A laid-back mountain lifestyle in Hamilton
Framed by the mountain ranges that bracket the Bitterroot Valley, Hamilton was founded in the late 19th century and mined for its rich stores of copper. Over the years, the area has gained popularity for its scenic views, access to a diverse range of outdoor recreation and laid-back community. "People move here to have the Montana dream – the mountains are right in our backyard since we're in the Bitterroot Valley. They're drawn by the beauty," says Lindsay Buhler, a Hamilton local and Realtor with Engel & Völkers Americas. "It's not just that, though. Hamilton has a complete and total sense of community, where people always wave to say hi, and it's not over-commercialized. We're really all about the slower-paced lifestyle."
Hiking, fly-fishing and golfing around the Bitterroot Valley
While Hamilton proper does have several green spaces for the local Little League, morning dog walks and playground visits, most will utilize the abundance of nature around them for outdoor recreation. "If you're an avid outdoors person, this is the place to be. We're right on the Bitterroot River, and our fly-fishing is world-renowned. People come from all over to go fly-fishing here and to float the river," Buhler says. "The hikes are amazing and go throughout the valleys and canyons, and there are trailheads all over. You can't beat Montana summers." Hamilton also has access to several golf courses, with one of the most popular being Hamilton Golf Club, which is open to the public and established in 1924. It features a challenging 18-hole course and driving range and hosts several tournaments throughout the year.
Classic midcentury architecture and modern homes at the foothills
In Hamilton, architecture is reflective of steady population growth over the years. Along the sidewalks of downtown, modern New Traditional homes have popped up next to midcentury bungalows and ranch styles. "Depending on where people are coming from, space is relative. Some think 20 acres is just enough, but others think a downtown lot is huge. Either way, you can get both," Buhler says. "Living downtown is a different vibe from living out at the foothills. It just depends on what you want." Sitting on the outskirts of the community are well-maintained subdivisions and private mountain roads featuring large new construction and custom homes in unique styles. The median sales price for single-family homes in Hamilton is $530,000.
Locally owned businesses in downtown Hamilton and essential stores
Shopping in Hamilton is a very local experience, with First and Main streets lined with plenty of independent businesses. The community has necessities, from a post office to an Albertsons market and hardware stores, but it hasn't undergone massive commercialization. "I don't care that I have to drive 40 minutes to Target or Costco. I'd rather have our mom-and-pop stores, and I think most people here feel that way," Buhler says. "There's a charm to it, being able to take your kids to the old toy shop and then walk to get burgers at Nap's. We've got art galleries, cute coffee shops, an old-school candy store – it's just such a fun thing."
Farmers market and festivals bring the community together
Community events take place year-round, most centered around the heart of Hamilton. "The downtown association does a wonderful job adding events to keep the community busy. We've got car shows, Brewfest, a ton of stuff," Buhler says. "Our farmers market opens on the first Saturday of May and runs to October, and it's really the place to be. Everyone shows up for that, and there's a ton of local vendors."
Montana families have school choice options without charters
Hamilton School District No. 3 serves the community, and while Montana does not have charter schools, it does offer several different types of school choice. Children can start at Washington Primary School, which Niche gives a B-minus, before going to B-plus-rated Daly Elementary. Students then head to B-rated Hamilton Middle and B-plus-rated Hamilton High School. Hamilton High qualifies as a Class "A" school in the Montana High School Association, an organization that oversees athletics.
Hamilton’s location offers easy highway access but limited transit
The community's main road is U.S. Highway 93, which runs directly through the heart of Hamilton and leads 47 miles north to Missoula. No official public transportation is available in the Bitterroot Valley, so residents mainly get around by car. The Missoula Montana Airport, located on Missoula's north side, services a few major commercial airlines.
