There are many different factors you need to account for when moving. This includes the safety of a new city, town, or neighborhood. This is particularly true when moving to a different state entirely, as you may not be familar with the local area.
For those looking to move to Montana, we've curated a guide on the safest places to live in this state.
Discover the Safest Place to Live in Montana.
There are many reasons why you may be considering moving to Montana. Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including Glacier National Park and the Rocky Mountains. However, Montanans generally enjoy a low cost of living and affordable housing and are known for being incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Despite this, many of those considering buying property (in any state), will research the crime rate ahead of time. Not only this, but a recent report from Realtor Magazine found that “crime shapes half of owner’s relocation decisions.” It's easy to understand the reason behind this (often extensive) vetting - developing a keen understanding of a city/town before moving gives buyers greater peace of mind, meaning they feel more confident in their decision.
Those looking to move to Montana will be pleased to hear that the crime rates appear to be falling across the state. Beyond this, a recent study found that “54% of Montana residents feel safe in their state,” which is considerably higher than the US average of 45%.
This means that Montana is a safe place to live, though, as with any state, some places tend to be considered safer than others.
Top Safest Places to Live in Montana
According to various reports, some of the safest places to live in Montana include:
- Whitefish
- Helena
- Missoula
- Kalispell
A Closer Look at Safest Towns in Montana
Whitefish
According to data gathered by the National Crime Index, Whitefish is 19% safer than the average city in the US, with 60% of residents stating that they have no safety concerns whatsoever. Based on these studies, it's clear that Whitefish is one of the safest areas in Montana to call home. According to various studies, the western area of the city is considered the safest.
Helena
Generally speaking, capital cities tend to have higher crime rates than smaller towns and cities. This is often due to the fact that there are more people living in bustling cities than in more rural areas. However, studies have shown that the crime rate is decreasing across Helena each year for several years in a row. This means it could be a safe place to call home.
Missoula
For many years, Missoula was not generally considered to be as safe as some of the other places in Montana. However, crime has also been on a downward trend here, too. A recent study found that only 2% of residents felt unsafe, with the majority (57%) stating that they felt very safe living in Missoula. In addition to this, 53% found that local law enforcement worked effectively, both in regard to response times and visibility throughout the area.
Kalispell
A downward trend has also been recognized in Kalispell, with 47% of residents stating that they feel “pretty safe” in their Kalispell properties and 37% stating they have no safety concerns at all.
Is Montana Safe to Live?
Generally speaking, Montana is considered to be a safe place to live, whether you are living alone or looking for a place to raise a family. In fact, a recent article ranked Montana as #24 in a list of the best states to live in. In the same list, it was ranked as #33 for crime and corrections.
Guide to Safe Places to Live in Montana
The last thing you want to worry about when moving into a new house is your safety or the safety of those you care about. After all, the moving process is stressful enough without leaving room for anxiety or even fear.
Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to put any worries to bed before buying or renting a home. For example, you should:
- Do your research on potential neighborhoods, towns, and cities ahead of time by checking local crime indexes and reports. You can typically access these documents online on local law enforcement pages or websites. Generally speaking, this will paint a picture of what it is like to live in that area that is backed up by statistics and evidence.
- Join local neighborhood groups (on sites such as Facebook), and ask current residents for their opinions on safety in the area.
- Attend local community meetings so that you can speak to local residents in person. As local government or political figures often attend these meetings, you’ll also be able to see the steps they are taking to improve the local area and, in many cases, deter crime.
- Attend numerous property viewings, ideally at different times of the day, to get a better feel for the area. When in town for a viewing, try to get a feel for the entire neighborhood, as opposed to solely the home you are buying.
- Work with a trusted real estate agent who can provide you with the guidance and support you need to find a home that not only meets your needs but also makes you feel safe.
If you are prepping for a cross-state move, and are looking for the safest place to live in Montana, we are here to help.
Whether you’re looking for a one-bedroom property in the state's Capital, Helena or a family home in Whitefish, we’ve got you covered. We will also be able to answer any questions you may have about the neighborhood, making it easier than ever to find your dream home in Montana.
If you’d like to find out more, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We’d be happy to help you find the home of your dreams!
