akin to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You could find extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
The perfect locations to reside 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:77,757Median Sale Value:$599,000Median Hire Value:$1,310Average Commute Time:16.6 minutesUnemployment Charge:3.7%
House to the College of Montana, a thriving outside economic system, gorgeous landscapes, and rather more, Missoula tops our listing as the perfect place to reside in Montana. Town’s prime mountainous location, nice climate, ample outside 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 Pageant, Germanfest, and extra all add to the town’s appeal and inventive spirit. You’ll expertise a distinct form of dwelling in Missoula – one in all group, exploration, and training. The pure magnificence doesn’t damage, both.
Missoula’s historical past provides to its appeal. Town sits in an historic 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 slender 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 usually scorching. This implies four-season recreation is pleasant and plentiful. A rise in wildfires, smoke, drought, and warmth waves are affecting the area, although, which is vital to remember.
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2. Bozeman, MT
Inhabitants:57,305Median Sale Value:$747,000Median Hire Value:$1,900Average Commute Time:15.4 minutesUnemployment Charge:2.5%
Situated at 4,800 ft in elevation within the foothills of the Rockies, Bozeman is second on our listing. What was lengthy a small city within the Rockies, Bozeman has since turn into a classy, hip place to reside. Whether or not it’s the 360-degree mountain views and unimaginable outside recreation, or the chance for development and retailers for creativity, folks love the town.
“Bozeman is perfect for people looking for outdoor adventure, community, and culture,” says the crew at Go to Bozeman. “You’re surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, a welcoming and fast-growing community, and plenty of museums, theaters, music, and events throughout the year.”
Town has persistently ranked because the fastest-growing metropolis of its measurement within the nation. It has primarily attracted folks from coastal metros in search of a small, vigorous mountain escape. Due to its reputation, although, Bozeman has turn into very costly and even earned a disparaging nickname: Boz Angeles. Homes of all kinds recurrently promote within the hundreds of thousands.
Eclectic, locally-owned outlets and eating places are in all places within the metropolis. Bozeman Taproom, Rice High quality 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 yr. Winters might be fairly chilly, whereas summers are sometimes delicate and sunny. Two ski resorts, Huge Sky and Bridger Bowl, are inside an hour’s drive, and cross nation snowboarding trails snake via the town throughout the lengthy winter.
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3. Helena, MT
Inhabitants:34,464Median Sale Value:$480,000Median Hire Value:$1,525Average Commute Time:13.7 minutesUnemployment Charge: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 – you 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, changing 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 now, Downtown Helena sits at what was the epicenter of the gold rush and is lined with native outlets, eating places, and parks.
Well-liked eating spots embrace the Windbag Saloon & Grill, identified 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 became greater than 400 miles of multi-use path, 80 of which begin proper in downtown. Helena was even named an IMBA Silver Experience Heart for mountain biking, one in all solely 16 on this planet, because of the abundance and high quality of trails.
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4. Billings, MT
Inhabitants:120,864Median Sale Value:$419,000Median Hire Value:$1,225Average Commute Time:16.7 minutesUnemployment Charge:2.4%
Located alongside the Yellowstone River in south-central Montana, Billings is a thriving metropolis identified for its previous western character, Midwest appeal, and entry to the outside. An reasonably priced price of dwelling, loads of facilities, and financial stability assist make it an incredible place to reside.
As Montana’s largest metropolis, Billings provides an city atmosphere 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 preferred state park. About 80 years later, settlers arrived to make the most of the nice lumber within the space, and a railroad was constructed not lengthy after. Billings was established in 1882 and shortly grew to turn into one of many state’s largest cities.
Right now, Billings has turn into the financial epicenter for a number of states. Actually, the town’s regional affect is almost unmatched, making it the place to be for job hunters. Even with its massive standing, Billings manages to retain its small-town western roots and bigger than life outside house. Riverfront Park and Two Moon Park are two nice spots to benefit from the surroundings.
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5. Nice Falls, MT
Inhabitants:60,422Median Sale Value:$385,000Median Hire Value:$1,040Average Commute Time:14.7 minutesUnemployment Charge:2.3%
Nice Falls is pretty small in measurement, however boasts a robust business and really artistic populace. Named after the various waterfalls within the space, Nice Falls has offered electrical energy via dams and water for agriculture for over a century through the long-lasting Missouri River. The 5 dams (and waterfalls) alongside the river helped give the town the nickname “Electric City.”
Nice Falls was the biggest metropolis in Montana from 1950 to 1970 as a consequence of its thriving business and reasonably priced land. The price of dwelling 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. Situated 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 the town every year.
This famend panorama has impressed many well-known artists to seize its magnificence, incomes Nice Falls the moniker “The Western Art Capital of the World.” You could find probably the most well-known art work on the C.M. Russell Museum or see extra trendy items throughout Western Artwork Week. A complete of ten museums dot the town’s gridded streets.
