Surrounded by mountains and in proximity to the Yellowstone River, Livingston has a population of 8,900, according to the United States Census Bureau, with a burgeoning arts scene east of Bozeman in the windswept Paradise Valley. “Bozeman was growing so quickly, and there was traffic, and if you wanted to live in a small town, it just wasn’t that anymore,” says Chip Njaa, a local broker and Realtor with Keller Williams Montana Realty, about why he made the move from Bozeman to Livingston in 2006. “Our town hasn’t grown at the same rate and has that small-town character. It tickles clients when I take them to lunch, and I’m saying 'Hi!' to everyone I encounter because I know them by name, and they know me. They think that’s novel and cool.”
In the 1880s, the Northern Pacific Railroad’s locomotive repair shops brought jobs to the area and fueled the economy. When the last shop shut down in the 1980s, hospitality and tourism emerged as the area’s leading industries.
Visitors to Yellowstone Park find a charming historical Livingston on the way.
Livingston offers the splendor of the surrounding mountains and the Yellowstone River.
A Livingston couple walk their dog along the Yellowstone River.
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From railroad depot to artistic downtown
Downtown Livingston, along Main Street, reflects the community’s railroad town roots. Buildings, such as the railroad depot, have remained intact since the 1800s. The Western-themed Murray Hotel has a history that dates to the early 1900s. Additional historic buildings were converted into restaurants and shops, such as bookstores and boutiques. Galleries, theaters and the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts are also downtown. along the highways are national grocery chains and fast-food chains.
The Murray Hotel in Livingston was built in 1904 for passengers of the Northern Pacific Railway.
A visiting couple enjoy the artwork at Medicine Bird Gallery in Livingston.
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Historic homes, new traditionals and modern condos
The railroad tracks divide gridded streets into northern developments with new traditional and southern houses that predate 1950. The Alphabet streets south of the tracks are minimal traditional houses and bungalows. “Newer subdivisions are northwest [of the railroad tracks] and radiate out into different subdivisions and have different covenants, but most parts in the center have city ordinances and no covenants,” Njaa says. “South numbered streets have larger Victorian-style and historic homes, and they’ve been purchased and renovated.”
The median home price is $585,000, about 45% higher than the national average. Condos and townhouses vary as units converted from factories to modern complexes erected post-2020, and prices range from $255,000 to $895,000, depending on size and location.
Livingston has added to the city population with newly built homes.
Most of the Victorian homes in Livingston have been restored to their former glory.
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Drift boating, fly fishing and rodeos
The Yellowstone Gateway Museum spotlights Livingston’s role in the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Sacajawea Park hosts the Livingston Farmers Market on the river from June to September. Livingston Roundup Rodeo holds events throughout the year, including the Livingston Roundup PRCA Rodeo during the town’s four-day Fourth of July celebration.
“Yellowstone River flows here and goes up Paradise Valley, so we have fly fishing and rafting, drift boats, hundreds of thousands of acres of natural forest, all this land to recreate in,” Njaa says. “It’s easy to take the natural beauty of this place for granted. I’ll post videos walking my dog, and it’s like a Walt Disney movie where I’m on the side of the mountains, and people will ask, ‘Where do you live?’” The riverbank is also home to the Livingston Golf & Country Club and the Livingston Civic Center.
Following stints of heavy rainfall, the river may be susceptible to flooding, which can impact the parks and nearby properties.
A statue of Sacajawea is the main attraction at the park in Livingston.
Stop by the Yellowstone Gateway Museum to learn more about the history of Livingston.
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Learning in Livingston and at Montana State University
The Livingston School District serves the community. The Livingston Elementary School District earns a C-plus grade from Niche, and Park High School receives a B-minus. High schoolers must complete 40 hours of community service to graduate and can take two Dual Enrollment courses for potential college credit for free. About 30 miles west, in Bozeman, Montana State University is a public institution, the largest research entity in Montana, with over 250 academic programs.
Sleeping Giant Middle School offers sport activities to Livingston students.
A ranger sculpture outside the entrance to Park High School greets Livingston students.
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Decreasing property crime and violent crime fluctuations
Property crimes continue to decrease in Livingston. In fact, from 2022 to 2023, figures dropped by nearly 10%, according to the Livingston Montana Police Department’s 2023 Annual Report. Violent crime figures have fluctuated since 2018. Over the same span, the police department reported a rise of about 7%; however, the year prior, it decreased by nearly 24%.
