Relocation guide
Moving to Great Falls, Montana.
A local's guide to living in Great Falls and buying a home here, from someone who was born and raised in town.
"Giant Springs State Park (4)" by Chris06 — CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Great Falls at a glance.
- Population: 60,442 in the city and 84,414 in Cascade County at the 2020 Census (U.S. Census Bureau). Great Falls is the county seat.
- Home prices: a median sale price of $349,733 in the city for Jul–Sep 2026, with a median of 51 days on market (Redfin).
- Cost of living: about 2% below the national average, per Redfin as of October 2026.
- Setting: on the Missouri River in Central Montana, with I-15 running through town and Great Falls International Airport on the edge of the city.
Figures pulled October 23, 2026. Each one is labeled with its source and dates.
Living here
What day-to-day life looks like.
Outdoors. The River's Edge Trail follows the Missouri through town, and Giant Springs State Park is right here. Lakes, rivers, and mountain country are within a drive.
Schools. Great Falls Public Schools runs the city's public schools, with two main high schools, Great Falls High and C.M. Russell High. School assignment depends on the exact address, so check before you buy.
Health care. Benefis Health System is the region's major hospital.
Arts and history. The C.M. Russell Museum and a long river history. Read the short history of Great Falls.
Weather. Four real seasons. Winters are cold, and it can be windy, so ask about garages, heating, and insulation when you look at homes.
Utilities, county offices, and school links are on the local resources page.
Where to live
Neighborhoods and nearby towns.
Every part of town has something different to offer, and the right fit depends on your budget, commute, and the kind of home you want. Small towns like Belt, Cascade, Vaughn, Ulm, Sun River, Fort Shaw, and Simms add acreage and a quieter pace.
Buying from out of town
How I help relocating buyers.
- Live video walkthroughs, so you can see a home before you travel
- Honest notes on condition, the street, and what's nearby
- Local lenders, inspectors, and contractors I trust
- Help with the offer, inspection, and closing, even from a distance
Buying your first home? The Montana Board of Housing offers loans and down payment assistance for eligible buyers (Montana Department of Commerce). More on the buying page.
Buyer reviews
What buyers say.
5.0 on Google (32 reviews) and 5.0 on Zillow (12 reviews), as of October 2026. Quoted word for word; names shortened for privacy.
Trevor was amazing to work with. We didn’t live in state while we were searching for a home and he went above and beyond when it came to helping us! I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a realtor!
As a first time home buyer I am grateful that I had Trevor by my side. He was very professional and personable, which made buying a house an enjoyable experience. His thoroughness made the process Easy and smooth. He is very communicative and was great at giving the right advice.
I had the pleasure of working with Trevor, and I cannot recommend him highly enough! From our very first interaction, Trevor was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to helping me find the perfect home. He took the time to understand my needs and preferences, making sure we only saw properties that matched my criteria….despite it changing on a regular basis. He was able to be flexible as our preference changed which is true testament of his patience and customer service. Thank you again for the time and attention you spent with us along the journey of home buying / building.
Worked with me? Leave a review
FAQ
Moving to Great Falls: common questions
Is Great Falls, MT a good place to live?
It depends on what you're looking for. People often tell me they like the river and trails, the parks, the small-city pace, and having the mountains within a drive. Winters are cold and it can be windy. I'm happy to give you an honest local take on any part of town.
What is the cost of living in Great Falls?
Redfin estimated Great Falls' overall cost of living at about 2% below the national average as of October 2026 (Redfin). Housing, taxes, and utilities vary by home, so ask me about a specific property.
How much does a home cost in Great Falls?
The median sale price in the City of Great Falls was $349,733 for Jul–Sep 2026 (Redfin). Prices vary a lot by size, age, condition, and location. See the housing market page for more.
Are there first-time home buyer programs in Montana?
Yes. The Montana Board of Housing offers home loans and down payment assistance for eligible buyers, with income and purchase price limits (Montana Department of Commerce). Terms change, so check with a participating lender. I can connect you with local lenders.
Can I buy a home in Great Falls without visiting first?
Many out-of-town buyers start with live video walkthroughs, photos, and video tours, then visit for the homes they like most. We'll plan the approach that fits your timing.
Contact
Moving to Great Falls?
Call, text, or email, or use the form.

- Phone406-781-1012
- Emailtboltonrealestate@gmail.com
- BrokerageHomeSmart Realty Partners
