Westside, Missoula,MT

Westside in Missoula, MT is a charming neighborhood that offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, making it an excellent choice for those relocating to the area. Known for its friendly community vibe, Westside is a place where neighbors know each other and local businesses thrive. The neighborhood boasts a variety of parks and green spaces, including the popular McCormick Park, which is great for families, dog walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. You’ll find a range of dining options, cozy cafes, and boutique shops that give Westside its unique local flavor. If you enjoy an active lifestyle, the nearby Bitterroot Trail provides scenic routes for biking and walking, adding to the neighborhood’s appeal.

For anyone moving to Missoula, the Westside neighborhood’s proximity to Downtown Missoula is a major plus. Just a short drive or bike ride away, Downtown offers a bustling cultural scene with art galleries, theaters, and a lively farmers market. This makes it easy for residents of Westside to enjoy urban amenities without sacrificing the quieter, community-oriented feel of their own neighborhood. Whether you’re heading out for work, grabbing a coffee, or attending one of the many events Downtown, you’ll appreciate how accessible it all is from Westside. This balance of accessibility and tranquility is something that many newcomers find particularly attractive.

One of the standout features of Westside is its strong sense of community combined with a variety of local attractions. The neighborhood is home to Rattlesnake Creek, a lovely natural spot for fishing and picnicking, which brings a bit of the Montana wilderness right to your doorstep. Westside’s schools are well-regarded, making the area popular among families. Additionally, the neighborhood’s diverse housing options—from historic homes to modern apartments—cater to a wide range of preferences and budgets. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy retirement, Westside provides a welcoming environment with plenty to offer.

About 31% of the Westside population aged 16 and older are married, which is notably lower than average. This could suggest a community with a younger, more transient population—perhaps made up of students, professionals, or renters. It may also reflect a neighborhood that attracts singles or couples without children, contributing to a more independent, urban lifestyle.

With only 19% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Westside demographic details provide a clearer picture of what life is like in the neighborhood, offering insight into its character, community, and overall lifestyle. With a population of 7,679, the number of residents who reside in Westside is about average in size compared to other Missoula neighborhoods, striking a perfect balance between energy and tranquility. It’s large enough to offer plenty of amenities, activities, and a vibrant local scene, yet small enough to maintain a welcoming community feel and a more relaxed pace of life.

With a lower than average population density of 1,704 people per square mile, Westside offers a more open and spacious environment compared to many other Missoula neighborhoods. This often means quieter streets, less congestion, and a relaxed atmosphere — all while still providing access to the amenities and conveniences of city living.

With an average age of 35, you're likely to find a well-balanced community where multiple generations live side by side. This mix of age groups contributes to a neighborhood atmosphere that’s both active and welcoming, offering a blend of fresh perspectives and long-standing community values.

The Westside crime map uses detailed block group boundaries from address-based crime data to visualize crime patterns across the neighborhood, highlighting both low-crime zones and areas with higher levels of reported crime. This crime heat map helps paint a clearer picture of local safety trends, showing how crime can vary from one part of the community to another. Keep in mind that areas with higher activity on the map don’t always equate to dangerous conditions — locations near entertainment districts, major roads, or tourist destinations often see more reports simply due to the larger number of people passing through.

Housing prices can reveal a lot about the balance and overall appeal of a neighborhood. In Westside, the median home price is about $313,169, which is on par with many comparable areas. This average pricing reflects a stable, affordable housing market and makes the neighborhood an appealing choice for a wide range of buyers seeking both value and long-term potential. Examining how home prices and appreciation rates in Westside have shifted over time can reveal important clues about the neighborhood’s future value. These trends help potential buyers and investors understand market momentum and determine whether the area is likely to deliver strong returns over the long term.

The median rent is around $1,062, which is on par with many comparable neighborhoods. This balanced pricing offers a mix of affordability and value, making it a practical choice for a wide range of renters.

School ratings in Westside combine factors like student performance, graduation rates, and standardized test scores to provide a clear picture of overall educational quality. The use of NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores adds valuable context by offering a consistent national benchmark to see how local schools compare on a broader scale. Additionally, understanding the overall education level achieved by residents in Westside can give insight into the community’s priorities and opportunities, helping families make more informed decisions about where to live and how well local schools may support long-term student success.