Should you’re planning on shifting to Montana, add these cities to your checklist.
With pure magnificence, diverse history, and energetic cities, Montana has all of it. Throughout its three distinct regions, there are rivers, glaciers, grasslands, and extra on this expansive state. You’ll be able to 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 middle of nowhere,” Montana has you coated.
Generally known as Big Sky Country, Montana boasts expansive plains, sprawling forests, towering mountains, and flat buttes that give technique to unobstructed views of clear, stunning skies. All over the place you go, it appears, there’s extra to see.
Montana’s local weather varies widely 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 consistently over the previous decade, with most newcomers shifting to the hip mountain cities of Bozeman and Whitefish. This has created a crazy housing market, with costs skyrocketing, demand plummeting, and record-low affordability.
So, which cities within the Treasure State are one of the best? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered one of the best locations to reside in Montana, rating them on qualities equivalent to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. Yow will discover extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
One of the best locations to reside in Montana
- Missoula, MT
- Bozeman, MT
- Helena, MT
- Billings, MT
- Great Falls, MT
- Kalispell, MT
- Whitefish, MT
- Butte, MT
- Livingston, MT
- Belgrade, MT
1. Missoula, MT
| Inhabitants: | 77,757 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $599,000 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $1,310 |
| Common Commute Time: | 16.6 minutes |
| Unemployment Charge: | 3.7% |
Residence to the College of Montana, a thriving outside economic system, beautiful landscapes, and far more, Missoula tops our checklist as one of the best place to reside in Montana. Town’s prime mountainous location, nice climate, ample outside recreation alternatives, and easy 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 International Wildlife Film Festival, Germanfest, and extra all add to the town’s attraction and creative spirit. You’ll expertise a special sort of dwelling in Missoula – considered one of neighborhood, exploration, and schooling. 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 five mountain ranges which rise steeply on all sides. Indigenous peoples, together with the Salish, Kootenia, and Shoshone, have long lived in the region 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 typically scorching. This implies four-season recreation is gratifying and plentiful. An increase in wildfires, smoke, drought, and warmth waves are affecting the area, although, which is vital to bear in mind.
Missoula properties on the market | Missoula houses for rent | Missoula apartments for rent
2. Bozeman, MT
| Inhabitants: | 57,305 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $747,000 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $1,900 |
| Common Commute Time: | 15.4 minutes |
| Unemployment Charge: | 2.5% |
Situated at 4,800 ft in elevation within the foothills of the Rockies, Bozeman is second on our checklist. What was lengthy a small city within the Rockies, Bozeman has since become 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 shops for creativity, individuals love the town.
“Bozeman is ideal for individuals in search of outside journey, neighborhood, and tradition,” says the group at Visit 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 consistently ranked because the fastest-growing metropolis of its dimension within the nation. It has primarily attracted people from coastal metros in search of a small, energetic mountain escape. Due to its recognition, although, Bozeman has turn out to be very costly and even earned a disparaging nickname: Boz Angeles. Homes of every kind repeatedly promote within the hundreds of thousands.
Eclectic, locally-owned retailers and eating places are all over the place within the metropolis. Bozeman Taproom, Rice High-quality Thai Delicacies, and Western Cafe are hotspots for every type of delicacies, whereas Heyday and Meridian Males are nice locations for souvenirs and clothes. Facilities are usually situated close to Downtown Bozeman.
Bozeman is a really snowy metropolis, seeing upwards of 90 inches of snow per year. Winters will be fairly chilly, whereas summers are usually delicate and sunny. Two ski resorts, Big Sky and Bridger Bowl, are inside an hour’s drive, and cross country skiing trails snake via the town through the lengthy winter.
Bozeman properties on the market | Bozeman houses for rent | Bozeman apartments for rent
3. Helena, MT
| Inhabitants: | 34,464 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $480,000 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $1,525 |
| Common Commute Time: | 13.7 minutes |
| Unemployment 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 old brick alleyways adjoining to fashionable 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 outstanding of which is the Cathedral of St. Helena. At this time, 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. Previous prospector trails winding across the metropolis’s foothills have been become greater than 400 miles of multi-use path, 80 of which begin proper in downtown. Helena was even named an IMBA Silver Ride Center for mountain biking, considered one of solely 16 on the earth, as a result of abundance and high quality of trails.
Helena properties on the market | Helena houses for rent | Helena apartments for rent
4. Billings, MT
| Inhabitants: | 120,864 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $419,000 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $1,225 |
| Common Commute Time: | 16.7 minutes |
| Unemployment Charge: | 2.4% |
Located alongside the Yellowstone River in south-central Montana, Billings is a thriving metropolis recognized for its old western character, Midwest attraction, and entry to the outside. An reasonably priced value of dwelling, loads of facilities, and economic stability assist make it a terrific place to reside.
As Montana’s largest metropolis, Billings presents 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 outstanding. Hills, plains, forests, and streams make up the remainder of the awe-inspiring panorama, good for adventures of every kind.
Billings’ fashionable historical past will 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 reap the benefits of the good lumber within the space, and a railroad was constructed not lengthy after. Billings was established in 1882 and rapidly grew to turn out to be one of many state’s largest cities.
At this time, Billings has turn out to be the economic epicenter for a number of states. The truth is, the town’s regional affect is nearly 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 outside house. Riverfront Park and Two Moon Park are two nice spots to benefit from the surroundings.
Billings properties on the market | Billings houses for rent | Billings apartments for rent
5. Nice Falls, MT
| Inhabitants: | 60,422 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $385,000 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $1,040 |
| Common Commute Time: | 14.7 minutes |
| Unemployment Charge: | 2.3% |
Nice Falls is pretty small in dimension, however boasts a strong industry and really inventive populace. Named after the various waterfalls within the space, Nice Falls has offered electrical energy through dams and water for agriculture for over a century by way of the enduring Missouri River. The five dams (and waterfalls) alongside the river helped give the town the nickname “Electrical Metropolis.”
