9 Best Small Towns In Montana For Retirees
Montana is a nature lover’s paradise that offers big blue skies and vast mountain ranges. This midwestern State is home to National Forests, National Parks and expansive back land countryside, affording rugged skyline views and acres upon acres of lush forest land. Retirees will enjoy meandering rivers full of fish and parks full of wildlife with many opportunities to experience outdoor living along the way.
Brimming with small towns full of charm and history, Montana offers a variety of locations to choose from for retirees looking to escape the city for a lifestyle of country living in frontier territory. Here is a list of the 9 Best Small Towns in Montana for Retirees.
Whitefish
Enjoying a population of 9,943 people as of 2023, Whitefish is a great place for retirees to consider. The Springs Assisted Living facility is available for folks needing the extra care an assisted living facility provides within the Whitefish community. It includes memory care apartment homes and provides assistance with daily tasks in a comfortable environment. Whitefish enjoys several healthcare facilities including the nearby Logan Health Medical Centre, a 19-minute drive from Whitefish. The North Valley Hospital is a top-rated medical facility located in Whitefish offering fitness centers, walk-in clinics, and full medical services.
As a ski resort town, Whitefish Mountain Resort offers plenty for the outdoor enthusiast. The resort has lodging for guests, shopping, dining, and plenty of slopes for skiing in winter. An hour’s drive away lies the stunning Glacier National Park, consisting of breathtaking vistas of lakes, glaciers, and a variety of wildlife and can be enjoyed by driving along the 50-mile long Going-to-the-Sun Road, which meanders through the park’s interior.
As for entertainment, Whitefish hosts the Under the Big Sky music festival. This local event features live music on a 350-acre ranch. Whitefish is also home to the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, where they showcase live concerts, theatre, and much more. Whitefish offers a variety of dining options and coffee shops. Retirees can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere at the full-service Logan’s Bar and Grill or, if enjoying craft beer is preferable, retirees can enjoy a brew at the Bonsai Brewing Project.
The cost of living in Whitefish is somewhat higher than the national average but lower than other towns in the State. An individual is recommended to earn $54,800 per year to live comfortably in Whitefish and the average cost of a home is $838,300, 89.7% more than the average home in other parts of Montana.
Ennis
With a population of just over 1,000, Ennis has lots of space for retirees to spread their wings. For retirees interested in assisted living facilities, The Madison Valley Manor is a full-service assisted living home offering long-term care, restorative therapy, and rehabilitation. The Edgewood Belgrade Memory Care facility is located an hour from Ennis, offering full-service assisted living amenities as well. Meeting all your medical needs, The Madison Valley Medical Center is a full-service hospital within the town of Ellis and it enjoys excellent reviews from the community.
Ennis enjoys proximity to the magnificent Yellowstone National Park, just over an hour’s drive away. Yellowstone National Park is famous for being the world’s first National Park and it offers a chance to see a variety of wildlife, the Rocky Mountains, and the world-famous geyser, Old Faithful. It is also in proximity to the Lewis and Clark caverns. Within the town itself, Ennis has three parks and a 9-hole golf course, outdoor fishing festivities, and the Hunter’s Feed and Wild Game Cookoff, to name a few of the local events. Retirees will enjoy gatherings at the local senior’s center or a meal at Yesterday’s Soda Fountain and Restaurant.
The cost of living in Ennis, Montana is higher than the average cost of living in the rest of the state. It is recommended individuals have a yearly income of $41,734. The median cost of a home in Ennis is $216,200, which is marginally higher than the national average.
Lewiston
The small town of Lewsiton enjoys a population of Lewiston is 6,706 and it is centrally located within the State of Montana. The Lewiston Senior Living Facility is one of several in the area and offers a homey place for adults requiring assisted living accommodations, providing comfortable apartments in a cozy setting. This facility offer full services for all aspects of assisted living from the comfort of the resident’s home. The Central Montana Medical Center provides for all the healthcare needs of retirees in the Lewiston area including home healthcare services, cardiovascular support and diabetes education, to name a few. Retirees can also enjoy a the facility’s fitness center as well.
