Retire in Montana and Enjoy the Countries Best Treasures

Retire in Montana, the western state with many outdoor oriented activities for adults over 55. The cost of living is less than the states on the west coast. The Montana Rockies and bitterroot Mountains run through the state.

Where to Retire in Montana

Montana has wide open spaces with less than one million residents spread over 146,000 miles. There is plenty of room for active adults to breathe and enjoy the great outdoors. Montana has 59 miles of rivers and the Yellowstone National Park.

retire montana

The Park sits on top of a vast, ancient, and still active volcano. Heat pours off its underground magna chamber, and is the fuel for Yellowstone’s famous features – more than 10,000 hot springs, mud pots, terraces and geysers, including Old Faithful.

The three largest cities in Montana are:

  • Billings, Montana is the largest city in Montana with a population of over 100,000. Located in south central Montana along the Yellowstone River, Billings enjoys a four-season climate with low humidity.

    There is plenty to do from professional baseball and hockey to the symphony orchestra, theaters and an excellent zoo. If you need assisted living, Prairie Towers and Sage Towers are just two examples of high rise Montana retirement communities.

  • Bozeman, Montana is snuggled in the Rocky Mountains, just 43 miles from Yellowstone Park. Bozeman has the Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture and the Museum of the Rockies, which provide a cultural and academic pedigree to the scene.

    The Bozeman Hot Springs is a ritz spa featuring nine pools filled with hot springs water, a fitness center and a sauna.

  • Great Falls, Montana is near the center of the state, taking its name series of five waterfalls and is home to fewer than 60,000 residents. It is the third largest city in Montana and is considered one of the most affordable areas of 348 markets in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.

Retire in Montana and consider the sense of community. Each of the neighborhoods has a small town appeal with an opportunity to enjoy watching the sunset through the cottonwood trees and the severity of the huge mountains.

Outdoor Adventures in Montana

For the outdoorsy adventurist retire in Montana for year round pastimes.

In addition to skiing you’ll also find other fun activities throughout the foothills and canyons:

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  • Fly fishing

  • Camping

  • Hiking trails

  • Horseback riding

  • Dude ranch

  • Hunting

  • Golfing

If you want to take a break, visit the cafes and boutiques or attend one of the local community’s art fairs or music festivals. There are also knitting groups and even ballroom dancing competitions.

If you choose Montana, you aren’t moving for the shopping and fine dining. Montana is the epitome of natural beauty and a laid back lifestyle.

Enjoy the View in Montana

As you think about settling down, retire in Montana for the open space of the American west. Montana isn’t crowded and you have your choice of the mountains, deserts or the plains. Montana offers snowmobile tours and you’ll even see a buffalo crossing or two.

The beauty of life makes your decision to retire in Montana worth considering. You’ll have room to breathe, time to watch the cranes over your house and foxes in the fields with solitary trails and loving the summer and winter outdoor activities.

Cost of Living in Montana

In Montana you can live comfortably on a budget. The state's tax burden is low compared to the rest of the U.S., 40th overall.

The state collects income taxes at the following rates based on taxable income:

  • 1% on the first $2,600 taxable income

  • 2% between $2,601-$4,600

  • 3% between $4,601-$7,000

  • 4% between $7,001-$9,500

  • 5% between $9,501-$12,200

  • 6% between $15,601 and above

Small amounts of pension income and social security payments are not taxed, some income restrictions apply.

Montana does not have a sales tax, although the gasoline taxes are some of the highest in the nation. Only Federal Estate taxes are imposed in Montana, the state does not have an inheritance or estate tax.

The median home price is $161,000 and the median household income is $28,247.

Retire in Montana for the varied real estate markets, as compared to the rest of the country. At the top is $335,000 in Bozeman, $319,000 in Kalispell and Great Falls is $184,900. Many retirees purchase a ranch for their retirement.

You’ll find a peaceful, quiet community with great outdoor activities. Retire in Montana for the sunshine, low humidity, mild summers and snowy winters.

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