6 Towns in Montana that Are Ideal for Seniors

Montana calls to mind the quintessential traits and traditions of the American West. Sitting in the northern Rocky Mountain West, and forming part of the western border with Canada, the state's offerings abound in quality and quantity for the current or future retiree. Not for nothing is the state known as "Big Sky Country" — a place of open spaces, fresh air, and the dramatic history that has brought this land from gold-rush destination to territory to state in the past two centuries. For a senior keen to mix natural beauty, accessible and affordable healthcare, and a lively dose of the past and present, Montana may top the list as a retirement destination.

Helena

Helena, population 33,900, serves as Montana's capital city. The west-central town got its start during the gold rush of the 1860's, prompting the US federal government to establish the Montana territory in 1864. For its wealth and its opportunities, Helena became known as the "Queen City of the Rockies." That legacy shows in the city's concentration of Victorian architecture, an attraction for locals and outside visitors alike.

Active seniors can explore Helena's extensive outdoor options, including city parks, wilderness areas, and the lake-like formation on the Missouri River east of town, popular with anglers and boaters. The town features over a dozen senior communities catering to various needs, as listed in Senior Housing Net. The Masonic Home of Montana is located within the Lake Helena Wildlife Management Area, while Lake Helena itself, just west of the community, provides fresh air and tranquil scenery.

Missoula

Missoula, whose 77,000 inhabitants make it a much larger town than Helena, is the largest destination on this list. The western town's scale provides a long list of things to see and do for seniors at all levels of mobility. Sited along the Clark Fork River, in the shadow of the unusually named Mt. Jumbo, Missoula's outdoorsy side is apparent all over town. The Rattlesnake National Recreation Area offers a robust network of hiking and biking trails. For culture, seniors and visiting friends can head to the Missoula Art Museum, which showcases the best of Montana and the broader American West. The town's two historic theaters each host annual festivals, namely the International Wildlife Film Festival and the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival.

Senior living options include nearly twenty locations, including Clark Fork Riverside, which hugs the riverbank and is geared toward low-income and affordable-housing home seekers.

Butte

Butte, a town of about 35,000 residents, is situated a 120-mile drive southwest of Missoula. It emerged during the 19th-century mining boom that shaped the state, and mineral extraction remains active today. The Uptown Historic District offers a charming experience with its well-preserved, often luxurious Queen Anne style homes from the Victorian era, appealing to seniors and visitors alike. In March, the town hosts a large St. Patrick's Day celebration, highlighting its status as having the highest per-capita Irish-American population in the U.S. (Sorry, Boston!).

Butte offers nearly a dozen senior living communities, including Legion Oasis, another low-income option, which overlooks Stodden Park and the Highland View Golf Course.

Kalispell

Kalispell, with 28,500 residents, sits in Montana's northwest corner. The town is a dream for active, outdoors-loving retirees. Seniors seeking fun on the water will find it at Flathead Lake, along with the natural bounty of Glacier National Park northwest of town. To the east lies Flathead National Forest, and Kootenai National Forest lies west of town. For touches of culture and history, seek out the Conrad Mansion Museum, the former estate of Missouri River trading magnate and Kalispell town founder Charles Conrad.

Senior options in Kalispell range from personal care to less intensive senior support. The town has fifteen separate centers, more than half of them available on a low-income basis. Kallispell likewise boasts a wealth of medical centers, from the Health Center Northwest, a hospital, to surgery centers prepared for any emergency.

Livingston

Livingston, with a population of 8,800, is located just west of the Yellowstone River in Montana's southwest. Established in 1882, the town's founding was driven by the Northern Pacific Railroad's decision to establish a rail hub and train maintenance station there. Culture lovers will appreciate the Livingston Historic District, featuring highlights like the restored Livingston Depot, a train station that offers a glimpse into history. Additionally, the Yellowstone Gateway Museum allows visitors of all ages to learn about the state's natural and human past. For outdoor activities, the Custer Gallatin National Forest is south of town, home to the challenging Granite Peak, Montana's highest mountain at 12,800 feet.

Livingston has four senior living centers, two of them low-income. All four sit in Livingston's downtown.

Belgrade

Belgrade, with 12,000 residents, lies eleven miles northwest of Bozeman. The fast-growing town hosts Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport, a key travel hub for families visiting seniors, and offers a quiet yet accessible alternative to larger retirement destinations like Butte or Missoula. Green spaces dot Belgrade's downtown, making it an ideal place for walkers who want a little variety in their routine. Given its smaller size, Belgrade has fewer senior care options, with Alternative Care Services offering home care from its downtown offices. Other housing and hospital facilities operate in Bozeman, a short drive away.

Montana Offers Beauty and Variety for Retirees

With numerous features making Montana an attractive retirement destination, seniors should consider it as an ideal place to settle after their careers. Larger towns like Missoula and Helena combine city amenities with a relaxed lifestyle. Smaller communities such as Livingston and Belgrade embody the idyllic, peaceful retreat many retirees seek. Montana's varied natural beauty ensures that almost any location offers the outdoor attractions the state is known for. Whatever town a senior chooses, a rewarding retirement experience is readily accessible.