Best Places to Live in Montana in 2025

BEST SMALL TOWN 

This is a tough call because Montana is home to so many charming small towns, each adding to the unique appeal of the state. One of our top picks for the best small town in Montana is Lewistown. With a population of around 6,000, Lewistown strikes the perfect balance—offering a variety of amenities while preserving its small-town charm. Its picturesque Main Street is lined with beautiful historic homes, and the town boasts just enough dining and shopping options (including a brewery and Starbucks!) to serve the community, all while maintaining that tight-knit, welcoming atmosphere.

 A smaller option is Fort Benton. It’s located on the Missouri River and offers a rich history and a quiet town. Click here to see more small towns we love in Montana.
Photo credit enjoylewistown.com

BEST COLLEGE TOWN

Alright, we’re going to be a bit biased here and say Bozeman is hands down the best college town in Montana! Home to Montana State University, the largest university in the state, Bozeman has seen its enrollment grow steadily in recent years. While the University of Montana in Missoula has its fair share of loyal fans, there’s something special about being part of the Montana State University community. MSU is deeply integrated into the fabric of Bozeman, which is also the fastest-growing town in the state. If you want the ultimate college town vibe, Bozeman is the place to be!

For those seeking a smaller college town experience, Dillon is a fantastic option. It’s home to the University of Montana Western and offers a tight-knit community, plenty of outdoor recreation, and that perfect small-town charm.

Click here for our guide to moving to Bozeman. 

BEST CITY

Bozeman is a top pick for those seeking city living, Montana-style. It offers a lively dining and shopping scene, along with the state's busiest airport, which features direct flights to destinations across the country. Just a short drive away, you’ll find world-class skiing at both Big Sky and Bridger Bowl, as well as a wealth of outdoor recreation options. Another great city in Montana is the state capital, Helena. While smaller than some of its counterparts, Helena offers excellent job opportunities, a charming downtown, and convenient access to nearby cities, making it a wonderful place to live and work.

For more options, click here for our list of the biggest cities in Montana or the best cities in Montana. 

BEST OUTDOOR ACCESS

In Montana, outdoor adventure is never far away, but Whitefish truly stands out as a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Here, you can enjoy year-round activities like skiing and snowboarding at Whitefish Mountain Resort, boating and fishing on the pristine Whitefish Lake, and endless exploration in the breathtaking Glacier National Park. Its location in northern Montana offers easy access to a wealth of national forests, perfect for hiking, camping, hunting, and more. , Whitefish also boasts a charming downtown, full of vibrant dining and shopping options, making it the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm.

BEST ACCESS TO WATER

Missoula offers incredible access to some of Montana’s most scenic lakes and rivers. The Clark Fork River flows right through the heart of the city, and on any given summer day, you'll see people leisurely floating down the river as it winds through town. Nearby, you’ll find the Blackfoot, Rock Creek, and Bitterroot rivers, each offering unique outdoor experiences. Missoula County is home to over 130 lakes and reservoirs, including Flathead Lake—Montana’s largest, and arguably, most stunning—making it a haven for water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

BEST PLACE TO RETIRE

Montana is a popular destination for retirees seeking a slower pace of life in their golden years, and Billings is a top choice for many. Its milder climate—especially compared to the snowier areas like Bozeman—makes it an appealing option for those looking to escape harsher winters. Billings also stands out for its excellent healthcare services, home to two leading hospitals. As the largest city in the state, Billings offers all the amenities and conveniences you need, making it an ideal spot for those ready to enjoy a relaxed yet well-connected lifestyle.

Bozeman is also a great choice for retirement with a wide variety of outdoor activities for people of all ages, a vibrant arts and culture scene, great healthcare, and a welcoming community. Get our guide to retiring in Bozeman here. 

BEST PLACE FOR A SECOND HOME

If money is no object, Big Sky is a stunning choice for a second home in Montana. It's no surprise that so many high-profile athletes, actors, and CEOs choose to have a getaway here—Big Sky offers year-round recreation, from world-class skiing to mountain biking and hiking, all within a short drive of Yellowstone National Park. For those on a more modest budget, nearby Ennis is an excellent alternative. Nestled along the Madison River, it boasts blue-ribbon trout fishing and abundant public land for outdoor exploration. Ennis also has a delightful downtown, offering a surprising array of dining and shopping options, thanks to its growing tourism scene.