The Best Places to Live in Montana

Come on over to Montana! This state is known for its diverse and picture-perfect terrain, including natural landscapes like the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains.

Montana is also famous for its mountains—it boasts more than 300 peaks—and panoramic wide-open spaces like the immense wilderness preserve, Glacier National Park. Plus, this is the only state featuring a triple divide: water from the Triple Divide Peak flows into the Pacific, Atlantic, and Hudson Bay.

Also known as the Treasure State — due to its history of silver and gold mining — Montana is one of the best places for the great outdoors, with over 170 state parks and public lands. Montana is also the perfect place to retire and has lots of affordable cities for your new home.

If you’re looking to move to Montana, let’s browse the five best cities in the state that you should consider

1. Helena

First up, in our guide is Montana’s capital city, Helena. Originally founded as a gold camp during the gold rush, this city shines brightly. Helena is a robust city with its natural wonder. This city is also a popular tourist spot for folks traveling between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Helena has over 60 natural hot springs and 15 commercial hot springs. For outdoor and holistic enthusiasts, it is the best.

This conservative-leaning city has three popular suburban hubs: Southeast, Central, and Euclid Avenue South. While it has the lightest rainfall on the list (13 inches per year), Helena is certainly a snowy, wintry city that tops out at 42 inches of snow annually. The sunshine per capita is 189 days a year. Helena also boasts stunning Victorian architecture. There are many beautifully restored historic buildings that now house shops and restaurants.

With a population of just over 30,000, it has quality hospitals and schools. Helena’s educational options include public and private schools. Public schools are part of the Helena School District, offering a range of educational opportunities from elementary to high school. Notable private schools in the area include Helena Christian School and Helena Independent School. Helena is also home to Helena College, a branch of the University of Montana known for its strong programs in health sciences, business, and technology.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find Helena to be a paradise, with nearby attractions such as Helena National Forest and Gates of the Mountains Wilderness offering hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping opportunities. In the winter, the surrounding mountains provide excellent options for skiing and snowmobiling. For dog lovers, Helena is a dog-friendly city with several parks and trails where you can take your furry friends for some outdoor fun. Spring Meadow Lake State Park and Centennial Park even offer designated areas for dogs to play and socialize.

Helena’s community spirit shines through its various events and festivals. The Last Chance Stampede and Fair is a highlight, featuring rodeo events, live music, and a vibrant carnival. The city also hosts the Downtown Helena Summer Concert Series and the Helena Symphony Orchestra, providing cultural and entertainment options for residents.

Culture and history enthusiasts will appreciate Helena’s museums and attractions. The Montana Historical Society Museum is a must-visit for history buffs, while the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts showcases contemporary artistry. The Holter Museum of Art focuses on visual arts and contemporary exhibitions.

The city’s economy is diverse, with government, healthcare, education, and tourism playing significant roles. The state government is a major employer, with the Montana State Capitol located in Helena. St. Peter’s Health is a prominent healthcare provider in the area, ensuring residents have access to quality medical services.

Helena, Montana, offers a wonderful place to live, with its rich history, abundant outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and a strong sense of community. Whether you are interested in exploring the great outdoors, delving into history and culture, or simply enjoying a small-town atmosphere, Helena provides a unique and welcoming environment for its residents. With a variety of Helena new home communities offering innovative floor plans and amenities, you can settle in easily.

2. Missoula

Missoula, a hub of arts, culture, and all things outdoors has made it to the second spot on our list. There are 20 miles of bike lanes. With an art museum, a carousel, and surfers (yep, really—there is a man-made wave called Brennan’s Wave), there is much to explore in the downtown area.

A moderately liberal city, Missoula encompasses outdoor exploration, craft breweries, nightlife, a farmers’ market, and even a few ghost towns for historical tours. If you are considering a move to this city, note that it is snowy with 53 inches per year, but lighter on rain, 17 inches. From hiking and nature trails to getting a cold brew or a bite to eat, there are a multitude of spots to hang out with your furry friend. Jacob’s Island Bark Park and Greenough Park are popular spots for dog owners to let their pets roam.

Missoula is known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene. One interesting fact is that it is often called the “Garden City” due to its lush greenery and beautiful gardens. The city’s appeal for new homebuyers lies in its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a thriving job market.

Education is a priority in Missoula, with both public and private schools providing quality options. Public schools are part of the Missoula County Public Schools district, known for their strong academic programs. Private schools like Loyola Sacred Heart High School offer alternative choices for families. The University of Montana, located in Missoula, is renowned for its academic excellence and outdoor recreational programs. It is a major educational institution known for its strong environmental science and forestry programs.

