In recent years, the number of people wishing to live in a small town has risen considerably. For example, in a recent study from Gallup, it was reported that 48% of US adults would prefer to live in a town over a city or suburb.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a guide that will help you discover the best small towns in Montana to call home!
Exploring Small Towns in Montana to Live.
There are many small towns in Montana that are perfect for those looking to enjoy all of the benefits of small-town living. This includes:
- Whitefish
- Stevensville
- Big Sky
- Livingston
What Makes a Town the Best Place to Live in Montana?
There are many exciting cities scattered throughout Montana for those who love to chase the highs of city living, such as Bozeman, Missoula, and Billings. However, there are many benefits of buying a property within a town instead.
To begin with, living in a town is generally cheaper and more cost-effective than living in a city. Everything from property prices to utilities and groceries tends to be cheaper, which means that your paycheck can stretch a little further.
In addition to this, a sense of community that is often lost in over-populated cities remains ever present in Montana’s smaller towns. As community engagement benefits individuals of all ages, this can be a particularly welcome change for those who are used to living within a city or larger town.
Another benefit associated with living in a small town is a marked decrease in both crime and traffic, the latter of which can be attributed to a smaller population, meaning fewer drivers on the road.
Finally, one of the biggest benefits tied to small-town living is the slower pace of life that is rewarded to residents as a result of this. Free from the hustle and bustle of a city, homeowners within Montana’s small towns can enjoy a peaceful, quiet life surrounded by areas of great natural beauty.
Unveiling the Charm of Montana’s Small Towns.
There are countless small towns throughout the US. However, there’s an undeniable charm present within Montana’s small towns that is hard to ignore. For example, each one is surrounded by areas of stunning natural beauty, meaning that the view from your doorstep is simply breathtaking, no matter which part of the state you decide to call home.
Relocating to Montana: Which Small Town to Pick?
As mentioned above, there are a wide variety of small towns to choose from when moving to Montana. While this means that you are truly spoiled for choice, it can make the process of determining which to visit or buy property in a little difficult.
Whitefish
Whitefish is widely considered to be the best small town to live in Montana. With a population of under 9,000 residents, Whitefish is known for its beauty. For example, residents living within this picturesque town live just a stone's throw away from Glacier National Park, an attraction that reels thousands of tourists each year. Food lovers will also love Whitefish, given that it has the most restaurants per capita of any of Montana’s small towns!
Stevensville
Stevensville has a population of just 2,000, making it one of the smaller towns featured on this list. However, various studies have found this a great place to live, mainly due to the low cost of living associated with living within this area. Given that Montana is considered one of the more expensive states to live in, this is a great way for those on a smaller budget to move to the state.
Big Sky
Big Sky is another popular small town in Montana, with a population of just 2,825. Located within the Rocky Mountain District, Big Sky is a prime spot for snowsports and adventure lovers. As this is a somewhat isolated community, it's best suited for those who are looking to have a slower pace of life.
Livingston
With a population of under 8,000, Livingston is among the best small towns in Montana to live. Here, not only is the cost of living below the national average, but residents are also able to enjoy the benefits of living in a small town while remaining a short distance from busier cities and areas such as Bozeman (roughly a 30-minute drive away).
Glendive
A former railroad town with a population of 4,881, Glendive is a charming small town located in Eastern Montana. Known for its rich history, there are many benefits associated with buying property in Glendive. For example, not only is the cost of living below the national average, but it also sits below the Montana average too.
The Lure of Small-Town Living in Montana.
As outlined above, there are many reasons why people are drawn to small-town living. For example, research conducted by the Washington Post found that people who live in smaller towns are generally happier than those who live in larger cities.
Furthermore, in recent years, the number of individuals hoping to move to smaller towns has increased. More often than not, the reasoning for this shift is associated with a desire to be closer to nature, to enjoy a slower pace of life, and to improve their financial situation—all of which are possible when living in one of Montana’s small towns.
As such, it's hardly surprising that 48,000 people moved to Montana in 2023 alone.
Discover Montana’s Best-Kept Secrets: It's a small town.
When you think of Montana, you likely think of the national parks, which are a hive of activity year-round. Whether adventure seekers are looking to hit the slopes during the winter season or take a dip in the hot springs. Alternatively, you may associate the state with its growing student population, given that it's home to a number of higher educational facilities, such as Montana State University.
