7 Charming Montana Communities To Retire Around Billings
From the Rocky Mountains to Yellowstone National Park, Montana is a wellspring of beauty in the United States. These sights are not only ideal for tourism but also make the state a fantastic retirement destination, with plenty of opportunities during one’s golden years. Major cities, such as Billings, offer a lively environment with plenty of amenities perfect for retirees. The benefits are plentiful, from excellent healthcare provided by the St. Vincent Regional Hospital to low property taxes.
That said, many seniors want to avoid the crowd and sounds of urban living, so what’s the next best option? Thankfully, Montana has plenty of amazing retirement communities near Billings, offering the best of both worlds. One can stay within a day’s drive of the big city amenities while enjoying peace and tranquility amidst the vast outdoors.
Lewistown
About two hours from Billings, Lewistown is a laid-back community perfect for a relaxing retirement. The site of an 1880s gold rush, the town is now filled with rustic landmarks, perfect for retirees to visit in their free time. The Central Montana Historical Museum is one such spot, filled with fossils, firearms, hats, Native American artifacts, and more. A short walk away, the Lewiston Carnegie Public Library is the perfect place to read, thanks to its rustic interior that’ll make any book feel special.
On the other hand, active retirees also have plenty of options in Lewistown. Visit the Charles M. Russel National Wildlife Refuge to explore 900,000 acres bustling with wild animals, or exercise at the Fark Day Park in town. Known as the “Home of Big Springs and the purest drinking water in the world,” there is no doubt that the outdoors will be fruitful.
Even with so much to see and do, Lewistown remains affordable, with a median home value of $264,000. Compared to the state average of $451,000, retirees will have no trouble buying a home in town. This is probably why 27% of the 6,100 locals are above the age of 65, promoting a strong social environment in town. Moreover, seniors in town can rest assured, thanks to the Fergus County Council on Aging. This center provides everything from a “Grub Stakes” meal program to transportation via the Central Montana Shuttle for a comfortable retirement.
Laurel
Just 20 minutes from Billings, Laurel is as close as you can get without being in Billings itself. Nicknamed the “City of Light,” locals are proud to share that Laurel was one of the first towns to get gas street lamps, and you can share the pride when retiring here. When it comes to activities, Laurel is a great place to get some fresh air, resting along the Yellowstone River. Thus, areas like Riverside Park are full of life, perfect for a walk or picnic in the daytime. Meanwhile, in the evenings, opt for one of the many casinos in town. Tinhorn Casino has plenty of gaming options like poker and slots, while Cedar Ridge Casino has a lovely bar where you can spend time with your mates.
Ode to its location near Billings, amenities are not an issue, and you can access top-tier services. For example, the St. Vincent Regional Hospital is a short drive away, offering award-winning care with specialized staff for various ailments. For minor concerns, the local Laurel Clinic is a friendly location with great staff and equipment. Traveling from Laurel is also easy, as the Billings-Logan International Airport offers direct flights to various tourist hotspots. Despite its prime location, the housing market in Laurel is optimal, with an average home costing less than $370,000
Belgrade
If Laurel seems too close to the metropolis, Belgrade is an option you can consider. Just over two hours west of Billings, this town has a suburban vibe, and it feels like everyone knows everyone here. The 10,000-strong community is tight-knit, palpable through events like Belgrade Summer Nights and Festival of Lights. The latter is a holiday celebration with tons of lights and decorations, while the former takes place on specific Wednesdays, hosting concerts, food trucks, and stalls in the downtown area. Even when events aren’t taking place, Main Street is full of life, with outlets like the Local American Saloon and Hong Kong City boasting delicious food and drink.
While Belgrade is on the pricier side for homebuyers, retirees can consider affordable alternatives like Beehive Homes. This senior living community has assisted living care with 24-hour support, private rooms, medication monitoring, and home-cooked meals. If you ever need medical assistance, the Bozeman Health Belgrade Clinic is just south of downtown. For anything not available here, catch the Streamline bus service’s Pinkline route, which connects Belgrade to the larger city of Bozeman. It stops near Walmart in Bozeman, so you can always make a quick grocery run.
Livingston
The county seat of Park County, Livingston, is full of scenery thanks to the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Retirees interested in the outdoors can spend their days in this 2.1 million acre expanse, full of opportunities for all ages. Choose from hiking along the 2,300 miles of trails, wildlife watching for elk, moose, and black bears (while staying safe), and fishing in Lava Lake. If you want to stay closer to town, the Pine Creek Trail is a great route for seniors, leading to the cascading Pine Creek Falls.
