As they say, “If you’re lucky enough to live in Montana, you’re lucky enough.” Well, this pretty much explains why everyone is moving to Montana.
From thriving nature to a stable economy, and calm vibes, the treasure state has much to offer, more than Yellowstone Park or a stairway to heaven.
So, why not explore the best cities and small towns in Montana? So, you can decide what view you want to see from your window.
Best Places To Live In Montana At A Glance
Before diving into details have a quick look at the table given below to know more about average rent, property cost, crime rate, and cost of living compared to the 100 indexes of the rest of the US.
| City | Cost of Living | Crime Rate | Average Rent | Median Home Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman | 111 | 4.7% | $2178 | $899,900 |
| Helena | 92 | 7.1% | $1414 | $475,000 |
| Whitefish | 118 | 16.5% | $1625 | $1,330,000 |
| Dillion | 99 | 22% | $950 | $335,398 |
| Missoula | 101 | 6.71% | $1225 | $599,450 |
| Belgrade | 100 | 3.79% | $1750 | $569,500 |
| Billings | 101 | 9.90% | $1381 | $389,000 |
| East Helena | 92 | 12.8% | $1425 | $475,000 |
| Livingston | 98 | 3% | $2150 | $604,000 |
| Kalispell | 103 | 27% | $1448 | $672,000 |
| Four Corners | 115 | 18% | $1988 | $987,000 |
| Great Falls | 91 | 21% | $1200 | $319,000 |
| Glasgow | 88 | 11% | $1100 | $272,450 |
| Orchard Homes | 108 | 2.4% | $1207 | $714,000 |
| Lewistown | 85 | 4% | $838 | $260,000 |
- Kalispell and Dillion are the two cities with the highest crime rates. Only certain parts of these cities are considered violent and are not suitable for families.
- Overall, the crime rate in Montana is 21.5%, 2% higher than the national average of 19.3%.
- In general, the cost of living is very affordable as most cities are even 100 indexes of the national average.
15 Best Cities To Live In Montana That Are Not Only Safe But Scenic!
I was born and raised in this big sky country and things can never be better. Each day was perfect and calm.
Some western parts of the state will leave you stunned while the natural beauty of Helena city will keep your breath away.
Here’s how I choose my top 15 places:
- On the basis of living experience
- Median cost of living
- Safety and crime rate
- Business opportunities
- Schools and outdoor activities
Lastly, I have also given the population a second thought. Enough talking, right? So, let’s explore the best places to live in Montana together.
1. Bozeman – Undoubtedly, The Best City In Montana
Imagine you wake up with mighty mountain views every day. Bozeman is the reality of this dream.
The city is also known as the “most liveable town” and the quality of life places it at 1st spot in our list.
Cost of living is higher than you may expect, but this is to be expected given the availability of local facilities, medical care, and the thriving local economy. A drawback that can be tolerated.
You’ll find some of the country’s best schools here. While if you have a nerve for adventure, enjoy hiking, mountain bing, skiing, hunting, and impressive wildlife here.
2. Helena – Best Place To Live In Montana For Families
It may sound like I am exaggerating, but Helena is the best city to raise a family in Montana.
Affordable neighbourhoods, local cuisines, and plenty of cultural festivals, on any given day, make it suitable for families with kids.
Founded during the era of Montana’s gold rush, the town is known as queen city to this day. Here you’ll get the vibe that time has stopped and you’re on the journey, back to the future.
There is a lot to learn about the history of the City Hall building, as well as the stunning architecture. Prickly Pear Creek is a popular spot for folks to take a stroll.
3. Whitefish – Best Place In Montana To Vacation
Often known as the home of celebrities and with a reputation as a tourist town, Whitefish, with its 8492 residents, may not have a very diversified population by national standards, but it is straight out of heaven.
Every year more than 3 million tourists visit the city making the hotel industry as the #1 source of income for many local residents.
Located at the crossroads of the Rocky Mountains, it’s a great place to explore the great outdoors. It is also the home of the world-renowned Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort.
4. Dillion – Most Affordable Places To Live In Montana
Starting with the average home price, which is $120,000, is much lower than the national average. You can acquire a 4-bedroom family home for around $199,000, making it the best city for large families.
The town is known for having a friendly and close-knit vibe. The fact that Dillion has low crime rates and a big number of families choosing to raise kids here makes it the city with the fastest growing population, around 17.7%.
