8 Reasons to Move to Great Falls, MT

Find out how dedication to people, place and potential makes Great Falls, well, great!

By Kelly Rogers on February 7, 2024

Matt Ehnes

There are many reasons to love living in Montana, specifically in the spectacular city of Great Falls. With an incredibly welcoming community, stunning scenery and access to international people and places, it’s no surprise so many people choose to move to Great Falls. It’s a perfect place to put down roots, raise a family and build a life away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Here are eight great reasons to consider making the move.

1. So Much to Explore Outdoors

Great Falls is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, most notably because there are activities to enjoy all year long. During the summer months, the temperature stays below 90 degrees, making it ideal for hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, rock climbing and any other summer pursuit you can think of. What it lacks in summer heat, though, the city makes up for in winter cold, with low temperatures that keep the abundant snowfall perfectly preserved for snow sports like skiing and snowboarding.

2. Go Anywhere from Here

The entire world is essentially at your doorstep, thanks to Great Falls International Airport (GTF). Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, nationally or internationally, the start of your journey is just a short drive away. Currently, four major airlines fly in and out of GTF: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta and United. Fun fact: GTF is a public/military airport, and is also home to the Great Falls Air National Guard Base.

3. Enjoy Family-Friendly Activities

This area is well-suited for family life, thanks to its abundance of things to do and places to explore. The public school system is excellent, with a 15-1 student-to-teacher ratio and plenty of extracurricular programs available. Homes are very affordable and well below the national average. And community-wise, you won’t find a more welcoming or genuine bunch of people anywhere. Some residents have even described it as a real-life Hallmark movie town!

4. Take in the Breathtaking Views

There’s something to be said for living in a beautiful place, and in this category, Great Falls does not disappoint. The skies are blue, the air is clean and the views are unbeatable. Four mountain ranges, three rivers, two wilderness areas and one wildlife refuge are within driving distance. Plus, the city is ideally located near similarly beautiful locales including the state capital of Helena and Glacier National Park.

5. Immerse Yourself in a Diverse Culture

Directly adjacent to Great Falls is the Malmstrom Air Force Base, which employs people from a wide array of backgrounds. As such, many residents in the area are from around the country and across the world, making it a much more diverse environment than might typically be expected of a smaller community. You never know who you might cross paths with and what interesting stories and traditions they might have to share! 

6. You Can Afford to Live in Great Falls

People who move to Great Falls have access to many attractive assets, including a comfortable 87.4 cost of living index compared to the national average of 100. Affordability extends to the housing market, with the typical home value in Great Falls at $299,900. That compares to average home prices of $709,600 in Bozeman, $523,700 in Kalispell and $532,300 in Missoula (Zillow, December 2023).

Great Falls is also the retail, entertainment, health care and educational hub for North Central Montana, and residents can enjoy 57 public parks as well as 40 miles of the River’s Edge Trail along the Missouri River.

7. Take Your Pick of Shopping Options

Great Falls residents have multiple and diverse shopping choices all around town, from small boutiques to large box stores. You can find items like a designer handbag, a pound of Montana-roasted coffee, the latest fishing rod or a tuxedo rental for an upcoming event. And for the freshest food shopping in town, Great Falls Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from June through September.

8. Businesses Want to Move to Great Falls

It’s a smart move for manufacturing, warehousing and distribution companies to locate in Great Falls, thanks in large part to an excellent transportation network. Local logistical advantages include Interstate 15 and two U.S. highways, freight shipping via BNSF Railway, barge shipping along the Missouri River and the convenience of Great Falls International Airport. The city also has Foreign Trade Zone status.

– Writer Erica Buehler contributed to this article.