Montanas wide-open spaces and up-and-coming cities are calling.

If youre considering a move to the Treasure State yourself, youre not alone.

Below, here are eight of the best places to live in Montana.

View of Missoula from Mount Sentinel, in Missoula, Montana

Credit:Jon Bilous/Getty Images

Unsurprisingly, youll have to shell out a decent amount to live here.

Bigfork

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Bigfork is one of the Flathead Valley’s little sweethearts, says Burgard.

Many people gravitate to Bigfork for a quieter way of life.

Woman mountain biking on mountain trail in Whitefish, Montana

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[Theres] a very tight-knit community year-round with plenty to do, she adds.

Bigfork home values did skyrocket between 2020 and 2021, but theyre currently experiencing a slightly more gradual increase.

Bozeman

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The pandemic spurred a tsunami of people moving toBozemanfrom out of state.

Swan River Bigfork Montana in summer. No People. Objects of family life in water. Homes with boats docked.

Swan River in Bigfork, Montana.Solidago/Getty Images

As a result, the market boomed.

Bozeman is an expensive town comparable to the California market.

However, it offers a very diverse lifestyle.

Rolling mountains along a lake

Houses along the water in Big Sky, Montana.Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure

Columbia Falls has been up-and-coming for as long as I can remember, says Burgard.

Recently, however, its catching the eyes of families looking to relocate to small-town Montana.

There are lots of unique restaurants, breweries, a farmers market, hiking trails, and golf courses.

Aerial view of Main Street in downtown Bozeman Montana at sunset.

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Hamilton also appeals to those interested in history.

Livingston

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Not sold on Bozeman?

Look at the real estate listings in Livingston.

Late light falling on the Flathead River in Bad Rock Canyon near Columbia Falls, Montana, USA

Fall foliage along the water in Columbia Falls, Montana.Danita Delimont/Adobe Stock

Youll likely end up wanting to spend most of your time at home, though.

before you roll to picture your life in Livingston, lets take a look at the numbers.

With Livingston as your home base, youll also be able to explore the larger Paradise Valley.

Farm buildings in front of a mountain

A farm in Hamilton, Montana.vesperstock/Adobe Stock

Plus, she adds, the relatively reasonable housing prices are a major win.

While the average home value still isnt cheapZillowreports $553,199, as of April 2025renting could be another option.

Historic building fronts on Main Street, Livingston, Montana, USA

Stores along Livingston’s Main Street.Mark Miller Photos/Getty Images