9 Welcoming Towns to Retire in Montana
Montana, located along the Canadian border and surrounded by Idaho, Wyoming, South and North Dakota, plus the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, is both a beauty and adventurer's paradise. There is no shortage of activities to keep your days thrilling and filled, and the strong sense of community, western heritage, and outdoorsmanship is hard to miss. Famous for its rodeos, ranching, agriculture, and outdoor excursions like skiing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic driving, you'll be hard-pressed to find a day when you're bored. And with national treasures like the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Yellowstone National Park, and Glacier National Park, you'll be the envy of everyone you know as you share the fabulous pictures of your new home.
Dillon
Dillon is right near all the best outdoor spots, from the Beaverhead River, Big Hole River, and Ruby River to Bannack State Park. It is also just off Int. 15 for easy travel to and from. Plus, its price tag is less than many of its Montana counterparts, sitting at an average of $499,000.
Barre H Hospital is the main point for healthcare, but there are also urgent care centers, chiropractors, community health centers, and more. Safeway and Dollar Tree cover those essential grocery trips, and for some fresh baked goods, produce, and so much else, stop by the farmers market. Find your new favorite outdoor gear at Patagonia or at one of the many other shops in town selling everything from fishing gear to skis, boutique clothing, and everything else you could desire. The library hosts classes, clubs, and events, or you can catch the latest release at the movie theater. Sparky's Garage brings together classic car decor and scrumptious BBQ dishes for the nights you don't feel like doing the dishes, and Beaverhead Brewing Company is the place to go with friends, relatives, and any other visitors you may have. And don't stress about getting around; instead, take advantage of the city bus and its free on-demand service.
Ski the trails at Maverick Mountain in the winter or take a relaxing dip in Elkhorn Hot Springs. No matter the season, explore the trails at the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Clarks Lookout State Park, or Beaverhead Rock State Park. In the summer, purchase a membership to the Beaverhead Country Club or fish on Brownes Lake.
Polson
On the shore of Flathead Lake and the Flathead River, Polson has big city amenities yet a small-town feel. The average home price sits around $749,500, but with prime access to the water, plus access to nearby ski areas, parks, and so much more, you're paying for luxury.
Providence St. Joseph serves as the hospital, with clinics such as primary care and injury rehabilitation, keeping your health a top priority. Shop at major retailers like Walgreens, Walmart, and Safeway, or pick up your groceries at local businesses like Flathead Lake Cheese and Good Coffee Roasting Company for premium beans. Dig into a big plate of deliciousness at East Shore Smoke House, and wash it down with some brews at Glacier Brewing Company. The cinema shows the latest blockbusters, and throughout town, you'll find weekly events like trivia, open mic, and bingo.
Fish and swim in the Flathead Lake, perfect for all sorts of water activities like paddleboarding, boating, and relaxing along the shore. Blacktail Mountain offers fantastic ski hills in the winter and in the summer, join a league or play for yourself at the Polson Bay Golf Course.
Whitefish
Whitefish brings together top-tier amenities and fabulous outdoor opportunities from Whitefish Lake to Glacier National Park. Sitting at an average home price of 1.3M, this slice of paradise may require a bit more of a down payment but repays you with a life of adventure.
North Valley Hospital, run by Logan Heath, is open at all hours for your reassurance. There are also clinics in town dedicated to women's health, mental health, and specialty practices. Groceries are easy with Safeway, Walgreens, and Dollar Tree, and for those who love to window shop, check out the many record stores, thrift shops, and boutiques throughout downtown. Spotted Bear Spirits carries only the best, so you can host that dream event, or you can bring your visitors to Firebrand Restaurant and Lodge or Montana Tap House. The town has a dedicated transit service called Mountain Climber, as well as an AMTRAK station for when you need a vacation or need to travel to see relatives.
Whitefish Mountain Resort is there for those who love to spend their winters skiing, and for those who like to stay warm indoors, purchase a membership to the Wave Aquatic and Fitness Center. Explore the vast area of Glacier National Park, or spend your afternoons at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club. For the artists, check out the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.