Nice Falls was the largest city in Montana from 1950 to 1970 as a consequence of its thriving trade 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 tourists go to the 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.” Yow will discover probably the most well-known art work on the C.M. Russell Museum or see extra fashionable items throughout Western Art 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 frequent, and is when a majority of precipitation falls through the 12 months. Like most cities simply east of the Rocky Mountains, sturdy Chinook Winds may cause temporary, unseasonably heat winter temperatures.
Nice Falls properties on the market | Great Falls houses for rent | Great Falls apartments for rent
6. Kalispell, MT
| Inhabitants: | 29,886 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $698,000 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $1,315 |
| Common Commute Time: | 14.3 minutes |
| Unemployment Charge: | 4.2% |
The sixth-best place to reside in Montana on our checklist, Kalispell is the gateway to Glacier Nationwide Park and the hub of Northwestern Montana. A former railroad city turned industrial and industrial hub, Kalispell is primarily recognized for its outside recreation, pure wonders, and small-town attraction. Individuals are flocking to take pleasure in this peaceable lifestyle, too: The Kalispell area was the fastest-growing city 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 Festival additionally occurs inside the reservation each July, alongside Flathead Lake. Make sure to come hungry – there are meals carts and extra Flathead Cherries than you may eat ready for you.
Kalispell properties on the market | Kalispell houses for rent | Kalispell apartments for rent
7. Whitefish, MT
| Inhabitants: | 9,163 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $804,750 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $2,895 |
| Common Commute Time: | 16.7 minutes |
| Unemployment Charge: | 2.9% |
Simply north of Kalispell, Whitefish is a fast-growing, upscale vacation town recognized 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 outstanding climate, these high-end facilities have led an inflow of individuals to the world, though many just seasonally.
The sunny and delicate summer season 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 maintain residents linked through the 12 months, with most taking place downtown. The Under the Big Sky Music Festival, Huckleberry Days Arts Festival, 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 energetic espresso retailers. Most every part is walkable from downtown.
Whitefish properties on the market | Whitefish houses for rent | Whitefish apartments for rent
8. Butte, MT
| Inhabitants: | 35,701 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $323,000 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $800 |
| Common Commute Time: | 16.2 minutes |
| Unemployment 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 environment to at the present time. Mining has played a major role within the metropolis’s economic system and tradition since its founding and continues to this day. At this time, pure magnificence, an reasonably priced value of dwelling, and entry to outside recreation make it a fascinating place to reside.
Butte’s lengthy mining historical past introduced jobs, wealth, and other people to the town. Nevertheless, it has additionally harmed the surroundings. When one of many largest mines shut down in 1982, Butte unknowingly inherited one of the largest Superfund sites in the country The Berkeley Pit, because it’s now recognized, is situated on the sting of city and was the positioning of open-pit mining. The pit is now filled with toxic groundwater, which continues to be rising immediately.
The Berkeley Pit has turn out to be a vacationer attraction of kinds, with a viewing stand and memorial plaza devoted to misplaced miners. It’s notorious for its function in hen migrations, as nicely – birds who land on it for quite a lot of 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 population (just like most of Montana), together with the oldest continually-operating Chinese restaurant within the nation.
Butte properties on the market | Butte houses for rent | Butte apartments for rent
9. Livingston, MT
| Inhabitants: | 8,908 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $519,000 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $1,380 |
| Common Commute Time: | 23.2 minutes |
| Unemployment Charge: | 1.4% |
Simply half-hour east of Bozeman, Livingston is the ninth-best place to reside in Montana on our checklist. Livingston is a picturesque city often known as being the gateway to Yellowstone National 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 aspect. The Yellowstone River flows via downtown earlier than reaching open plains and thick forests.
There’s loads to do within the city, too. Livingston is a small railroad city, however you may nonetheless study one thing new, seize a terrific espresso, and sit down for a nice dinner all inside a mile from one another. Campione and the Murray Bar supply a number 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 interested in small-town dwelling within the rugged American West.
Livingston properties on the market | Livingston houses for rent | Livingston apartments for rent
10. Belgrade, MT
| Inhabitants: | 12,509 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $540,000 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $2,150 |
| Common Commute Time: | 23.4 minutes |
| Unemployment Charge: | 0.6% |
Belgrade, a suburb 20 minutes from Bozeman, rounds out our checklist of one of the best locations to reside in Montana. Individuals in search of extra reasonably priced properties with out sacrificing the Bozeman way of life will really feel proper at residence in Belgrade. Plus, with a historic metropolis heart and distinctive retailers and occasions, you’ll be sure you discover one thing to like. The Fall Festival is the preferred amongst locals.
Belgrade is pretty rural and has a history of agriculture, just like most cities within the Gallatin Valley. The realm has easy accessibility to water, loads of fertile land, and favorable summer season climate for wheat, oats, and other crops. A sophisticated community of irrigation canals which were used for a century carve via the panorama for dozens of miles, influencing local 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 season is good for exploring the good outside. Spring and fall are nice in-between seasons for many actions, however are depending on climate.
Belgrade properties on the market | Belgrade houses for rent | Belgrade apartments for rent
Methodology
Redfin’s Greatest Locations to Dwell rankings are supposed to assist residence searchers make an knowledgeable choice when selecting the place to reside. To try to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes into consideration a number of key components, 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 larger have been thought of for our Montana checklist. Extra details about our methodology will be discovered right here.
Knowledge legitimate April 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
