From snow-capped mountains, scenic waterfalls, and vast grasslands to varied wildlife, Montana is famous for its natural treasures. If you love the great outdoors, you’ll love to live in this state which is home to over 170 state parks & public lands.
Montana, the Treasure State, is one of the most naturally diverse and beautiful states in the United States. From the majestic Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone National Park, to the Glacier National Park, Montana offers breathtaking landscapes, clean air, and plenty of outdoor activities. But which are the best places to live in Montana?
In this article, we will explore some of the best places to live in Montana based on factors like cost of living, population, employment opportunities, and overall quality of life.
It is a sparsely populated region with a population of just over one million people. Owing to its rich history of gold and silver mining, it is also called the treasure state.
Whether you’re looking for a metropolitan city life or a place near the wilderness, you can find your next home in Montana.
Here are some of the best cities to live in Montana: –
Helena #1
The capital of Montana, Helena is a bustling city that offers the perfect blend of city life with access to natural outdoors. The city is home to over 60 natural hot springs and receives 189 days of sunshine annually.
It has three suburban hubs: Central, Southeast, and Euclid Avenue South. It’s located between two extraordinary national parks which makes it convenient for the residents to visit the parks for weekend getaways.
You can indulge in a plethora of recreational activities such as hiking, fly-fishing, golfing & skiing.
The city also features the Montana Historical Society Museum, the Cathedral of Saint Helena, and the original Governor’s Mansion where you can get to know about the city’s rich past.
There is also no dearth of restaurants, live music, and local breweries to relax & enjoy your social life.
Bozeman #2
Moving with your family? Bozeman might be the city for you.
With a splendid mountainous backdrop, Bozeman offers an array of natural outdoor activities to its residents. It is home to some of the top-grade schools, making it an ideal choice for families.
Being at the centre of Montana, this city is well-connected through Route 90 & Highway 191. It is also famous for Montana State University which makes it a youthful place where residents can enjoy its thriving art scene, live entertainment, theatres & museums.
It offers plenty of amenities, appropriate health facilities, and a thriving local economy. The cost of living is slightly higher as compared to others but the facilities make it worth every penny.
Livingston #3
Located next to the Yellowstone River, it is another one of Montana’s numerous charming cities. Popularly known as “the northern gateway to Yellowstone”, it offers residents easy access to incredible landscapes and the national park.
If you’re a young adult looking for a city that also offers adventure, this might be the perfect place for you.
With top-notch educational facilities, bountiful natural treasures, and great housing options, this is one of the best places to live in Montana.
Whitefish #4
Love it when it snows?
Then you’ll love the idea of living in Whitefish, a resort town known for skiing & snowboarding.
Located near Glacier National Park, this beautiful town transforms into a white wonderland in winter.
Not just that, living here means that you can also enjoy the shows at Whitefish Theatre Company and the Huckleberry Days Arts Festival held annually. There’s also an annual culinary event called ‘Taste of Whitefish’.
In the summer, you can enjoy a plethora of activities such as zip lining, mountain biking, and hiking amidst picturesque landscapes.
There is a range of housing options that you can explore and begin the next chapter of your life in this exquisite town.
Billings #5
This city is a preferred choice for young couples, singles & professionals looking for a thriving town with community experiences.
Located in the southern part of Montana, Billings offers a host of entertainment options for its residents from live music, to kayaking sports and other outdoor activities.
The city also features plenty of local breweries and bars for a lively night scene. You can have access to all of this at a reasonable price since this is one of the cheapest places to live in Montana.
Also known as the City Beneath the Rimrocks, Billings is one of the sunniest towns in Montana with over 205 days of sunshine. It has about 40 schools and 5 hospitals to serve its population of over 100,000 residents.
You can also find attractions such as the Moss Mansion, pictographs in Cave State Park, and national monuments.
There are also plenty of dog-friendly spots in the city so if you’re moving with your pup, this town won’t disappoint.
Missoula #6
Missoula is a small city located in western Montana, with a population of approximately 75,000. It is a vibrant college town and is home to the University of Montana.
Missoula is known for its diverse culture, lively arts scene, and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. The cost of living in Missoula is relatively affordable compared to other cities in Montana, making it a great place to live for those on a budget.
Kalispell #7
Kalispell is a small town located in the northwest part of Montana, with a population of approximately 23,000. It is known for its natural beauty and is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and forests. Kalispell has a low cost of living compared to other cities in Montana, making it a great place to live for those on a budget.
It is also a great place to live if you enjoy outdoor recreational activities like hiking, fishing, or skiing.
Choose the place that speaks to you & kickstart the next phase of your life in your beloved new home.
In conclusion, Montana is a beautiful state with many great places to live. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of a college town, the amenities of a big city, or the quiet charm of a small town, Montana has something to offer everyone.
When choosing a place to live in Montana, consider factors like cost of living, population, employment opportunities, and overall quality of life to find the perfect place for you.
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FAQs:
Q. Where are the best places to work and live in the oil industry in Montana?
Sidney in north-eastern Montana is best known for its thriving oil industry.
Q. Where does Montana fall in the cheapest places to live?
Montana ranks 30th on the cost of living. Some of Montana’s cities offer more affordable living choices than others.
Q. What are the best places to live in Montana?
Helena, Whitefish, Livingston & Bozeman are some of the best places to live in Montana.
What is the cost of living like in Montana?
The cost of living in Montana varies depending on the city or town. Generally, it is more affordable than larger cities like San Francisco or Seattle, but some areas, like Bozeman, can have a higher cost of living due to their booming tech industry.
What are the job opportunities like in Montana?
Montana’s job market is diverse and growing. The state has a thriving tourism industry, as well as strong industries in healthcare, energy, and technology. Some of the best places to find job opportunities in Montana are Bozeman, Billings, and Missoula.
What is the healthcare system like in Montana?
Montana has a robust healthcare system, with many hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers throughout the state. Some of the top hospitals in Montana include Billings Clinic, Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital, and St. Vincent Healthcare. Montana also has a strong telemedicine industry, making it easier for residents to access healthcare remotely.
Helena is definitely not the best place in Montana, unless you’re ok with subpar food and unfriendly people and don’t want to do anything indoors other than drink
Well I should probably not mention it but Missoula is the second largest city with 76,000 people. Home of the University of Montana, Missoula is surrounded by mountains with Montana/Missoula Snowbowl ski area just 30 min. from town. But please don’t tell anyone I told you this.
Please don’t forget to tell people that it is negative -5 to -30 degrees throughout the state. Oh yes, windchill is down to -60. Bring your windbreaker and flip flops ☃️☃️
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I love that the picture of Bozeman is unattainable land in front of Ross pass. Lol. Or if it for sale, it’s millions of dollars for a few acres. It’s things like this that drive the prices through the roof. A small SFH with a .25acre lot in Bozeman is at least $750,000 and a 1000sqft condo is $400,000! No regular person can afford to live here anymore. No wonder it costs 150 bucks to have dinner and a drink now! It’s crowded, there is no parking anywhere downtown because the city says yes to every new building project and think that off street parking is the answer. It hasn’t been a nice mountain town for years.
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