Grasshopper Creek, Clark Canyon Reservoir, and Bloody Dick Creek are the three best spots for fishing. Due to the blue ribbon trout stream, you’ll find the best flying fish in the country here.
5. Missoula – A Dream Place For BookWorms!
Behold, book lovers! It’s going to be a fun place for you.
Due to world-renowned bookstores and the best library in the US, the city is also known as the literary town of Montana.
Also due to the city’s love for art and recreational activities, it attracts visitors from all over the world.
Another perk of living here is that you’re never more than a few minutes away from Montana’s stunning mountains, including Mt Jumbo, Caras Park, Bitterroot River, and Mount Sentinel.
Though there are many things to do in Missoula, you should avoid the northern part of town due to the meth problem and high crime rate, over 6.71% per 1000 residents.
6. Belgrade – Best Place To Live In Montana With Land
Begrudge is also the best place to live in Montana for the weather. It has all 4 seasons, making it a rural community that is heavy on agriculture.
The cherry on top is that It is only eight miles away from Bozeman city, ensuring the best of both worlds amenities.
The only drawback is that the property prices are very high here. You are expected to pay around 56% to 62% high prices compared to the national average of 100 index.
Rent can cost $1200 to $3500 per month, depending on the property size.
Though the city has calm vibes. Still, you can enjoy car shows, open pit beef barbecue, fishing, local dining, Gallatin Speedway, parades, arts and crafts fairs, and football games here.
7. Billings – Warmest Place In Montana
Located in the southern part of the state, it is the largest city in Montana, a great place for hiking and mesmerizing views.
You’ll find sheer cliffs to harsh and rocky scrublands just outside the city boundaries of Billings.
Billings is a city in every sense of the word, with a populace of 117,445. When it comes to social life and entertainment options, Billings should be on the list of places to consider.
Billings has a diversified population that is especially popular with seniors. Families with small children are drawn to the area because of the excellent schools, while millennials are drawn by the work prospects and simple commute alternatives.
8. East Helena – Best Place To Retire In Montana
If you’re thinking of moving to Helena, you might want to give East Helena a second look.
East Helena provides the perfect counterpoint to Helena’s bustling downtown if you prefer a more suburban setting.
East Helena retains its small-town charm despite its close proximity to the metropolis. This region is one of the safest in the state, which makes it appealing to a wide range of people, including retirees, young families, and millennials.
You’ll find everything here from local delicacies to yummy Flathead Cherries and several gay bars. The best thing is that the city has anti-discrimination laws.
So, you can wear your colors and enjoy the city life of East Helena, just steps away from the urban jungle of Helena!
9. Livingston – One Of The Best Places To Live In Montana For Young Adults
Livingston is tucked away in the southwest corner of the state. Yellowstone National Park is only a one-hour drive away.
The affordable cost of living and opportunities make it one of the best places to live in Montana for singles and retirees.
If you’re a frequent traveler, the city has 5 nearby airports and the nearest airport to Yellowstone national park.
Houses in the city cost an average of $170,400, making Livingston more popular among millennials.
The only downside is that the winters here are partly cloudy, snowy, freezing, and windy.
The temperature sometimes may drop down below -5 degrees Fahrenheit during the freezing winter.
10. Kalispell – Here Comes The most beautiful city in Montana
Kalispell, Montana’s gateway to Glacier National Park, offers a unique blend of urban conveniences and nature-based adventures.
It is one of the most diverse places to live in Montana, with alpine trails to explore and grizzly bears to come across.
A growing number of young people are choosing Kalispell as their new home base in Montana, making it one of the state’s greatest locations to live in the future.
With unlimited hiking trails and fishing streams, undoubtedly it is one of the most beautiful cities in Montana. Life here is calm and diverse. One thing is sure that you’ll see every shade of blue here.
11. Four Corners – Most Popular Spot In Montana!
Well, I am not gonna give a movie reference here. But, the truth is that the “exact four corner” point has quite a reputation among young couples to make love.
Apparently, you’ll be having the time of your life in 4 states. Well, quite an achievement!
So, due to this mark, it has become one of the most popular cities in Montana. This little town of just over 3,000 inhabitants relies heavily on its local enterprises.
It’s not just a nice place to live, but also a safe place to live, thanks to the communal mentality that permeates the area.
Not to mention that Highway 191 runs through this suburban neighborhood, offering convenient access to nearby cities and points of interest, making it the perfect spot for the party.
