Best Small Towns in Montana for Retirement

Affectionately known as the Treasure State, Montana is home to some of the most beautiful natural landmarks such as parts of Yellowstone National Park and the Rocky Mountains. Montana is fairly tax-friendly and has a cost of living that’s close to the national average. Could this be the place to retire? Here are a few small towns in Montana worth considering.

Bozeman

Bozeman is located in the gorgeous Gallatin Valley. The town attracts visitors because of the three ski lodges and its close proximity to Yellowstone. Bozeman has excellent shopping and dining. It is also becoming a popular location for wealthy individuals to build their dream summer homes. Bozeman is also home to the state’s flagship university – Montana State University.

Butte

This Montana town currently has around 30,000 people. Butte was once a major mining town with a thriving population of over 100,000 citizens. The decline of the mining industry caused Butte to undergo a major decline in the mid-20th century. Since then Butte has undergone a transformation by rebuilding its downtown and embracing its mining history. History buffs will love visiting the old mining shafts that give a glimpse of Butte’s glorious past. Visit the Montana Dinosaur Trail!

Great Falls

Great Falls is named after the waterfalls located on the Missouri River. This small Montana town is located in the center of the state and is a long way from anything else. It’s an isolated place, which is very appealing to those wanting to truly get away. Great Falls offers excellent dining, small-town entertainment, antique shops, and a slow easy pace. It’s also known for its friendly residents.

Helena

Helena serves as the state capital. It’s one of the larger towns in Montana with just over 30,000 people. Helena has enjoyed a prosperous economy through the years because of the stability provided by government jobs. Helena has a great downtown with historic buildings and cool shops and diners. Newer parts of the town are perfect for those who like fast-food restaurants and modern strip malls.

Kalispell

Kalispell is located very close to Glacier National Park. It gets quite a few tourists in the summer due to its location. Since its economy is driven by tourism there is an abundance of dining and shopping options for a town this small. The Kalispell summers are known for being mild and sunny.

West Yellowstone

This town is located on the edge of Yellowstone National Park and is a pure tourist town. This small town has a lot of character that can be seen in the architecture and businesses. The town has an abundance of mom-and-pop shops and diners and has resisted letting in the big box stores.

Click here for senior resources in Montana.