Consisting of five historic districts and known as The City of Stone, Lewiston reflects the rich history of stone masonry in the region and is home to stunning architecture. As with most places in Montana, Lewiston offers a variety of opportunities for retirees who love the great outdoors, but the town’s proximity to the Judith River, Crystal Lake, Big Spring Creek and Ackley Lake truly set it apart as a prime location for retirees who love to hunt and fish. Lewiston is also home to the Missouri Breaks National Monument and the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River. Craft Beer is also on offer in Lewiston at the Big Spring Brewing and El Rancho Alegre offers a five-star dining experience, serving Mexican cuisine.
The cost of living in Lewiston $36,566 per person, on par with the State’s average. The median price for a home is $111,700, which is nearly half the median cost of a home for the rest of the state.
Red Lodge
Red Lodge has a population of 2,566 people and it is located along the southern border of Montana. Here, retirees will meet all their medical needs at the Mountain View Clinic, where full-service health care is available. To the North of Red Lodge, the Beartooth Billings Clinic also offers complete healthcare services, including and emergency department. The Red Lodge Senior and Community Center, a popular hub for Seniors to gather and socialize.
One of the most unique attributes of this locale is its proximity to the famous Bear Tooth Highway, which is a roadway traversing through mountain ranges and at is highest elevation, reaches 10,947 feet above sea-level. Attracting millions of visitors every year, Bear Tooth Highway offers breathtaking views of glaciers, mountain peaks, and a variety of wildlife such as grizzly bears, deer, elk, and moose. In time past, Red Lodge was known to have a saloon on every corner, but these days, locals enjoy a variety of galleries, a theatre, and a museum such as the as the Carbon County Historical Society and Museum.
The Cost of Living in Red Lodge Montana is $38,023 per year, which is marginally higher than the State’s average. The median value for a home in Red Lodge is $235,700, higher than the national average.
Dillon
Dillon, Montana has a population of 4,177 people and is home to the Barrett Hospital and Healthcare Center, a non-profit, fully operational hospital offering the best in health care services. There are several assisted living facilities to choose from in Dillon including The Renaissance Senior Care center, offering the highest quality care for seniors in an environment that promotes a safe and thriving environment.
Dillon’s origins are based in the history of the mining industry and has grown in popularity and is now considered one of the best places to live in Montana. It is an hour’s drive away from The Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forest and is famous for its cattle and hay production. Situated to the west of Dillon is the LaCense ranch, where they are famous for “horse whispering”, a feature sure to please retirees seeking a chance to experience the equestrian lifestyle. Dillon is also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. The Beaverhead River provides gorgeous vistas where fly fishing is a cherished pastime. Beaverhead River is a challenging place to fish, but worth the effort as it is full of the highly prized brown trout.
The cost of living in Dillon is $36,288 per year, which is on par with the cost of living in the rest of the state. The median cost of a home in Dillon is $158,600, which is somewhat less than the national figure.
Livingston
The Population of Livingston is 8790 and it is located near the southern border of the State. Nestled in along the banks of Yellowstone River, with a stunning view of the Rocky Mountains all around. Retirees can enjoy proximity to several assisted living amenities as well as hospitals. The Caslen Assisted Living Center offers a full spectrum of supportive services for senior care and Livingston Healthcare is a full-service hospital within Livingston offering a complete spectrum of health and wellness services.
Folks who dream of catching the big one, fly fishing is one of the main attractions in Livingstone. The Yellowstone River provides miles of pristine freshwater, perfect for casting a line. Other outdoor recreations enjoyed on the river are kayaking and white-water rafting. This region is often referred to as park country due to the nearby Yellowstone National Park as well as the large swaths of backcountry where places like the Paradise Adventure Co. offer guided tours in natural settings and offer opportunities for hiking and horseback riding as well.
For those who prefer to stay a little closer to town, Livingstone has a variety of shops, museums, and art galleries. Retirees who enjoy golfing will be pleased to know Livingston has its own 9 hole golf course with tees for men and women, situated along the Yellowstone River with mountain views in the background, making it a truly unique golfing experience.
