Firstly why Helena, Montana?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Helena
• State: Montana
• Population: 32,289 people
• Helena’s quick summary would be The state capital, celebrated for its rich gold rush history and the beautiful Mount Helena City Park.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 2,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 1,500 annually
• Net Migration: 500 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 100
• Number of Homeless people: 100

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as the state capital provides job opportunities and historical significance attracting residents

Perk #1: Helena Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 66%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Native American
• The median income is (and growing)  $52,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Helena is $52,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $0 neutral cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Helena’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,924
• Property Tax %: 0.85%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,000
• Rent for an average house: $1,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Helena
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Helena, East-Helena, Jefferson-City, Clancy, and probably could include Townsend
• Avg. Age of Homes in Helena: 72 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.7%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Helena’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Helena are  Government, Healthcare, and Education
• Helena Job Scene: stable job market focusing on government and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech engagement primarily centered on government services and local economy , ,
• Helena Resident’s pay $600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Helena: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 50 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 5

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Helena

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $85 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-15 connects Helena to various regions in Montana
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on Highway 12
• Transportation Score: 36 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Helena: 30,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.9
• No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Helena: dojmt.gov/motor-vehicle/
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 56 of 100
• Local Airport: Helena Regional

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Helena’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
• General Weather in Helena is best described as experiences cold winters and warm summers with relatively low precipitation
• Winter Weather in Helena i’d describe as cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Helena can be described as cool with chances of rain
• Summer’s in Helena are mostly warm and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Helena is usually cool and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 10 days in summer
• Days in a row in Helena below Freezing: 90
• Average Annual Rainfall: 14 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually excellent air quality maintained by remote location
• Helena Winter Air generally good air quality with few local pollution sources

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Helena Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Helena 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Helenas’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Helena Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Helena Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Helena only Doctors is about 15
• Local Hospitals here is  1
• Full-time Helena only Police Officers is about 60
• Crime Rate Index: 15/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Helena’s Monthly utility bill average is $85
• Helena’s Monthly Gym Membership: $35
• Helena’s Water Quality Score: 73

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Helena

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 3 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: state capital with a small-town feel and rich history
• You might enjoy concerts at the Helena Civic Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Helena  has a quaint nightlife with friendly bars and causal dining options creating a cozy atmosphere for evenings

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Helena

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features local diners and family-friendly restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 10 scattered around Helena
• The Popular Sports Team is Helena Brewers
• Top Level Political Climate in Helena can be described as state capital with a blend of conservative and progressive views
• Helena’s Longer standing religious establishment is Helena First United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Helena Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Helena has 15 Parks?
• Helena Parks is Helena’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Helena Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and fishing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Helena Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Helena can be described as quiet pace with a strong focus on history and community events
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Helena hiking in nature attending community events exploring parks
• The Cities people commute to from Helena are Great-Falls 81 miles away Missoula 84 miles away Butte 55 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Helena or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: slowdowns on Highway 12. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Helena’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Helena is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Helena are Great-Falls 81 miles away Missoula 84 miles away Butte 55 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 15 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Helena has 90 days in a row below freezing and 10 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Helena people have an average (positive or negative) $0 neutral cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   100 homeless people living in Helena. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general state capital with a blend of conservative and progressive views could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Helena.

Retiree & Senior Life in Helena

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might receive income tax reductions targeting retirement benefits
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Touchmark at All Saints
• Helena Senior Center features various activities health workshops and social programs for older residents

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Helena, Montana?

If Helena, Montana ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Helena, Montana, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!