Interstate 90 and the highway to Yellowstone
Interstate 90 runs west, about 25 miles, connecting Livingston to Bozeman. The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is an additional 10 miles west on I-90 and provides direct domestic flights to 20 cities. U.S. Highway 89 travels south, tying the city to Yellowstone National Park in about 130 miles.
Written By
Lauren Melton
Photography Contributed By
Mark Huddleston
Video By
Charlie Lingner
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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Set against the epic backdrop of the Absaroka Mountain Range, this beautifully crafted 3BD/2.5BA home by R&B Builders offers stunning views, open space, and comfortable living. The home features beautiful trim work, a gas fireplace, a functional floor plan, and is filled with natural light.The 10-acre property is thoughtfully divided into five sections with cross fencing for irrigation
You won't want to miss this charming, well-cared-for ranch with mountain views on the desirable south side of Livingston! Located in the quiet family-friendly "bird streets" neighborhood, the spacious, fully-fenced yard is perfect for pets, kids, and hosting. One of the only oak trees in town provides ample shade in the summer, and the large evergreen trees are ideal for hammocks. A huge bonus is
Set against the epic backdrop of the Absaroka Mountain Range, this beautifully crafted 3BD/2.5BA home by R&B Builders offers stunning views, open space, and comfortable living. The home features beautiful trim work, a gas fireplace, a functional floor plan, and is filled with natural light.The 10-acre property is thoughtfully divided into five sections with cross fencing for irrigation
Perched above Livingston on the corner of North B Street and East Montana Street, this 3-bedroom/3-bath home has great views of Livingston Peak and the Absaroka Mountains. The property sits on approximately .241 acres across 3 city lots and offers more privacy than you typically find in town. A vacant lot borders the property to the South across the undeveloped right-of-way from East Montana
Step back in time with this charming 1940s 3-bedroom, 2-bath home situated on an expansive four city lots in one of Livingston’s most desirable locations. Just blocks from downtown Livingston, a stones throw to the Yellowstone River, and directly across the street from Water Works Park, this property offers a rare blend of vintage character, space, and convenience. Filled with timeless details,
Set on 20 acres at the end of a quiet dead-end road, this property offers the kind of privacy, agricultural potential, and wide-open setting that define Montana living. Rolling hills rise beyond the property, while Slaughterhouse Creek meanders through the northeast portion of the acreage, adding character and a natural water feature to the landscape. The property is already configured for
This beautiful, custom, hand hewn dovetail log home sourced from a homestead in the Snow Crest Moutains near Alder, MT, sits on 22.201 acres surrounded by woods, wildlife and mountains. The main home offers 2,376 sq. ft. of living space, encompassing 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. A cozy cottage feel is created throughout the home in the many details including the two gas fireplaces
One of the best investment opportunities in Livingston located at Lofts on Fifth. This contemporary turnkey property consists of two separate units, making it ideal for a live-work scenario or an investment property for a buyer seeking rental income. The upstairs unit features a modern loft design with laminate floors, air conditioning, and laundry located in the walk-in closet. The ground level
Set on 5.92 level acres in the heart of Paradise Valley, this property offers the opportunity to build on one of Montana's most sought-after locations. The Yellowstone River is just a stone's throw away, providing easy access to world-class fly fishing, while the nearby Mill Creek drainage opens the door to hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and exploring the Absaroka Mountains. Located just
Discover the pinnacle of Montana living on this breathtaking 20.5 acre holding, with 360-degree mountain vistas of the Absaroka Range and just off the Yellowstone River. This isn't just a parcel of land; it’s a sophisticated head start on your dream legacy home. The property comes fully equipped with infrastructure rarely found on raw land, including a private well, septic system, electricity,
Nestled in the heart of Montana's breathtaking Paradise Valley, this exceptional 14-acre property offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of the West's most spectacular landscape. Covered with mature trees for privacy and natural beauty, the property features outstanding panoramic mountain views in every direction. The land is offered as two separate legal lots, providing flexibility to build
