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Upper East Side

Upper East Side

$454,828 Average Value
$238 Average Price per Sq Ft
24 Homes For Sale

The heart of Helena's compass

Upper East Side is a quiet residential pocket that’s centered among some of the best shopping, dining and hiking that the city has to offer. “You’re still very much in town, it’s doesn’t feel like suburbia,” says Maria Demaray, a Broker with Big Sky Brokers. “But there isn’t a lot of traffic. The side streets are quiet, you see kids riding their bikes in the street and people walking their pets.” Less than half a mile from Montana’s state capital, Upper East Side has clear landmarks in the four cardinal directions; north is the Helena Regional Airport, south is Mount Ascension, east is Last Chance Gulch and west is Interstate 15. About 50 miles past I-15, a pair of binoculars can help an onlooker see the Missouri River and the Break Belt Mountains on the horizon.

oin the Capitol evening to commemorate the 75th Mann Gulch Fire with special tributes.
oin the Capitol evening to commemorate the 75th Mann Gulch Fire with special tributes.
Upper East Side is one of Helena's more beloved neighborhoods.
Upper East Side is one of Helena's more beloved neighborhoods.
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20th century homes in 21st century Montana

Upper East Side has a mix of 20th-century homes and more modern builds that tie the neighborhood’s vibe to the present day. “You’ve got older homes that have been there since the 50s,” says Demaray, “And modern homes that complement the neighborhood. Victorian homes with wrap-around porches, dormer windows, and turrets sit across the street from vinyl-sided ranch homes. “The streets are like wide open boulevards, which people really like,” says Demaray. Properties tend to go for between $550,000 and $700,000, but some homes in a subdivision next to Nob Hill Park and Interstate 15 can sell for close to $1 million.

The Upper East Side in Helena boasts beautiful homes with mountain backdrops.
The Upper East Side in Helena boasts beautiful homes with mountain backdrops.
The Upper East Side is a blend of classic victorian and contemporary homes in Helena.
The Upper East Side is a blend of classic victorian and contemporary homes in Helena.
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Strike gold and find food fortune in Last Chance Gulch

Located in the southern section of Helena, Last Chance Gulch is the city’s premiere dining district. Upper East Side is about a mile and a half away, easy for most Upper East Side residents to reach. “It’s about a mile and a half away,” says Demaray. “I’d say that’s walking distance.” Restaurants line the half-mile brick walkway that visitors take up and down Last Chance Gulch, which is named for the moment when all seemed lost for Helena’s original gold prospectors, but they struck a gold deposit along a gulch, now the brick walkway, 1864. The area consistently mixes new and old with eateries like On Broadway, an Italian restaurant that’s been a Helena Staple for 45 years, and The Union, a new steakhouse. “The Union just opened and they’re wonderful,” says Demaray. “It's a wood-fire steak butcher shop, it's farm-to-table, all local products.” Outside of the history and excitement that thrums in the air along Last Chance Gulch’s brick walkway, Upper East Side residents still need to go grocery shopping. Most people head to Safeway, about a mile north of the neighborhood.

Raise a glass with friends at The Union, an easy drive from the Upper East Side.
Raise a glass with friends at The Union, an easy drive from the Upper East Side.
Art lovers on the Upper East Side can easily access downtown’s mural-adorned streets.
Art lovers on the Upper East Side can easily access downtown’s mural-adorned streets.
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Yee-haws, live music and fall festivals

About five 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 provide activities for people all over Helena year-round.

Helena Public School

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 for students to enjoy.

Engaging programs at Jefferson Elementary spark curiosity in young learners.
Engaging programs at Jefferson Elementary spark curiosity in young learners.
Helena Middle School offers a well-rounded curriculum for its students.
Helena Middle School offers a well-rounded curriculum for its students.
Helena High School offers an advanced plecement program.
Helena High School offers an advanced plecement program.
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Living in Mount Ascension's friendly shadow

Upper East Side is within walking distance of trails to Mount Ascension, like the Beattie Street or Bompart Hill Trailhead. The trailheads are located in the southernmost part of the neighborhood and at the foot of Mount Ascension. They’re just two of the trails that residents have access to across the city. “I think we have over 500 hiking or mountain biking trails within walking distance of Helena,” says Demaray. “They’re not over-loved, you’re going to get on trails fairly easy and not be overcrowded.” The Missouri River is about 50 miles away and feeds in Canyon Ferry Lake, which is a popular fishing destination for all of Helena. “Canyon Ferry Lake is one of the best Fishing Lakes in the state,” says Tara Petersen, Realtor with Mt Ranch and Home Real Estate and Helena resident.

