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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Video By
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A rare opportunity to own one of Great Falls' most historically significant residences.Located on prestigious 4th Avenue North in Great Falls' Historic District, this remarkable 1892 Transitional Queen Anne Colonial Revival home offers approximately 2,786 square feet of finished living space and stands as a true piece of Montana history. Known historically as the Egloff/Fairfield House,
Opportunity Knocks! This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers flexibility, updates, and income potential all in a convenient location close to colleges, shopping, restaurants, and everyday amenities.The bright and inviting main level features beautiful hardwood floors, a spacious living room filled with natural light, and an updated kitchen complete with white cabinetry,
Behind this door lies 1,537 square feet of elevated, worry-free living at Park Plaza. Capturing stunning city views, this immaculate condo offers front-row seats to vibrant Montana sunsets and the changing colors of fall.Inside, the home has been beautifully updated with sleek quartz countertops and brand-new tile spanning the entryway, kitchen, and both bathrooms—including a custom tiled
Welcome home to this spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offering a functional floor plan, plenty of room to spread out, and a 3-car garage. The main level features a bright living room, kitchen with abundant cabinetry and counter space, and three of the five bedrooms conveniently located on the main floor. Downstairs, you’ll find additional living space along with two more bedrooms—perfect for
Discover the perfect blend of tranquility and comfort in this charming third level condo with a garage. Nestled in a quiet community, this delightful home offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The large two bedroom is a standout feature, easily accommodating a king-size bed with room to spare. Perfect for those who appreciate space and comfort. The open-concept
Enjoy the comfort and convenience of Condo living! Located in the highly desireable Fox Farm area, this tastefully updated 4 Bedroom/3 Bathroom property offers functional main level living featuring a spacious primary suite, additional bedroom on main, granite counters with large island, newer appliances and main floor laundry. A comfortable loft provides additional private space for an office or
Vacant and ready to show Must See! No appointment necessary Just Go and SHow!! Unique floor plan 3 bedroom East end near M.A.F.B and schools and Pinski park, Easy access to 10th Ave So. and shopping and dining, 2 story, enjoy nicely landscraped backyard and shed, pond and nice trees and fenced. upper level en suite with balcony overlooking fountain and yard. Main floor laundry.
Recently updated starter/entry level property or great investment pick up for your existing portfolio located close to downtown Great Falls. This single level home has good rental history with lots more potential for growth.
Nice 1 acre building lot overlooking Great Falls and the skyline. End of road privacy, paved to lot, electric and natural gas to lot. Close to town amenities and airport. Seller is an architect with design plans and site master plan for buyer. Drawings and model of home available for further information. Any buyer electing to use architect services will execute a contract with architect.
NEW PRICE AND OFFERING A $5,000 CREDIT TO BUYERS! Welcome to this 3,200+ sq. ft., 4-bed, 3-bath midcentury brick rancher on a corner lot towards the east end of Great Falls! You will not lack space anywhere - the main level features an expansive, bifurcated living area, a large main bedroom with a tiled ensuite full bathroom, another bedroom with its own ensuite 3/4 bathroom, and a spacious
Exceptional 19.04-acre development opportunity strategically positioned along the high-traffic corridor of 57th Street, just outside the City of Great Falls zoning jurisdiction. Offering flexibility for a variety of future uses, buyers are encouraged to verify commercial zoning potential and intended development plans with Cascade County. This highly visible site is located in one of Great Falls'
Discover a lifestyle of comfort and convenience at 3500 13th AVE S, Great Falls, Montana. This attractive 2044 square foot single-family residence, built in 1959, offers a harmonious blend of classic design and modern living. The expansive living room holds a brick fireplace and plenty of natural light. The kitchen is equipped for culinary exploration, featuring a double oven that caters to both
Enjoy the peace and tranquility of country living only a short drive from Great Falls. This 2.04 acre lot is pre-approved for septic along with power and natural gas on site. Ideal property to build your dream home with plenty of space to include a shop and store your toys. Amazing views and River Access. Adjoining Lot 4 (2.01 acre) is also for sale-MLS#30052676
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
Welcome to Vista Villa/River Run, your new home in the heart of Great Falls, MT. Our apartments offer a blend of comfort and convenience, with amenities designed to enhance your lifestyle. Each apartment features luxury vinyl plank floors, adding a touch of elegance and easy maintenance to your living space. For your convenience, we offer on-site laundry facilities, eliminating the need for
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
We offer studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments specifically designed to complement your unique style. Surrounded by bountiful nature, our apartment homes feature all the amenities you need for upscale, comfortable living including gorgeous open concept living areas with hardwood plank flooring, designer-style kitchens and expansive, over-sized windows that let you drink in awe-inspiring
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: 1303549 This 4 bedroom 2 bath home offers an inviting atmosphere for you and your family to call home. Kitchen has lots of storage space, basement has large family room, backyard has extra shed for lawn equipment and toys. Garage has two stalls large enough for two full size trucks. Fenced backyard to keep kids and dogs secure. Close to elementary, middle school and Air Force
Property Id: 2775193 ***Please read*** this property does NOT currently accept section 8, we are firm on pet policy. Showings will NOT be scheduled prior to the week of August 17th. Please complete pre-screening 1st ( free) this helps us keep accurate track of interest and qualifications. We will not be able to field multiple phone calls, emails or text messages. Please use the Turbo
Property Id: 2130288 Welcome to your dream home at 3610 4th Ave N, Great Falls, MT! This spacious 4 bed, 2 bath single-family home features modern amenities including dishwasher, central heating, and washer/dryer hookups. Enjoy the convenience of a secure building, vaulted ceilings, and a balcony/deck overlooking the lush lawn. Small dogs are welcome in this smoke-free property. Don't miss
Property Id: 2016130 This is a nice duplex by Gibson Park. Two bedrooms one bath upstairs, 1+ bedroom in the basement. Washer dryer hook ups. Large and spacious. No smoking no pets.
Property Id: 1330865 4 bedroom 2 bathroom house for rent November 15, 2023. Very well taken care of and in a great neighborhood! Tenant pays all utilities including taking care of the lawn. Single car garage with extra parking on the side of the garage. Fenced back yard with storage shed and fire pit. Pets okay on approval with extra pet rent of $100 per month and a $250 pet deposit per pet.
Property Id: 2798486 Available September 1st! Spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment located just minutes from Malmstrom Air Force Base. Features a master suite with a walk-in closet, secure building entry, and washer/dryer hookups. Rent: $1,600/month Security Deposit: $1,600 Owner pays heat, water, and garbage. Tenant is responsible for electricity. Kitchen includes
Property Id: 2586093 Whether you're in Great Falls for work, adventure, or a family getaway, this beautifully updated home offers the perfect balance of comfort, style, and convenience. Recently renovated, this spacious 4-bedroom home comfortably sleeps up to 9 guests with five beds, including a fun bunk room that's perfect for kids. A stunning new kitchen serves as the heart of the
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