Helena 81 Exceptional
Helena Livability #6 ranked city in Montana#1,329 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Helena

PROS
  • Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

CONS
  • Crime

    This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.

  • Ratings

    Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.

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What's it like Living in Helena?

Located in the state of Montana, Helena is a mid-sized city with a population of 32,655 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (93% White). Given that fact, Helena could be considered less diverse than other cities. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 50% of the Helena population is married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Helena offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 13 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Helena, Montana could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Helena and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, education, housing and other important metrics.

Using data and statistics Helena has received a livability score of 80 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 95th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a fantastic score, as Helena ranks well in multiple categories! Another exciting tidbit, is that Helena ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Helena has higher than average rankings for the following: cost of living (A+), education (A-) and housing (A-). On a less positive note, Helena does not have favorable ranks for the following: crime (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Living in Helena 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, Helena 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. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: St. Helena Cathedral, Montana State Capitol, and Montana Fishing Outfitters.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Helena, the unemployment rate stands at 2.35%, 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 Helena 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 Helena 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 Helena. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Helena are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Helena come in at $263,300, which is 31.8% higher than the Montana average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Helena, the home price to income ratio is 4.4, which is 7.3% higher than the Montana average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Helena

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Compare Helena, MT Livability

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      Helena transportation information

      Statistic Helena Montana National
      Average one way commute13min18min26min
      Workers who drive to work72.5%75.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.8%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.6%0.8%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.7%1.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk7.5%5.1%2.8%
      Working from home7.8%6.3%4.6%
      Source: The Helena, MT data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).