In the event you’re planning on transferring to Montana, add these cities to your checklist.
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 may 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 lined.
Generally known as Massive Sky Nation, Montana boasts expansive plains, sprawling forests, towering mountains, and flat buttes that give solution to unobstructed views of clear, stunning skies. In every single place 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 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 persistently over the previous decade, with most newcomers transferring 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 very best? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the very best locations to stay in Montana, rating them on qualities comparable 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 very best locations to stay 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%
Residence to the College of Montana, a thriving outside financial system, beautiful landscapes, and far more, Missoula tops our checklist as the very best place to stay 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 count on. Occasions and gatherings just like the Farmers’ Market, the Worldwide Wildlife Movie Competition, Germanfest, and extra all add to town’s appeal and inventive spirit. You’ll expertise a special sort of dwelling in Missoula – one in all group, exploration, and schooling. The pure magnificence doesn’t harm, 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 realm.
Missoula’s local weather is relatively humid and delicate, because 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 pleasing and plentiful. A rise in wildfires, smoke, drought, and warmth waves are affecting the area, although, which is essential 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%
Positioned 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 change into a stylish, hip place to stay. 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 town.
“Bozeman is perfect for people looking for outdoor adventure, community, and culture,” says the staff 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 searching for a small, vigorous mountain escape. Due to its reputation, although, Bozeman has change into very costly and even earned a disparaging nickname: Boz Angeles. Homes of all sorts repeatedly promote within the hundreds of thousands.
Eclectic, locally-owned outlets and eating places are in all places within the metropolis. Bozeman Taproom, Rice Superb 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 situated close to Downtown Bozeman.
Bozeman is a really snowy metropolis, seeing upwards of 90 inches of snow per 12 months. Winters will be fairly chilly, whereas summers are sometimes delicate and sunny. Two ski resorts, Massive 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:34,464Median 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 outdated and new – you will discover outdated brick alleyways adjoining to fashionable 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 tip 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 outlets, eating places, and parks.
Widespread 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. 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 Journey Middle 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 outdated western character, Midwest appeal, and entry to the outside. An inexpensive price of dwelling, loads of facilities, and financial stability assist make it a fantastic place to stay.
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’ fashionable historical past will 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 benefit from the good lumber within the space, and a railroad was constructed not lengthy after. Billings was established in 1882 and rapidly grew to change into one of many state’s largest cities.
Right this moment, Billings has change into the financial epicenter for a number of states. The truth is, 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 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:60,422Median 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 inventive 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 enduring Missouri River. The 5 dams (and waterfalls) alongside the river helped give town the nickname “Electric City.”
Nice Falls was the most important metropolis in Montana from 1950 to 1970 because of its thriving business and inexpensive 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. 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 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’ll find probably the most well-known paintings on the C.M. Russell Museum or see extra fashionable 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 widespread, and is when a majority of precipitation falls throughout the 12 months. Like most cities simply east of the Rocky Mountains, robust Chinook Winds could cause transient, 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 stay 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 business hub, Kalispell is primarily identified for its outside recreation, pure wonders, and small-town appeal. Persons 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 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 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 pupil or grownup, via native Salish and Kootenai tribal colleges on the Flathead Indian Reservation.
The beloved Flathead Cherry Competition additionally occurs inside the reservation each July, alongside Flathead Lake. You should definitely come hungry – there are meals carts and extra Flathead Cherries than you possibly can eat ready for you.
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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 realm, though many simply seasonally.
The sunny and delicate summer season 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 exterior, you’ll discover it in Whitefish.
Loads of native occasions maintain residents linked throughout the 12 months, with most occurring downtown. The Beneath the Massive Sky Music Competition, Huckleberry Days Arts Competition, and a weekly Tuesday farmers market are among the many hottest. You may also 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.
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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 environment to this present day. Mining has performed a serious function within the metropolis’s financial system and tradition since its founding and continues to this present day. Right this moment, pure magnificence, an inexpensive price of dwelling, and entry to outside recreation make it a fascinating place to stay.
Butte’s lengthy mining historical past introduced jobs, wealth, and folks to 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 situated on the sting of city and was the positioning of open-pit mining. The pit is now full of poisonous groundwater, which remains to be rising as we speak.
The Berkeley Pit has change into a vacationer attraction of kinds, with a viewing stand and memorial plaza devoted to misplaced miners. It’s notorious for its function in fowl migrations, as properly – 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:8,908Median 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 stay in Montana on our checklist. Livingston is a picturesque city often known as being the gateway to Yellowstone Nationwide Park, however is dwelling 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 possibly can nonetheless study one thing new, seize a fantastic 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 finest 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 drawn to 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 checklist of the very best locations to stay in Montana. Folks searching for extra inexpensive houses with out sacrificing the Bozeman life-style will really feel proper at dwelling in Belgrade. Plus, with a historic metropolis heart and distinctive outlets and occasions, you’ll remember 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 quick access to water, loads of fertile land, and favorable summer season 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 season is right for exploring the good 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 Dwell rankings are supposed to assist dwelling searchers make an knowledgeable determination when selecting the place to stay. To aim 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 outside 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 checklist. Extra details about our methodology will be discovered right here.
Knowledge legitimate April 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
