In Montana, even “big” cities are considered mid-sized by most people’s standards… and that’s just the way we like it. However, we can also admit that sometimes a small town starts to feel, well, too small.
The spots on this list definitely have a small town vibe, but they also have some great amenities and enough people that you won’t know everyone everywhere you go. In other words, they’re just right.
- Livingston
Kent Kanouse / Flickr With a population of 7,400, Livingston is far from a big city. But it does have all the amenities you’ll ever need – and if you do get the urge for a big night on the town, Bozeman is a mere 26 miles away.
- Laurel
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr With a population of just under 7,000, Laurel is a much smaller community than the nearby city of Billings, Montana’s largest. But with its delicious eateries like Owl Junction and Mabel’s kitchen, natural areas like Riverfront Park, and great nearby hiking trails, you won’t be bored here.
- Havre
Jasperdo / Flickr We just love this historic little railroad city, population 9,846. Between the burgers at Rod’s and the underground tour, Havre Beneath the Streets, there’s a lot of character here.
- Belgrade
Bastian / Flickr It may be right next to the bustling city of Bozeman, but Belgrade has a character that’s all it’s own. Plus, with a population of about 8,300, it’s a much smaller community.
- Miles City
Tim Evanson / Flickr If you’ve ever gone to the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, this place may not seem “just right” in size. But normally, the population is less than 9,000, and the streets are easily walkable and lined with restaurants and shops.
- Lewistown
Andrew Filer / Flickr If you have a fondness for both Western and Eastern Montana, you can’t go wrong with Lewistown, which sits right in the center of the state. About 6,000 people call it home, and most of them are extremely happy to do so.
- Whitefish
Kris McGuire / Flickr Whitefish may seem like a big city because of all the tourism, but the locals know it’s actually just the right size. About 7,300 live here permanently, enjoying the delicious dining options, shopping, and abundant outdoor activities.
- Dillon
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr Dillon’s population size is small (less than 4,500), but for a city this size, it’s absolutely perfect. The historic downtown area is never too crowded or deserted.
- Anaconda
Mark Holloway / Flickr Let’s face it: Anaconda is fantastic. And despite Montana’s continual growth in size, the population here remains steady between 9,000 and 10,000 people. It’s close to Butte and all its festivals and historic attractions, but it maintains a nice, quiet (but not too quiet) atmosphere.
Which Montana cities do you think are perfect in size? Check out some of our perfectly picturesque small towns,
Kent Kanouse / Flickr
With a population of 7,400, Livingston is far from a big city. But it does have all the amenities you’ll ever need – and if you do get the urge for a big night on the town, Bozeman is a mere 26 miles away.
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr
With a population of just under 7,000, Laurel is a much smaller community than the nearby city of Billings, Montana’s largest. But with its delicious eateries like Owl Junction and Mabel’s kitchen, natural areas like Riverfront Park, and great nearby hiking trails, you won’t be bored here.
Jasperdo / Flickr
We just love this historic little railroad city, population 9,846. Between the burgers at Rod’s and the underground tour, Havre Beneath the Streets, there’s a lot of character here.
Bastian / Flickr
It may be right next to the bustling city of Bozeman, but Belgrade has a character that’s all it’s own. Plus, with a population of about 8,300, it’s a much smaller community.
Tim Evanson / Flickr
If you’ve ever gone to the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, this place may not seem “just right” in size. But normally, the population is less than 9,000, and the streets are easily walkable and lined with restaurants and shops.
Andrew Filer / Flickr
If you have a fondness for both Western and Eastern Montana, you can’t go wrong with Lewistown, which sits right in the center of the state. About 6,000 people call it home, and most of them are extremely happy to do so.
Kris McGuire / Flickr
Whitefish may seem like a big city because of all the tourism, but the locals know it’s actually just the right size. About 7,300 live here permanently, enjoying the delicious dining options, shopping, and abundant outdoor activities.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Dillon’s population size is small (less than 4,500), but for a city this size, it’s absolutely perfect. The historic downtown area is never too crowded or deserted.
Mark Holloway / Flickr
Let’s face it: Anaconda is fantastic. And despite Montana’s continual growth in size, the population here remains steady between 9,000 and 10,000 people. It’s close to Butte and all its festivals and historic attractions, but it maintains a nice, quiet (but not too quiet) atmosphere.
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