Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Schools
The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Cost Of Living
This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.
Whitefish, Montana is a smaller city with a population of 8,333 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (96% White). Given that fact, Whitefish could be considered less diverse than other cities. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Whitefish offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 16 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Whitefish is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in Montana, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like crime, commute, health & safety, education, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Whitefish and in the areas around Whitefish is a much easier task.
The livability score in Whitefish is 82 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 96th percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Whitefish could be a great choice! The cherry on top is that Whitefish also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Whitefish has higher than average scores for the following: amenities (A+), education (A) and housing (B-). Whitefish does not rank well for the following: cost of living (D). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Living in Whitefish offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Whitefish provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale.
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 124 crimes per 100,000 residents, Whitefish has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Whitefish 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.
Assuming that Whitefish meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Whitefish. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Whitefish are simply unattainable. The median home price for Whitefish homes is $749,149, which is 105.7% higher than the Montana average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Whitefish, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 9.8, which is 92.2% higher than the Montana average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Whitefish | Montana | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 18min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 71.8% | 75.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.3% | 10.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.0% | 0.8% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.6% | 1.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 7.7% | 5.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 11.7% | 6.3% | 4.6% |
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