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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Photography Contributed By
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Video By
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Welcome to The Skyline Retreat, a well maintained ranch style home with walk out basement in an established northeast Great Falls neighborhood. The main level offers three bedrooms including a private ensuite, spacious living areas, and dining room access to the backyard. The finished walk out basement includes an additional suite with oversized walk in closet space, separate access, and flexible
Welcome to Central Ave Country Estate, where country living meets city convenience. Nestled among mature trees on an expansive lot just minutes from Great Falls, this versatile property offers 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, multiple living areas, and flexible spaces ideal for a home office, library, nursery, hobby room, or additional living space. The bright galley kitchen is filled with natural light
Welcome to this stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home nestled in a peaceful, private setting within city limits—just minutes from the river and some of Great Falls’ best fishing. From the charming front porch to the spacious two-car garage, the inviting exterior sets the tone for what awaits inside. Step through the front door into an airy, open-concept living space accented by soaring ceilings and
Experience the beauty and freedom of Big Sky Country with this exceptional 25-acre property located just outside the city limits! Featuring breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, rolling countryside, and wide-open Montana skies, this property offers the perfect setting to build your dream home, barndominium, hobby farm, or private retreat. Residentially zoned and ready for
Room to spread out, park everything, and enjoy an unbeatable location! This 5-bedroom, 3-bath home offers 2,940 square feet of living space with a fully finished basement, all situated on an oversized 0.324-acre corner lot. Inside, you’ll find central air, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and plenty of flexible space for everyday living, entertaining, or hosting guests. Outside is where this
Welcome to this beautifully designed home featuring a rarely available floorplan that combines spacious living with thoughtful functionality. From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice the soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and open layout that make this home feel both grand and inviting.The living room showcases tall arched windows and a cozy gas fireplace, creating the perfect
5 acre parcel located North of Great Falls ready for your improvements located on a corner lot. Homestead Acres Rural Water District line runs along the North property line for convenient hookup to pull water into the lot! No known covenants, HOA, or building restrictions. Buyer to verify zoning, utilities, access, and intended use.
Investment opportunity featuring two homes on one lot in the heart of Great Falls! The front home offers 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and 732 square feet of living space, while the secondary home in the alley features 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, and 576 square feet. Whether you’re looking to expand your rental portfolio, generate supplemental income, or live in one home while renting out the other, this
Located in one of Great Falls’ most desirable neighborhoods, this spacious and well-maintained home offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and convenience just minutes from Meadowlark Elementary, parks, and shopping. The main floor features 3 bedrooms, inviting living spaces filled with natural light, and both an in-kitchen dining area and a separate dining space ideal for gatherings
Your Montana Dream Awaits—Sprawling 20 Acres, 4600 SqFt of Possibility! Just minutes from Great Falls, this expansive 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers the perfect balance of space, privacy, and opportunity. Set on 20 fully fenced acres with three separate pastures, it’s an ideal setup for those seeking room to roam—whether for horses, livestock, or simply wide-open living.Step inside to over
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
Most people drive to the river on weekends. You'll live on it every day. Fox Island is one of Montana's most coveted private island communities, and this 4-bedroom, 3-bath split-level puts you right where you've always wanted to be — private beach, direct Missouri River access, and a lifestyle that simply doesn't come up for sale very often. Gather around the fireplace in the sunken living room,
Welcome to a rare legacy property along the legendary Missouri River—an extraordinary Montana retreat where luxury meets the untamed beauty of Big Sky Country. Spanning more than a mile of pristine river frontage, this remarkable estate offers a level of privacy, recreation, and natural splendor seldom found in today’s market. Here, world-class fly fishing, boating, and quiet evenings along the
Crystal AultGlacier Sotheby's International Realty Missoula
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
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
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
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
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
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: 2189010Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in this beautifully furnished studio apartment located in the heart of Great Falls, MT. With a spacious layout that includes a cozy queen-size bed, this studio is designed for those who appreciate a stylish and functional living space. Enjoy modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV for your entertainment needs,
Property Id: 2559501Available now ---> 2-bedroom 1 bathroom apartment. New flooring. On-site washer/dryer. No pets. One-year lease. Must pass background check and credit score to qualify. RENT: $1050.00 plus gas and electricity. SECURITY DEPOSIT: $1050.00 --- DO NOT PAY FOR ANY ON-LINE APPLICATION (including turbo tenant) ...we do not charge any fees until after you have viewed the
Property Id: 11671654 bedroom House. Layout as follows: Upstairs: 2 Bedrooms/bathroom/storage. Main level: 1/2 Bathroom, living room, dining room, kitchen. Basement: Brand new bathroom, 2 bedrooms, washer, and dryer. Hardwood floors, dishwasher, and microwave. Front porch and street parking. Rent:$1800/month plus gas and electricity. Security Deposit: $1800. One year lease. Tenant
Property Id: 1018397This is a cute 4 bedroom 2 bathroom 2368 Sq Ft house. A must see in a great neighborhood within walking distance of parks and grocery. Amenities included but not limited to: Electric sky lights, gas fireplace, office room with large desk and french doors, on-site laundry, door in dining area opens to a deck and driveway (off-street parking), fenced yard with sprinkler
Property Id: 1080810Introducing a newly remodeled rental unit, this inviting space boasts a fresh, industrial aesthetic. The entire interior has been recently updated with a fresh coat of paint, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen features newer appliances, as well as new cabinetry. Step outside and discover a shared fenced yard, perfect for outdoor relaxation and
Property Id: 2541993MODERN 4 BEDROOM, 3 BATH TOWNHOME - GREAT LOCATION NEAR UNIVERSITY OF PROVIDENCE AND HOSPITALS - NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS - Available June 1!Located in a desirable Great Falls neighborhood, this spacious and modern 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom townhome offers comfort, convenience, and low-maintenance living. Just minutes from the University of Providence, both
Property Id: 847622Very nice This space is well laid out. 260 square feet. large living area with a good sized kitchen.Large shower and great closet space.Secure building, comes with WIFI and Air Conditioning is provided.Laundry on site downtown location.Call Sue at anytime.
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