Stevensville, Montana

What It Is Like to Retire in Stevensville

Stevensville is a very small town of under 2,000 people in western Montana near Missoula. Stevensville is the oldest town in Montana. St. Mary’s Mission was the first permanent white settlement in Montana (founded by Jesuits). This area of the Bitterroot Valley and Sapphire Mountains offers beautiful views, outdoor recreation and a great variety of watchable wildlife.  Photo of Southwestern view of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Mission, located along North Avenue in Stevensville, Together with the attached pharmacy, the church (built in 1866) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as St. Mary's Church and Pharmacy courtesy of Wikipedia and Al Huntsman (public domain).

Where to Retire in Stevensville and Home Prices

There is at least one active adult community in the area (see link at left).

According to Zillow, the median home value was $317,025 in early 2020.

What Is Special about Stevensville

This is a very popular tourist area. River rafting on the Bitterroot River is especially popular. St. Mary's Mountain is a local landmark.  Outdoor recreation is wonderful in Stevensville, being close to Missoula and the University there is a plus. Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge is just north of town.

What Is Not Special about Stevensville

it is extremely remote and very cold in the winter.

Who Will Like Retirement in Stevensville

Outdoor and nature people will love a Stevensville retirement.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Tourism is important.

Climate and Physical Environment

Stevensville is located in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley between two mountain ranges—the Bitterroots and the Selway Range and near the base of St. Mary’s Peak. The average July high temperature is 83 and the average January low is 17. The wettest month is May (1.5")

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Stevensville has many events throughout the year including Creamery Picnic, Western Heritage Days and First Friday. Love of the outdoors is part of the local culture. You can go to Missoula for more conventional culture.

Crime

The crime rate in Stevensville is well below the national average.

Medical facilities

Stevensville has a wide variety of medical services ranging from Assisted Living centers to family practice facilities and cardiologists. Kootenai Creek Village offers an onsite heli-port for emergencies as well. We are located just 25 minutes from 2 full service hospitals including Community Medical Center and St. Patrick’s Hospital.

Transportation

The nearest airport is 33 miles away in Missoula.  Stevensville is not considered a walkable community.

Valuable Links

http://www.mainstreetstevensville.com/ Explore the Bitterroots