Great Falls helped build the American West by transporting agricultural freight along the Montana Central Railway Railway. Plus, The Boston and Montana Consolidated Copper and Silver Mining Company built their “Big Stack” smelter right here, bringing more industry to the city. “It’s a blue-collar town,” says Jim Dea, owner of ERA Advantage Realty and lifelong Great Falls resident. “There’s a very working man’s attitude in Great Falls – pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get to work.” Since the “Big Stack” shut down in the 1980s, the city has been experiencing economic hardship. “We’re still climbing out,” says Dea. Today, the city is defined by growth and maintains its working spirit. “I’ve never seen the economy this strong,” says Dea. Restaurants and businesses are opening in Downtown Great Falls, and a 100-acre development called “The Falls” will bring housing, restaurants and nature trails to the east of the city over the next 20 years. Five hydroelectric generators power the city, making it known as the "Electric City." The river also generates outdoor adventure and is used for fishing and pontoon boating, while the land along the riverbank is lined with 53 miles of nature trails.
Great Falls’ economy is based on tourism, manufacturing and healthcare. Benefis Health operates a hospital 3 miles from Downtown Great Falls and is a major employer in the city. Plus, companies like ADF Structural Steel and Calumet Montana produce renewable diesel fuel for aircraft. “There’s a lot of working-class folks in Great Falls,” says Dea. The city is also home to two military installations, the Great Falls Air National Guard Base and Malmstrom Air Force Base, which also provide many jobs.
Great Falls is known for it's dams that create the majority of the city's electricity
Great falls rests right on the edges of the Missouri River.
Great Falls is full of various breweries which bring delicious local beer to residents.
Glacier Park attracts tourism to Great Falls in winter and summer.
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Outdoor activity on the Missouri River
Other than being known as the "Electric City," Great Falls is also known as the “Basecamp of Montana, because it is located between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, two of the largest parks in the state. The Missouri River has 53 miles of nature trails and they're used for hiking, biking and running. It's also common to see kayaks and pontoon boats on the river. About 70 miles south, the Little Belt Mountains are full of hunting and backpacking opportunities. There are various parks in city limits with playgrounds and open green spaces, like Lion's Park off 10th Avenue South and indoor spaces like the Great Falls Rec Center and the Black Falls Community Center. Showdown Montana is a go-to for skiing and is just 70 miles south. In the winter, the city receives heavy snow and cold temperatures, so snow tires and salted sidewalks are part of life.
Riverside Park in Great falls has an amazing outdoor gym right on the edge of the Missouri River.
Riverside Park on the Missouri River has amazing viewpoints to watch sunsets in Great Falls.
Gibson Park has numerous playgrounds to play right by the Missouri River in Great Falls.
Gibson Park has an amazing basketball court right on the edge of the Missouri River in Great Falls.
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Downtown Great Falls is growing
Great Falls is one of Montana's mainstays for the arts and culture. It was home to Charles Marion Russell, also known as the cowboy artist, who was primarily known for painting scenes of the American West. The Charles Marion Russell Museum complex has more than 2,000 of his artwork and artifacts on display. The city is a hotspot for museums, including the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, the Children's Museum of Montana, and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. The city has a long-standing Native American history and is surrounded by several reservations and state tribes. Great Falls hosts the "Gathering of Families," where tribal leaders and members from Native American communities across the state gather for a week of events, traditional games, storytelling and a conference. Downtown Great Falls is becoming a bustling restaurant district, offering a mix of casual restaurants, breweries and coffee shops.
Downtown Great Falls is full of families enjoying shopping in afternoons.
Downtown Great Falls has dozens of delicious restaurants to choose from for fun date nights.
Downtown Great Falls is full of vibrant murals that bring life to the neighborhood.
Downtown Great Falls is home to historic brick buildings that give an old western vibe to the city.
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Growth in Great Falls housing prices
Housing prices in Great Falls have doubled since 2018. The median home price is $335,000, which is $85,000 lower than the national average of $420,000 and around $115,000 lower than the average cost in Montana. “We’re fairly affordable compared to the rest of the state, but it’s still crazy for people around here,” says Dea. Downtown Great Falls has historic Victorian properties overlooking the Missouri River, and a mix of ranch and craftsman homes are popular in suburban neighborhoods throughout the rest of the city. The Great Falls Development Authority shows that Great Falls's cost of living is about 13% lower than the national and state average. Housing prices are expected to rise as growth and development continue throughout the city.