While nature may be the main draw, there is more to Livingston for retirees. Hidden within the paved streets are plenty of cultural hotspots that express the town’s charm. Take a step back in time at the Yellowstone Gateway Museum, housed in the 1907 Northside School and featuring many exhibits. Or, catch a show with friends at Music Ranch Montana, which hosts regular concerts, plays, and more.
The best part about retiring in Livingston is the social scene for seniors. As a whopping 20% of locals are above 65, you’ll have no trouble making friends. The town also provides excellent healthcare through Livingston HealthCare, a full-service 25-bed medical center with home care options. It is also the top private employer in town, so you can expect great medical assistance. That said, the magnificent Rockies nearby bring fresh air that’ll keep you fit and healthy for years.
Bozeman
As Montana’s fourth-largest city, Bozeman is a smaller version of Billings with much more adventure. Resting in an area called the “Valley of Flowers” by Native Americans, the community and its surroundings are as beautiful as can be. Adventurous souls will find no shortage of options, such as hiking the paved trail to Palisade Falls or watching bears in the Montana Grizzly Encounter. The latter is a bear rescue facility where the whole family can learn about and watch bears in their natural habitat. After the bears, be sure to take your family to the Museum of the Rockies. This Smithsonian Institution has over 300,000 objects covering 500,000,000 years of history, from dinosaur fossils to a historic house. Meanwhile, if you’re with other seniors, opt for fishing along the Gallatin River. With its flowing waters, this river is a year-round destination for fly fishers with its rainbow and brown trout.
While you may be two hours away from Billings, you won’t be missing out on any retirement benefits. The Bozeman Senior Center ensures this with fitness groups, volunteer opportunities, travel programs, and plenty of social events. Woodworking, ballroom dancing, painting, Bingo, and Poker are just a few events hosted throughout the week. In addition, getting around is easy thanks to the Streamline bus service, which operates four routes in town, connecting all major areas. While these benefits do come at a price, retirees can save money by opting for a senior living community. Highgate at Bozeman is a great option with independent living spaces featuring 24-hour assistance and comfortable spaces.
Terry
Few towns in Montana offer the same peace and quiet as Terry, a small community of less than 600 residents. Over two hours from Billings, this is as far from the city streets as possible while still within a day’s drive. Along with the tight-knit social environment, Terry also beckons retirees with its housing market, as an average home here costs just $116,000 as of February 2025. This makes it the most affordable town on this list, perfect for those on a budget. However, Terry doesn’t cheap out on amenities, and the Prairie Community Hospital features a wide range of healthcare services. Moreover, the Prairie County Seniors Citizens Center caters to seniors with regular potlucks and get-togethers.
The attractions seem to follow Terry's vibe, which is a calm and slow-paced one. Seniors can indulge in the town’s heritage at the Prairie County Museum & Evelyn Cameron Gallery. The site has everything from historical exhibits to art pieces; you can even buy some to decorate your home. For more decorations, head over to Prairie Unique, a specialty shop with some of the most unique trinkets rarely found elsewhere. Once you set up your dream home, the nearby Terry Badlands is a wonderful place to take a walk and get some fresh air.
Red Lodge
Red Lodge, known as the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, is as scenic a destination as you can find in Montana. Connected via the Beartooth Highway, seniors can drive into the massive park, crossing sights like Metcalf Mountain, Tibbs Butte, and Mt Rearguard. Once in the park, 2.2 million acres of wilderness are open to explore, so you’ll never get bored. Choose between activities like hiking along the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, fishing along the Lewis River, or watching the Old Faithful geyser. If it gets too late, you can always set up camp at the Lewis Lake campground to continue the adventure the next day. While the forest is sure to take up most of your time, some days may call for an indoor experience. To this end, the Carbon County Historical Society and Museum is the county’s premier spot for historical information, while the Carbon County Art Guild is a bundle of creativity and art.
Although Red Lodge is one hour from Billings, locals rarely need to make the journey. This is because it is the county seat of Carbon County, offering everything you’ll need in your golden years. For example, the Red Lodge Senior & Community Center is the social hub for retirees, with knitting classes, Mahjong games, and Yoga lessons throughout the week. If you ever need any kind of assistance at home, Visiting Angels is a fantastic service provider to contact. They offer everything from dementia care and companion services to laundry assistance and meal planning so one can focus on having fun.
Deciding Where to Retire Near Billings
Choosing the right retirement destination near Billings depends on your lifestyle. If you prefer easy access to city amenities, Laurel and Belgrade offer convenience with a small-town feel. Livingston and Red Lodge provide breathtaking scenery and endless adventure for those who love the outdoors. Smaller towns like Terry and Lewistown offer quiet communities with affordable housing and a slower pace of life. No matter where you choose, Montana’s natural beauty, strong communities, and excellent healthcare make it a wonderful place to enjoy retirement.
