Montana is fairly isolated. But most Montana residents don’t mind—they like their wide open space. Known as the “Big Sky State,” Montana is famous as an iconic landscape of the American West.
Montana is a stunning state offering a wide variety of landscapes, including the dramatic Bitterroot and Rocky Mountains, deserts, and sweeping plains—and its fishing is world-renowned. Glacier National Park may be one of the most beautiful parks in the country—it’s off the beaten path, but well worth the drive, encompassing 1.3 million acres of unspoiled natural beauty. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for hiking, riding, hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities, Montana may be the perfect place to retire.
And retirees are catching on. Over one in eight of Montana’s inhabitants are now over 65, making Montana the fourth oldest state in the country. As a result, the number of assisted living and independent living options—as well as the amount of available health care—has increased to accommodate the growing retiree population.
Montana may be more affordable than most other states along the West Coast such as California and Oregon, but compared to the national average, it comes out on the high side. Housing prices are high compared to the national average, despite the relatively low median income level. Social Security income and federal, state, and local pensions are all subject to state-level income taxes.
There are plenty of ideal assisted living communities in Montana—in both large cities and small towns. These include:
Bozeman
Located just over 90 miles north of Yellowstone National Park and nestled among the Rocky Mountains, Bozeman is ideal for retirees who are looking for a quiet place to enjoy the great outdoors. There’s exceptional skiing at the Big Sky Ski Resort, and hiking through gorgeous foothills and canyons in the warmer months. Boseman is close to the Yellowstone, Gallatin, and Madison Rivers—all popular destinations for fly fishing. The downtown area offers historic buildings, cafés and boutiques, and numerous art, music, and cultural events.
Billings
Montana’s largest city, Billings has over 500,000 inhabitants. The city offers two Level II trauma hospitals, known for their world-class cardiac surgery department. There are also numerous other hospitals and health care facilities in the area. Activities in and near Billings include hiking, fishing, skiing, boating, golf, biking, concerts, food fairs, and rodeos. There are numerous events, fairs and festivals throughout the year centered on food, art, music, and more.
Helena
A sophisticated college town, Helena is home to Carroll College and the University of Montana Helena College of Technology. The surrounding landscape offers plenty of opportunities for avid boaters, fishing enthusiasts, hikers, bikers, golfers, and more. You’ll find historical and art museums, theatres, symphonies, and other cultural attractions in Helena’s downtown area, as well as a variety of historical buildings—including the beautiful St. Helena Cathedral and the Westside Mountain District.
Missoula
Located in western Montana, Missoula is the state’s second largest city. And it’s growing—with the third largest actual growth throughout the state. Home to the University of Montana, Missoula offers plenty of cultural and artistic events, as well as a thriving film and theatre scene, art galleries, and an influential music scene. The city is also located near the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
If you’re looking for Montana assisted living communities, you’ve come to the right place. We offer a comprehensive listing of assisted living facilities in Montana, as well as independent living communities, home care, and more. Check out our listing of senior communities in Montana, and find your ideal retirement community right here.
