Billings, Montana, known as "The Magic City," is the largest city in the state and a thriving hub of culture and commerce. Located near the Yellowstone River and within driving distance of Yellowstone National Park, Billings offers a high quality of life for its residents. The city's blend of natural beauty and modern amenities makes living in Billings an attractive option for families and professionals.
Residents of Billings enjoy a variety of recreational activities and cultural events. The city's numerous parks, trails, and cultural institutions provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and enrichment. The Pictograph Cave State Park and the Yellowstone Art Museum are popular destinations that celebrate the city's cultural and historical significance. The annual Magic City Blues Festival and the Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale are events that showcase Billings' vibrant arts scene.
Billings' strong economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, education, and energy. The city's strategic location and status as a regional trade center provide residents with easy access to job opportunities and cultural amenities. Major employers in the area include Billings Clinic and ExxonMobil.
The housing market in Billings includes a variety of options, from riverfront properties to single-family homes in suburban neighborhoods. The city's strong sense of community and welcoming atmosphere further enhance its appeal.
Public transportation in Billings is provided by MET Transit, facilitating easy commutes within the city and to neighboring areas. Billings' climate features cold winters and hot summers, allowing for a variety of seasonal activities. Overall, Billings offers a blend of natural beauty, economic opportunity, and community spirit, making it a desirable place to live.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Ratings
AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Located in the state of Montana, Billings is a moderately-sized city with a population of 113,244 inhabitants. The majority of Billings residents report their race to be White; this is followed by American Indian and Alaskan and Black. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Billings offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Billings can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of Montana, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like commute, health & safety, education, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Billings and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Billings to Montana and the national average.
With a livability score of 77/100, Billings is ranked #2,443 in the United States and #18 in Montana. This is a terrific score, as Billings ranks well in multiple categories! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, Billings has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (B), employment (B-) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Billings does not have favorable scores for the following: crime (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Billings has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Billings has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Zoo Montana, The Moss Mansion, and Angry Hank's Micro Brewery.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Billings, the unemployment rate stands at 2.5%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Billings can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Billings is actually affordable. The median home price for Billings homes is $412,401, which is 13.2% higher than the Montana average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Billings, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.6, which is 9.8% lower than the Montana average.
| Statistic | Billings | Montana | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 18min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.3% | 75.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.9% | 10.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.0% | 0.8% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 1.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.5% | 5.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.9% | 6.3% | 4.6% |
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