Best place to live in Montana if you're raising a family
Are you looking for the best place to live in Montana? There’s Bozeman, Whitefish, Helena, Missoula, and more. They all offer vibrant cultural scenes, access to outdoor adventures, and a peaceful urban and rural lifestyle.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- From skiing in Bozeman to fishing in Glendive and hiking near Livingston, Montana’s top towns offer opportunities for year-round outdoor activities.
- Cities like Great Falls and Glendive are known for their welcoming, tight-knit communities.
- Many Montana towns have the cost of living below the national average and offer more affordable housing than other western states.
- Safety is excellent in many Montana towns, with communities like Glendive consistently ranked among the safest in the state.
Best places to live in Montana
This list of the best cities in Montana has been curated from Livability, Zillow, and US News data. This ranking is based on detailed metrics such as population, median household income, and average monthly rent.
| Place | Population | Median home price |
| Bozeman | 59,614 | $743,496 |
| Whitefish | 10,035 | $870,733 |
| Helena | 35,944 | $470,565 |
| Missoula | 79,996 | $569,030 |
| Dillon | 4,370 | $379,962 |
| Conrad | 2,464 | $227,884 |
| King Arthur Park | 2,357 | $743,496 |
| Great Falls | 60,406 | $328,153 |
| Livingstone | 9,196 | $521,860 |
| Glendive | 4,751 | $184,788 |
1. Bozeman
Source: Getty Images
- Population: 59,614
- Median home price: $743,496
Bozeman is one of the best towns in Montana to live in. It is located in the Rocky Mountains and near Yellowstone National Park. It's a great place to live due to its beautiful natural surroundings, abundant outdoor recreation, strong economy, and happy community. Montana State University and other top schools add educational depth.
The city has a low crime rate and a population of around 59,614. However, Bozeman’s popularity has led to a sharp rise in housing prices, with the median home price at $743,496. One of the best places to live in Bozeman is Four Corners.
2. Whitefish
Source: Getty Images
- Population: 10,035
- Median home price: $870,733
Whitefish is one of the most beautiful places to live in Montana. The scenic resort town is in the Rocky Mountains of northwest Montana. Whitefish is famous for its access to Glacier National Park and various year-round outdoor activities.
You’ll enjoy skiing and mountain biking at Whitefish Mountain Resort, boating and relaxing on Whitefish Lake. You can explore the downtown area, which is filled with shops and restaurants along Central Avenue.
3. Helena
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- Population: 35,944
- Median home price: $470,565
Helena is Montana's capital. It's an excellent place for families to live thanks to its safe neighbourhoods, lovely community, and abundant outdoor recreation.
Helena has over 75 hiking and biking trails between mountain ranges, access to national forests, and family-friendly activities like fishing, skiing, and camping. The city also features historical attractions such as the Cathedral of St. Helena and Last Chance Gulch.
4. Missoula
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- Population: 79,996
- Median home price: $569,030
Missoula is among the best places to live in Montana with land. It is a vibrant city that offers outdoor adventure, cultural richness, and a strong sense of community. It’s located along the Clark Fork River Valley and surrounded by five mountain ranges.
Missoula offers residents easy access to hiking, fishing, skiing, and mountain biking. The University of Montana infuses the area with youthful energy, cultural events, and educational opportunities. In addition, the city's compact layout and bike-friendly environment promote a healthy, active lifestyle. You should check out Orchard Homes.
5. Dillon
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- Population: 4,370
- Median home price: $379,962
Dillon, Montana, offers a family-friendly, affordable, and safe environment. The city has the Beaverhead County School District, which includes Parkview Elementary School, Dillon Middle School, and Beaverhead County High School. It is also home to the University of Montana Western.
Families can enjoy local parks such as Jaycee Park and Vigilante Park, as well as annual events like the Beaverhead County Fair. Additionally, Dillon's proximity to the Beaverhead National Forest provides outdoor activities like hiking opportunities.
6. Conrad
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- Population: 2,464
- Median home price: $227,884
Conrad has a population of 2,464 and a low cost of living, about 22% below the national average. The median home value is around $227,884, making it accessible for families looking to own or rent a home.
The town boasts a B+ grade for safety, with crime rates significantly lower than the state average. Conrad has Meadowlark School for grades PK–3, Utterback School for grades 4–6, and Conrad High School for grades 7–12.
You’ll enjoy local parks such as Kiwanis Park, Abel Park, and Conrad City Park. Additionally, Conrad hosts the annual Whoop-Up Days rodeo each June, which is family-friendly.
7. King Arthur Park
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- Population: 2,357
- Median home price: $743,496
King Arthur Park is a scenic and community-focused neighbourhood in Gallatin County. Residents enjoy easy access to outdoor recreation, with over 70 nearby trails for hiking and biking. They can also fish on the Gallatin River and enjoy winter sports at Bridger Bowl Ski Resort.
The neighbourhood is welcoming, with tree-lined streets and parks like Minder Park. In addition, King Arthur Park has a low poverty rate (5.41%) and a relatively young median age (34.6).
8. Great Falls
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- Population: 60,406
- Median home price: $328,153
Great Falls offers affordability, outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community. Its cost of living is approximately 12% below the national average. The median home price is around $328,253; you’ll enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the financial strain of many larger cities.
The average commute time is 13 minutes, allowing for more leisure time and less stress. The city boasts over 57 parks and 58 miles of the River’s Edge Trail along the Missouri River.
9. Livingstone
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- Population: 9,196
- Median home price: $521,860
Livingston is a small town with a rich history. It is the northern gateway to Yellowstone National Park, and residents can access outdoor adventures. You can fish in the Yellowstone River, hike in the nearby Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, or ski in the winter months.
Beyond its natural attractions, Livingston has a thriving arts and cultural scene. The downtown area has numerous art galleries and theatres.
10. Glendive
Source: Instagram
- Population: 4,751
- Median home price: $184,788
Glendive is located along the Yellowstone River and adjacent to Makoshika State Park, the largest state park in Montana. Its residents have access to a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, fossil hunting, and stargazing, all set against the backdrop of the scenic badlands. The city is also renowned for its paddlefish season, which attracts anglers nationwide.
With a population of 4,751, the community is tight-knit, and it has been recognised as Montana's safest city for years. The cost of living is approximately 12% below the national average, with affordable housing options averaging around $184,788.
Final word
Choosing the best place to live in Montana depends on what you value most: outdoor adventure, affordability, community spirit, or cultural richness. Each place has unique benefits, from the vibrant college town of Bozeman to the peaceful charm of Glendive.
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