Wages up, housing still out of reach, says Montana labor report…
A 2024 report on labor in Montana said the economy is continuing to expand, unemployment remains low, and wage growth is increasing and has outpaced inflation.
“Montana ranks 2nd in the nation for fastest wage growth since 2020,” said the report. It said the average wage earned by Montana workers hit… Read More
Explore Northwest Montana Properties
Top Communities in Northwest Montana
Bigfork, MT
Bigfork, Montana is among one of the most quaint and historic towns in northwest Montana. Bigfork is located right at the northwest edge of Flathead Lake. Enjoy beautiful lakeside or mountainside property with stunning views. Did you know that Flathead Lake is the largest body of fresh water located west of the Mississippi River? The size of Flathead Lake is what makes owning real estate here a paradise. With plenty of lakefront options and such a large body of water, there is more than enough room for boating and water activities. Spend the evening in historic downtown Bigfork with dinner at the Marina Cay. Afterwards, enjoy a live play at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse.
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Columbia Falls, MT
Columbia Falls is a compilation of many small communities including Apgar, Coram, Essex, Hungry Horse, Martin City, Polebridge and West Glacier. For those traveling northward into Glacier National Park, Columbia Falls and the surrounding areas are ideal for lodging and outdoor activities. Just past Columbia Falls you will find the Hungry Horse Dam and Reservoir, one of the largest man made dams in the United States. The Hungry Horse reservoir is a relatively remote area and one of the best kept secrets in northwest Montana with idea spots for outdoor camping and water activities. The area is known for it’s abundance of huckleberries and is home to many of Montana’s native wildlife.
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Kalispell, MT
Located just north of Flathead Lake and at the heart of Flathead Valley, Kalispell is one of the largest cities in Northwest Montana. Kalispell is a popular stop for tourists on their way to Glacier National Park or Whitefish Mountain Resort because of its central location. Not only does Kalispell provide the best shopping in the Flathead Valley region, it is also home to two high schools, Glacier High and Flathead High. Flathead Community College is located at the newly developed northwest end of Kalispell.
Kalispell is also a popular hub for those traveling to northwest Montana by airplane. Glacier Park International Airport is located just a few miles northwest of downtown Kalispell providing a quick way for travelers to reach the Flathead Valley and surrounding communities. If you’re looking to find a home or land at the bustling heart of Northwest Montana real estate then Kalispell is the place for you.
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Lakeside & Somers, MT
Lakeside, Montana is known for it’s stunning Flathead Lake views and small-town feel. Located at the base of Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, Lakeside is a hot spot for locals that love to ski in the winter and play on the lake in the summer. There’s no shortage of water activities available in Lakeside. From kayaking to fishing, and even boat tours, Lakeside has something to offer everyone who enjoys water sports. If you’re looking for waterfront property Lakeside is one of the prime areas of all northwest Montana real estate.
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Polson, MT
Located at the southernmost tip of Flathead Lake you will find the stunning town of Polson, Montana. Polson is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation and serves as the heart of the farming community in Lake County. Polson and the surrounding areas are prime real estate for growing cherries. Be sure to pass through during the early summer months to get a flat of some unbelievably good Flathead cherries! Near Polson you will also find the National Bison Range which is home to one of the nation’s largest bison conservation refugees.
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Polson Chamber of Commerce
Photo Credit: Living Landscape Observer
Seeley/Swan Valley, MT
If you’re looking for solitude and peaceful lakefront property then the Seeley and Swan lakes and valleys are the right place for you. The Seeley-Swan scenic drive stretches over 80 miles from Seeley Lake to Swan Lake where you will find hundreds of natural lakes. The Seeley and Swan valleys are protected on both sides by two majestic mountain ranges–the Mission Mountains bordering the valleys on the west and the Swan Mountains on the East. This expansive valley meets up with the borders of the majestic Bob Marshall wilderness. The Seeley and Swan valleys are the ideal place for fishing, swimming and hiking in the summer, and for cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.
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West Glacier, MT
West Glacier is the gateway from the Flathead Valley to Glacier National Park. Every year millions of people flock to West Glacier and Glacier National Park to see it’s spectacular landscape and mountainous beauty. Because of the large volume of tourists that flood through West Glacier is the hub for tours and excursions in northwest Montana. The most popular activities include white-water rafting, hiking, scenic river floats, fishing excursions and helicopter tours.
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Whitefish, MT
Whitefish, Montana has some of the most sought-after real estate in northwest Montana. This has largely in part to do with its close proximity to Whitefish Mountain Resort and Glacier National Park. Downtown Whitefish is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike–with dozens of popular restaurants, shops, and boutiques. The winter ski season is always a bustling time in Whitefish, Montana, but you will find lots of things to do in the summer as well including mountain-biking, hiking, and various tour options.
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Northwest Montana Real Estate
If you’re looking to purchase property, Northwest Montana is the ideal place to live and vacation. With fabulous views of the Rocky Mountains and an abundance of outdoor activities, Northwest Montana is perfect for you and your family. In the Flathead Valley and surrounding areas you will find some of Montana’s premier real estate. Whether you’re looking for a lakefront home, land or a mountain-top getaway, Reach For Montana Realty is here to make sure you find the ideal property. Search the MLS for the most recent and up-to-date list of Northwest Montana real estate properties and get expert advice from Alan Habel and his team.