Nice Falls’ local weather is pretty dry, with chilly, snowy winters and heat summers. Afternoon thunderstorms in the summertime are widespread, and is when a majority of precipitation falls throughout the yr. Like most cities simply east of the Rocky Mountains, robust Chinook Winds may cause temporary, unseasonably heat winter temperatures.
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6. Kalispell, MT
Inhabitants:29,886Median Sale Value:$698,000Median Hire Value:$1,315Average Commute Time:14.3 minutesUnemployment Charge:4.2%
The sixth-best place to reside in Montana on our listing, 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 identified for its outside recreation, pure wonders, and small-town appeal. Individuals are flocking to get pleasure from this peaceable lifestyle, too: The Kalispell area was the fastest-growing metropolis in Montana in 2023.
Kalispell embraces its position in Indigenous historical past. Quite a few tribes lived and traveled via the fertile area, specifically the Salish and Pend d’Oreille. Kalispell’s title comes from “Kalispel,” a standard title 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 Pageant additionally occurs throughout the reservation each July, alongside Flathead Lake. Make sure you come hungry – there are meals carts and extra Flathead Cherries than you possibly can eat ready for you.
Kalispell houses on the market | Kalispell homes for lease | Kalispell residences for lease
7. Whitefish, MT
Inhabitants:9,163Median Sale Value:$804,750Median Hire Value:$2,895Average Commute Time:16.7 minutesUnemployment Charge:2.9%
Simply north of Kalispell, Whitefish is a fast-growing, upscale trip city identified for its outside 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 exceptional 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 usually 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 exterior, you’ll discover it in Whitefish.
Loads of native occasions hold residents linked throughout the yr, with most taking place downtown. The Beneath the Huge Sky Music Pageant, Huckleberry Days Arts Pageant, and a weekly Tuesday farmers market are among the many hottest. You may as well get along with family and friends at high-end eating places, native brunch spots, and vigorous espresso outlets. Most the whole lot is walkable from downtown.
Whitefish houses on the market | Whitefish homes for lease | Whitefish residences for lease
8. Butte, MT
Inhabitants:35,701Median Sale Value:$323,000Median Hire Value:$800Average Commute Time:16.2 minutesUnemployment Charge: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 this present day. Mining has performed a significant position within the metropolis’s economic system and tradition since its founding and continues to this present day. Right now, pure magnificence, an reasonably priced price of dwelling, and entry to outside recreation make it a fascinating place to reside.
Butte’s lengthy mining historical past introduced jobs, wealth, and folks to the town. Nevertheless, it has additionally harmed the atmosphere. 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 identified, is positioned on the sting of city and was the location of open-pit mining. The pit is now full of poisonous groundwater, which continues to be rising right this moment.
The Berkeley Pit has turn into a vacationer attraction of kinds, with a viewing stand and memorial plaza devoted to misplaced miners. It’s notorious for its position in chicken migrations, as effectively – 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 sturdy 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:8,908Median Sale Value:$519,000Median Hire Value:$1,380Average Commute Time:23.2 minutesUnemployment Charge:1.4%
Simply half-hour east of Bozeman, Livingston is the ninth-best place to reside in Montana on our listing. Livingston is a picturesque city referred to 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 possibly can nonetheless study one thing new, seize an incredible espresso, and sit down for a pleasant dinner all inside a mile from one another. Campione and the Murray Bar provide a number of the greatest experiences. Distinctive outlets and historic buildings additionally line the brick-filled streets.
Importantly, although, Livingston is pretty costly for owners, with home costs about $80,000 above the nationwide median. Folks proceed to be interested in small-town dwelling within the rugged American West.
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10. Belgrade, MT
Inhabitants:12,509Median Sale Value:$540,000Median Hire Value:$2,150Average Commute Time:23.4 minutesUnemployment Charge:0.6%
Belgrade, a suburb 20 minutes from Bozeman, rounds out our listing of the perfect locations to reside in Montana. Folks in search of extra reasonably priced houses with out sacrificing the Bozeman life-style will really feel proper at residence in Belgrade. Plus, with a historic metropolis heart and distinctive outlets and occasions, you’ll you should definitely discover one thing to like. The Fall Pageant 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 world has quick access to water, loads of fertile land, and favorable summer time climate for wheat, oats, and different crops. A sophisticated 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 good for exploring the nice outside. 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 choice when selecting the place to reside. To aim to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes into consideration a number of key elements, together with entry to healthcare, open outside house, navigability, housing developments, employment statistics, revenue, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of seven,500 or higher have been thought of for our Montana listing. Extra details about our methodology might be discovered right here.
Knowledge legitimate April 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