Modern condominiums decorate the streets in Great Falls.
Great Falls has stunning modern housing developments which help raise surrounding property values.
It's common to find brand new town homes in Great Falls.
Old Victorian homes add history to the streets in Great Falls.
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Great Falls Public Schools
The city is served by Great Falls Public Schools. On Niche, the district is separated into two parts: the Great Falls Elementary School District, which has a B rating, and the Great Falls High School District, which has a B-plus rating. The city has 14 elementary schools, two middle schools, two elementary schools and four alternative campuses. C.M. Russel High School, named for the famed Great Falls artist, has a notable art program.
C.M. Russell High School is one of the many high schools in Great Falls.
Chief Joseph Elementary School offers safe grounds for students in Great Falls.
Great Falls High School has a beautiful large brick building campus in Great Falls.
East Middle School offers quality education for students in Great Falls.
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Getting around Great Falls
U.S. Route 87 and Interstate 15 are the main routes in the city and around the region. Interstate 15 leads to the Great Falls International Airport on the city’s lower west side. Great Falls Transit offers several bus routes, along with paratransit options.
Crime in Cascade County
Great Falls is the Cascade County Seat, where property crime increased by 3% and violent crime increased by 13%, according to the Montana Board of Crime Control.
Written By
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Great Falls, MT sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Great Falls, MT over the last 12 months is $390,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 7,000+ sq ft of refined living on 1.8 private acres on the Missouri River — just steps from the prestigious Meadowlark Country Club. This extraordinary 5-bed, 6-bath estate blends luxury, privacy, and lifestyle. Enter through a gated drive into a serene, manicured setting where craftsmanship shines. Inside, rich custom woodwork, chef-grade Viking appliances, and a custom wine cellar
KIB Homes! Located just off Flood Road, this brand-new 2026 single-level home (only steps are a single small step into the primary bath shower or into the secondary bathtub/shower) features an open, inviting layout with high ceilings in the living room. With 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and just over 1,700 square feet, the design balances comfort and functionality.The spacious kitchen includes
Welcome to your majestic retreat on the Missouri River! This extraordinary estate offers unparalleled luxury amidst Montana's landscapes. With over a mile of pristine river frontage, enjoy endless opportunities for fishing, boating, and relaxation. The stunning castle-inspired residence features a cedar-lined sauna, expansive wine cellar, turret with reading/family room, and multiple fireplaces.
Crystal AultGlacier Sotheby's International Realty Missoula
KIB Homes BUILT! 47 Copper Creek LANE, Great Falls, Montana, this single-family residence offers a haven of modern comfort in a serene setting. Built in 2025, this property presents a pristine and contemporary living experience. The residence features four bedrooms, providing ample private space for rest and relaxation. Each room offers a tranquil retreat, designed to promote restful nights and
Welcome to your own majestic retreat on the banks of the mighty Missouri River! This extraordinary estate offers unparalleled privacy, surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of Montana's landscapes. As you approach, you'll be greeted by over a mile of pristine river frontage, providing endless opportunities for fishing, boating, and relaxation along the Missouri. The centerpiece of this
Welcome to this spacious four level home offering both functionality and flexibility! Featuring 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this property spans three stories plus a basement, providing ample room for everyone( Airbnb possibilities! Nightly rates avg $188 a night for similar properties). The main level offers comfortable common spaces ideal for daily living or entertaining, while each upper floor
KIB Homes 1101 9th AVE S, Great Falls, Montana, a charming single-family residence that promises a relaxed and comfortable lifestyle. Built in 2025, this delightful home offers modern construction and an inviting atmosphere. Within this single-family residence, you will find three bedrooms, each providing a private retreat for rest and rejuvenation. Imagine beginning and ending each day in these
KIB Homes! Located on the North end of Great Fall, this brand-new 2026 single-level, zero-entry home (only steps are a single small step into the primary bath shower or into the secondary bathtub/shower) features an open, inviting layout with vaulted ceilings in the living room and kitchen. There is a custom accent wall in the living room with a built-in electric fireplace and mantle. This home
