Prospectors came to Helena in the 1860s seeking gold, and once they found it, they stayed for the mountains. Today, Helena is Montana's state capital and the city of 34,000 is a hub for outdoor activity. "It's very outdoors-oriented," says Tara Petersen, a Broker with MT Ranch & Home Real Estate. "Lots of hiking and biking and recreational trails; we're kind of surrounded by that." Mount Helena is on the city's south side, the Missouri River flows 13 miles east and the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest lies to the north. Fishing, hiking, mountain biking and hunting are common pastimes across Helena, and driving to destinations for outdoor recreation is a way of life. The largest employers in Helena are the city government and local healthcare centers like St. Peter's Hospital.
Mount Helena sits majestically over the Lower West Side.
The Montana State Capitol, in the Upper East Side, stands as Helena’s historic heart.
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The outdoorsy life in Helena
Mount Helena is within the southern city limits and is one of the area’s iconic hiking locations. Hiking and mountain biking trails wind up and down the mountainside. Numerous hiking trails lead up Mount Helena and neighboring Mount Ascension from the southern part of Helena. Further south, the Elkhorn Mountains have hunting sites where special permits allow hunters to track elk and other big game. Canyon Ferry, about 15 miles east of the city, is an often-used fishing destination that's part of the Missouri River. The city also has golf courses, such as the Bill Roberts Golf Course and the Green Meadow Country Club. Spring Meadow Lake State Park sits outside the city’s western edge and has a nature trail and a lake open for fishing.
Unwind with stunning sunsets over Montana City's rolling hills and vast open spaces.
Spring Meadow Lake is a beautiful lake in a State Park.
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Homes near Mount Helena are the city's most popular
The average home price in Helena is $479,000, about $60,000 higher than the national average. Most of the city is comprised of suburban neighborhoods with grassy lawns, views of Mount Helena to the south and ponderosa pine trees along the streets. Ranch-style, American Foursquare and farmhouse-style homes are common throughout the city. Some neighborhoods, like South Central, have Victorian homes mixed into the housing stock that tend to sell above the average home price. Houses with access to Mount Helena are especially sought after. "People love [houses] that are close to the trails where they can bike or ride a horse," says Petersen.
Enjoy rustic charm and grassy lawns in Helena's Montana City, a peaceful spot near Helena.
Stunning architecturally detailed homes nestled in with the Ponderosa pine trees of Helena's Lincoln.
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Helena Public Schools
Helena Public Schools has a B rating on Niche. There are 11 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 2 high schools. Three elementary schools have Montessori classrooms and parents will need to submit an application. In 2024, 18 teachers received grants from the Helena Education Foundation. The city is also home to Helena College University of Montana, a community college with over 30 degree and certificate options.
Helena Middle School offers a well-rounded curriculum for its students.
Helena High School offers an advanced plecement program.
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Last Chance Gulch has a shop for everyone
Last Chance Gulch is Helena's main shopping and dining destination. This half-mile-long walkable area draws its name from the moment in 1864 when Helena's prospectors discovered gold as they were on the verge of packing up and heading back east. It's lined with saloon-themed restaurants, outdoor-focused shops and a variety of local businesses. "There's kind of everything down there," says Petersen. "From little kids clothing stores to high-end clothing shops and second-hand stores." Big box stores, chain restaurants and national retailers line Route Interstate 15, which runs north and south of the city.
Old Salt Outpost Bar nearby delivers a rustic, saloon setting for Clancy locals and visitors.
Great meals await you near the Upper East Side along the last Chance Gulch Walking Mall.
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Rodeo in Helena
The Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds is the city's premiere event center, especially for rodeo. Every July, the Last Chance Stampede and Fair takes place at the fairgrounds. This rodeo's slogan is "Cut'er Loose!" and rodeo clowns, games, and riding take over the fairgrounds for a week of activity. When the rodeo isn't in town, the fairgrounds host concerts, comedy acts and trade shows.
Getting around the state capital
Interstate 15 is the main north-south route through Helena. U.S. Route 12 leads west out of the center of Helena toward Missoula and east toward White Sulpher Springs. The Helena Regional Airport is in the city limits and connects to Denver, Salt Lake City and Seattle. Helena is served by Capital Transit, which offers curb-to-curb service as part of its on-demand transit system.
Crime
According to FBI statistics, violent crime in Helena dropped by 31%, and property crime increased by 8% in 2023. Overall, violent and property crime rates are slightly higher than the national average.
Born and raised in the beautiful landscapes of Montana, I've developed a deep love for this place and a strong desire to share its beauty with others. My aim is straightforward: to make the process of buying or selling your home as smooth as possible. In every transaction, I bring dedication and a commitment to providing excellent service. My clients aren't just clients; they're like family to me. I prioritize building lasting relationships with my clients, and there's nothing more fulfilling than helping them find their dream home or close a successful deal.
Outside of work, I'm a proud parent of four amazing kids who've taught me valuable lessons in balancing responsibilities. Nature is my escape, and you'll often find me sailing on Flathead Lake or exploring the great outdoors. Whether it's hosting backyard BBQs or sampling the local breweries and wineries, I cherish Montana for its way of life, its freedom, its vast open spaces, and its majestic mountains.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
