Retiring in Montana offers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and small-town charm that’s hard to beat. Known for its low population density, Montana provides retirees with a peaceful and uncrowded environment. The state boasts relatively low property taxes and no sales tax, making it a financially attractive option. For outdoor enthusiasts, Montana’s pristine lakes, vast national forests, and iconic destinations like Glacier National Park provide endless recreation opportunities. Healthcare access is improving, with high-rated facilities in towns like Whitefish and Billings. Whether it’s fishing on the Yellowstone River, golfing in the Flathead Valley, or enjoying vibrant community events, these eight towns in Montana are some of the best places to retire in the state.

Dillon

If you enjoy small-town life in a place that feels truly safe and comfortable, consider retiring in Dillon. Dillon houses a tight-knit community of less than 4,000 people, fostering a safe and social environment for residents. A retiree here has access to a good university — the University of Montana Western — meaning one can pick a course and enjoy learning during their sunset years. Moreover, the Barrett Hospital and Healthcare has been providing amazing healthcare to residents in the area since 1989. The hospital offers senior life solutions designed to meet the needs of people 65 or older.

To stay fit, one can have a nice little walk along the Beaverhead River with trails such as the Cliff Trailhead. For a more relaxing time out, Clark Canyon Reservoir is a short drive away, perfect for trout fishing and camping. To top it off, Dillon is an affordable destination, with a median home value of $363,000. This is $90,000 less than the state average, so retirees will have lots of cash to spare.

Lewistown

You know a town is the best place to retire when a whopping 27% of its population is above the age of 65. Fitting this criteria, Lewistown offers seniors a robust social environment with plenty of like-minded people. However, aside from its near-perfect social landscape, Lewistown dabbles up as one of the safest towns in the entire state. In short — a retiree here will be at peace.

As to amenities, Lewiston has no shortage. The Lewistown Farmers Market, with its organic goods and crafts, is an excellent place for daily errands. The Central Montana Medical Center has a 24-hour emergency response, so there is no need to make a back-breaking trip out of town, especially if one is under the weather. The other nice thing is that Lewistown’s median listing home price was just $264,000, a steal by Montana standards.

Retirees have plenty of things to do in their free time, such as a stroll through the Lewistown Community Labyrinth Garden, for that one hour of calm and clarity. Or, meet up with your friends to tee off at the 9-hole Pine Meadows Golf Course. Seniors also have immediate access to Big Springs Trout Hatchery & Park, a lovely, well-manicured park with a creek twisting through it.

Whitefish

Whitefish offers natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and top-notch amenities, making it a sought-after yet pricey retirement destination. With a median home listing price of $860,000, it’s on the higher end, but alternatives like The Springs at Whitefish, a senior living community with 24/7 health staff, wellness events, and housekeeping, make life here more accessible. Their two-bedroom residences start at $8,000 monthly, providing a comfortable option for retirees seeking high-quality care. Moreover, healthcare in Whitefish is exceptional, thanks to Logan Health-Whitefish, which received a 5-star overall rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

For nature lovers, Whitefish is a paradise. Trails abound for hiking and exploring, while Whitefish Lake offers exceptional fishing opportunities. Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the western U.S., is just a short drive away. Meanwhile, Glacier National Park, with one million acres of 700 miles of Rocky Mountain trails and glacial views, promises endless adventures.

Belgrade

Belgrade is a more youthful destination, where only 7% of the locals are senior citizens. However, far from being a downside, many retirees thrive in such social settings. The youthful energy makes it a great place to live with the family, and your grandkids will always want to visit. Visiting Belgrade is also easy as Bozeman is just a blink away, meaning fantastic access to big-city amenities. Additonally, a retiree here has the Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital, a frequent winner of the America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Pulmonary Care Award.

The Gallatin River flows nearby, an international airport is a heartbeat away, and the immediate scenery is all about beautiful mountains. You will also be a short drive away from Custer-Gallatin National Forest. This two million-acre expanse opens up endless hiking, biking, and camping opportunities amidst landmarks like the Gallatin Mountains and Madison River. No matter how you spend your days, BeeHive Homes Of Belgrade is an assisted-living facility perfect for a good night’s sleep. The facility boasts a warm, residential setting with daily housekeeping, private rooms, and an outdoor courtyard.

