Why Service Members and Their Families Choose Great Falls, MT

Senior Airman Mary Bowers

Montana was like no place Brittany Riley had seen. But here she was, driving through rolling hills with her spouse, Andrew, an active-duty airman who was being transferred to Malmstrom Air Force Base outside of Great Falls.

Although the mountainous scenery was new, Riley discovered that Great Falls felt like home.

For service members and their families, Great Falls offers opportunities to grow their careers, explore the outdoors and join a charming community. Many veterans put down roots in the area after leaving the Air Force or Montana Air National Guard, and some relocate there after serving in other branches.

Still, Montana was different from Honolulu, Hawaii, where Riley grew up and met Andrew while he was stationed there. And it was unlike Italy, a country where they resided for four years after getting married.

“We met later in life, so he was already halfway through his career,” Riley says. “We knew Malmstrom would be his last base. Because of that, we wanted to buy a house and have the opportunity to stay longer.”

Brittany Riley

Spicing Up the Community 

Today, Riley feels that Great Falls offers much more than some may think. After just a few years, she has experienced everything from fishing, hiking and learning about the area’s Lewis and Clark history to exploring farmers markets, festivals and downtown murals in Big Sky Country.

Riley saw it as her duty to make connections in the community, especially since she and Andrew live off base. She currently serves as a branch manager for Horizon Credit Union and sits on the board of the Great Falls Development Alliance. 

In addition, she founded the International Spice District after an old friend, who is a chef, encouraged Riley to pursue this project.

“One of my former employees from when we worked in Hawaii together lived in Montana. So, I reached out and was like, ‘Hey, what do you guys need in Montana?’” Riley says. “She knew I had gone to Morocco and had sent spices to friends and family. And she was like, ‘If you could bring your spices here, we could really use that.’”

The International Spice District sells about 50 spices imported directly from Morocco. The business collaborates with local chefs to teach them how to use the spices on their menus. It also provides education and cooking classes so home chefs can use fewer common seasonings.

“I have things like 35 spice, which a lot of people don’t realize is really good for hunting or game meats,” Riley says. “I was able to showcase that you can season your lamb or elk with this.”

Brittany Riley

A Fundamental Appreciation

Of course, Riley – and most others – wouldn’t know about Great Falls if not for its military presence.

Located just east of Great Falls, Malmstrom AFB affects many aspects of life. Roughly 4,000 active-duty military and civilian workers as well as 2,500 family members live and work on or around the base, generating a $425.6 million impact on the local economy.

Great Falls is also home to the Montana Air National Guard. These specialists focus on cargo airlift capabilities with Lockheed C-130 Hercules airplanes and Red Horse heavy construction.

With such a large military presence, Cascade County is home to a major proportion of Montana’s more than 85,000 veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Montana also ranks as one of the most patriotic states due to its residents’ participation in civic life and military service, according to a 2024 WalletHub study. The state is ranked fourth nationally for veterans per capita. More than 10% of Montanans have served compared to about 6% nationally, based on U.S. Census data.

“Montana is home to some of the most freedom-loving and patriotic people in the country,” adds Gov. Greg Gianforte in a statement on Independence Day 2024. “From our support for our veterans to our strong defense of our way of life, Montanans share a fundamental appreciation for what makes America, America.”

Riley has experienced this support many times. To her, that deep appreciation for service members is one thing that makes Great Falls, and the state overall, such a great place to call home. That’s partly why they’re not only planning to stay in the area when Andrew’s time in the Air Force ends but also looking to build a new house on more land.

“I’ve had people cry when they found out my spouse was military,” she says. “The fact that so many vets retire in Montana, it’s just a welcoming space.”