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University District

University District

Neighborhood in Missoula, Montana

Missoula County 59801, 59803

$839,793 Average Value
$362 Average Price per Sq Ft
7 Homes For Sale

A college town feel in the center of Missoula

With a concrete M on the mountain high above the neighborhood and the spire of University Hall standing tall at the base of Mount Sentinel, University District is full of symbols that make it one of the most recognizable neighborhoods in Missoula. "It's centrally located right in the heart of Missoula. It's within walking distance of the University of Montana and downtown," says Leland Reed, an agent with the Selling Big Sky Group at Revel Real Estate, who has sold several homes in the area. "It's a very lively and iconic neighborhood. The walkability is endless—to trails, recreation, mountain biking and hiking." Living in the University District allows homeowners to take advantage of all the city's activity while making their home in a quaint residential neighborhood surrounding the state's flagship university.

University District is seated beautifully between the Clark Fork river and Mount Sentinel.
University District is seated beautifully between the Clark Fork river and Mount Sentinel.
The University of Montana
The University of Montana "M" can be seen throughout greater Missoula.
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Mountain trails and city parks close to hoome

Several parks in and around University District give residents access to various recreational activities. Mount Sentinel is just east of the neighborhood and is the mountain where the large concrete M is located. "That's probably the most iconic hike in Missoula. I call it the quick and dirty hike because it's great if you want a quick workout," Reed says. The first M was a stone marker installed in 1908 by University of Montana Forestry Club members before being replaced in 1968 by the current version. The club also forged a ¾-mile zigzag trail up the mountain that offers sweeping views of Missoula, the Clark Fork River and surrounding mountains. Bonner Park is a popular green space in the center of the neighborhood with tennis, basketball and volleyball courts. Golfers can tee off on the nine-hole University of Montana Golf Course, a relatively flat course at the base of Mount Sentinel, where it's not uncommon to see deer and other wildlife during a game. The Clark Fork River forms the neighborhood's northern edge, and bikers and runners can enjoy a workout along the Kim Williams Trail, which follows the river as it flows through the city.

Cycling is a way of life in University District with miles of trails.
Cycling is a way of life in University District with miles of trails.
The fabled
The fabled "M" hike features multiple switchbacks-- it's very popular among residents.
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A mix of tastes in local dining and shopping

University District residents are close to some of the most popular restaurants in Missoula. "I would go to Finn and order a cup of French onion soup and an espresso martini. That's kind of a go-to. The Iron Griz is good. What's really cool about it is that students in the culinary program at the university work there, and the food is actually really good," Reed says, with recommendations seconded by her business partner Emily Mackenroth. Finn is just north of the river in the DoubleTree Hotel. Residents can drive or walk across the Madison Street Footbridge to get to the restaurant, where they can enjoy their meal on the outdoor patio overlooking the river. The Iron Griz is on the neighborhood's south end on the university's golf course. Rockin Rudy's is an eclectic store on Blaine Street where residents can find vintage records, gifts, jewelry and more. Groceries are available at Orange Street Food Farm, a local store just west of the neighborhood. There is also an Albertsons north of the river on Broadway Street.

Big Dipper Ice Cream is busy just about every minute it's open-- a local favorite.
Big Dipper Ice Cream is busy just about every minute it's open-- a local favorite.
Higgins Avenue features local retailers and boutiques.
Higgins Avenue features local retailers and boutiques.
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Early 1900s homes on quaint neighborhood streets

The homes in University District are primarily established Craftsmans and bungalows. Most were built before 1970, with many from the early 1900s to 1940s. Several houses in the area have been renovated and updated with modern features like new appliances, windows and cabinets. Spacious front porches are common, allowing homeowners to enjoy a quiet evening among the tree-lined streets. Houses are typically close together, giving the neighborhood a suburban feel, but they usually have front and back yards with enough room for a game of catch or to host a cookout. While the neighborhood is immediately next to the University of Montana, Reed says residents don't deal with much noise or disturbances from students. Smaller homes with two or three bedrooms often cost between $500,000 and $800,000, while larger houses can cost between $1 million and $1.5 million.