12. Great Falls – Safest City In Montana
With a population of 60,403 and an Air Force Base just next door, this city has a large military population, resulting in a wonderfully diversified population.
Access to outdoor activities like hiking, bicycling, and camping is extremely important to the people who live here, according to the residents.
Having the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art just a few blocks away gives you access to an abundance of cultural attractions.
Safe and friendly neighborhoods, plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, and excellent schools welcome you to great falls. It is worth mentioning that the city receives 58 inches of snowfall every year.
13. Glasgow – Best Small Town In Montana
Named after the Glasgow of Scotland, it is the second safest town in Montana. You can get to Billings in less than an hour from Glasgow Montana Airport, which operates seven days a week.
The average monthly rent is under $1500, which is easy to comprehend. When you include in the median property worth $134,400, you’ve got yourself a winner on your hands.
The only drawback is that It is one of the isolated towns present in northeastern Montana. Situated far away from all its neighboring towns at about 4.5 hours.
14. Orchard Homes – Best Place To Live In Montana With Mountain Views
A suburb of Missoula, Orchard Homes has a name that’s both quaint and lovely. You get the best of both worlds when you have 5,480 individuals and the best mountain views.
In addition to the high-quality education and employment options, the town also has a more laid-back, small-town vibe.
The city has some of the top-class schools in the country, making it the best choice for families.
Housing is a problem in Orchard Homes, as 60% of the population lives in privately owned homes.
Affordably-priced homes are either tiny and cramped or need extensive renovations and upgrades.
15. Lewistown – Best Place To Live In Montana For Singles
Lewistown, Montana, should be on the list of considerations for individuals who must travel long distances to work.
There are daily flights from Lewistown Airport to six major U.S. cities: Denver, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Seattle.
This little town has a lot of things to explore which are just a few minutes away from the town like hiking, fishing, enjoying nature, and amazing dining while the necessary amenities such as utilities, groceries, restaurants, and malls are present right in the town.
Lewistown, despite its closeness to the airport, is a peaceful and tranquil town. As a result, the cost of living is quite affordable, and the quality of life is excellent.
With adequate parking and a small yard, 1-bathroom property costs about $79,900.
Best Cities In Montana FAQs
What mountains are in Lewistown Montana?
The five Famous beautiful mountain ranges present in Louis Montana are the Belts, the Highwoods, The Judiths, The Moccasin, and The Snowies that extend 100 miles outstretched below.
Is Billings Montana a nice place to live?
Billings, Montana is a clean, safe, and developing town with ever-widening opportunities. The welcoming nature is very comfortable and overwhelming.
There are a lot of outdoor opportunities to explore and enjoy large rivers and lakes within a safe driving distance.
How much snow does Billings Montana get?
Billings, Montana witnesses snow from November to February up to 45 inches or more, and the temperature drops down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Which city is better, Whitefish or Kalispell?
Both Whitefish and Kalispell are great towns to live in Montana. But if you have to choose one from them, prefer Whitefish as it is a nice, quiet and attractive town with a low crime rate.
What is it like to live in Montana?
Life in Montana is calm and being an outdoor enthusiast is the norm here. Most people love to hike, camp, hunt, and fish here.
To this day, agriculture is the state’s number #1 industry. Montana is known as a “Treasure state” due to its natural resources and natural beauty.
Where is the best place to live in Montana?
Bozeman, Helena, Livingston, and East Helena are the best cities for families. Dillion, Glasgow, Whitefish, and Billings are the best cities for young adults and individuals. Great Falls and Lewistown remain the top spots for retirees.
Is Helena Montana a good place to live?
The low cost of living, affordable rent, and access to business opportunities make Helena the best place to live.
What is Whitefish Montana known for?
Whitefish mountain resort, Glacier national park, Whitefish Lake, and Farmer’s Markets are the most popular spots in Whitefish.
Conclusion
Are you ready to make the shift to the West? Consider making Montana your new home if you want to live in a beautiful setting.
With everything from the wide-open areas to the plethora of recreational opportunities available, outdoor enthusiasts will find enough to like about living in “Big Sky Country.”
Home to some of the world’s most magnificent mountain scenery and national parks, life here is beautiful and amazing.
All of that pristine mountain air also happens to be beneficial to the state’s citizens, who often rank as some of the healthiest (and happiest!) in the country.