Finding the perfect place to retire in Montana means weighing seven criteria that matter most to me as a retiree: Cost of Buying a Home, Healthcare Access, Weather, Cultural Activities, Outdoor Activities, Crime Rate, and Airport Proximity.
Each of these factors plays a crucial role in determining whether a town will provide the comfort, convenience, and quality of life that I seek, with mortgage affordability being particularly important for me on a fixed income.
The grades I’ve assigned to each town (ranging from A+ to D-) are subjective and based on my research into the specific characteristics of each location.
I’ve listed towns in alphabetical order for easy reference. It’s important for me to note that these grades compare towns within Montana or the immediate region, not to locations nationwide. What I might consider excellent weather in Montana would be quite different from excellent weather in Florida.
Here’s the list.
1. Anaconda
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: C+
- Cultural Activities: B-
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: C+
- Airport Proximity: B-
Anaconda, with a population of 9,673, offers exceptional mortgage affordability for retirees seeking to stretch their dollars further. The median home price hovers around $195,000, making it one of the more budget-friendly options for homeownership in Montana while still offering historic charm and mountain views.
Residents enjoy easy access to cultural events at the Washoe Theater, a historic Art Deco masterpiece, and outdoor adventures at nearby Georgetown Lake and Discovery Ski Area. The community hospital provides basic care, while Butte’s more comprehensive medical facilities are just 25 miles away, and Butte’s airport is approximately 30 minutes by car.
Three main activities:
- Explore the Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park
- Fish at Georgetown Lake
- Attend performances at the historic Washoe Theater
2. Big Timber
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: C+
- Weather: B-
- Cultural Activities: C+
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: B-
Big Timber, with a population of 1,700, offers a peaceful retirement destination with a strong sense of community and reasonable housing costs. With median home prices around $285,000, homebuyers can find charming properties that offer good value compared to other scenic Montana locations.
The town’s small but vibrant downtown features unique shops, while the surrounding Crazy Mountains and Boulder River provide endless outdoor recreation. The Pioneer Medical Center offers basic healthcare services, and Bozeman’s international airport is about an hour’s drive, making travel manageable for retirees who want to visit family.
Three main activities:
- Fly fishing on the Boulder and Yellowstone Rivers
- Attending the Sweet Grass County Fair
- Hiking in the nearby Crazy Mountains
3. Boulder
- Cost of Buying a Home: A
- Healthcare Access: C
- Weather: B-
- Cultural Activities: C
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: B-
Boulder, with a population of 1,308, stands out for its exceptional value in real estate and relaxed pace of life. The median home price of approximately $230,000 means retirees can secure a home loan with manageable monthly payments while enjoying views of the Elkhorn Mountains and Boulder Valley.
While cultural amenities are modest, the town’s proximity to Helena (about 35 minutes away) provides access to museums, theaters, and shopping. Boulder does have a small medical clinic for basic needs, while more comprehensive care requires a trip to Helena, where the Helena Regional Airport is also located, roughly 40 minutes away.
Three main activities:
- Soaking in the Boulder Hot Springs
- Exploring nearby Lewis and Clark Caverns
- Hiking the local trail system
4. Choteau
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: B-
- Weather: C+
- Cultural Activities: C+
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: C+
Choteau, with a population of 1,805, offers magnificent Rocky Mountain views combined with small-town charm and affordable housing. The median home price of around $220,000 makes it an attractive option for retirees seeking mortgage affordability in a picturesque setting near the eastern front of the Rockies.
The Old Trail Museum highlights dinosaur fossils and local history, while the surrounding wilderness areas provide exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities. Choteau has a critical access hospital for essential care, though specialists require a trip to Great Falls, about an hour away, where the nearest commercial airport is also located.
Three main activities:
- Bird watching at nearby Freezout Lake
- Exploring Glacier National Park (1.5 hours away)
- Attending the annual Choteau Fourth of July Rodeo
5. Columbia Falls
- Cost of Buying a Home: B-
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: C+
- Cultural Activities: B-
- Outdoor Activities: A+
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: A-
Columbia Falls, with a population of 5,833, serves as an ideal gateway to Glacier National Park with more reasonable housing costs than nearby Whitefish. Median home prices hover around $425,000, which, while not the lowest in Montana, still offer better value than many comparable mountain towns for homeowners looking to balance cost with location.