Enjoy easy, one-level living on the desirable East End of Great Falls, just minutes from Malmstrom AFB. This inviting 1994 home offers an open layout that feels bright, comfortable, and effortless from the moment you walk in. The perfectly sized fenced yard gives you room to relax without overwhelming upkeep, and it comes complete with a large storage shed and a covered patio, ideal for morning
Welcome home to this inviting 5 bedroom, 2 bath property located just minutes from shopping, schools, and everyday amenities! Inside, you’ll find comfortable living spaces with a basement that adds even more room for relaxing, storage, or future possibilities. Step outside to a spacious backyard that’s perfect for gatherings, play, or quiet evenings at home. The detached three-car heated garage
Welcome to this beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bath home located in the sought-after Countryside Village neighborhood! As you step inside you are met with a spacious living room complete with fire place, perfect for those cold winter nights by the fire. The chefs kitchen has been updated to host gatherings and enjoy that perfect time together! The large finished basement provides additional living space
The Aurora offers an unbeatable location for accessibility and convenience. Our luxury community is located adjacent to the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing. It is also only a few steps away from Benefis hospital and just up the road from Malmstrom Air Force Base. Our studio, one and two-bedroom floorplans are thoughtfully designed to optimize
Executive-Level Renovated Home | Minutes to Malmstrom AFB & Benefis | Impeccably Maintained | No PetsThis is not a typical rental. This is a fully renovated, locally owned home designed for residents who value cleanliness, privacy, and long-term stability.Located in one of Great Falls’ most desirable and safe neighborhoods, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with dedicated office space
Enjoy a fully furnished studio suite in our hotel at an affordable rate with free wi-fi, free utilities and free premium cable. Each studio suite has a full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, stovetop and microwave, and has a flexible workspace and plenty of storage. All our hotels are pet-friendly and have on-site guest laundry available. Plus, there are no long-term commitments and you can
Located off 3rd St NW Arc Apartments Homes offers an unbeatable location for accessibility and convenience. You'll love being able to take short trips to local shopping plazas or bike rides along the river. Our studio, one and two-bedroom floorplans are thoughtfully designed to optimize storage and living space for working, and entertaining, and everyday life. Community amenities include a
Property Id: 1208387-Partially Furnished-Low Shower for the elderly-Perfect for a single person-Completely remodeled-Rent includes water-Washer & dryer hookups-No pets-No smoking-No section 8-Must have good past landlord references-Must pass a strict background checkCall: Apply here:
Property Id: 1723778This beautiful single-family home is located at 916 Avenue E NW, Great Falls, MT. It provides a modern look and includes 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and two living rooms. Spectacular view of Great Falls from the backyard, to include a large patio area. This area is fully fenced and has a separate dog run. Property can accept up to two dogs with additional pet rent. There is a
Property Id: 281916This is a clean well cared for 1 bedroom apartment (daylight basement) close to mall/10th Ave. S. Quiet neighborhood. It has it's own entrance, shared lawn, carport, and storage unit included. Coin-op Washer/Dryer on site. Parking for 2 vehicles. Rent is $725 + electric. Security Deposit $725. One year lease required. No section 8. No pets/no smoking. Must pass
Property Id: 1110829This is a 4 bedroom (1 non-conforming) 3 bathroom corner lot house on Park Garden Road. Main level: Living room, dining, kitchen, bathroom, additional space with a wood-burning stove. Upper level: Master bedroom/bathroom, 2 additional bedrooms and bathroom. Basement: Non-conforming bedroom, recreational space, and laundry hook-ups. Fenced yard with a sprinkler system.
Property Id: 1247087Centrally located home with mature trees and beautiful gardened area that will make it feel like a country cottage as you walk up to the covered front porch. 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath on main floor with spacious kitchen, large kitchen island and updated counter tops. Additional bedroom in upper level and full basement. Large backyard space for additional parking.
Property Id: 1587831Discover a remarkable professional office suite in a prime, high-traffic location near the fairgrounds. This space offers both convenience and privacy, featuring its own separate entrance and exterior access within a building shared with co-tenants. A welcoming foyer greets clients on the main floor, followed by five offices and a private bathroom for added
Property Id: 1223774This is a nice apartment with all brand new flooring and a brand new range. Secure building with offstreet parking. We do except pets upon approval. We have a two pet limit. The rent if you have a pet is $100 extra per month. And a $250 pet deposit per pet. Coin laundry is available in the building. A/c wall unit in the apt. Tenant pays just the electricity. The owner
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