Montana
8 Best Places To Retire In Montana
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.
Montana
Montana Supreme Court Decides International Child Custody Case – Transnational Litigation Blog
Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay
The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act discourages forum shopping in child custody disputes by assigning subject-matter jurisdiction to the court located in the “home state” of the child. In Allen v. Allen, decided on April 21, 2026, the Montana Supreme Court had to determine whether the child’s “home state” was Montana or the Netherlands. This case shines an important spotlight on the importance of timing in international child custody disputes. The left-behind parent’s likelihood of success is strongly correlated with how quickly he or she acts to vindicate their legal rights.
Facts
Jonathan Edward Allen (Father) and Petronella Gerline (Van Oosterom) Allen (Mother) were married in Colorado in 2009. Father is a United States citizen. Mother is a dual citizen of the United States and the Netherlands. Their child (R.A.A.) was born in 2015. In 2020, the family moved from Colorado to Montana.
In August 2023, after Father and Mother began having marital difficulties, Mother and R.A.A. relocated to the Netherlands. In February 2024, Mother filed a petition for divorce and custody with the District Court of Central Netherlands (Netherlands District Court).
In January 2025, Father filed a petition with the District Court of The Hague seeking the return of R.A.A. pursuant to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. This petition was denied. Although the court held that R.A.A. had been wrongfully removed from the United States, the court reasoned that the one-year automatic return period had passed and that R.A.A. had become settled in her new environment in the Netherlands. This decision was affirmed on appeal.
In September 2025, Father filed an Emergency Motion for Temporary Custody and Petition for Permanent Parenting Plan in Montana state court. That court dismissed the petition on the grounds that it lacked subject-matter jurisdiction. Specifically, it held that it lacked the power to adjudicate the dispute because Montana was no longer the “home state” of R.A.A. Father, acting pro se, appealed to the Montana Supreme Court.
Analysis
The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) assigns exclusive subject-matter jurisdiction to courts located in the child’s “home state” when it comes to matters relating to child custody. The “home state” is “the state in which a child lived with a parent or a person acting as parent for at least 6 consecutive months immediately before the commencement of a child custody proceeding.” The UCCJEA specifically provides that courts “shall treat a foreign country as if it were a state of the United States” for purposes of resolving these disputes.
On the facts presented in Allen v. Allen, the Montana Supreme Court correctly held that it lacked subject-matter jurisdiction to consider Father’s emergency motion. Mother and R.A.A. relocated to the Netherlands in August 2023. Six months later—in February 2024—R.A.A.’s home state shifted to the Netherlands. The Dutch courts—rather than the Montana courts—now had exclusive subject-matter jurisdiction to resolve custody disputes involving R.A.A. Father did not file his motion in Montana until September 2025, which was nineteen months too late.
Conclusion
If Father had filed his suit in Montana before February 2024, he could have shown that Montana was R.A.A.’s “home state” because the child had not yet resided in the Netherlands for six months. The suit was, however, not filed until September 2025.
If Father had filed suit in the Netherlands before August 2024, he could have argued that R.A.A. should be returned to the United States pursuant to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction because the child had not yet resided in the Netherlands for a year. The suit was, however, not filed until January 2025.
The key takeaway of Allen v. Allen is the need for speed in international child custody cases. The timelines baked into the relevant laws and treaties mandate that the left-behind parent move quickly to assert their rights. If they are slow off the mark, they be forced to litigate in foreign courts under less favorable legal rules.
MISSOULA, Mont. — The Clark Fork River has long been a defining feature of Missoula, shaping the city’s culture, economy and outdoor lifestyle.
The river is so closely tied to the area that it helped inspire the well-known book and film “A River Runs Through It.” But local conservation advocates say its importance goes far beyond scenery.
“Without the Clark Fork River, Missoula would just be another town,” said Lisa Ronald, Northern Rockies associate conservation director for American Rivers. “We wouldn’t be the River City. I think we’re known in Montana as Missoula the River City, and it’s really because of the Clark Fork River and its central role in business, in economics, in recreation, that really makes Missoula the town that it is.”
Carmen Murill, a field organizer with Wild Montana, said the river is deeply woven into daily life for people who live in Missoula.
“A lot of us would wonder what to do on a beautiful or a rainy summer day,” Murill said. “I mean, it’s really a lifeforce of town. And I think it’s pretty unique that Missoula, as a community is living and breathing on both sides of the river. It’s really like two downtowns but connected by the Clark Fork.”
Conservation groups say protecting the river begins with community involvement.
Advocates encourage residents and visitors to spend time outdoors, whether on a trail, in the woods or along the river, and to learn how they can become better stewards of the environment.
MISSOULA — Sam Forstag edged out Ryan Busse to secure the Democratic nomination in Montana’s 1st Congressional District.
Busse conceded the race to Forstag on Wednesday morning. Forstag had trailed behind Busse Tuesday evening, but he made up ground as the votes were counted into the early hours of Wednesday morning. The other two candidates in the race, Russl Cleveland and Matt Rains, are sitting at third and fourth, respectively.
Forstag leads in close race for Montana’s 1st Congressional District
Forstag spent eight years as a wildland firefighter, including four as a smokejumper, and he’s been vice president of the local National Federation of Federal Employees union. Last week, U.S. House of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, held a rally in Missoula to support Forstag’s campaign.
He told MTN on Tuesday that his campaign has been for the working class.
“We got a whole lot of people here that have been working their tail off to finally get some working-class representation in Washington,” Forstag noted. “So proud of everything we’ve done and so grateful.”
Forstag further noted he wants Montanans to be able to afford groceries, have universal free childcare and restore and expand Affordable Health Care Act subsidies.
“Hearing people’s stories and struggles and commonalities in the ways that we’re all fighting in the system that does not serve us so often, and the government serves corporations and the richest people in this country more than working people. It has been frustrating and saddening, but it has also inspired so much hope in me, like the fixes we can actually make,” he told MTN.
The 1st Congressional District covers much of western Montana, including Kalispell, Missoula, Butte and Bozeman. It is currently held by Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Montana, who chose not to seek reelection.
By securing the nomination, Forstag is slated tol face off against Libertarian candidate Nick Sheedy and Republican candidate Aaron Flint in November.
-
News9 minutes agoTrump’s name must come off the Kennedy Center by June 12
-
Los Angeles, Ca2 hours agoOvernight military training brings loud flash bangs, simulated gunfire to quiet Pasadena neighborhood
-
Detroit, MI2 hours agoDetroit Lions add UDFA rookie WR during OTAs
-
San Francisco, CA2 hours agoHow to watch San Francisco Giants vs. Milwaukee Brewers
-
Dallas, TX2 hours ago3 different Cowboys 53-man roster projections pinpoint contested roster spots
-
Miami, FL2 hours agoJeff Hafley suggests Miami Dolphins entertain Malik Willis Tush Push
-
Boston, MA2 hours agoKaren Read sues the police agencies that investigated her Boston police boyfriend’s death
-
Denver, CO2 hours agoPedestrian dies after hit by car on southbound E-470, Aurora police say
