11 Of The Best Affordable Towns To Retire In Montana
Montana is as rugged as it gets. It's 147,000 square miles and includes landmarks such as Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, and Flathead Lake. The views are spectacular, and the weather can be tough, especially during the winter. But for retirees looking to spend their golden years among the wilderness with all the scenic beauty the state can offer, Montana never falls short.
According to Zillow, Montana's median home value is $452,000. While Montana isn't exactly among the most affordable states to retire in, there are several towns where retirees can stretch their dollars while living in comfort among natural beauty.
Dillon
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and located in the southwestern part of the state, Dillon's median home value of $370,000 makes it a great, affordable choice for retirees who value affordability, natural beauty, and a tight-knit community. Eclectic shops, including Beaverhead Bikes & Coffee, offer bike sales and repair alongside homemade coffee. The 9-hole green at Beaverhead Golf Course is a popular attraction for golf enthusiasts. Hiking, biking, fishing, and camping are all popular pastimes in Dillon's surrounding wilderness, especially at locations like Clark's Lookout State Park.
Ghost towns are common throughout Montana, and Bannack State Park preserves the ghost town of Bannack, located just a half-hour's drive west of Dillon. Another nearby ghost town, Coolidge, is just over an hour's drive north of Dillon in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.
Butte
Affordable housing is within reach in Butte, with median home values around $270,000. Retirees interested in Butte's history can check out the Dumas Brothel, which operated for almost a century from 1890 to 1982. The once-infamous brick building now serves as a local history museum showcasing the brothel's history, including its Victorian bedrooms.
Butte's less risque attractions include the World Museum of Mining, with its displays of historic mining equipment dating back to the 1870s. One of Butte's most iconic monuments is easy to see from anywhere in town: Our Lady of the Rockies, a 90-foot statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary dedicated to women and mothers, is one of the tallest statues in the United States and stands atop the Continental Divide. Butte has several mines that have been decommissioned, but still serve as attractions: Lexington Mine, Berkeley Pit Viewing Stand, and Kelley Mine Yards are all interesting sites that educate residents about the town's rich mining history.
Ekalaka
One of the most affordable towns in the state, with a median home value of $161,000, Ekalaka is as eccentric as its name. It sits nestled in the scenic Russell Creek Valley and is best known for its dinosaur fossils, mostly from the Hell Creek Formation. The Carter County Museum displays artifacts and exhibits depicting the town's early days, including the time of the dinosaurs. Nearby Medicine Rocks State Park offers hiking, camping, biking, and more, making it perfect for retirees who enjoy picnicking or hiking amid the breathtaking scenery.
Havre
The north-central Montana town of Havre lies just south of the Milk River. With a median home value of $224,000, it's an attractive retirement community with plenty of scenery and outdoor recreation. Rod's Drive-In is a popular local hotspot for its hamburgers. For retirees looking for a good meal while trying their luck on the slot machines, Duck Inn Restaurant & Casino is the perfect dining experience.
Havre Beneath the Streets is a popular attraction that offers an underground tour of the town. When a fire broke out and destroyed Havre, business owners took their business underground so that business could carry on as usual.
Glendive
It's all about dinosaurs in Glendive, as evidenced by the Glendisaurus (Triceratops) Statue greeting visitors coming into town from the north. The Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum is one of the town's most popular attractions for all ages. With a median home price of $182,000, Glendive is an attractive town for retirees seeking outdoor adventure.
The Frontier Gateway Museum offers free admission, making it an excellent regular stop for retirees (and the grandkids when they come to visit). Stargazing in the Makoshika State Park is something no retiree wants to miss, especially on summer nights. The park offers hiking, biking, and more, all against the backdrop of jaw-dropping Montana mountain scenery.
Glendive also has no shortage of great brews. The Gust Hauf and Cross Country Brewing are two popular hotspots for great food and even better handcrafted beer.
White Sulphur Springs
Located about an hour and a half east of Helena, White Sulphur Springs is a small, quiet mountain town with a median home value of $303,000. The town's most popular attraction is the Castle Museum and Carriage House, which features a granite castle built in 1892, filled with relics and artifacts from the region's history.
