Montana Retirement Communities

Tucked away in the Rocky Mountains 93 miles north of Yellowstone National Park is Bozeman, Montana. Home to Montana State University, the downtown area boasts cafes, boutiques, art fairs and music festivals. Just outside the city is Big Sky Ski Resort and Bridger Bowl Ski Area for those retirees seeking outdoor winter recreation. Bozeman Hot Springs which was once a dingy gathering spot has been transformed into a ritzy spa featuring none pools filled with hot springs water, a fitness center and a sauna. Many wealthy retirees are finding Bozeman an attractive retirement destination and as a result, real estate prices on the outskirts of town have become quite pricey.

Billings is the largest city in Montana with a population of over 100,000. Located in south central Montana along the Yellowstone River, Billings enjoys a four-season climate with low humidity. There is plenty to do here from professional baseball and hockey to symphony orchestra, theaters and an excellent zoo. If you are interested in assisted living, Prairie Towers and Sage Towers are just two examples of high rise Montana retirement communities that you may want to look at a little closer.

With a population of a little over 30,000, Butte, in western Montana offers retirees a low crime rate and comprehensive health care but the cost of living here is high.

Great Falls, near the center of the state, takes it's name from a series of five waterfalls and is home to fewer than 60,000 residents. It is the third largest city in Montana and was listed by Coldwell Banker Home Price Comparison Index as the most affordable area of 348 markets in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Located 60 miles south of the Canadian border is one of the most popular Montana retirement communities, Whitefish. This remote town located on Whitefish lake is home to several ski resorts. If you enjoy hunting, fishing and hiking, Whitefish offers an ideal setting right outside your front door.

Montana is a very tax-friendly state for retirees. There is no state sales tax nor is there any estate or inheritance tax. Montana does tax all pension and retirement benefits to the same extent as the Federal government but they do have a pension and annuity exemption if certain income limitations are met.

Real estate prices vary considerably throughout the state. The averaged price for a home in Bozeman is over $300,000 while Butte and Great Falls prices are much lower at $150,000 to $185,000. So, if you think that one of the Montana retirement communities may be your on your list of “Best Places To Retire”, you can find a home here to fit almost any budget.

Median Home Price: $244,000

Personal Income Tax: Yes

Montana collects income taxes at the following rates:
-- 1 percent on the first $2,600 of taxable income
-- 2 percent on taxable income between $2,601 and $4,600
-- 3 percent on taxable income between $4,601 and $7,000
-- 4 percent on taxable income of $7,001 and $9,500
-- 5 percent on taxable income of $9,501 and $12,200
-- 6 percent on taxable income of $12,201 and $15,600
-- 6.9 percent on taxable income of $15,601 and above.

Sales Tax: No

Property Tax: Yes

--Farm machinery, heavy equipment, automobiles, trucks and business equipment are subject to Property Taxes based on their value. There is also a per capita fee on all livestock however household goods are exempt.

Inheritance and Estate Tax: No inheritance tax. Estate Tax: No
--Only Federal Estate taxes are imposed.

For More Information: Contact the Montana Department of Revenue website.

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