The town provides a mix of galleries, restaurants, and outdoor outfitters, while North Valley Hospital in Whitefish offers quality healthcare just 15 minutes away. Glacier Park International Airport is conveniently located just 10 minutes from town, making it one of the most accessible small towns in Montana for travelers.
Three main activities:
- Exploring Glacier National Park
- Rafting or fishing on the Flathead River
- Visiting the Hungry Horse Dam and Reservoir
6. Conrad
- Cost of Buying a Home: A+
- Healthcare Access: B-
- Weather: C
- Cultural Activities: C
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: C
Conrad, with a population of 2,433, stands out as having some of the most affordable housing in the state, perfect for retirees on a fixed budget. With median home prices around $160,000, the mortgage affordability here can’t be beaten for those seeking to minimize housing expenses while still enjoying Montana’s natural beauty.
The town features the Pondera Arts Council, which hosts various cultural events, while outdoor enthusiasts appreciate proximity to Lake Frances and the Rocky Mountain Front. Conrad has a critical access hospital with essential services, though Great Falls, about an hour away, provides more specialized care and houses the nearest commercial airport.
Three main activities:
- Fishing at nearby Lake Frances
- Exploring the Conrad Transportation & Historical Museum
- Day trips to the Rocky Mountain Front
7. Cut Bank
- Cost of Buying a Home: A+
- Healthcare Access: C+
- Weather: C-
- Cultural Activities: C
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: C+
Cut Bank, with a population of 3,003, offers exceptionally affordable housing that makes retirement dollars stretch further. The median home price of approximately $150,000 allows for home loans with very manageable payments, particularly important for retirees on fixed incomes looking to minimize monthly expenses.
The town houses the Glacier County Historical Museum and provides easy access to outdoor adventures near the eastern border of Glacier National Park. Cut Bank has a small critical access hospital, while the nearest major medical facilities are in Great Falls, about 1.5 hours away, which is also home to the closest commercial airport.
Three main activities:
- Visiting the Cut Bank International Airport Museum
- Fishing on the Cut Bank Creek
- Day trips to nearby Glacier National Park (45 minutes away)
8. Dillon
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: B-
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: C+
Dillon, with a population of 4,273, combines historical charm with stunning mountain views and reasonable housing costs. The median home price of around $275,000 provides good value for retirees seeking a balance between affordability and amenities in a college town setting.
The presence of the University of Montana Western enriches the community with cultural events, while the surrounding Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest offers world-class outdoor recreation. Barrett Hospital provides good healthcare services locally, though the nearest commercial airport requires a drive to Butte (about an hour away) or Bozeman (about 1.5 hours).
Three main activities:
- Fishing on the Beaverhead River
- Exploring Bannack State Park ghost town
- Attending events at the University of Montana Western
9. Ennis
- Cost of Buying a Home: C+
- Healthcare Access: C
- Weather: B-
- Cultural Activities: B-
- Outdoor Activities: A+
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: C+
Ennis, with a population of just 952, is a fly-fishing paradise nestled in the beautiful Madison Valley with a strong appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. Median home prices around $450,000 reflect its popularity, and having to get a mortgage could be expensive compared to other Montana small towns, but many retirees find the premium worthwhile for the lifestyle.
The town’s art galleries, historical museum, and annual fly-fishing festival provide cultural interest, while the Madison River and nearby mountains offer exceptional recreation. Madison Valley Medical Center provides basic healthcare, though more specialized care requires traveling to Bozeman, about an hour away, which is also home to the nearest commercial airport.
Three main activities:
- World-class fly fishing on the Madison River
- Exploring Virginia City ghost town (15 minutes away)
- Hiking in the nearby Madison Range
10. Eureka
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: C+
- Weather: C+
- Cultural Activities: C+
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: C+
Eureka, with a population of 1,581, offers a quiet retirement destination with beautiful views of the Tobacco Valley and the surrounding mountains. With median home prices around $325,000, it represents good value for homebuyers seeking a peaceful setting with access to outdoor recreation.
The town hosts the Tobacco Valley Historical Village and annual events like the Rendezvous Days, while Lake Koocanusa and the nearby Kootenai National Forest provide abundant outdoor activities. Eureka has a small medical clinic, but residents typically travel to Whitefish (about 45 minutes away) for more comprehensive care, and Glacier Park International Airport is about an hour’s drive.
