- Montana is the fourth largest state in the U.S
- Yellowstone county is the most populous county in Montana with 165,113 residents as of June 2022
- Helena is the capital city of Montana
The northwestern state of Montana features wide-open spaces, acres of woodlands, and mountain ranges galore. If you’re looking for gorgeous mountain views, small-town charm, and a tax credit for being a renter, Montana provides a variety of neighborhoods you can call home.
6 of the best places to live in Montana
1. Helena
2. Bozeman
3. Livingston
4. Whitefish
5. Missoula
6. Billings
1. Helena
You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in Helena, Montana, for an average of $899 per month. The low rate feels like a steal, with access to the unique restaurants, live music, and local breweries. With nearly 30,000 residents and a population mixed somewhat equally across every age group, the state capital of Helena has a small-town, suburb feel for families, young singles, and couples looking for a peaceful home and high-quality schools.
Helena is sandwiched between Yellowstone and Glacier national parks, so you can take a day trip to these stunning locations or stay local with fishing, boating, and hiking available at Lake Helena. Here you’ll find rental options including apartment spaces and townhouses, so you can choose your level of space and comfort.
2. Bozeman
Primarily known as the home of Montana State University, the city of Bozeman offers one of the fastest-growing college towns in the nation, making it a great, youthful location for singles, couples, and families alike. Residents can enjoy the art environment, live entertainment, galleries and theaters, and museums.
A one-bedroom apartment in Bozeman, Montana, costs $1,863 per month on average, but the exceptional school system and bustling economy make it well worth it and renters can also find townhouses or single-level ranches to meet their needs. Outdoorsy folks can enjoy the nearby acres of woodlands, waterways, and hiking trails in Custer-Gallatin National Forest, Big Sky Resort, and Yellowstone.
3. Livingston
In Livingston, Montana, you can get a one-bedroom apartment for $1,850 per month. This town’s location right next to the Yellowstone River makes it known as the “northern gateway to Yellowstone” and gives outdoorsy folks access to amazing landscapes and the namesake national park, where you can hike on the most beautiful landscapes. Families and young adults looking for a peaceful yet interesting location can explore the endless nature and the downtown community of the Livingston area.
Those looking to rent in Livingston can find a place to fit their needs, with plenty of options ranging from single apartments to larger townhouses and multi-family homes. The schools in the area also provide high-quality education and ensure the success of families with children.
4. Whitefish
Families and individuals interested in skiing and snowboarding may find this location near Glacier National Park ideal. The Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort offers fun in the powdery snow of winter, and summer activities like mountain biking, zip-lining, and hiking. The resort setting also means an increase in the transportation and walkability of the area for easy access to the various areas and activities.
However, living in this resort town doesn’t mean you’ll have to handle swarms of tourists. To call Whitefish home, get a one-bedroom apartment for an average of $1,400 per month, or explore other rental options including mid-size townhouse, studio apartments, and condominiums.
5. Missoula
Missoula provides a great mixture of all of Montana’s best outdoor activities, including Blue-Ribbon fishing, kayaking, and mountainous hiking. This suburb brims with cultural activities thanks to the Missoula Art Museum, the Wilma Theater, the symphony, and an annual film festival.
The college town environment created by the local presence of the University of Montana creates a welcoming community for young adults, while families and couples can enjoy the historic and artistic aspects of the town. Call Missoula home for an average of $995 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Rental spaces in Missoula provide a wide range of options, including apartments, studios, and townhouses.
6. Billings
In the southern part of the state, Billings residents can enjoy live music and entertainment venues, kayaking spots, and downtown destinations. Many call the city an underrated beer haven, with a plethora of local breweries and bars. The downtown area includes a highly walkable environment with local restaurants, shops, and experiences.
Young couples, professionals, and singles looking for an exciting town and community to provide new experiences and opportunities to meet others can benefit from the variety of activities and environments throughout the Billings area. Live in Billings, Montana’s largest and most populated city, for just $795 per month, on average, for a one-bedroom apartment. Other housing options include studio apartments, 1 or 2-bedroom apartments, and mid-size townhouses.
Fun facts about Montana
View these fun facts about Montana to get you excited for your move or help you determine whether the area is right for you.
- Yellowstone National Park, located in Montana, is the first national park in the world.
- Butte, Montana earned a name as “the richest hill on earth” due to its rich mining history.
- Montana is the only state to share a land border with three Canadian providences.
- Visitors and residents can find about 10,000 white pelicans migrating to Medicine Lake, Montana every spring.
- Cattle and livestock outnumber human residents in the state of Montana.
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