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 that like fast food restaurants and modern strip malls.
Related: 5 Reasons I Love Living In A Small Town Retirement Community!
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 are 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.
Robert Fowler
Contributing WriterRobert Fowler is a retired blogger who lives with his wife, Mary Ann at Village at Deaton Creek, a Del Webb Community in North Georgia. Robert was previously the President of Retirement Media Inc. He has visited numerous 55+ Active Adult Communities over the years, sharing his experiences along the way with readers. View more posts