Three main activities:
- Boating and fishing on Lake Koocanusa
- Exploring the Tobacco Valley Historical Village
- Hiking in the Kootenai National Forest
11. Forsyth
- Cost of Buying a Home: A+
- Healthcare Access: B-
- Weather: B-
- Cultural Activities: C
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: C
Forsyth, with a population of 1,605, provides some of the most affordable housing in Montana, ideal for retirees prioritizing budget-friendly living. With median home prices around $145,000, the mortgage affordability here allows retirees to minimize housing expenses while enjoying a friendly small-town atmosphere along the Yellowstone River.
The Rosebud County Pioneer Museum offers cultural interest, while the nearby Yellowstone River provides fishing and boating opportunities. Forsyth has a critical access hospital for basic care, though more comprehensive medical services require a trip to Billings, about 100 miles away, which is also home to the nearest commercial airport.
Three main activities:
- Fishing on the Yellowstone River
- Exploring the Rosebud County Pioneer Museum
- Bird watching at nearby wildlife management areas
12. Hamilton
- Cost of Buying a Home: C+
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: B
- Airport Proximity: B-
Hamilton, with a population of 5,449, sits in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley, offering a perfect blend of small-town charm and cultural sophistication. Median home prices around $450,000 mean having to get a mortgage could be expensive, but the town’s amenities and natural beauty justify the investment for many retirees.
The town features the Ravalli County Museum, Bitterroot Performing Arts Series, and numerous art galleries, while the surrounding Bitterroot Mountains provide exceptional outdoor recreation. Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital offers comprehensive healthcare services locally, and Missoula International Airport is about an hour’s drive away.
Three main activities:
- Hiking in the Bitterroot Mountains
- Attending the Ravalli County Fair
- Exploring the Daly Mansion and grounds
13. Hardin
- Cost of Buying a Home: A+
- Healthcare Access: B-
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B-
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: C+
- Airport Proximity: B-
Hardin, with a population of 3,676, offers exceptional affordability for retirees seeking to minimize housing costs while being close to Native American cultural sites. With median home prices around $155,000, it’s one of the most affordable options for homeowners in Montana, allowing for very manageable mortgage payments.
The town’s proximity to the Crow Reservation provides unique cultural experiences, including the annual Crow Fair, while the nearby Bighorn River offers excellent fishing opportunities. Hardin has a small hospital for basic care, and Billings Logan International Airport is about 45 minutes away for convenient travel options.
Three main activities:
- Exploring the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
- Fishing on the Bighorn River
- Attending Native American cultural events
14. Lewistown
- Cost of Buying a Home: A
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: B-
- Cultural Activities: B-
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: C+
Lewistown, with a population of 6,208, captures the essence of classic small-town Montana with its historic downtown and central location. The median home price of approximately $200,000 offers excellent value for retirees, with home loans that won’t break the bank while providing access to Montana’s scenic beauty.
The Lewistown Art Center and Central Montana Museum provide cultural interest, while the surrounding mountains, lakes, and grasslands offer diverse outdoor activities. The Central Montana Medical Center provides good healthcare services locally, though the nearest commercial airport is in Great Falls, about 100 miles away.
Three main activities:
- Fishing at nearby streams and reservoirs
- Exploring the historic downtown architecture
- Hiking in the nearby Judith Mountains
15. Libby
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: B-
- Weather: C+
- Cultural Activities: C+
- Outdoor Activities: A+
- Crime Rate: B
- Airport Proximity: C
Libby, with a population of 3,295, offers stunning natural beauty at prices far more affordable than many Montana mountain towns. With median home prices around $240,000, retirees can find excellent value while enjoying the spectacular Kootenai River Valley surroundings.
The town features the Heritage Museum, while the surrounding Cabinet Mountains Wilderness and Kootenai National Forest provide world-class outdoor recreation. Cabinet Peaks Medical Center offers essential healthcare services locally, though the nearest commercial airport requires a drive to Kalispell, about 90 minutes away.
Three main activities:
- Hiking in the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness
- Boating and fishing on Lake Koocanusa
- Visiting Kootenai Falls and the Swinging Bridge
16. Livingston
- Cost of Buying a Home: C
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: C+
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: A+
- Crime Rate: B-
- Airport Proximity: B+
Livingston, with a population of 9,052, boasts an exceptional arts scene and serves as a northern gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Median home prices around $475,000 reflect its popularity; having to get a mortgage could be expensive here compared to other Montana small towns, but many retirees find the cultural amenities and natural beauty worth the premium.