As a general rule, this means that the smaller towns have become some of Montana’s best-kept secrets, hiding underneath the shadows of the state’s more well-known towns. While we’ve listed some of the best small towns to live in Montana above, the list is by no means exhaustive - there are simply too many to count.
However, you may able to refine your search by:
- Thinking about the type of property you’re looking for (apartment, house, log cabin)
- Thinking about the number of people who will live on your property
- Determining your budget
- Considering career opportunities/employment
Why Montana’s Small Towns Are Ideal for Resettling.
There are many reasons why Montana’s Small Towns are ideal for resettling.
The perfect balance.
For example, while they remain a prime spot for retirees looking to enjoy a peaceful, slower pace of life, they are often within driving distance of some of the state's larger cities. This means that small-town residents can enjoy the benefits of city life (higher wages, increased job opportunities, and plenty of things to do) alongside the benefits of small-town living (lower cost of living, improved life satisfaction). In short, you’re able to enjoy the best of both worlds when resettling in Montana’s small towns.
Access to an excellent education.
If you’re moving with younger children, some of the schools within the smaller towns are among the highest-rated in the area. This means that you can rest easy knowing that your children are on the right path when it comes to their education.
Lower cost of living.
As outlined above, one of the major draws associated with living in a small town in Montana is that you can enjoy a lower cost of living. Not only are property prices (or rentals) considerably lower than those within the city, but you can also expect to spend less on everything from public transport to groceries and amenity bills.
Given that 57% of adults in the US are currently worried about money, this could be a great way to cut back on your monthly expenses and grow your savings account.
While the cost of living in Montana is sometimes reported to be higher than the national average, it is much lower among small towns. As such, it's the perfect spot for those looking to move on a budget. Furthermore, the proximity to larger towns means that you still have a high earning potential.
Stunning properties.
Whether you’re looking for a new-build apartment with the latest amenities or something a little more historic or traditional, you’re sure to find a property you love hidden in one of Montana's many small towns. For this reason, small towns are the ideal location for homeowners of all ages, from those looking to grow their families to those who are living alone.
Surrounded by nature.
As many of the small towns within Montana are off the beaten path, they are often surrounded by nature at every turn. This is hardly surprising when you consider just how many areas of natural beauty there are within the state itself. Whether you’d prefer a lakeside property, a home among the trees, or a house at the foot of the nearby mountain ranges, you’re sure to find a dream home in one of the smaller towns listed above.
Not only is this great news for those who love a little adventure but living in such close proximity to nature could also work wonders for your mental health. This is because everything from access to fresh air to exposure to sunlight has been scientifically proven to improve our mental health, as they increase your body’s production of serotonin. As a result, its hardly surprising that those living in small towns are often found to be happier than those who are tied up in the stressors of city living or do not have access to green spaces.
Reduced Traffic and Congestion.
According to a recent report, the average adult spent 51 hours of their life stuck in traffic in 2023. While living in a small town does not always guarantee traffic-free roads, congestion is markedly lower in these areas due to the smaller population. This often makes commutes much more manageable, even if you are traveling to a nearby town.
The Allure of the Best Small Towns in Montana.
It's also impossible to deny that the community spirit present within Montana’s small towns makes them an incredibly alluring destination for buyers. After all, this sense of community can be incredibly grounding, and it also means that you always have someone to turn to in your time of need.
In a world where few people are able to say they know your neighbor, Montana’s small towns have managed to retain their vibrant communities, meaning you’ll quickly become acquainted with those you pass on the street again. Not only does this make the area a much nicer place to live, but it also provides you with a sense of security and peace that is lost in busier cities.
This is only strengthened by the lower crime rates in the area.
Final Thoughts.
If you’ve grown tired of living in a busy city and want to enjoy the benefits of living in a small town, look no further than Montana’s small towns. From Whitefish to Glendive, you have a wealth of options to choose from, each of which brings something special and different to the table.
However, it is important to note that competition for properties within this area can get quite fierce. After all, fewer properties means that there are more people looking to move into each one. Of course, this does not mean that the move is impossible; you simply need to ensure you enlist the help of a skilled realtor to find the home of your dreams. This way, you could experience the many joys of living in a small town in no time!
If you’d like to find out more or would like to start looking out for your home in Montana, please do not hesitate to get in touch today. We’d be happy to help!