Mature trees keep front porches cool during the warm months of winter in University District.
Mature trees keep front porches cool during the warm months of winter in University District.
Homes near the University of Montana tend to be larger craftsman style.
Homes near the University of Montana tend to be larger craftsman style.
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Education options from K to Grad School

Students in University District will likely attend Paxson Elementary School, in the neighborhood on Evans Avenue, and Washington Middle School, just west of the neighborhood on Central Avenue. Each school receives a B-plus rating from Niche. Hellgate High School is also located in the neighborhood and gets an A-minus rating. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma program, which allows students to graduate with up to 30 college credits. Students can also take electives in subjects like agriculture and industrial technology. The University of Montana's main campus is northeast of the neighborhood, across Arthur Avenue. The 56-acre campus is home to approximately 10,000 students and more than 60 buildings. Programs at the university include wildlife biology, political science, business and neuroscience. The university boasts high job placement rates for its forestry, management information systems and athletic training programs.

Washington Middle School in Missoula provides a supportive and engaging learning environment.
Washington Middle School in Missoula provides a supportive and engaging learning environment.
The University of Montana and its students inject youthful energy into University District.
The University of Montana and its students inject youthful energy into University District.
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Exciting events throughout the year

University District has multiple attractions and events that add excitement to life in the neighborhood. Bonner Park hosts weekly concerts by the Missoula City Band at its bandshell each Wednesday during the summer. The concerts are free and feature a variety of musical styles. The Roxy Theater on Higgins Avenue has been around since 1937 and shows new releases and classic films. The theater also hosts events like the Montana Film Festival and the International Wildlife Film Festival. Sports fans can catch games at the University of Montana. The Grizzlies football team has won two national championships and plays in the 25,000-seat Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

Students and those young at heart enjoy University District's art scene.
Students and those young at heart enjoy University District's art scene.
It's hard to find a golf course with more epic views than University of Montana Golf Course.
It's hard to find a golf course with more epic views than University of Montana Golf Course.
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Walking and busing around Missoula

Multiple bus routes serve the neighborhood, making it easy for University District residents to get around Missoula. Routes 1 and 12 of the Mountain Line bus system run north to south along Arthur Road, providing transit from the golf course and student housing to the university's main campus. Route 6 offers another north-to-south route along Higgins Avenue on the neighborhood's west side. Route 8 allows residents to go west through the city, going as far as Community Medical Center, about a 20-minute ride. The neighborhood is walkable, with 59% of residents living within walking distance of a transit stop and 50% living within walking distance of commuter trails. For those who prefer to drive, downtown is about 1.5 miles north of the neighborhood's center, and Missoula Montana Airport is about 8 miles northwest along Interstate 90.

Bus stops throughout University District whisk residents throughout greater Missoula.
Bus stops throughout University District whisk residents throughout greater Missoula.
Maclay Bridge is pedestrian only-- it links the university with the Heart of Missoula.
Maclay Bridge is pedestrian only-- it links the university with the Heart of Missoula.
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Matthew Atkins
Written By
Matthew Atkins
Michael Hirsch
Photography Contributed By
Michael Hirsch
Joshua Kassabian
Video By
Joshua Kassabian

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Julie Gardner, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Missoula Montana

15 min drive

Bus

S Higgins Ave & University Ave

Bus

S Higgins Ave & Beverly Ave

Bus

Arthur Ave & University Ave.

Bus

South Ave E & Granite Ct

Bus

S Higgins Ave & Central Ave W

Bus

S 6th St E & Hilda Ave

Bus

South Ave E & Arthur Ave.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime University District US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$885,000
Median Single Family Price
$887,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$295,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$261,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$362
Number of Homes for Sale
7
Last 12 months Home Sales
33
Months of Supply
2.50
Median List Price
$897,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
16%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,029
Median Year Built
1939
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,478
Above the national average
1,936
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,077
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
789
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,623

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Julie Gardner, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
11,184
Median Age
28
Population under 18
23.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.2%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$49,250
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$104,032

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
99.8%
College Graduates
56.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
29.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69.6%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
14''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
30''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

21 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

7 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

35 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Reviews

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
University District
Julie Gardner
ERA Lambros Real Estate Missoula
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