Montana Living - Kalispell City Moving Guide - Kalispell Montana recreation, taxes, schools, & more!

Are you wondering if Montana living is right for you? Join along in my Flathead County - Northwestern Montana moving guide as we begin with the town of Kalispell, Montana.
Kalispell Montana surpassed 25,000 residents in 2020 and continues to be the most populated city in Flathead County Montana. Kalispell boasts beautiful hiking trails and cross country ski trails, an outdoor archery range, equestrian schooling park, mountain bike trails, stunning lakes and beaches, shopping, dining, fishing, and the Conrad Mansion and Hockaday Art Museum.
In this city moving guide I will discuss the various areas of the city, housing, schools, recreation, amenities, and pros and cons of choosing Kalispell over other cities in Flathead County.
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[@jlcastillo962]

Thank you for your positive outlook. The beautiful Glacier country is a national treasure. Blessings from Texas.

[@northwestmontanahistorymus7682]

Hi Janet, thanks for featuring our friends at the Hockaday and Conrad Mansion! The Northwest Montana History Museum is also in downtown Kalispell (in the 1894 Central School building), featuring new exhibits every few months and a host of FREE public programs year round (not to mention being the home of ThursdayFest in the summer months). BY FAR the largest museum in the Flathead Valley! You and all of your viewers should come see us sometime!

[@RadiantRealty]

Great, thanks for the invite. i would love to!!! :)

[@TheWanderlustChronicles]

My wife applied for a job at Flathead Valley CC last week and in my research I found your channel. I am trying really hard not to get emotionally attached to Kalispell but it is hard! Wish us luck! I've dreamed of living in this area of Montana for decades.

[@RadiantRealty]

So exciting!!! When do you think she will hear back? Let me know if she gets it and if you guys need any help finding a place here. :) I would be honored to assist you.

[@TheWanderlustChronicles]

@@RadiantRealty we literally just applied last week. They started reviewing apps today so we’ll see soon. We will rent first then buy property

[@RadiantRealty]

@@TheWanderlustChronicles I wish you luck!!!

[@nothingfromnowhere122]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@RadiantRealty]

Happy to help Rob. Are you considering a move or visit to the area?

[@StevenSchoolAlchemy]

Montana looks like fun!

[@wapiti3750]

Best looking teeth I've seen all week! Don't forget to floss or they'll all start falling out before you know it! 🙂

[@RadiantRealty]

Will do, haha.

[@codyy6412]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video :)

[@RadiantRealty]

Absolutely :) Are you considering a visit or move to the area?

[@codyy6412]

@@RadiantRealty Yes, presumably by this August. Waiting on a specific job offer to align up before I make the jump. I do have family scattered throughout the valley. Love it there!

[@RadiantRealty]

@@codyy6412 family in the area is a huge help. Will you be staying with them until you find a place? Renting or buying?

[@michaeltracy7577]

One of the best informative review video seen on Montana or real estate I seen keep up the good work , would like to known more on golfing and flathead lake itself for access and recreation but can look into myself as more of a personal preference- also maybe a range from high end to low end real estate and not just median and for land and acreage with property for possibilities in area as well could have been covered as a suggestion but by far one of the best overview I’ve seen from a realtor 👍

[@RadiantRealty]

Thank you for the feedback Michael and also the suggestions. I appreciate them. We have plenty of golfing opportunities here in Flathead Valley. Eagle Bend in Bigfork, Meadow Lake in Columbia Falls, Glacier View Golf Club in West Glacier, Iron Horse and Whitefish Lake Golf Club in Whitefish, and Village Greens, Buffalo Hill, and Northern Pines in Kalispell. That should keep you busy for awhile ;p

[@akgolfpro]

Very useful/informational video! Thank you 🙂

[@RadiantRealty]

Absolutely. Thanks for watching Jared. Are you considering a move to Montana?

[@akgolfpro]

@@RadiantRealty Yes, the plan is the end of June. My wife and I explored Flathead County in August (lake, rodeos, GNP, llama treking) and went skiing in WF this past December. I was born/raised in Alaska, so MT feels a lot like home and we both fell in love with the area 🙂 Sounds like a nice place to raise a family!

[@RadiantRealty]

@@akgolfpro Oooh, how was the llama trekking? I want to do that. Oh yeah, if you grew up in Alaska you are more than ready for the MT life. Do you already have an agent helping you find a place here? If not, I would love to help you guys find your dream property.

[@akgolfpro]

We don't and were discussing that recently. What's your website and/or email?

[@RadiantRealty]

@@akgolfpro here's a link to the contact page on my website. I would love to hear more about your needs. janetcantrell.exprealty.com/agents/1035651/Janet+Cantrell

[@ashleyunderwood8558]

Thanks for the video!

[@RadiantRealty]

My pleasure Ashley. Are you planning a move to the area?