The economy in Missoula is diverse, with healthcare, education, tourism, and manufacturing playing significant roles. Major employers include the University of Montana, St. Patrick Hospital, and the Missoula County Public Schools. St. Patrick Hospital is a prominent healthcare provider in the area, ensuring residents have access to quality medical services. Additionally, Community Medical Center and Western Montana Clinic contribute to the healthcare network.

Residents can also explore the Missoula Art Museum and the Montana Museum of Art & Culture for cultural enrichment. The nearby Lolo National Forest and Rattlesnake National Recreation Area offer hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping opportunities. In winter, you can enjoy skiing at Snowbowl Ski Area.

Community events are a highlight of Missoula life. The city hosts numerous festivals and gatherings, such as the Missoula Farmers Market, Out to Lunch, and Downtown Tonight, which feature live music, local food, and arts and crafts. The Western Montana Fair, International Wildlife Film Festival, and River City Roots Festival celebrate the city’s culture and arts scene.

Missoula, Montana, offers a picturesque and vibrant community with a strong sense of cultural and outdoor appeal. The city’s mild climate, educational opportunities, and diverse economy make it an attractive place to call home. With a range of recreational activities, cultural events, and excellent healthcare options, Missoula provides a high quality of life for its residents. Popular suburbs in Missoula are Rose Park, Lewis and Clark, and Lower Rattlesnake. Discover the perfect new home in the Missoula area.

3. Billings

The largest city in the state, Billings, is full of adventure and things to see and do. As the city also known as “City Beneath the Rimrocks,” it might just be the brightest (sunniest) ranking on this list. Billings charts 205 sun-filled days per year but sees its fair share of rain and snow in the colder months (14 and 46 inches, respectively). What else makes this city fun and one of the best places to live in Montana?

Billings is a dog-friendly city with numerous parks and pet-friendly trails. Riverfront Park and Phipps Park are excellent places for dog owners to enjoy the outdoors with their furry companions. There are so many eye-catching sites to visit, including the Moss Mansion, Pictographs Cave State Park, national monuments, and other public lands.

With over 100,000 residents living in Billings, there is quite a bit of infrastructure as well, with excellent employers, schools, and hospitals. The city provides a range of educational options, with the Billings Public Schools district offering public education from elementary to high school. Private schools like Billings Central Catholic High School and Stillwater Christian School offer education with religious affiliation. Montana State University Billings, located in the city, offers a variety of academic programs, including business, healthcare, and education. The university is known for its strong nursing and education programs. Healthcare in Billings is well-established with St. Vincent Healthcare and Billings Clinic being the major healthcare providers. Their comprehensive services ensure that residents have access to top-quality medical care.

Living in the Billings, Montana area offers a blend of urban convenience and outdoor beauty. Billings, the largest city in Montana, is known for being the “Magic City” due to its rapid growth and economic prosperity. The economy in Billings is diverse, with healthcare, education, energy, and agriculture playing significant roles. Major employers include St. Vincent Healthcare, Billings Clinic, and ExxonMobil, contributing to a robust job market.

The climate allows for various outdoor activities year-round. Residents can explore hiking and biking trails, fishing on the Yellowstone River, and skiing at nearby Red Lodge Mountain during the winter. Get ready to enjoy the Montana sky in Billings.

Community events are an integral part of Billings’ culture. The city hosts popular gatherings such as the Farmers Market, Alive After 5, and the Yellowstone Art Museum’s Summerfair, offering local food, arts, and entertainment. Additional festivals include the Strawberry Festival, Magic City Blues Festival, and the MontanaFair, which highlights Montana’s agricultural heritage and offers entertainment and rides. The Alberta Bair Theater and Moss Mansion are cultural attractions that contribute to the city’s vibrant arts scene.

What sets Billings apart from other cities is its unique combination of a thriving urban center, a strong job market, and access to stunning natural landscapes. The proximity to outdoor recreation, affordable cost of living, and a rich cultural scene make Billings an attractive place to live and call home for individuals and families alike. Billings new home communities includes a variety of floor plans sure to appeal to your wants and needs.

4. Great Falls

Historic art shapes the city of Great Falls, Montana. It is also known for the C.M. Russell Museum, an artist famous for images of the American West. But there is more! Great Falls is perhaps best known as the “Electric City” due to its early adoption of hydroelectric power from the Missouri River. The Electric City is also home to seven other museums, including the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, which is known for contemporary works. Home to nearly 60,000 residents, this city is a wonderful place to call home.