Fort Benton
The population of Fort Benton is 1,509 people and it is located sightly north of the center of the State. There are several assisted living facilities in Fort Benton, such as the Sunrise Bluff Estates, which provides an independent lifestyle for seniors 55 and older while providing assisted care as needed for residents from the comfort of their own apartments. The community also has its own hospital at the Missouri River Medical Center where a full spectrum of health care services are provided.
Outdoor enthusiasts will a variety of activities if they make Fort Benton their home as there are plenty of opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, camping, and a chance to explore such majestic landmarks as the National Historic site of Citadel Rock, accessible by boat only. Residents of Fort Benton can boast they live in the same community as the historic Grand Union Hotel, considered to be one of the finest hotels around, it is a wonderful place to entertain guests or enjoy a fine dining experience at the Union Grille restaurant, proclaimed as one of the State’s best restaurants offering farm fresh food. Fort Benton is also home to the Museum of the Great Northern Plains and the Fort Benton Bridge, a local landmark that welcomes retirees to enjoy a lovely evening stroll to the end of the bridge and back.
The cost of living in Fort Benton is on par with that of the cost of living for the state, coming in at $36,634 per person. The median cost of a home is $155,000, which is below the national average.
White Sulphur Springs
The population of White Sulphur Springs is 1052 and retirees who are thinking of settling here will be happy to know the community is home to the Mountain View Medical Center. This facility is fully staffed, prepared to give the community a full spectrum of medical care, including an emergency department, a primary care clinic, and mental health services, to name a few. The White Sulphur Springs Center is an assisted living facility in the community offering full support to residents as well as rehabilitation services for those coping with illness or injury.
White Sulphur Springs is centrally located within the State of Montana and is known for its western flair. This charming locale exudes small town atmosphere and proudly celebrates its proximity to the Smith River where fishing (by permit) is a primary pastime. White Sulphur Springs is also home to the famous Castle Mansion, sharing a name with the neighboring ghost town of Castle. Locals enjoys proximity to the King Hill Scenic By Way, which is a 71 mile scenic route through the Lewis and Clark National Forest and the Little Belt Mountains, offering views of rugged landscape, rivers, streams, and a vast array of wildlife. White Sulphur Springs also enjoys its own hot pools, fed by sulphur springs. Within the town limits, retirees can enjoy dining at local restaurants and shopping at the variety of retail outlets.
The cost of living in White Sulphur Springs is $38,045 per year, somewhat higher than the State average, but on par with the national figure. The median cost of a home in White Sulphur Springs is $125,400, which is less than the national average.
Stevensville
Located on the western portion of the state, near Lolo National Forest, Stevensville has a population of 2,163 people. Residents of Stevensville proudly offer medical services from their newly constructed Bitterroot Health Care Facility. Equipped with complete medical technology within a beautiful and serene environment, a full spectrum of medical services is on offer here, promoting health and wellness for all. The Living Center, a continuing care assisted living facility provides a comfortable atmosphere for residents surrounded by natural beauty.
Positioned between the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains, Stevensville is mainly an outdoor recreation town surrounded in natural beauty, historic charm, and a variety of wildlife such as osprey, bald eagles, minks, and more. Home to the Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, which is a 2500-acre sanctuary for birds, mammals, and amphibians, this locale is an excellent place for life getting back in touch with nature, offering hunting, fishing, and wildlife photography as well as walking trails and hiking. Stevensville enjoys proximity to the historic St. Mary’s Mission, the first settlement of white people in the area, spearheaded by Jesuit missionaries in 1841, it was home to the very first church and schoolhouse in the northwestern region of the country.
The cost of living in Stevensville is $38,147 per year, which is higher than the State’s average, but on par with the national cost of living. The median cost of a home is $169,100, somewhat lower than the national average.
These 9 small towns offer some of the best life has to offer in the State of Montana and living here means living within a nature lover’s paradise. Retirees who enjoy being surrounded in majestic mountains within an abundance of natural beauty will be right at home in one of these small towns while also enjoying modern amenities, shopping and dining. Each of these small towns also offer their own unique glimpse into the colour past of frontier living, representing an integral part of the county’s early history.
