13 Slow-Paced Small Towns in Montana Where Life Is Still Simple

Montana’s small towns are what makes it so charming and for most, so desirable. The pace of life in small towns tends to be a bit slower, and it’s definitely simpler. Big Sky Country is full of such places, and these 13 seem to embody the peaceful atmosphere Montanans embrace.

1. Choteau

Choteau is home to about 1,700 people. It's so charming that David Letterman fell in love with it and bought a ranch nearby. Despite possible Letterman sightings, life is simple in Choteau, and that's how people like it.

2. Fort Benton

Life in this beautiful little Missouri River town is about as simple (and wonderful) as you'd imagine.

3. Stevensville

Stevensville was settled by Jesuit Missionaries hundreds of years ago. It remains a tranquil place to live and a fun place to visit.

4. Phillipsburg

This little town of about 900 people is the gem of the Treasure State... and speaking of gems, you can mine for sapphires in the area.

4. Scobey

You'll find this little town just 14 miles south of the Canadian Border in Eastern Montana. Scobey is home to the Daniels County Museum and Pioneer Town as well as lots of birds of all sizes.

6. Libby

Libby lies in the heart of the Kootenai Valley and is surrounded by the Cabinet Mountains and the Purcell Mountains. Life there is beautifully slow and simple.

7. Hamilton

Missoula is lovely and all, but head an hour south and you can live in Hamilton, a charming town of 4,556 where life is a lot simpler.

8. Cut Bank

With a cost of living that's lower than the U.S. average, an average commute time of 11 minutes and citywide events like Shakespeare in the Park, Cut Bank is a great place to live for anyone seeking a simple life.

9. Jordan

This tiny town is home to just under 400 people who love the simple life.

10. Ekalaka

Ekalaka is tucked into the southeast corner of the state, and it's home to a closeknit community of about 350 people. Most of the locals would call the sherrif's personal cell phone before calling 911.

11. Livingston

People from all walks of life flock to Livingston, which sits at the foothills of the Absaroka/Beartooth wilderness. Maybe it's because it's surrounded by so much natural beauty (it's just north of Yellowstone), but Livingston is a peaceful place.

12. Troy

The Gateway to Montana is nestled between mountains in Lincoln County. Between the scenic views and all the wildlife in the area, it's the perfect place to visit (or live) when you need a change of pace.

13. Paradise

The name says it all. This tiny town has a rich railroad past and is surrounded by beautiful scenery.

What's your favorite small and slow-paced town in Montana?