Two mountain bikers embark up Mount Ascension from the Beattie Street Trailhead.
Two mountain bikers embark up Mount Ascension from the Beattie Street Trailhead.
A man smiles after enjoying his hike to Mount Ascension from the Bompart Hill Trailhead.
A man smiles after enjoying his hike to Mount Ascension from the Bompart Hill Trailhead.
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Montanans are down to drive

Montanans are prepared to drive just about anywhere in the state, whether it’s the Bob Marshall Wilderness Park 300 miles from Upper East Side, or a mile and a half to Last Chance Gulch. “Driving isn’t a big deal in Montana. We grow up doing it,” says Laurie Koutnik, a Broker/owner of Capital City Realty and 25-year Helena resident. The Helena Regional Airport is about four miles away, and St. Peter’s Hospital is within walking distance of the neighborhood.

The Capital Transit Center offers convenient public transit close to the Upper East Side.
The Capital Transit Center offers convenient public transit close to the Upper East Side.
Helena’s regional airport, a quick trip from Upper East Side, connects you to the world.
Helena’s regional airport, a quick trip from Upper East Side, connects you to the world.
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Conor Lobb
Written By
Conor Lobb
Eli Tye
Photography Contributed By
Eli Tye
Charlie Lingner
Video By
Charlie Lingner

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Helena Regional

10 min drive

Bus

St. Peter's Hospital

Bus

Pureview Health Center

Bus

Mt. State Capitol

Reviews

Homes.com Reviews
5.0 1 Review
5.0 Current Resident
8/28/2025 Homes.com Review
We moved to Upper East side from Las Vegas in November 2019. After 6 years, we have no regrets. The hikes are amazing and you don't even have to drive anywhere, it starts right from our neighborhood. We have a huge garden with sunflowers, corn, beans, and herbs. It's a very safe and happy place to live in.
Are you familiar with the Upper East Side neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Upper East Side Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$489,000
Median Sale Price
$477,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$519,500
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$476,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$326,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
74
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
11%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$238

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,884
Number of Homes for Sale
24
Median Year Built
1976
Months of Supply
3.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,620
Significantly above the national average
1,925
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,551
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,263
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,894
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,018

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Sep 14
    1 - 3pm

    2259 Gold Rush Ave, Helena, MT 59601

    $450,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 3,848 Sq Ft
    • 2259 Gold Rush Ave
    • New 8 days ago

    OPPORTUNITY KNOCKING in the south hills of Helena. Original owners, and "first on the block", the main level windows have a front seat view of our Sleeping Giant. With a whopping 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms on the main floor, and over 1600 sq feet of basement to finish as you please.....there is plenty of room to DREAM BIG. Each floor incorporates a large brick fireplace and offers the new owners

    Heather Lay Keller Williams Capital Realty

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  • Sunday, Sep 14
    1:30 - 3:30pm

    2623 Gold Rush Ave, Helena, MT 59601

    $780,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,265 Sq Ft
    • 2623 Gold Rush Ave

    Looking for views, updated finishes and great outdoor space all in a prime location near the hospital/medical complex, Capital complex & more? You've found it! This 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath fully renovated home at the cusp of Helena's south hills trail system has it all. Stunning views over the Helena Valley await you. The luxurious renovations and expert decor make this home a show stopper! Keep the

    Michelle Figler Keller Williams Capital Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
7,247
Median Age
48
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
31.8%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$77,538
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$96,283

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.1%
College Graduates
57.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% 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

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

32 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

29 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Upper East Side
Marta Bertoglio
Uncommon Ground, LLC
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