The town’s historic downtown features numerous art galleries, the Livingston Center for Art and Culture, and the Yellowstone Gateway Museum, while the Yellowstone River flows right through town. Livingston HealthCare provides good medical services locally, and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is just 30 minutes away for convenient travel.
Three main activities:
- Fly fishing on the Yellowstone River
- Exploring Yellowstone National Park (50 minutes away)
- Attending art walks and gallery events
17. Manhattan
- Cost of Buying a Home: C+
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: B-
- Cultural Activities: B-
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: A-
Manhattan, with a population of 2,115, offers a peaceful small-town atmosphere with convenient access to Bozeman’s amenities. Median home prices around $425,000 are higher than some Montana locations, but homebuyers appreciate the strategic location between Yellowstone National Park and the Missouri River headwaters.
The town hosts the annual Potato Festival, while nearby rivers and mountain ranges provide excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. While Manhattan lacks its own hospital, Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital is just 20 minutes away, and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is a quick 15-minute drive for easy travel.
Three main activities:
- Fishing on the Gallatin River
- Exploring the Missouri Headwaters State Park
- Wine tasting at local vineyards
18. Philipsburg
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: C
- Weather: C+
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: C+
Philipsburg, with a population of just 841, charms visitors with its beautifully restored Victorian buildings and mountain setting. With median home prices around $295,000, it offers reasonable value for a picturesque mountain town that has become increasingly popular with retirees seeking authentic Montana character.
The town features unique attractions like the Sapphire Gallery and Sweet Palace candy store, while nearby Georgetown Lake and Discovery Ski Area provide year-round recreation. Philipsburg has a small medical clinic, but more comprehensive care requires traveling to Anaconda or Missoula, with the nearest commercial airport in Butte, about an hour away.
Three main activities:
- Sapphire mining at local mines
- Exploring the historic downtown district
- Fishing and boating at Georgetown Lake
19. Plains
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: C+
- Weather: B-
- Cultural Activities: C
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: C+
Plains, with a population of 1,259, offers affordable retirement living in a scenic valley setting along the Clark Fork River. The median home price of around $230,000 provides excellent value for homeowners looking for a peaceful community with access to outdoor recreation.
The small town hosts the Sanders County Fair and maintains a quaint downtown, while the surrounding mountains and rivers provide excellent fishing, hunting, and hiking opportunities. Clark Fork Valley Hospital in nearby Thompson Falls provides basic healthcare services, while the nearest commercial airport is in Missoula, about 70 miles away.
Three main activities:
- Fishing on the Clark Fork River
- Exploring the National Bison Range (45 minutes away)
- Attending events at the Sanders County Fairgrounds
20. Polson
- Cost of Buying a Home: C+
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: A+
- Crime Rate: B
- Airport Proximity: B-
Polson, with a population of 5,761, sits at the southern end of Flathead Lake, offering spectacular water views and mountain scenery. Median home prices around $425,000 reflect the premium location, and getting a home loan could be expensive compared to some other Montana towns, but many retirees find the lakefront lifestyle worth the investment.
The town features the Miracle of America Museum and various cultural events influenced by the Flathead Indian Reservation, while Flathead Lake provides endless water-based recreation. St. Joseph Medical Center offers good healthcare services locally, and Glacier Park International Airport is about an hour away for convenient travel options.
Three main activities:
- Boating and fishing on Flathead Lake
- Exploring the Flathead Indian Reservation cultural sites
- Visiting the Miracle of America Museum
21. Red Lodge
- Cost of Buying a Home: C
- Healthcare Access: B-
- Weather: C+
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: A+
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: B-
Red Lodge, with a population of 2,724, combines mountain charm with cultural sophistication at the foot of the Beartooth Mountains. Median home prices around $450,000 reflect its popularity as a mountain resort town; having to get a mortgage could be expensive, but many retirees find the alpine setting and recreational opportunities justify the cost.
The town offers numerous art galleries, the Carbon County Arts Guild, and the annual Festival of Nations, while the nearby Beartooth Highway and Red Lodge Mountain provide spectacular outdoor adventures. Beartooth Billings Clinic provides essential healthcare services, and Billings Logan International Airport is about an hour away for travel convenience.
