MISSOULA’S NEIGHBORHOODS

Missoula’s neighborhoods are as diverse and vibrant as the people who call this valley home. Below, you’ll find a detailed neighborhood map along with comparative graphs highlighting affordability, lot size, and housing demand. These are helpful tools for getting a sense of how each area stacks up.

For a deeper dive, explore the individual neighborhood profiles below. Each includes descriptions, maps, median home prices, population density, and other key stats to help you get a well-rounded picture of life in every corner of Missoula.

Quick Missoula Snapshot:

Home to 73,710 residents, Missoula is Montana’s second-largest city (after Billings) and ranks as the 491st largest city in the United States.

The city’s average monthly rent is $1,095, noticeably lower than the national average, making housing more attainable compared to many parts of the country.

Overall, Missoula’s cost of living sits well below the national average, offering an affordable lifestyle paired with the natural beauty and cultural vibrancy of western Montana.

Neighborhoods of Missoula

Before making the move to western Montana, it’s worth exploring Missoula’s diverse neighborhoods to see which one best fits your lifestyle.

Missoula is made up of a variety of distinct areas, including Downtown, East Pine Street, Fort Missoula, Lower Rattlesnake, Northside, Southside, the University Area, and the University of Montana. Each neighborhood offers its own blend of history, housing styles, and amenities—from lively cultural hubs to quiet, tree-lined streets.

Home prices and rental rates vary significantly across town, so it’s smart to get a sense of the market before falling in love with a particular area.

According to recent rental data, prices follow a general pattern:

Affordable Options ($650–$895): Neighborhoods such as Westside, Southgate Triangle, and Lewis & Clark provide budget-friendly rentals while still keeping you close to community amenities.

Mid-Range Rentals ($910–$1,100): Areas like Franklin to the Fort, Lower Rattlesnake, and Rose Park balance price with character, offering charming homes and convenient access to downtown.

Premium Rentals ($1,100–$1,495): If you’re looking for something closer to the action, neighborhoods such as Riverfront, Emma Dickinson, Orchard Homes, Grant Creek, Heart of Missoula, and the University District offer higher-end rentals with walkability, scenic views, and lifestyle perks.

No matter your budget, Missoula’s neighborhoods provide a wide range of choices—from vibrant downtown living to peaceful residential enclaves tucked against the mountains.

HEART OF MISSOULA

The Heart of Missoula is exactly what its name suggests: the vibrant hub of city life where downtown energy meets riverfront charm. Anchored by the Clark Fork River, it offers unmatched walkability and culture. Highlights include year-round festivals and live music on Caras Park and eclectic shopping and dining along Higgins Avenue.

UNIVERSITY DISTRICT

The University District blends classic character with campus vitality. Mansion-style homes and corner coffee shops create a timeless charm, while students and professors add vibrancy. Key features include proximity to Mount Sentinel hiking trails and Grizzly football games at Washington–Grizzly Stadium.

NORTHSIDE & WESTSIDE

Authentically Missoula, these neighborhoods are known for their bohemian spirit, vintage homes, and strong community ties. Residents embrace the eclectic mix of old and new. Two highlights are their thriving arts and music scene and tree-lined streets filled with character-rich historic homes.

UPPER & LOWER RATTLESNAKE

Offering a peaceful retreat close to downtown, the Rattlesnake combines wooded beauty with accessibility. The Lower Valley is rich with older homes and trail access, while the Upper Valley is more forested and modern. Highlights include immediate access to the Rattlesnake Wilderness & Recreation Area and a vibrant neighborhood market and vineyard.

LEWIS & CLARK

A quiet, easy-going neighborhood with a strong sense of community, Lewis & Clark is home to well-kept houses and tranquil streets. Its centerpiece is the 62-acre Playfair Park, home to Splash Montana water park and multiple sports facilities, including tennis courts and baseball fields.

ROSE PARK & SLANT STREETS

Among Missoula’s earliest neighborhoods south of the river, Rose Park and the Slant Streets are filled with historic craftsman homes and diagonal boulevards. The Memorial Rose Garden with more than 2,500 rose bushes and its close proximity to the University and downtown are defining features.

FRANKLIN TO THE FORT

This historic neighborhood bridges Missoula’s past with modern convenience. Wide boulevards, shaded trees, and mixed housing define the area. Two highlights are Benson’s urban farm and the Good Food Store for fresh, local produce, and its walkability to Fort Missoula’s cultural and recreational amenities.

RIVERFRONT

Where historic charm meets modern convenience, Riverfront is defined by craftsman homes and easy access to Missoula’s downtown and trail system. Highlights include the scenic Clark Fork River trail system and the bustling Hip Strip with boutiques, coffee shops, and eateries.

