Looking for an Affordable Place to Live in Montana?

In Great Falls, you can enjoy a slice of the Big Sky life without the high prices of other locations in Montana.

By Kevin Litwin on February 3, 2022

Lofts at the Station

Like many individuals, you probably have a dream home – that perfect abode that not only meets the needs of you and your family, but it looks fabulous, it’s the right size, and the amenities it provides are everything you’ve ever wanted.

While that might not seem attainable right now – be it that you can’t afford it or just haven’t found it – we are here to tell you that you can have it all in Great Falls.

For starters, living in Great Falls is much more affordable than many other areas. Compared to the national average cost of living index, for example, which is set at 100, Great Falls comes in at 89.7. This means you can spend more of your dollars on the things you want – ahem, housing.

And the best news? While your dollar stretches further in the region, you also have your pick from a list of unique homes in a variety of communities – think upscale apartments, homes in established neighborhoods, and modern houses in new subdivisions. Even a custom home that you build on available land is an option.

While the region offers all these choices, Great Falls is constantly working to provide even more. “I live on the west side of town and have noticed quite a bit of apartment and home construction occurring lately near where the Albertsons grocery store is located,” says Tony Rosales, associate medical director with New York City-based 21GRAMS, a global medical writing company that works primarily with pharmaceutical companies.

Rosales works remotely from his home. He says he’s happy to see all the construction, which will increase the number of housing units available to people wanting to move to Great Falls.

“More people living here will mean that the overall vibrancy of Great Falls will increase, so I’m hoping to see more of this activity,” he says. “I anticipate more people wanting to come to Great Falls, not just as tourists, but eventually as full-time residents.”

Talus Apartments

Find Amazing Apartments in Great Falls

Rental properties are among the newer housing developments under construction. So for those interested in renting modern, up-to-date units, make a mental note.

One facility offering units is The Northern Lofts, which is located above the Mighty Mo Brew Co. on Central Avenue. It features 18 studios and apartments. Another option in the works is the proposed Lofts at the Station, which would provide 83 apartments.

The project would require the renovation of the five-story Milwaukee Station building located across the street from the Missouri River. This means residents would be within walking distance of numerous attractions.

Renters also have the choice of Talus Apartments, which features studio, one-and two-bedroom apartments with oversized windows that allow residents to view the natural scenery. Amenities here include a swimming pool, fire pit, fitness center and clubhouse.

And under construction along Division Road near Smelter Avenue is Arc Apartment Homes. A groundbreaking took place in May 2021, and the 216-apartment complex will feature nine 24-unit buildings along with a clubhouse, fitness center and pool. The Arc is expected to open during the second half of 2022.

Land Aplenty

If a home is more of what you have in mind, not to worry. In addition to what Great Falls already has to offer, new higher-end homes are being built near the Missouri River.

Plus, just outside Great Falls are plots of land for homeowners who want some acreage along with their houses. Such is the case with Tyler and Emily Drazich, who had a home custom built on 10 acres on the outskirts of town.

“Having land allows our kids to dirt bike, play baseball and have fun in the fields,” Emily Drazich says. “Plus, our house is only a block away from the river for fishing.”