Missoula,MT Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Missoula, MT – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Exploring the Best Neighborhoods in Missoula: A Local’s Guide
Missoula, Montana, is a charming city nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, known for its vibrant culture and scenic beauty. The city’s neighborhoods each offer something unique, from historic homes and bustling downtown spots to peaceful suburban streets. Whether you’re looking for a lively social scene or a quiet place to raise a family, the best neighborhoods in Missoula have something to fit every lifestyle. With a Missoula neighborhoods map in hand, you’ll find it easy to explore the diverse communities that make this city so special.
Demographic Insights & Community Composition
Missoula’s neighborhoods showcase a rich blend of residents, including young professionals, families, and retirees. For example, the University District is predominantly filled with students and faculty, giving it a youthful and energetic vibe. On the other hand, areas like South Hills attract families and outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate the quiet streets and easy access to hiking trails. Neighborhoods such as Rattlesnake tend to have a mix of long-time locals and newcomers, creating a welcoming community atmosphere that values both tradition and growth.
Lifestyle Variety: What Different Areas Offer
The lifestyle in Missoula neighborhoods can vary widely. Downtown Missoula is perfect for those who thrive on an urban lifestyle, with plenty of shops, galleries, and live music venues close by. Meanwhile, the Franklin to the Fort neighborhood offers a suburban feel with tree-lined streets and excellent schools, ideal for families seeking a safe, nurturing environment. For those who love the outdoors, neighborhoods near the Clark Fork River provide easy access to fishing, kayaking, and scenic bike trails. Each area presents a unique way to live, allowing residents to choose based on their personal preferences and daily needs.
Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability
When exploring the best neighborhoods in Missoula, safety is often a top concern. Generally, Missoula enjoys a reputation for being a safe city, and neighborhoods like East Missoula and Southgate have particularly low crime rates and strong community watch programs. Areas closer to downtown have seen an increase in activity but remain well-patrolled and community-oriented. Stability is also a hallmark of many neighborhoods, with long-term residents and active neighborhood associations that promote a sense of security and belonging, making Missoula a comfortable place to call home.
Food & Social Scene: Are Some Areas More Popular Than Others, Hotspots
Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Missoula’s neighborhoods. The Northside District has become a culinary hotspot, featuring trendy restaurants, craft breweries like Bayern Brewing, and cozy coffee shops. Downtown is the go-to for a diverse dining scene, from farm-to-table spots like Catalyst Café to casual favorites such as The Notorious P.I.G. For a more laid-back vibe, the Rattlesnake neighborhood offers charming cafés and bakeries nestled among residential streets. These areas not only serve delicious fare but also host regular social events and farmers markets that bring neighbors together.
Things to Do: What Are Some Popular Attractions and Things to Do
Missoula neighborhoods are brimming with attractions and activities. The Riverfront Triangle in downtown offers beautiful parks and the iconic Caras Park, where community events like the Missoula Farmers Market and summer concerts take place. Nearby, the Rattlesnake Recreation Area provides miles of hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Families enjoy the Southgate Mall and the Missoula Art Museum, both located conveniently within city limits. Whether you prefer cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or family-friendly entertainment, you’ll find plenty to explore across Missoula’s neighborhoods.
Colleges & Universities: What Neighborhoods Are the Colleges/Universities Located In?
The University of Montana, Missoula’s flagship higher education institution, is nestled in the University District, which has a lively, youthful energy thanks to its student population. This neighborhood is filled with affordable housing options, coffee shops, bookstores, and music venues catering to college students and staff. Living near campus means easy access to university events, lectures, and the beautiful University of Montana campus itself, making it a popular choice for those connected to academic life.
What Are Some Things People Might Not Know About These Neighborhoods?
Many people don’t realize that some of Missoula’s neighborhoods have fascinating histories and hidden gems. For instance, the Franklin to the Fort area once served as a key frontier settlement and still features historic architecture that dates back to the 19th century. The Rattlesnake neighborhood is known for its vibrant arts community, often hosting open studio tours and local art walks. Additionally, Missoula neighborhoods map reveals a surprising number of pocket parks and community
Missoula Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant Creek | 41.7 | 20.5% | $353,300 | $79,835 | 3.4 |
| Moose Can Gully | 44.2 | 24.3% | $407,988 | $93,340 | 4.5 |
| Miller Creek | 45.7 | 27.1% | $508,600 | $119,985 | 4.5 |
| Westside | 35 | 19.4% | $313,169 | $66,330 | 4.6 |
| South 39th Street | 45.1 | 24.3% | $422,500 | $94,209 | 4.7 |
| Lower Rattlesnake | 39.6 | 20.5% | $457,043 | $86,455 | 5.0 |
| Upper Rattlesnake | 46.4 | 23.3% | $516,750 | $104,866 | 5.2 |
| Franklin to the Fort | 39.2 | 20.8% | $371,456 | $72,757 | 5.6 |
| Southgate Triangle | 42 | 24.4% | $381,150 | $70,390 | 6.0 |
| Northside | 31.2 | 15.4% | $368,350 | $67,568 | 6.2 |
Missoula neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Missoula—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Missoula, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Missoula
| Crime |
Reported |
Missoula /100k |
MT /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 2 | 2.5 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 84 | 106.4 | 59.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 36 | 45.6 | 19.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 349 | 442.3 | 342.5 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 471 | 597 | 424 | 359 |
| Burglary | 255 | 323.1 | 167.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,453 | 3,108.6 | 1,286.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 156 | 197.7 | 164.0 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 2,864 | 3,629 | 1,617 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 3,335 | 4,226 | 2,041 | 2,119 |