If you want your retirement to be calm and relaxing, Montana could be the place for you. This beautiful and safe Midwestern state has stunning scenery and thriving cities, perfect for active adults who enjoy wide-open spaces.
The Treasure State is a haven for retirees. NewHomeSource has identified the top seven cities to retire in Montana, according to Niche.com.
Top 7 Cities to Retire in Montana
1. Butte
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.1%
Median Home Value: $225,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 192
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 882
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
Montana mountains are a storehouse of many types of gems and minerals. Butte’s rich history as a mining town makes this a lively city to call home. Retirees can visit the World Museum of Mining to learn about the state’s geology and mining history. When March rolls around, you will want to have a front-row seat at the annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade.
For seniors, Butte provides a variety of programs and services designed to enhance quality of life. Stay active, live well, and build connections. The great outdoors is full of inviting activity. The Big Butte Open Space Recreation Area will mesmerize you with panoramic views and hiking trails. From birdwatching to fishing and golfing, fill your social calendar with fun.
A lower cost of living, community focused amenities, and a thriving housing market translate to a great Montana retirement.
2. Great Falls
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.0%
Median Home Value: $237,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 342
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,837
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
Great Falls is truly a great place for retirees, especially those who are nature enthusiasts. This northern city is surrounded by bountiful gardens, sweeping mountain views, and freshwater springs that will keep nature-lovers spellbound. The 60-mile River’s Edge Trail provides a route throughout the town and even connects many of the town’s top attractions and public parks.
Hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, skiing, and snowshoeing are just some of the activities you can enjoy. Along with a robust healthcare system and cultural offerings, Great Falls checks off a lot of boxes on your wants and needs list.
3. Billings
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.4%
Median Home Value: $311,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 1,078
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 4,401
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
Although Billings is Montana’s largest city, it is still one of the best places to enjoy your retirement years. Billings is encircled by wide, public spaces that are magnets for those who are into hiking and mountain biking. You will find an abundance of state parks sprinkled around the city, giving you plenty of environments to explore. Be sure to check out more than 100 cave paintings in the Pictograph Cave State Park.
Billings takes care of its seniors with excellent fitness classes, social activities, and educational workshops. The Billings Community and Senior Center is an excellent spot to connect with others over common interests.
Culturally, discover museums, theaters, and galleries. Quality healthcare will put your mind at ease in your golden years. Find the perfect new home fit for launching all your adventures in Billings.
4. Kalispell
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.3%
Median Home Value: $381,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 127
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 748
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
This retiree-friendly community is perfect for those who want to leave behind the crowds to enjoy all nature has to offer. Kalispell is surrounded by mountains and lakes that offer hiking trails and fishing spots, as well as thrilling slopes for skiing in the winter. This welcoming city is found in the heart of the Flathead Valley. Residents love the safe feel and engaging sense of community.
The local shops, galleries, and restaurants down the main drag keep this city’s friendly atmosphere alive. From Flathead Lake to proximity to Glacier National Park, your days will be your own to explore what appeals to you.
With a relatively low cost of living, natural beauty, and a supportive environment, Kalispell is a good place to call home.
5. Helena
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.0%
Median Home Value: $355,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 235
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,043
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3
Helena was established as the capital city during the days of the gold rush. Retirees may not find any actual gold, but they will find living in Helena to be golden. One popular place is Reeder’s Alley, the fully immersive 1870s neighborhood. Step back in time and amble along an intact area of old Helena when it was a settlement town for miners and their families.
The city also boasts several parks and proximity to beautiful state parks. If you enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation, you have landed in the right spot. If you prefer to play indoors, then check out the concerts at Myrna Loy Center or the many art galleries.
There are many superb reasons why Helena is the perfect place for a relaxing retirement.
6. Missoula
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.6%
Median Home Value: $427,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 429
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,921
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
Retirees will find Missoula’s wide-open spaces packed with plenty of activities to keep you busy and active in your golden years. Missoula is nestled alongside Lolo National Forest where people can hike, fish, camp, and enjoy winter sports. This exciting city with museums, shops, and historic architecture gives Missoula its unique feel.
Missoula offers a wide range of senior living accommodations, from 55+ communities for independent individuals to various types of assisted living for those needing different levels of care. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities for seniors to volunteer and stay actively engaged in community life. Missoula is equipped with reputable medical facilities, natural beauty and entertainment providing a well-balanced retirement.
7. Bozeman
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 10.6%
Median Home Value: $614,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 225
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,097
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
Bozeman is an idyllic place for nature-loves to retire. The spacious outdoors offer plenty of popular activities, including fly fishing, hiking, biking trails, rock climbing, skiing, and hunting. Bozeman’s friendly community is part of what makes this city so inviting. Its crime rate is lower than the national average giving you peace of mind.
The Bozeman Recreation Department does a great job offering sports, fitness, and cultural arts classes and activities designed for older adults. The nearby Gallatin National Forest and Yellowstone National Park will beckon you for amazing outdoor recreation and exploration. Discover comprehensive medical care, music venues, theaters, and art galleries in this bustling city.
If you are craving safety, amenities, and natural beauty, Bozeman for the win.
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Common Questions About Retiring in Montana
Is Montana a good place for retirees?
Depending on your specific financial circumstances, you may find it very friendly or very unfriendly. For starters, the state has offers a low cost of living, low tax burden, and great outdoor recreation. It also has relatively low property taxes..
Is Montana tax-friendly for retirees?
This state is fairly tax-friendly with social security income being partially taxed. Withdrawals from retirement accounts are fully taxed.
Other Montana Resources
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The Healthiest States to Live In
10 Best State Parks in Montana
How to Build a House in Montana
The Best Places to Live in Montana
The Top 7 Most Affordable Cities in Montana
Guide to Closing Costs in Montana
The 7 Best Places to Retire in Montana
Best Log Cabin Builders in Montana
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.