Billings Emerging Housing Market

by Liz Nitz

View of Billings from the Rims. Courtesy Visitbillings.com.

Billings ranked No. 4 on Realtor.com and the Wall Street Journal’s latest Emerging Housing Markets index. They looked at metrics for housing market, economic vitality, and quality of life to come up with the list of cities that have great lifestyle amenities and are also expected to see home prices go up.

Billings is the largest city in Montana and has a much different vibe than Bozeman. It’s a proud, hard-working town that serves as an important hub for agricultural activity (sugar beets, grain and livestock) and the energy industry (natural gas, oil and coal).

What to Know About Billings, Montana

    • Population: 109,577 (U.S. Census Bureau 2019 estimate)
    • Median Home Price: $269,900 (Realtor.com)
    • Unemployment rate: 4.1% (Bureau Labor & Statistics)
    • Weather: Many locals refer to Billings as the sunbelt because of its relatively mild climate compared to other cities in Montana. You will see snow, about 59 inches a year, in the winter but it melts quickly and days are more sunny than not.
    • Healthcare: Many people retire to Billings from smaller, rural communities for the most advanced healthcare in Montana. There are two major hospitals (Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Healthcare) and more than 40 clinics.
    • Airport: Billings Logan International Airport has direct service to major cities like San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Minneapolis and Chicago. It will unveil a new $55 million terminal in November 2021 that will house three additional gates.

Stay/Eat/Play

Northern Hotel: A historic luxury hotel in the heart of downtown. Stylish rooms, great lobby for hanging out and two restaurants – Bernie’s Diner for casual breakfast/lunch and TEN for fine dining. 19 N. Broadway (406)867-6767.

The Rimrocks: These sandstone formations that run along Billings are called “the Rims” by locals. There’s a great paved trail that runs along the top where you can hike, bike or just walk and take in a 360-degree view of the city.

Yellowstone Art Museum: YAM is the largest contemporary art museum in Montana with an impressive permanent collection and a diversity of exhibitions for all art lovers. 401 N. 27th St. (406)256-6804.

Desmond’s The Store for Men and Brockel’s Chocolates: These two shops are just a fun nod to the past. Desmond’s has the kind of full-service shopping that you don’t see anymore- you’ll feel like you have your own personal shopper/tailor. Brockel’s is a local, handmade candy shop that makes you feel like a kid again. 2819 2nd Avenue North (406) 245-4612 and 117 N 29th St. (406) 248-2705.

Harper & Madison: Super cute downtown lunch spot for fresh salads, sandwiches and coffee. It’s close to Billings Clinic and St. Vincent and Pioneer Park, which has the best playground in Billings. 3115 10th Avenue North (406) 281-8550.

The Annex Coffeehouse & Bakery and The Fieldhouse: Do not leave town without hitting these two adjacent spots. Annex has craft coffee and amazing, house-made bread and pastries. The Fieldhouse has things that you normally don’t find on most menus in Billings like roasted artichokes with romesco, preserved lemon, puffed amaranth and nutritional yeast. 2601 Minnesota Ave. (406) 371-5904.

The Burger Dive: There’s usually a line at this divey burger joint with great burgers and fries. The “I’m Your Huckleberry” burger won the top prize in the World Food Championships in 2016 and it was featured on Travel Channel’s “Man Vs. Food.” 114 N. 27th St. (406) 281-8292.

 

Bozeman’s housing market saw a flood of new buyers in 2020 and the recent index shows that buyers are extending their searches to emerging housing markets like Billings. If you have any questions about the real estate picture in Bozeman or other towns in Montana, feel free to email me at liz@windermere.com.

 

 

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2316 Gallatin Green Boulevard 17, Bozeman, Montana 59718

2316 Gallatin Green Boulevard 17, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
1,530Sqft
Beautiful 3 bed 2.5 bath 1530 square foot condo with an attached 2 car garage. This unit features gray cabinets, white hard surface countertops, stainless steel appliances for a great modern feel. Wonderful location close to walking trails, parks, gym, Costco, Target, etc. 3rd bedroom does not have a closet but seller with work with buyer and show them options. AC is an available upgrade.
$445,000

3271 Warbler Way A, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3271 Warbler Way A, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
2,614Sqft
Introducing Skyline Vista, a luxury condo community located on the park in Cattail Creek. With over 2600 +/- sq. feet of living space these 3 bedroom condos live large with a long list of premium upgrades. First floor family room provides a great multi purpose room or office.
$775,000

289 Heights Circle, Bozeman, Montana 59718

289 Heights Circle, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.61Acre
2,011Sqft
Custom Home with Additional Income Apartment and a Separate Office Space on .61-acres across from a 5-acre park! This home, built by Dan Jones, has a vaulted ceiling with alder stained trim and door package. The extra-large kitchen has quartz countertops, ceramic tile backsplash, and stainless-steel appliances. The living room features large windows and a beautiful rock fireplace.
$990,000

2938 Warbler Way 16, Bozeman, Montana 59718

2938 Warbler Way 16, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
1,392Sqft
Elkhorn Condos are designed by Locati Architects. This is an end-unit 3 bedroom condo located near shopping and public transportation, trails, ponds, playgrounds. All bedrooms are located upstairs. There is a one-car attached garage. The main level includes a galley kitchen that opens to the dining and living room.
$445,000

102 N Chouteau Avenue, Bozeman, Montana 59718

102 N Chouteau Avenue, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.23Acre
1,920Sqft
This home is calling you! It's centrally located with great access to all things 'Bozeman'. This is where neighbors come over for a 'backyard movie night' and sidewalks are filled with chalk drawings and people chatting. The outside has very nice curb appeal. The lot has plenty of mature trees and garden boxes. AND, how about your own water well for lawn and garden irrigation.
$699,000

3124 Augusta Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

3124 Augusta Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.25Acre
1,948Sqft
Located between downtown and the Bridger Mountains across the street from the Bridger Creek golf course, this single level home backing up to open space boasts an open floor plan and vaulted ceilings. The spacious living room features a gas fireplace and large slider out to your back deck to enjoy the views.
$850,000

986 Cassandra Ln Unit A, Bozeman, Montana 59718

986 Cassandra Ln Unit A, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
1,769Sqft
BACKS TO OPEN SPACE! This condo feels more spacious due to its ideal location. Easy access to trails, parks, schools, and shops! Unit has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths and a 1 car garage.
$610,000

120 Kimball B, Bozeman, Montana 59718

120 Kimball B, Bozeman, Montana 59718

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
2,433Sqft
This charming 4 bedroom, nearly 2500sq/ft, condo is not one to miss. The beautiful kitchen features granite counter tops, and plenty of entertaining space. The bonus room on the east side of the condo is a wonderful addition to the living space of this home. The 2-car garage has plenty of space for all your toys.
$695,000

3155 Cattail A, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3155 Cattail A, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
1,535Sqft
Great end unit in duplex building, with all new paint and carpet. Located in an established neighborhood with open space, trails, parks, ponds, and views. This place is move-in ready and awaiting your personal touches. Great light with lots of windows in this open main level floorplan with half bath on the main level.
$499,000
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