West Park Street is a vibrant urban neighborhood that tells the tale of Butte’s mining history through its buildings, artwork and restaurants. The neighborhood is only three streets wide; one of those three roadways is Park Street, which gets the most foot traffic because of its shops and eateries. “Park Street is fun to walk around when the weather is good and when it’s not,” says George Everett, executive director of Mainstreet Uptown Butte. “It’s a busy commercial area, with many stores and tall multi-story buildings from the 1880s to the 90s.” Living in West Park Street means having access to many amenities in a historic mining community. Butte got its nickname “the Richest Hill on Earth” because of the gold, silver and copper found there in the 19th century. At one point, the city had more than 150 underground mines and 100,000 residents, including European immigrants who came to work for the wealthiest men in the mining industry: The Copper Kings. “Butte was settled by immigrants from all around the world. They settled differences and got along,” Everett says. “Only 34,000 people live here now, but everyone is friendly and curious.”
Victorian Era homes along Park Street
West Park Street homes have a lot of character and detail. “It was built during a boom during the 1890s and 1920s. There are Italianate, Gothic and Georgian homes. Every style you can imagine from that period,” Everett says. As buyers travel through the neighborhood, they can spot which homes were used for the working-class residents and immigrants and homes for the millionaires. Along Broadway Street are duplexes, multi-family properties, and condos in brick-row homes with ornate exterior designs. When folks go downhill on Park Street, they'll spot brightly-colored Neoclassic and Victorian homes atop cement platforms. Galena Street holds bungalows and Queen Anne cottages. Since homes are so close to one another, garages are rare, and street parking is the norm. The neighborhood's urban, downtown feel is also brought out with its lack of landscaping and green space. Prices range from $200,000 to $450,000 for a historic single family. The neighborhood has a CAP crime score of 6 out of 10. That is two scores higher than the national average.
Tons of historic homes can be found along the snowy streets of West Park Street.
West Park Street, home to some of Butte's wealthiest residents, has truly stunning houses.
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Ghost signs on restaurant buildings
Several locally-owned restaurants and stores are along Park Street, the neighborhood’s east side. When folks walk around Park Street, they’ll see the traces of the city’s mining heritage. The brick buildings are still in their original condition, and many still have painted signs from previous businesses or advertisements, something the city takes pride in. Hummingbird Café is a casual coffee and brunch shop with contemporary interiors and elaborate artwork. Saffron is a newer Mediterranean restaurant that offers gluten-free and vegan options. M&M Bar and Café has served brunch to the Butte community for over 130 years. “M&M is coming back after a fire in 2021. They’re doing a booming business,” Everett says. “They have plans to reopen the original, which opened in 1890. They’re trying to keep things going.” Groceries are available at Safeway, or you can stock up on meat at the Terminal Food Center.
The M&M Bar and Cafe has a rich history and is worth checking out when in West Park Street.
Head on over to Hummingbird Cafe in West Park Street for a chill vibe and delicious coffee.
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Over 200 performers perform at Montana Folk Festival
Uptown Butte hosts many local and state events annually. Some of these events pass through parts of West Park Street. The Montana Folk Festival is a free weekend event in July that features over 200 domestic and international musicians and performers. Festival-goers can also enjoy several marketplaces and vendors. Uptown has a weekly farmer's market with fresh produce and goods from May to October. An Ri Ra Festival celebrates the city’s Irish culture. “It’s the second week of August. A lot of the copper founders are of Irish descent. They have music and workshops for language,” Everett says. “The joke they say is that An Ri Ra is Gaelic for rain because they plan a year for this event, and it always gets poured on.”
Nearby to BA&P Trail
Small pockets of green or park space surround the neighborhood. These may include a playground, tennis courts or basketball courts. Chester Steele Park has a playground and splash pad area. When snow arrives, kids can sled down the hill. Off Copper Road is BA&P Hill Trail, which spans 4 miles from the north side of Butte to Rocker. “The former trains that were around during the mining times were converted into walking trails,” Everett says. “Once you get to the top and don’t have to pedal, but you do have to use the brakes. They can travel through visual reminders of mining and lots of deer.”
The scenic BA&P Trail runs through Montana Technical University near West Park Street.
When it's snowy, Chester Steele Park has a hill that folks in West Park Street can sled on.
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Adjacent to Montana Technological University
Students can start their education at West Elementary, a B-minus school by Niche. East Middle teaches seventh and eighth graders and earns a C-plus rating. Students can receive diplomas from Butte High, a C-plus school. The school provides career and technical education in family life, healthcare careers, culinary arts and auto technology. West of the neighborhood is the Montana Technological University, one of the leading STEM universities in the Rocky Mountain region. Niche ranks this college as the best in Montana.
West Elementary School is where some West Park Street residents can begin their schooling.
East Middle School is where some West Park Street kiddos will go before high school.
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Highly walkable area nearby to major employers
West Park Street is near several major employers, such as St. James Healthcare and NorthWestern Energy. Residents may walk to work or take one of the Butte buses. Everett says the city is working to improve the walkability and include bike paths. Those who need to travel outside the city are only a few miles from Interstate 15, which goes north-south around the Mountain Region. “We have two seasons: summer and road construction. We get much smoke in August and September,” Everett says. “It blows through from Idaho and Washington. We get smoke west of us to the ocean.” West Park Street does have a higher number of unhealthy air quality days.
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Discover a delightful surprise with this spacious home that boasts more than meets the eye. Nestled in the heart of Historic Uptown Butte, this property features: 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bath, Cozy living room/dining room area, great for entertaining; perfect for those seeking a promising investment opportunity or a cozy residence to call your own. Enjoy the charm of a historic neighborhood while being
The Binder Condo! This is the 3rd Floor unit with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath updated kitchen, new paint, new flooring, updated heating system and electrical, within walking distance to Montana Tech.
The Binder Condo! This is the middle unit with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath updated kitchen, new paint, new flooring, updated heating system and electrical, within walking distance to Montana Tech.
One bedroom apartment with all utilities included with A/C. Secure, quiet uptown location near the hospital and Montana Tech. Free laundry and off street parking all included. This is a non-smoking, no pet building.
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
963
Median Age
35
Population under 18
20.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.3%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$23,041
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$37,669
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
77.4%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
23.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.1%
% Population in Labor Force
60.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
13''
Average Winter Low Temperature
7°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
31''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
51/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
86/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
19/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