RIVER ROAD

A neighborhood of mixed development and quick access to outdoor recreation, River Road combines affordability with convenience. Two standout features are its direct access to the river trail system and a strong sense of community rooted in its mix of old and new homes.

SOUTHGATE TRIANGLE

Southgate Triangle is a diverse, walkable neighborhood full of amenities. Families and students alike find it appealing. Key features include its central shopping districts and parks and easy access to public transit and bike-friendly streets.

FARVIEWS & PATTEE CANYON

Tucked against the hillside, this neighborhood blends wooded seclusion with accessibility. Highlights include sweeping views of the Missoula Valley and direct access to the Pattee Canyon Recreation Area with trails and cross-country skiing.

GRANT CREEK & BUTLER CREEK

A semi-rural retreat just minutes from town, this area is known for larger homes and wildlife sightings. Defining features include its forested landscapes with moose and deer and proximity to Snowbowl Ski Area.

LINDA VISTA & MILLER CREEK

Family-focused and scenic, these neighborhoods are made up of newer subdivisions and schools. Key features include multiple neighborhood parks and ballfields and panoramic mountain views stretching across the valley.

SOUTH HILLS

Set above the valley floor, South Hills offers sweeping views and quiet, winding streets. Highlights include its proximity to Moose Can Gully and other trailheads and serene cul-de-sacs ideal for families and retirees.

ORCHARD HOMES & TARGET RANGE

Blending Missoula’s agricultural history with suburban living, this area features spacious lots and community roots. Defining features include access to Bitterroot River trails and homegrown charm with orchards, gardens, and farmers’ markets.

BLUE MOUNTAIN

Tucked at the city’s edge, Blue Mountain is prized for privacy and outdoor living. Standout features include immediate access to Blue Mountain Recreation Area trails and a secluded, wooded setting that feels far removed yet remains connected to town.

BIG FLAT

Open and rural-feeling, Big Flat offers wide-open spaces and scenic landscapes. Two key features are its large properties with panoramic views and quiet country living just minutes from Missoula.

PLEASANTVIEW & HELLGATE MEADOWS

Master-planned for community and walkability, these neighborhoods feature modern designs and green spaces. Defining features include neighborhood schools and parks woven into the layout and easy access to shopping and services along Mullan Road.

MULLAN ROAD

This fast-growing corridor combines affordability with convenience. Key features include newer subdivisions ideal for families and direct access to retail, restaurants, and Missoula’s expanding westside amenities.

WINDSOR PARK & CANYON CREEK

Affordable and family-friendly, these westside neighborhoods are known for strong community ties. Standout features include neighborhood parks and playgrounds and affordable newer homes that attract first-time buyers.

EAST MISSOULA

A quirky, tight-knit community, East Missoula offers character and quick access to outdoor recreation. Highlights include instant access to the Clark Fork River and nearby mountains and an eclectic mix of homes that gives the area its unique personality.

Where are people like me living?

Simply enter the ZIP code for the area you’re interested in—like downtown Missoula (59801)— and Esri will generate a detailed snapshot of that neighborhood, including its three largest demographic groups along with a wealth of other useful insights.

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COMMUTING IN MISSOULA

A long, stressful commute can ruin even the best neighborhood—but in Missoula, getting around is refreshingly easy.

The average commute here is just 10 to 15 minutes, well below the national average. Even factoring in winter weather or occasional traffic, most residents enjoy a short, manageable trip to work.

What’s more, Missoula isn’t as car-dependent as many other U.S. cities. Only about 69% of residents drive alone to work, with the rest opting for biking, walking, carpooling, or public transit.

That means if you’d rather not spend all your time behind the wheel, Missoula offers plenty of alternatives for getting where you need to go.

Missoula’s Strong Bike Culture - Missoula consistently ranks as one of the best biking cities in the country, earning a reputation for both accessibility and community support.

The city’s bike network is expansive and versatile, with routes that make it easy to get around Downtown as well as connect to neighborhoods across the valley. Whether you’re commuting, running errands, or simply out for a ride, Missoula’s bike infrastructure makes two-wheeled travel practical and enjoyable.

What really sets Missoula apart is the supportive cycling community. Local organizations like FreeCycles and Missoulians on Bicycles, along with resources such as the city’s interactive bike map and My City Bikes Missoula, actively encourage safe, sustainable transportation. Thanks to these efforts, Missoula has even been recognized as the 4th best bike commuting city in the U.S.

Biking is a great way to explore Missoula, but like in any city, it’s also wise to be aware of local crime rates and safety conditions in the areas you’ll be traveling.