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Helena, Montana

What It Is Like to Retire in Helena

Helena is the capitol of Montana. It is located in the central part of the state. The town got it start as a gold mining town and there are still mining interests here. Several small colleges are located here, including Carroll College. The area offers excellent recreational opportunities. The area has been growing rapidly from people seeking out lower cost, high recreation opportunities. Population is just under 30,000, although the surrounding area has almost 100,000. Photo of The "head" of the Sleeping Giant, image taken from the north, looking to the south, courtesy of Wikipedia and Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of the Interior (public domain).

Where to Retire in Helena and Home Prices

Median list prices for homes was $393,366 in mid-2021, according to Zillow. There are some interesting neighborhoods to live in and at least 4 active adult or retirement communities (see link to Helena Active communities above left).

What Is Special about Helena

For one, Helena is a college town, and for another it is the state capitol. For people who love the outdoors, you can't beat Montana.

What Is Not Special about Helena

It is remote , almost 500 miles from Seattle. The winters are long and cold. No real public transit. Housing is high.

Who Will Like Retirement in Helena

Outdoor people, and those that like living in small towns with beautiful surroundings

Local Economy Is Driven by

Public administration (this is the state capitol) and retail. Unemployment is below the national average.

Climate and Physical Environment

Helena has very interesting geography on the edge of the mountains. To see why, click on the Google Map link above! The average July temp is in the high 60s and the average January temp about 20. Precipitation is fairly even throughout the year.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Charles M. Russell art is displayed in the Mackay Gallery. The Haynes Gallery features the life and work of frontier photographer F. Jay Haynes. Most of the restaurants at the top of TripAdvisor's Top 30 Helena restaurants are not chains, which we view as a good thing.