5 Small Towns In Montana To Put Down Roots In

If you're looking for a small town to put down roots in, consider the small towns in Montana. Montana is the fourth-largest state but has only about 1 million people in it, making it one of the least populated states in the United States. In fact, it is 48th in population density when compared to the other 50 states. About a third of Montana is public land which makes the wide open spaces that much more open. With so many small towns in Montana -- the entire state has cities that look like towns to most folks -- it's hard to choose one. Whether you're looking to get away from it all, or whether you're looking for a place with a little infrastructure nearby, you're likely to find a town that's right for you. The main thing to keep in mind with Montana is that you're not going to find huge shopping malls, concerts, or cultural attractions here. While Montanans are indeed civilized, they pretty much expect long drives to get food and services. So, let's look at some of the towns that are noteworthy in Montana.

Livingston, Montana

Just north of Yellowstone National Park is Livingston, Montana. Surrounded by the Gallatin National Forest, Livingston, Montana has a little over 7000 people in it. Located on the Yellowstone River, Livingston was originally a trading post. It became a vital stop for the Northern Pacific Railway and the first gateway town into Yellowstone. Livingston was ranked #7 as one of the safest places in Montana when it comes to crime. Not surprisingly, the main attraction to Livingston, Montana is its location to the national park, to the Yellowstone River, to the Bridger Bowl Ski Resort, and People who live in Livingston, Montana do so for the lifestyle and not for the job opportunities that present themselves. You're more likely to meet hunters, anglers, skiers, snowmobilers, hikers, campers, and other people who chose Livingston, Montana as their home because of the recreational opportunities. Chico Hot Springs. Tourism is the main economy and Livingston Montana.

Hamilton, Montana

In the southern part of the Bitterroot is the town of Hamilton, Montana. Hamilton, Montana has close to 4500 people and isn't that far off from the bigger town of Missoula, Montana. Marcus Daly, the copper baron, founded Hamilton. Despite its diminutive size, Hamilton is big when it comes to microbiological research. You may not of heard of Hamilton, but it has the Rocky Mountain laboratories and a facility owned by GlaxoSmithKline. Hamilton is surrounded by the Sapphire and Bitterroot Mountains and has farms and ranches surrounding it as well. Hamilton High School was ranked #5 of top schools in Montana by US News & World Report. Recreational opportunities include hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling, boating, cross-country skiing, and other types of outdoor recreation.

Red Lodge, Montana

If you are an avid skier, you should consider living in Red Lodge, Montana. With a population of only 2125, you're likely to have a little bit of breathing room and a place to set down roots and make it your own. Red Lodge is home to Red Lodge Mountain Resort. If you're desperate for the big city, Billings, Montana is about an hour away. With skiing, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and backpacking literally outside your door, you can't go wrong choosing Red Lodge, Montana. Red Lodge High School was the #2 best school in Montana according to US News & World Report. Red Lodge also rounded out the top 10 for best school districts. Red Lodge was originally designated part of the Crow Reservation in 1851 but when coal and gold were discovered on it, eventually a treaty was signed which allowed non-Native American settlements. As a typical mining town, it was a rowdy place with 20 saloons. During the Great Depression, it was known for its bootleg liquor which was shipped as far away as Chicago, Illinois and San Francisco, California.

Thompson Falls, Montana

In the far west corner of the state is Thompson Falls, Montana. With a mere 1313 population at the last census, you're sure to find peace and quiet in this true Western town. Thompson Falls is so named because of the natural waterfalls that come from the Clark Fork River. The Thompson Falls dam was built in 1915 over the original falls. Thompson Falls is nestled in a forested area, so you can enjoy the pristine wilderness that the western part of Montana has to offer. The closest major town to Thompson Falls is Missoula, Montana or Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, depending on which direction you go. According to the US Census, there's just 563 homes, making this a pleasant place to get away from it all. Thompson Falls is located in the Coeur D'Alene mountains within Lolo National Forest. There is a wealth of farms and ranches throughout the area as well as places to hunt, fish, camp, hike, horseback ride, backpack, and other outdoor activities.

Sidney, Montana

Less than 10 miles away from North Dakota is the town of Sidney, Montana. It sits on the Yellowstone River, Sidney sees a fair amount of revenue from the Bakken oilfields, ranching, and farming. Sidney is well known for sugar beets and the sugar beet factory, which was built in 1925, is the second-largest employer. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Sidney is just over 5000. The population has grown substantially due to the oil boom, but the crime rate is still well below the national average. Although the Bakken dictates the rise and fall of the economy there, ranching and farming are still a way of life for many people. Sidney, Montana is notable because it is the biggest town in Northeast Montana. It has enough infrastructure for a larger population but is small enough to where it has that small town feel. Because it is close to the Badlands of North Dakota, there are ample recreational opportunities available including hunting and fishing.