Whether you’ve lived in Montana your entire life or you’ve only recently found it, there’s something comforting about deciding to make one of its towns your permanent home. Putting down roots can mean anything from buying a home to investing in land to securing a job you hope to hold until retirement. Making long-lasting ties to your community is priceless, and these are some of the best places in Montana to do it.

1. Belgrade

Belgrade might be close to the bigger city of Bozeman, but it doesn’t live in its shadow. It has a charming historic downtown area, friendly people and just enough amenities to live a nice, comfortable life.

2. Hamilton

Living in Hamilton means being surrounded by the Sapphire and Bitterroot Mountains, farms and ranches. You’ll be close to the big city of Missoula, but just far enough away to enjoy a quieter existence.

3. Choteau

The "Front Porch of the Rockies" is a picturesque, friendly small town and a great place to raise a family. History buffs will love the Old Trail Museum, which holds one of the most important paleontology finds in the world, the Maiasaura fossil.

4. Livingston

Surrounded by the Gallatin National Forest, Livingston is known for being one of the most beautiful cities in Montana. Once a popular trading post, it’s now home to around 7,000 people.

5. Sidney

Sidney sits on the Yellowstone River about 10 miles away from the North Dakota border. In addition to being a mecca for ranchers and oil field workers, it also has a large sugar beet factory that dates back to 1925.

6. Fort Benton

One of the first cities in Montana happens to be the most charming. Why not put down your roots in a beautiful place that holds so much of our history?

7. Ennis

You’ll probably learn everyone’s name quickly if you move to Ennis since a mere 900 people live there. It’s a prime place for hunting and fishing, and it still maintains an authentic Western atmosphere.

8. Thompson Falls

Thompson Falls, population 1,313 at the last census, lies in the far west corner of our state. It’s nestled in a forested area which allows you to enjoy clean air and views of pristine wilderness.

9. Lewistown

Looking for a city that’s on the small side and full of natural beauty? Lewistown is located in the heart of Montana, "where the mountains meet the plains."

10. Big Timber

If you enjoy gorgeous scenery, great food (hello, Thirsty Turtle) and a friendly community, Big Timber might be the place for you. Going to the Big Timber Rodeo every year wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.

11. Plains

Often described as small town living at its finest, Plains is located in Sanders County. It’s within a reasonable driving distance of Missoula, Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake, but it’s secluded enough to enjoy a quiet life.

12. Ekalaka

If the name alone isn’t enough to convince you to put down roots in Ekalaka, perhaps this will: it’s a mecca for paleontological discoveries, home to the incredible Carter County Museum, and close to the beautiful Medicine Rocks State Park.

Of course, these are just a few of the many wonderful places for putting down roots in Montana. Here are 15 small towns in the Treasure State where everyone knows your name.