West Yellowstone
If you enjoy the idea of seclusion and being surrounded by natural wonders, West Yellowstone might be for you. With an average home price of $698,900, this little town provides you front-row access to all of Yellowstone's iconic stops.
The town itself is very, very secluded and might not be ideal for those with larger health issues. But for those who are able, it can be a perfect oasis. Billings Clinic is the main healthcare provider for the community, providing urgent care, and other clinics in town offer acupuncture, physical therapy, and more. The nearby community of Ennis also has more healthcare options. Shop for the groceries at Market Place or Food Roundup Supermarket. Sweet Palace has the best goodies and other shops for everything you need, including hardware stores and home decor shops. Slippery Otter Pub and Eatery serves up delicious grub, and the Yellowstone Beer Company is a great place to relax. Playmill Theater has live performances for your viewing enjoyment, or you can learn about the park's past at the Museum of the Yellowstone. The town's tiny size also makes it easy to walk, meaning you can journey from your home to the downtown core in minutes.
With its close proximity to Wyoming and Idaho, you can journey into these states for access to more retailers and big-city staples. But from the comfort of your community, access amazing places like Hebgen Lake for fishing, the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, the Rendezvous Trail System for cross-country skiing, and the Custer-Gallatin National Forest. Yellowstone National Park has iconic stops like Old Faithful and the paint pots, and it is near Grand Teton.
Helena
Located near Helena National Forest and surrounded by lush, rolling hills, Helena is perfect for those who love to fish, hike, and shop for antiques. And while the price is a little steep, with an average home price of $579,900, the vast amount of amenities both indoor and outdoor make it worth it in the long run.
St. Peters Hospital is the main hospital in the region, though there is also a veterans' hospital. Other medical buildings include urgent care centers, mental health clinics, OB/GYN practices, and physical therapy clinics, to name a few. The Rocky Mountain Development Council runs the seniors center, which features a daily dinner club for the days you just don't feel like cooking. Walmart, Albertsons, Safeway, and a 24/7 WinCo location take care of the groceries, and shops like Mae and June Vintage Market and Golden Girls Antique Mall take care of those spending urges. Grab a bite to eat at Windbag Saloon and Grill, and make Headwaters Crafthouse your third space with their flights of draft and extensive menu. Town events include trivia nights, a farmers market, car shows, and clubs such as book clubs and volunteering at the humane society. Getting around town is easy with Capital Transit and their $2 senior fare.
Fish on the Missouri, Smith, Clark Fork, and Blackfoot rivers, with plenty of places to set up for the day. Hike the trails of Mt. Helena and Mt. Ascension, or take a relaxing dip in the Broadwater Hot Springs. On less than-nice days, turn to Eclipse Community Yoga or Sleeping Giant Lanes for some bowling.
Livingston
The town of Livingston is right by beautiful national forests and just off Int. 90, making commutes out of town easy. And despite its average home price tag of $699,000, this gorgeous Montana escape will make up for it quickly. Also, you are only an hour's drive from the stunning Yellowstone National Park.
The Livingston Healthcare System cares for the hospital, urgent care centers, optometrists, injury rehab specialists, and mental health clinics, forming a well-rounded medical system in town. The seniors center hosts morning coffee, holiday events, and health clinics such as vaccine clinics and foot care sessions. Shop for the essentials at big-name grocers like Albertsons, Foodworks, and Town & Country Foods, or walk the streets of downtown, where you'll find gems such as Elk River Books and the weekly farmers market. Los Pinos Mexican Restaurant is highly rated and will make you feel as if you've teleported into Mexico City, or you can sit down to a pint at Katabatic Brewing Company. Leave your car at home, as the Windrider Community Bus will take you to where you need to go, or you can hop on the bus to Bozeman for more big city amenities.
Play a round of golf whenever you desire at the Livingston Golf Course, and in the winter, enjoy the many trails in varying skill levels at the Bridger Bowl Ski Area. When its too chilly to be outside, wander the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, or the Yellowstone Gateway Museum for a blast to the past.
Red Lodge
Near Yellowstone National Park, Red Lodge is perfect for those who love to spend their winters skiing and their summers exploring. An average home will cost around $670,000, a small price to pay for its proximity to one of the most gorgeous places in the US.
