If your retirement involves forever storing your Italian suits and enjoying world-class fishing, hunting, and white water rafting, then Montana may be one of the best states in the United States to retire in. The mesmerizing views of the western mountains, especially from the shimmering lake, can make any retiree look half his age. Once again, Montana is full of great breweries. From Whitefish to Lewistown, discover his seven best retirement towns in Montana below.
whitefish
Weather permitting, Whitefish retirees can enjoy expansive views of Lake Skiles while biking along the picturesque Big Mountain Road, hiking the Lion Mountain Trailhead, or hiking to nearby Glacier. Enjoy a world of fun and adventure in national parks. Huge U-shaped valleys and gigantic granite peaks carved by ancient ice flows. When it comes to access to health care, the highly regarded Logan Health – Whitefish has been providing excellent service to area residents for over a century.
The town’s average age is 43, suggesting a social environment with a pleasant mix of young and old. Furthermore, elderly people aged 60 and over account for 28% of the population. That being said, white fish is expensive. The median listed home price in the town was $1.4 million as of March 2024.
belgrade
Often perceived as an affordable alternative to Bozeman, Belgrade’s retirement appeal is top-notch. Retirees here have access to a wide range of metropolitan facilities, including excellent hospitals. For example, Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital has been named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Respiratory Care three times in a row (2024, 2023, and 2022). Retirees here are just a short distance from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, which has direct flights to more than 20 cities in the United States. Once in a while, a bottle of Madison River Brewing Scotch Ale comes in handy. So do delicious barbecue and leisurely brunch at Bar 3 Bar-BQ on Main Street. The Gallatin River also flows nearby and provides excellent fishing opportunities. However, Belgrade’s housing market is becoming increasingly competitive.
As of March 2024, the median listed home price in Belgrade was $602,500. Homes are sold quickly and take an average of 56 days to hit the market. In comparison, it takes him 89 days in Bozeman and 108 days in the state. The average age in Belgrade is 33 years old, he is young and serious. Still, residents over 60 years old make up 13% of the population.
livingston
Surrounded by beautiful mountains, the Yellowstone River, and offering top-notch, wet whitewater rafting, Livingston is another Montana attraction that prospective retirees may want to consider. As summer approaches, we look forward to spending an afternoon at Chico Hot Springs with panoramic views of the Absaroka Mountains. Additionally, the Custer Gallatin National Forest is right in Livingston’s backyard and boasts numerous campgrounds, including Pine Creek Campground, just 15 miles south of Livingston.
As of March 2024, the median listed home price in Livingston was $625,000. This price point comes with living right next to Livingston Healthcare, winner of the 2024 Outstanding Patient Experience Award. Livingston’s average age is her 42 years, which means that she is a good mix of young and old. And since residents over 60 make up 28% of the town’s population, burglars will find people in their age group with whom to chat by the fire.
laurel
First, Laurel is relatively affordable. The median home listing price is just $392,000. The median sales price in this town is even lower at $351,600. What’s exciting about retiring here is that Billings, Montana’s largest city, is just 29 miles away. So you don’t have to worry about accessing medical care, grocery shopping, or where to enjoy a leisurely Sunday brunch.
Retirees here can enjoy fishing at the South Side Pond at Lyons Family Park, golfing at Laurel Golf Club, one of Montana’s premier private golf clubs, or enjoying nearby golf courses surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. You can also enjoy camping at Cooney State Park. Laurel’s median age is 36 years old, but residents over 60 years old make up 24% of the town’s population. So about one in four residents can hum the Beatles’ “Hey Jude” or Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Kalispell
Kalispell is located in Montana’s Flathead Valley and is one of the most pristine and relaxing golf courses in the United States. For example, Golf Digest, the world’s most read golf publication, lists Flathead as one of the top 50 golf destinations and one of the top 10 golf retirement destinations. Founded by the great Arnold Palmer, Buffalo Hill Golf Course boasts the best and largest practice facility in the Pacific Northwest. But there’s also the Northern Pines, nestled among the majestic mountain ranges of the Flathead National Forest. It’s a haven of diverse wildlife, beautiful scenery, and endless outdoor adventure opportunities.
From time to time, empty nesters will enjoy getting lost in Glacier National Forest and spending time with osprey, bald eagles, and robins. Located in both Kalispell and Whitefish, Logan Health provides excellent medical services. This town has a vibrant median age of 35 years. Still, residents over 60 years old make up 23% of the population. As of March 2024, the median home price in Kalispell was $653,200.
dillon
Dillon is a classy small town of approximately 4,300 people with a homey, welcoming atmosphere and convenient access to a variety of outdoor attractions, including Bannack State Park, the site of Montana’s first gold strike. There’s also Jackson Hot Springs in Jackson and Elkhorn Hot Springs in nearby Polaris, whose rustic cabins serve as great weekend retreats. For avid anglers, Clark’s Canyon Reservoir is convenient, as it is stocked with rainbow trout.
The median home price in Dillon was $469,000 as of March 2024. This is considering that this is her second safest city in Montana (according to Safewise) and that highly rated Barrett Hospital and healthcare are right in town, as is the University of Montana Western University. The price range seems like a steal. Due to the large number of students, Dillon’s median age is 29 years old. Still, residents over 60 years old make up her 25% of the population.
lewistown
Lewistown is a quiet, quiet little town located in the center of the state, primarily known for its blue Yogo sapphires. According to Safewise data, Lewistown is the safest city in Montana. There are numerous parks and green spaces here, including Sims Park, home of the Lewistown Farmers Market, Frog Pond, a great place for trout fishing, and the Lewistown Community Labyrinth Garden, an oasis near Frank Day Park . There’s also the nine-hole Pine Meadows Golf Course, where retirees can enjoy an afternoon tee shot amid lush greenery and beautiful rolling hills.
Lewistown has excellent amenities, including a hospital. For example, Central Montana Medical Center is a 25-bed critical access hospital with 24-hour emergency care. Lewistown’s average age is a gentle and gentle 48 years, and residents over 60 make up 37% of the population. The median home price in Lewistown was $557,500 as of March 2024.
Take-out
Boasting wide open skies, sparkling lakes, and two of the most awe-inspiring national parks anywhere in the world, outdoor enthusiasts won’t want to miss the chance to retire in Montana. Luckily, America’s third-largest state is home to many charming towns, both small and large, where life is slow-paced, residents are friendly, and opportunities for adventure abound. From Laurel, where homes are listed for a median listing price of just $392,000, to Whitefish, where homes are listed for an astonishing median listing price of $1.4 million, retirees have plenty of options.