Montana Real Estate Market
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Originally Posted On: https://exprealty.com/us/mt/
The typical home value in Montana sits just under $450,000. While this is above national averages, it is partly a representation of the types of real estate you would find in Montana. The average home in Montana is over 2,000 square feet, making it the fourth largest average home size in the United States. Because of the sprawling land and light population, houses for sale in Montana skew larger, so it is a great state for those looking to upgrade.
Throughout Montana, you’ll find pockets where there is a larger community and many real estate for sale, such as Bozeman or Big Sky. These more popular areas can be called cities but don’t look like many American cities, with few high rises or skyscrapers. Instead, you will find town squares lined with single-family homes like you may imagine in a suburb elsewhere. Nonetheless, Bozeman itself has become the technology and cultural hub of Montana and is now one of the fastest-growing towns in the country, with high livability scores.
Nearly every real estate for sale in Montana has a yard of some sort, if not acreage to spare. In more rural areas, you are likely to even find farmland if you are looking to take a more homestead approach to living.
In terms of amenities, the weather here means you will see central heating in almost any Montana real estate, but not much central air conditioning. With an average annual temperature barely above freezing, it’s unlikely you will miss the cool air, though it is becoming more popular in new builds.
Schools in Montana
Montana real estate has access to 161 school districts, but they are not necessarily the same as other states’ schools. Because of the spread-out nature of Montana’s population, schools are not always organized into districts. Many schools are self-administered and considered individual districts by organizations like the National Center for Education Statistics. However, these schools rank well, with most students scoring at least average in math and reading proficiency. A unique requirement in the state requires high school students to complete at least one credit in vocational or technical education, lending itself to some of Montana’s largest industries.
Bozeman has some of the highest-rated schools in the state, especially when it comes to elementary schools. Cottonwood School is the highest-ranked elementary school in the state, and Gallatin Gateway is nearby, coming in as the number one high school. With 16 total schools, the Gallatin County district is one of the largest in the state, reflecting the growing size of the city. Bozeman is also home to Montana State University.
The city ranked first in education is Elliston, Montana. The small town has only 225 residents and is primarily a teaching and farming community, but the schools are well regarded, and some people from the surrounding cities attend for the beloved teachers in Elliston.Other school districts with good reputations include Belgrade and Luther.
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana Real Estate
What is the nearest commercial airport in Montana?
Montana’s largest international airport is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. There are five other international airports in the state, as well as many regional airports.
What major landmarks/attractions are a must-see for Montana?
Known as the Crown of the Continent, Montana real estate has access to Glacier National Park and its mountain ranges, alpine meadows, thick forests, waterfalls, lakes, and of course, glaciers. Anyone looking for an adventure will enjoy the park’s famous hiking routes, campgrounds, and Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Some of the biggest skiing in America is also available in Montana at their 15 ski resorts, especially Big Sky Resort. The slopes here average around 400 inches of snow per year across their nearly 6,000 acres of land. When you’re done skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy the full resort experience.
Montana also boasts two entrances to Yellowstone National Park, multiple caverns and parks, water-based activities, and museums devoted to the state’s rich mining history.
Where is the best place to live in Montana if you have horses?
The large area in Montana real estate and many farms and ranches make it an ideal place to have horses and other animals. Flathead Valley is known for its fresh air, mountain trails, and wide-open spaces, making it a particularly attractive area for horse owners. Flathead Valley also has many ranches, riding clubs, and stables.
Is Montana a good place for retirement?
The slow-paced nature of Montana draws many retirees, as long as they are willing to contend with harsh winters. The state has no sales tax, making it affordable for many on a fixed income, and is moderately friendly when it comes to taxes.
What is the biggest city to live in Montana?
The largest city in Montana is Billings, with a population of about 110,000 people. It is located in south central Montana in Yellowstone County. Missoula and Great Falls are also largely populated areas. And while Bozeman is the fourth largest city, it is also the most rapidly growing city in Montana.
What jobs are there in Montana?
Much of Montana’s economy is based in agriculture, oil and mining, forestry, and other areas that do not lend themselves to large employers- but about one-third of the state falls into this category. Local universities and governments also offer a good bit of employment for locals, alongside tourism industry jobs to keep Montana’s many attractions running. Bozeman is known as a tech haven of sorts and is the go-to place for burgeoning companies to set up headquarters.
What is the weather like in Montana?
Montana is generally a very cold state, with an annual average temperature of just 36.8 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer highs rarely go above 65 degrees, and the state has a high precipitation rate when it comes to both snow and rain. Between the summer and winter, Montana also has a beautiful fall and crisp spring.
Living in Montana
Much of the experience of living in Montana real estate is focused on the outdoors. Many residents work outside, like ranchers and those in the oil industry, but even those with office jobs tend to spend their free time outside hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, canoeing, and enjoying the beautiful scenery in the state.
Winter sports are a particularly big event in Montana, with 15 ski areas and resorts in the state, including the famous Big Sky Ski Resort. Snowboarders and snowmobile enthusiasts can also enjoy the snow that is around almost all winter.
In the warmer months, attention turns to hunting and fishing. While these are recreational activities for some, many people in Montana live off of their game and rely on these seasons to feed them through the winter. The state is also heavily dependent on agriculture and livestock- in fact, more cows live in Montana than people! Even if you aren’t planning to be a farmer yourself, you will likely interact with a few bonafide cowboys throughout your time.
Attractions in Montana
Montana has several city centers, including Billings and Bozeman, for those who want to find more urban Montana real estate. You will find a large craft brewing scene in all these areas, with 53 licensed breweries in the state. For those further out, home brewing kits are popular in Montana so that everyone can participate. Many of the more popular areas are college towns, so you can expect to see an infusion of arts and culture in these areas.
In fact, one of the biggest events of the year is the Brawl of the Wild. While you’d be forgiven for assuming this involved wildlife, it is actually the annual college football game between the University of Montana Grizzlies and the Montana State Bobcats. Also known as Cat-Griz or Griz-Cat, this is one of the nation’s older college football rivalries and draws people from all over the state to celebrate the friendly brawl.
Montana is also an unexpected haven for writers, with Livingston housing more writers than any other city in America. Located along the Yellowstone River in southern Montana, Livingston’s residents include Thomas McGuane and Doug Peacock. Elk River Books is a hot spot for author events as well as an antiquarian and used bookstore with a huge selection of rare and collectible outdoor literature. Surrounding Elk River Books are a selection of book stores, art galleries, and a beautiful main street set against the backdrop of the mountains.
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