Kalispell

Retiring in Kalispell means you will be in the Flathead Valley, one of the most unspoiled and relaxing places to play golf in the entire country. Flathead is one of the 10 best golf retirement destinations. That is according to Golf Digest, the world’s leading golf publication. So, what are your options? There is the Buffalo Hill Golf Course, which boasts one of the best practice facilities in the Pacific Northwest. Another excellent option is Northern Pines, designed by two-time U.S. Open Champion Andy North. Even beyond golf, expect the outdoors here to leave you in awe. You have the Lone Pine State Park, with its scenic overlooks, Flathead Lake, and the jaw-dropping Foy’s Lake Park, a fantastic spot for an afternoon dip.

Worried about amenities? No need. Residents in Kalispell have doorstep access to Logan Health, a 2025 winner of the Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award. The social scene is on-point, considering residents aged 60 and above comprise 18% of the population. While the median home value is a bit high at $540,000, Immanuel Living – Kalispell is an option you may want to consider, especially if your budget is tight. This senior community offers various living options, from quaint apartments at The Terraces to independent patio homes at The Cottages.

Laurel

Few towns can beat Laurel’s Fourth of July fireworks show. But that is just a tiny aspect of the town’s warmth and charm. You will enjoy a small-town feel and access to various shopping options, such as a Walmart Shopping Center for daily needs and AutoZone Auto Parts for vehicle requirements. Best of all, Laurel is less than half an hour from Billings, Montana’s largest city, offering access to endless urban amenities such as the Billings-Logan International Airport. Even with its proximity to Billings, the median home value is just $368,000 a steal compared to Montana’s average of $451,000

Those living in Laurel will find no end to the activities in town. Once in a while, an empty nester can enjoy an afternoon round of golf at the Laurel Golf Club, one of Montana’s finest private golf clubs. Moreover, you can fish at the Lion’s Family Park South Side Pond or enjoy some paddling at Cooney State Park.

Livingston

Livingston is surrounded by beautiful mountain views, ideal for the outdoorsy retiree. Plenty of natural landmarks keep residents on their feet, such as the Yellowstone River and the sprawling beauty of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Those interested in outdoor adventures can head to Custer Gallatin to attempt challenges such as the Passage Creek Falls Trailhead and Wallace Pass. On the other hand, Chico Hot Springs offers a relaxing alternative for an afternoon plunge.

While all the physical activity should keep you fit, Livingston Healthcare is right in town to cover all healthcare concerns. On the social side, Livingston residents aged 65 and above comprise 20% of the town’s population, meaning you can easily find several folks with whom you can share meaningful experiences. Meeting people is even easier thanks to Frontier Assisted Living, a warm, welcoming environment that operates on the triad of kindness, respect, and support.

Glendive

Glendive, nestled in the heart of Eastern Montana, offers retirees a serene setting with stunning landscapes and a welcoming community. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, including the breathtaking Makoshika State Park, Montana’s largest state park, known for its rugged badlands and unique rock formations. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the Yellowstone River, renowned for its trout and catfish, while Hollecker Lake provides a peaceful spot for strolling, relaxing, or people-watching. For a quiet escape, Crisafulli Lake offers a rustic charm perfect for unwinding. Meanwhile, seniors interested in golf will appreciate the scenic Cottonwood Country Club, a local gem ideal for a leisurely game.

Healthcare is a strong point in Glendive, with the Glendive Medical Center serving the community since 1913. This 25-bed acute care hospital provides 24-hour emergency services, along with full medical and surgical care, ensuring retirees have access to quality healthcare close to home. Affordability is another highlight of Glendive, as it boasts the lowest median home price on this list at just $181,000.

The Takeaway

Montana offers retirees a rare combination of breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant communities, and affordable living. From the serene landscapes of Glendive to the active social scene of Lewistown and the outdoor adventures in Whitefish, each town has its unique charm. The state ensures a comfortable retirement lifestyle with low property taxes, no sales tax, and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. Whether you prefer fishing on pristine lakes, exploring national parks, or finding tranquility in small-town living, Montana truly makes the golden years extraordinary.