It’s common to see “No Outlet” signs posted at the mouths of side streets in South Hills, a rural area 10 miles outside Helena. South Hills eastern edge is flat and close to Interstate 15, and as the neighborhood goes west, the terrain turns into steep hills that overlook the Helena Valley. The neighborhood is full of dirt roads that branch off from the main thoroughfares, and most houses are built into the western hills. Big houses sit on top of the tallest areas and provide homeowners with panoramic views of the Helena Valley. South Hills is a neighborhood where each home feels private, and homeowners are surrounded by nature.
South Hills offers peaceful living with open skies and scenic roads in Helena.
Expansive views and tranquility define the South Hills neighborhood in Helena.
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Trails to the west
Hiking and mountain biking are popular pastimes in South Hills, with trails all over the hilly western parts of the neighborhood. The Eddie McClure Trail even has a trailhead that starts along Martinez Gulch Road and takes hikers up a path where they can see Helena in the valley below. Further west, Mount Ascension provides some of the best hiking and views in South Hills. Trails spread in a spiderweb all over the mountain and take hikers along dirt paths through fields of sunflowers, across crags of rock and finally up to the peak. Mount Ascension is just the closest trail system that South Hill has access to, and Montanans have a propensity for driving hundreds of miles to reach hiking and camping spots. It’s one of the prime reasons people move to Helena. “People go to the Seely Lake area, and they take five days to go camping,” says Laurie Kotnik, a broker/owner of Capital City Realty and 25-year Helena resident. Seely Lake is about 100 miles from South Hills, but that doesn’t stop locals from heading out to the area. Long camping trips also include hunting, especially in the fall, which is a big part of life in Helena. "Hunting is all around in the hills," says Koutnik. "Kid's hunter safety is kind of a rite of passage when you're 10 to 13 because everyone wants to have a gun."
A couple rests to watch the last rays of light touch the peak of Mount Helena.
Stunning sunsets in the South Hills offer panoramic views over Helena’s rugged terrain.
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Houses above the Helena valley
Cape Cod, ranch-style and bungalow homes dot the open fields of the neighborhood on South Hills’ flat eastern edge, while ranch-style or chalet properties sit on hills in the west. The dusty side roads with their "No Outlet" signs are found all across the hills and the flats, and are lined with a mix of housing styles. Farm equipment, wooden fence posts and driveways with trucks and SUVs are ubiquitous across front yards across South Hills. Properties in the neighborhood typically sell for between $850,000 to $1.5 million.
Elevated homes in South Hills provide stunning views and peaceful living in Helena.
Nestled among trees, South Hills homes showcase Montana's natural beauty in Helena.
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Helena Public Schools
Students in the area can attend Helena Public Schools, which has a B-plus rating on Niche. Jefferson Elementary School has an A-minus rating and Helena Middle School has a B-plus. Helena High School has a B rating and a variety of after-school activities like outdoors, art and ukelele clubs.
Helena High School dates back to 1876.
Helena Middle School scores a B grade on Niche.
Engaging programs at Jefferson Elementary spark curiosity in young learners.
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Going anywhere within 300 miles
In Montana, everyone is prepared to drive, and Interstate 15 runs along the eastern border of South Hills. “We have no aversion to driving somewhere,” says Koutnik. “Driving isn’t a big deal in Montana. We grow up doing it.” Whether heading to the Bob Marshall Wilderness 300 miles away, or simply driving five miles up Interstate 15 to Last Chance Gulch for a bite to eat, Montanans trade a longer commute for miles of land to live on and explore that’s free from noisy roads and too much commercial development. The Helena Regional Airport is about six miles away, and St. Peter’s Health is about two miles away.
Community-focused and welcoming at the Capital Transit Center just north of South Hills.
Interstate-15 connects South Hills to The rest of Montana offering easy communing options.
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Rip roarin' rodeo
About eight miles from South Hills, Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds is the Helena hub for music, rodeo and other events. The Last Chance Stampede and Fair thunders into Helena every July, turning the fairground into a swirl of live music, rodeo performances and antique cars. Other seasonal events like Fall Fest in September provide activities for people all over Helena year-round.
Shopping and Dining
Hunting and fishing might provide some protein for dinner in South Hill, but shopping and dining are mostly done in Helena. Last Chance Gulch is a popular dining district in the southernmost part of Helena with a history that dates back to 1864 when gold was first discovered in the area. Today, it’s home to coffee shops, bookstores, pubs and restaurants along a brick walkway. Firetower Coffee is popular for breakfast or an afternoon lunch, and Windbag Saloon serves burgers and microbrews out of a historic 1882 Italianate building. For groceries, most head to Albertsons in Helena, about five miles away using I-15.
Relax at a vibrant outdoor patio in downtown Helena, perfect for casual dining.
Relax with family-friendly meals in a cozy, rustic setting at Hardware Cafe near South Hills.
Last Chance Gulch offers several great shopping and dining near South Hills.
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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Nestled in the picturesque Boulder Mountain Range, this custom-built home is a testament to luxury living in the heart of Montana. With a unique style and location, this property goes beyond the ordinary, offering a lifestyle defined by exclusive amenities and breathtaking surroundings. Located at the end of the road near the top of the mountain, bordered by BLM and Forest Service land on three
Looking for the perfect spot to build your dream home that offers privacy yet is conveniently close to town? This stunning 3.11-acre lot is one of the last on the road and one of the remaining few that provide this unique combination of acreage and proximity to Helena’s amenities. Nestled among mature trees, you'll enjoy breathtaking views and abundant wildlife, all just a short drive away. With
Privacy! Location! This three bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, charming cottage sits among mature trees only minutes from town! You will love mornings or evenings on the sprawling deck, spacious front porch or relaxing in your own hot tub! Entertain on your serene deck with your double doors, bbq, and picnic table! This home is ready for your furry friend(s) with a fenced yard and pet door! Winter will be
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
766
Median Age
47
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
24.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$131,127
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$146,076
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.3%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
57.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.4%
% Population in Labor Force
66.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
10''
Average Winter Low Temperature
13°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
40''
Area Factors
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 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.