The moderately conservative Great Falls is home to the shortest river (Roe) and the largest freshwater spring (Giant Springs). Residents can take part in a performing arts theater, and outdoor activities by the Missouri, Sun, and Roe rivers. The climate provides opportunities for various outdoor activities throughout the year, from hiking and fishing in the nearby mountains and rivers to cross-country skiing in the winter.

Compared to other cities in Montana, it is a bit sunnier (188 days per year), and its rain and snowfall are higher than in other regions (14 and 58, respectively). Living in the Great Falls, Montana area offers a mix of natural beauty and a strong sense of community. What makes it a wonderful place to buy a new home is its affordable housing, low crime rate, and a range of recreational opportunities in the surrounding landscapes. Great Falls is a dog-friendly city with numerous parks and trails welcoming four-legged companions. Gibson Park and River’s Edge Trail are popular places for dog owners to enjoy the outdoors with their pets.

Community events are an integral part of life in Great Falls. The city hosts gatherings such as the Great Falls Farmers Market, Art Walks, and the Montana State Fair, offering local food, arts, crafts, and entertainment. The city hosts various festivals, such as the Lewis and Clark Festival, showcasing the historical significance of the area, and the Ice Breaker Road Race, which draws runners from all over the region.

Choose from public and private schools. The Great Falls Public Schools district offers a vibrant curriculum. Private schools include a variety of schools including Great Falls Central Catholic High School. Great Falls College Montana State University, a branch of Montana State University, offers programs in areas like nursing, business, and technology. The college is known for its strong emphasis on workforce development.

The economy in Great Falls is diverse, with healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing playing significant roles. Major employers include Benefis Health System, the Great Falls Public Schools, and Malmstrom Air Force Base, contributing to a stable job market. Healthcare in Great Falls is well-supported, with Benefis Health System being the major healthcare provider. The hospital offers comprehensive medical services. What sets Great Falls above other cities is its welcoming community, affordable living, and access to both natural beauty and cultural attractions. The city’s strong sense of history, diverse economy, and educational opportunities make it an attractive place to live for individuals and families seeking a balance between outdoor adventures and urban amenities.

5. Kalispell

Step right into the largest city in northwest Montana. Kalispell. The city is a blend of larger-than-life nature and a historic downtown district. With a vibrant commercial center, its 24,000 residents are privy to the Conrad Mansion and the Hockaday Museum of Arts, which highlights Montana artists. Kalispell is located in the Flathead Valley and is known for its proximity to Glacier National Park. Glacier National Park offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Interesting facts about Kalispell include its historical roots as a railroad town and the fact that it is the largest city in the Flathead Valley. This Montana city is known for long, cold, and snowy winters (there are about 56 inches of snowfall each year). If you are an avid snow lover, this city is just the ticket. Many hiking and nature trails allow you to explore throughout the seasons. This climate provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and skiing in nearby Whitefish Mountain Resort during the winter months.

A strongly conservative city, Kalispell has excellent schools and healthcare options. Education in Kalispell includes the Kalispell Public Schools District along with private schools like Stillwater Christian School. Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) is located in Kalispell and offers a variety of academic programs, including healthcare, business, and trade. FVCC is known for its strong nursing and culinary arts programs. Healthcare in Kalispell is well-supported, with Kalispell Regional Healthcare being the major healthcare provider.

The city hosts events like the Kalispell Farmers Market, Thursday!Fest, and the Northwest Montana Fair, which celebrate local produce, arts, and culture. The Kalispell Art in the Park highlights local artists, and the Northwest Montana Fair celebrates the agricultural heritage of the region. Kalispell is a dog-friendly city with several parks and trails welcoming four-legged friends. Woodland Park and Lawrence Park are popular places for dog owners to enjoy the outdoors with their pets.

The economy in Kalispell is diverse, with healthcare, education, tourism, and manufacturing playing significant roles. Major employers include Kalispell Regional Healthcare, Flathead Valley Community College, and Columbia Falls Aluminum Company, contributing to a stable job market.

Glacier Commons, East Side, and Stillwater Estates are some of the most popular suburbs. Living in the Kalispell, Montana area offers a picturesque and serene lifestyle amidst stunning natural beauty. What makes it a beautiful place to buy a new home is its small-town charm, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a relatively low cost of living. Take a look at some of the welcoming new home communities in Kalispell.