Beartooth Billings Clinic is the main hospital in town, with other services such as mental health clinics, dental offices, and animal hospitals covering all other aspects. The Red Lodge Senior Center has an impressive on-site thrift store and lunches and offers Meals on Wheels if you need extra assistance. The town doesn't have as many brand-name stores as its neighboring communities, with grocery stores such as Beartooth Market and Family Dollar being the main stops. There is also the Montana Candy Emporium for those with a sweet tooth, and all your sporting and outdoor gear can be found at Grizzly Peak Outdoors. After a day of shopping, stop for dinner at the One-Legged Magpie and finish the night off strong at Red Lodge Ales.
Red Lodge Mountain is the place to be when the snow falls for some amazing downhill skiing opportunities. When the days get longer and nicer, fly fishing is the town's activity of choice as you find a spot along Rock Creek. Trails to look forward to include Silver Run, Nichols Creek, and Wild Bill Lake. Indoor activities include The Roman Theater, where you can catch film events and showings of cult classics, as well as the Carbon County Historical Society and Museum for a look into Red Lodge's past.
Belgrade
Enjoy big city amenities right next door while missing out on hectic traffic, increased crime, and the hustle and bustle. Belgrade is right outside the city of Bozeman and costs far less. A home in Bozeman will run you, on average, $850,000, while a home in Belgrade averages around $599,500.
You'll have easy access to the Bozeman Health Regional Medical Center for issues that require a hospital, but in town, you can feel comfortable knowing you'll have physio clinics, urgent care centers, counseling offices, and general practitioners. The Belgrade Seniors Center offers nutrition planning, fitness classes, and medical equipment loans. Shop at Albertsons and Town & Country Foods, or make the trip to the city for big-name retailers. The Chalet Market of Montana has a wonderful deli and bakery, or you can sit down for a slice at Mackenzie River Pizza Co. For nights out with friends, the Local American Saloon has you covered. Getting around is simple, as the Streamline Bus System will take you right into Bozeman as well as surrounding communities, and the Bozeman-Yellowsstone International Airport is right in Belgrade.
The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area has endless trails for your enjoyment, and in the winter, zip along the Battle Ridge snowmobile trail. Fish on the Gallatin River, where you can cast a line right off the Axtell Bridge. And when the snow starts to fall, and you don't want to brave the cold, stay warm at the Gallatin Valley YMCA or Belgrade Community Library.
Big Sky
Feel like you're on an alpine vacation every day of your life. Big Sky is mainly a resort town, but if you love having endless luxury right at your fingertips plus top-class amenities, you won't mind the $2.3M price tag.
Despite its smaller size, it has a dedicated always open hospital, the Big Sky Medical Center, as well as clinics in town offering massage therapy, chiropractors, and holistic wellness. Hungry Moose Market, Roxys Market, and the Country Market stock their shelves with fresh produce, excellent meat cuts, and everything else you could need. Big Sky Thrift is the place to find brand-name clothing for a fraction of the price, and Gallatin Alpine Sports keeps you geared up for your outdoor adventures. Be blown away by the panoramic views at Horn and Cantle Restaurant, and sip on only the best craft beers at Beehive Basin Brewery. Plus, look forward to the farmers market in the warmer months and clubs offering skiing, curling, and more. And you're only an hour from Bozeman, with Skyline Busses taking you there if you don't wish to drive. The town also offers free on-demand transit to get around the community.
Big Sky Resort has world-class skiing, and the Big Sky Resort Golf Course lets you tee off surrounded by mountain views. Listen to the crashing of the water at Ousel Falls Park, or stay indoors during the snowfall at BASE Community Center and Gym. The Santosha Wellness Center will relieve all your stress, with yoga, meditation, and more wellness options so you can feel your best while living it up in Big Sky.
If you looked up natural beauty in the dictionary, you might just see Montana. Home to towering mountains, expansive national parks, and a strong sense of community, this state makes up for its higher price tag when it comes to purchasing a home. You're paying for outdoor luxury, with the great outdoors right at your doorstep. And if you're an adventurer or just love to wake up to the amazing views, Montana is a retirement haven.
