The state of Montana is sparsely populated when compared to other states, as Billings, which is the most populated city, has only a little over 100,000 people. The capital of Montana is Helena, with a population of only about 28,000. Great Falls and Missoula are a couple of the other most populated hubs, with in the neighborhood of 50,000-70,000 people. After that the 56 counties of the state are made up with many smaller towns and communities.
One of the many things that you may appreciate about Montana is the cost of living. The cost of living in Montana is 6.3% lower than the rest of the country, making it a tempting destination for retirement living. In addition, Montana is one of the few states left that does not have sales tax, so many people find that the costs are much less than what they have grown used to when living in more metropolitan areas. Montana also has relatively low property taxes as well, coming in at ab out 1.19% lower than national averages. Tax rates are usually determined by location in relation to cities, counties, and school districts.
If you are looking for cuisine when it comes to Montana, you will find the food to be diverse, depending upon location. Overall, Montana is known for its cattle as well as pigs and hogs, so you will find some of the best steaks around at the various Montana eateries. Many delicacies exist in various regions of the state, from the huckleberries of western Montana to the elk burgers and bison burgers of the upper crust restaurants.
Here are some other pro’s to making Montana your home in your retirement years:
1) Yellowstone National Park. If this national treasure doesn’t perk your interest, then nothing will!
2) Glacier National Park. The only location perhaps as scenic and breathtaking as Yellowstone is Glacier Park in the north-western region of the states.
3) Low taxes. Nothing more needs to be said here.
4) No tolls. You will not find any tolls as you drive around the vast state of Montana. Once again, this weighs into the lower cost of living that the state provides.
5) Less dense population. If you like your space and don’t want to live right on top of your next-door neighbors, Montana provides that in a big way.
6) Outdoor activities. Whether its fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, golfing, skiing, horse back riding, or anything else you can think of, if it takes place outdoors, Montana provides it.
7) Liberty minded people. Montanans like their freedom and if you don’t need a new law every time you turn around, Montana is probably the place for you.
8) Living in Montana offers options that you just plain will not find in any other state. If you like a more cosmopolitan type area, then the bigger cities such as Billings and Missoula offer that, while still having outdoor activities right out your window. If isolation is what you seek, you can purchase a property that requires you drive 30 minutes just to retrieve your mail. You may not even have a neighbor and if you do, you may never see them!
9) The great outdoor living is in general, healthy. Montana is rated as the least obese state in the nation.
Again, if you like to experience all four seasons, Montana offers that where other states do not. As opposed to somewhere like Phoenix Arizona, where you get extreme heat in the spring/summer/fall, along with very temperate, beautiful winters, Montana will run the gamut. In certain parts of the state it may be -25 degrees in the winter and 95 degrees in the summer.
Overall, like most places, there are pros and cons to living in Montana. No place is perfect and Montana is no exception to that rule. However, there are some aspects to life in Montana that you will not find anywhere else that you may consider for your retirement living. It is up for you to decide if those aspects appeal to you, your family, and your way of life.
Many folks find Montana to be the ultimate place to live in their retirement. You might try it and feel that way too.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about finding your new home in Montana!