Porphyry Peak is just north of White Sulphur Springs along Highway 89 and offers spectacular views of the Lewis and Clark National Forest. In town, the Meagher County Community Center offers fitness classes and other activities, and eateries like The Jawbone and Jesse Pepper's Smoke Shack make for a great meal.
Forsyth
Forsyth sits along the southern banks of the Yellowstone River in the southeastern region of the state and has one of the lowest median home values in the state: $205,000. Retirees in Forsyth can enjoy fishing and boating on the river, with the West Rosebud Fishing Access making it easy to reel one in on a sunny summer afternoon. Due to Forsyth's location in the southeastern Montana badlands, the town offers unique scenery.
The Rosebud County Pioneer Museum has various artifacts from the town's history, such as its pioneer days and Native American culture and influence. For Friday night dinner or just a weekday lunch, retirees can pay a visit to Six Gun Pizza or Speedway Diner.
Thompson Falls
Just south of the Thompson Falls State Park and nestled along the banks of the Thompson Falls Reservoir, Thompson Falls is a peaceful, scenic town with a median home value of $378,000. The Historic High Bridge and the David Thompson Monument are popular points of interest. For energizing morning strolls or quiet evening walks, Island Park and Power Park are right along the riverbanks and provide unbeatable scenery.
Golf enthusiasts will love the mountainous greens at River's Bend Golf Course. And for an adventurous weekend, retirees can experience an old-fashioned ranger's lookout point at Cougar Peak Lookout. Minnie's Montana Cafe offers a range of traditional homestyle dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For something a little more upscale, retirees can try the brews at Limberlost Brewing Company.
Harlowton
With a median home value of $144,000, it's easy to see why Harlowton is such an attractive retirement option. Situated in the center of the state on the north shores of the Musselshell River, Harlowton has several unique points of interest, including the Upper Musselshell Museum with its exhibits of fossils, trains, and other artifacts from the town's history.
One of Harlowton's most famous attractions is E57B: The Last Electric Locomotive. This historical marker denotes the end of the Milwaukee Road 657, and where the last operating locomotives from General Electric's original 84 engines built in 1915.
Jawbone Creek Country Club is the perfect spot for golf enthusiasts, with the Harlowton Milwaukee Depot Museum providing eye-catching exhibits, education, and fun for all ages.
Plentywood
The town of Plentywood is as memorable as its name, and with a median home value of $152,000, it's an attractive option for retirees looking for a scenic yet affordable retirement. The Great Northern Depot, located near the center of town, provides some of the town's most memorable scenery.
Shopping is a fun and popular pastime in Plentywood, with antique stores like The Attic and local coffee shops such as The Copper Cup providing cozy fun, especially during the winter when hiking trails are closed. During the summer, the Sheridan County Fair is in full swing, providing fun for all ages. Boxelder Lake sits just north of town, with ample boating, fishing, and swimming.
Miles City
Miles City features wine, golf, and even a cowboy museum, as well as a median home value of $228,000. The Range Riders Museum is a popular hotspot featuring antiques and historic equipment used by the region's early settlers.
The William Harmon House is well-known in and beyond the town for its stunning Queen Anne architecture. Retirees can catch a show at the Montana Theater, or check out the gifts at The Girl Ran Away With The Spoon before sitting down at a table at the Ugly Mug. For sports enthusiasts, Miles City Country Club is located just north of the Spotted Eagle Lake and Recreation Area. For a sophisticated experience, the Tongue River Winery offers tastings.
A Scenic, Budget-Conscious Retirement
Deciding on a retirement town is a large commitment, and one that looks different for every retiree. But whether a retiree is looking for outdoor recreation with plenty of thrills and natural beauty, or a cozy shopping experience against a scenic backdrop, these Montana towns never disappoint.
The state offers a lot, especially when it comes to retirement. While many areas, like Kalispell or Bozeman, can have higher-than-average costs of living, the wallet-friendly Montana towns welcome retirees and offer a strong sense of community.