Three main activities:
- Skiing at Red Lodge Mountain Resort
- Driving the scenic Beartooth Highway
- Attending the Red Lodge Music Festival
22. Shelby
- Cost of Buying a Home: A+
- Healthcare Access: B-
- Weather: C-
- Cultural Activities: C
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: B-
Shelby, with a population of 3,303, offers exceptionally affordable housing in northern Montana’s open plains. With median home prices around $165,000, the mortgage affordability here is outstanding for retirees seeking to minimize housing costs while still enjoying Montana living.
The town features the Marias Museum of History and Art and hosts the annual Marias Fair, while nearby Marias River and Tiber Reservoir provide good fishing and water recreation. Marias Medical Center offers essential healthcare services locally, and Great Falls International Airport is about an hour and a half away for travel options.
Three main activities:
- Fishing at Tiber Reservoir
- Exploring the Marias Museum of History and Art
- Day trips to Glacier National Park (1.5 hours away)
23. Stevensville
- Cost of Buying a Home: C+
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B-
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: B
Stevensville, with a population of 2,274, sits in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley, offering historic charm as Montana’s oldest permanent settlement. Median home prices around $425,000 reflect the valley’s popularity, and potential homebuyers should consider that getting a home loan here could be more expensive than in some other Montana locations.
The town features the Stevensville Historical Museum and hosts various community events, while the surrounding Bitterroot Mountains and Sapphire Mountains provide stunning backdrops for outdoor activities. Community Medical Center and St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, about 30 minutes away, provide comprehensive healthcare, and Missoula International Airport offers convenient travel options.
Three main activities:
- Exploring Historic St. Mary’s Mission
- Hiking in the nearby Bitterroot Mountains
- Bird watching at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge
24. Thompson Falls
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: C+
- Weather: B-
- Cultural Activities: C
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: C
Thompson Falls, with a population of 1,516, offers peaceful retirement living with scenic mountain and river views at prices that won’t break the bank. With median home prices around $245,000, it’s a relatively affordable option for homeownership in western Montana’s beautiful landscape.
The town features the Old Jail Museum and hosts the annual Sanders County Fair, while the Clark Fork River and surrounding Cabinet Mountains provide excellent fishing, hunting, and hiking. Clark Fork Valley Hospital offers essential healthcare services locally, though the nearest commercial airport is in Missoula, about 90 minutes away.
Three main activities:
- Fishing on the Clark Fork River
- Viewing Thompson Falls Dam and waterfall
- Hiking in the nearby Cabinet Mountains Wilderness
25. Three Forks
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: B-
- Weather: B-
- Cultural Activities: B-
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: A-
Three Forks, with a population of 1,987, sits at the historic headwaters of the Missouri River, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The median home price of around $310,000 represents good value for retirees looking to balance affordability with location and amenities.
The town features the Headwaters Heritage Museum and Lewis and Clark exhibitions, while the convergence of three rivers provides excellent fishing and water recreation opportunities. While Three Forks lacks its own hospital, Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital is about 30 minutes away, and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is just 25 minutes away for easy travel.
Three main activities:
- Exploring Missouri Headwaters State Park
- Visiting the nearby Lewis and Clark Caverns
- Fishing at the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers
Sources:
- U.S. Census Bureau – https://www.census.gov
- Montan Demographics – https://www.montana-demographics.com/cities_by_population
- Montana Department of Commerce – https://commerce.mt.gov
- Empower – https://www.empower.com/the-currency/life/best-places-to-retire-in-montana
- Niche – https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/search/best-places-to-retire/s/montana
- NewHomeSource – https://www.newhomesource.com/learn/best-places-to-retire-in-montana
- Zillow – https://www.zillow.com
- Realtor.com – https://www.realtor.com
- Redfin – https://www.redfin.com
- 1st Choice Realty Montana – https://www.1stchoicerealtymt.com/featured-properties
- University of Montana – https://www.umt.edu
- Montana State University – https://www.montana.edu
- Great Falls Tribune – https://www.greatfallstribune.com
- Billings Gazette – https://billingsgazette.com
- Missoulian – https://missoulian.com
- Bozeman Daily Chronicle – https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com
- Helena Independent Record – https://helenair.com
- Cat Country 102.9 – https://catcountry1029.com/ixp/1152/p/best-place-to-retire-in-mt