This beautifully crafted 3-bedroom, 2-bath home built in 2006, offers 1,896 sq. ft. of living space on an expansive 12,782 sq. ft. lot at the end of a cul-de-sac. Inside, you’ll find many recent updates, including fresh interior paint throughout, new luxury vinyl kitchen flooring, new carpeting on the stairs, upgraded lighting, and new smoke detectors. Both bathrooms feature new fixtures, and the
Welcome to modern mountain living at 105 W Park St, right in the heart of charming Livingston, MT. This building features fully renovated, brand-new units — combining historic appeal with all the conveniences and finishes of a contemporary home.Interior Features & Finishes-Open-concept living area with luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring throughout-Brand-new kitchens with new
Bluebunch Flats is an adaptive re-use of the former Livingston Memorial Hospital, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This mid-century modern building features high-ceilings, mid-century modern light fixtures with a little bit of a Mad Men atmosphere. Residents and guests enjoy way-finding wall stripes in the hallways and spacious grounds with ample on-site parking. Kids can enjoy
Now open, the Yellowstone Granary is an adaptive reuse apartment building that is built for longevity and timelessness. The existing structure, built of 8x8 heavy timber posts and beams and a 2x8 solid cribbing wall (where grain was held), has been reinforced with steel and completely restored. The existing 2x3 wood plank flooring has been left exposed for the ceilings to highlight the history
Property Id: 2780215 This spacious 3-bedroom townhome with attached 2-car garage, ample storage, and easy access to downtown Livingston. Perfect for professionals, families, or anyone seeking extra space and convenience! In-unit washer & dryer for everyday convenience. Tenant pays electric, owner pays water/sewer/trash that is included in rent. *NO PETS* Contact Cole
Property Id: 1559360 FOR RENT Remodeled Large 3 BD/2BA, Mobile Home with Washer/Dryer Hook ups. 2 Large Decks, Large fenced yard, Large Shed. A lot of kitchen cabinets and counter space, Newer Laminate Flooring throughout, Newer Window treatments, In Paradise Valley - 10 miles South of Livingston, FREE Breathtaking Views, Quiet Country living, Pets Negotiable -Very Nice Inside &
Property Id: 269351 Townhouse style condo with beautiful views of city and sleeping giant, 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath unit on north hill in Livingston. New upgraded and Remodeled and available on 9/1/26. Washer/dryer hookups. This is smoke free housing: So No smoking of anything by anyone at anytime on the premises. No Pets Looking for a min. of 1 year lease.
Property Id: 2112363 Newly built cabin in Emigrant! Custom designed & fully furnished available October 15, 2026 - May 31, 2027 ONLY. Enjoy the scenic views from the front porch: Wrap around views of Paradise Valley & the big sky of Montana! Just 5 minutes from the Old Saloon & 25 minutes to Livingston OR Gardiner - a perfect winter location! Two Br, 1 BA single level living w/
Property Id: 2087241 Furnished rental available October 1, 2026 - May 15, 2027 only! Discover a hidden gem in Livingston, ideally situated just one block from the picturesque Yellowstone River and within easy walking distance to vibrant downtown shops and delightful restaurants. This cozy retreat features two inviting bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms, perfect for
Property Id: 1171091 Located on the south side of downtown Livingston, a nicely appointed garden level apartment is available for rent for a one year term! 2 PETS ok - $75/mo per pet rent +$500 per pet security deposit. Dog up to 60 LBS MAX. The apartment has two spacious bedrooms, 1 full bathroom and a separate office - perfect for working from home. Ample sized living room
Property Id: 1169988 Enjoy the newly renovated Yellowstone River Residences: well-appointed apartment homes (formerly the Edgewater Apartments) located along the Yellowstone River in Livingston, MT, just a short walk to Sacajawea Park, The Civic Center and more! 2 BR/1 BA second floor newly updated apartment home complete with a full kitchen, washer & dryer & an amazing patio on the YS River
Property Id: 2459248 Charming, fully furnished garden level condo in the heart of downtown Livingston, nearby schools, parks, shops, restaurants, coffee spots, and the Yellowstone River. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom spacious condo boasts a fully equipped kitchen, open floor plan living area, queen beds in both rooms and a bonus office and storage space. The downtown condo comes with 2
Property Id: 1520909 119 N 7th Unit A Livingston Gorgeous Craftsman SINGLE LEVEL 1,4000 sq ft CONDO located in downtown Livingston! Walk to shops, restaurants and the Yellowstone River! 2 BR/1 BA condo located on the FIRST level of a historic craftsman style home complete with the original fir floors (refinished), gas fireplace, AC, original radiators, stained glass windows
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