[@ashleyunderwood8558]

@@RadiantRealty yes maam! We're hoping for summer 2023 and have been consuming all your video content haha

[@RadiantRealty]

@@ashleyunderwood8558 so exciting! Let me know when you visit. Would be happy to meet up and answer any questions. If you want custom property updates send me a message or give me a call. 😀🏡 janetcantrell.exprealty.com/agents/1035651/Janet+Cantrell

[@marvinsantana]

I really love these videos. These are incredibly informative. I get to see the cities and listen to your virtual tour which saves me a lot of time on research. I'm from Southern California and I've been debating on moving to Montana or Colorado. This helps me with pinpointing specific cities/towns I like and nudge me in the right direction lol

[@RadiantRealty]

Glad it's helpful Marvin. Good luck in your search. Which cities have you been most drawn to so far?

[@cadenwieman7782]

If you go to Montana, don’t mention you’re from California. I’ve heard they hate it because they associate people from California with rich snobs buying up land and driving up house prices

[@skrawmountainmontana9543]

Wow fun..

[@skrawmountainmontana9543]

Wow

[@al-du6lb]

Edit: you covered this at the end. Thank You! Would you say the area is mostly car dependent, or are there any walkable areas?

[@michaeleavenson6880]

Paradise

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

♥

[@thebeastbrothers103]

I’ve never been to Montana (I’m from Georgia) and I’m moving up there soon and I’m super excited. Montana has always been my dream place to go.

[@RadiantRealty]

Where in GA? We lived there for a bit. ;p If you're on Facebook you should join the "Moving to Flathead County" page and start getting connected. Also, if you don't already have an agent I would love to help you find your dream property here.

[@jackietann22]

I love these videos and since I live In Kalispell I have found these very accurate, one thing is that the Perkins went out of business

[@RadiantRealty]

Thanks for watching and giving tips Jackson.

[@meganrydman8152]

You did so great covering everything, thank you!!!

[@RadiantRealty]

Happy to help Megan. Are you visiting or moving here?

[@meganrydman8152]

@@RadiantRealty just now seeing this somehow 😂 my fiance, kids and I are looking into moving there. 😊

[@RadiantRealty]

@@meganrydman8152 I would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Feel free to call me anytime. janetcantrell.exprealty.com/contact.php

[@meganrydman8152]

@@RadiantRealty Thank you!!! We are finishing remodeling our home, then will list it. I will give you a call or email at least soon! ❤️

[@RadiantRealty]

@@meganrydman8152 sounds great. Good luck with the house prep! 🏠

[@LouisandReneeCayer]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm a Mainer but have wanted to move to this area of Montana for two decades. My husband and I are finally ready. Well within the next couple years. Is it hard to find a rental home that will allow a large dog? I've been looking around but having some difficulty. We'd prefer to be set away from it all as well. Any suggestions would be incredibly helpful. Thank you!!

[@RadiantRealty]

Hi Renee, how exciting. My daughter is obsessed with Maine, haha. She’s not been yet though. One day maybe. Do you need a short term rental while you look for a home or do you need a 1+ year lease. If you only need 7-9 months and can do off season (not Summer) you will probably have a much easier time finding something. What kind of dog do you have? I can send you a few property management contacts that can keep an eye out for you as well.

[@samuelalzate8573]

I know you cover a bunch in your videos. But if you have any knowledge on where in Montana there might be a lot of construction happening soon or where one could easily find a construction job there? I'd really appreciate it! Thank you!

[@RadiantRealty]

Hey Samuel, the Flathead Valley is exploding. You should be able to find a construction job here no problem. I believe Bozeman as well. They’ve been expanding for years now. Do you do residential, commercial, contracted projects?

[@samuelalzate8573]

@@RadiantRealty I'm going to school for residential electrician, but its good to know that there's lots of expansion in those areas. Thank you!

[@slandshark]

Hello! What is the area called on the west side of Kalispell along hwy 2? Let's say just on the south side of hwy 2 and west of Alt 93? We are looking at moving to that area, looks like some land with acreage is available. Any bad areas to avoid if we plan on looking to buy in Kalispell? Thank you so much!

[@RadiantRealty]

It's still just called Kalispell until you reach Kila and Marion. ;) Are you open to those areas as well? They are still in Flathead County.

[@mitchmelzer3604]

Thanks for including information on churches. I work at a church currently and my family and I are praying about making a move to Montana. It is hard to find info about churches so I really appreciated that part and it gave me some places to check out their websites. Thanks.

[@RadiantRealty]

Hey Mitch, great to know. I'm glad it was helpful. :) What is your current position?

[@mitchmelzer3604]

@@RadiantRealty yeah currently I am an executive pastor. I over see different ministries work with lighting, sound and production and I am the worship pastor as well. The church is around 1,800 in attendance pre covid. Before this I was the youth Pastor and young adult Pastor. Thanks again for the informative videos

[@RadiantRealty]

@@mitchmelzer3604 absolutely, I would love to help you find a place if you do indeed decide to make the move. :) Feel free to reach out with any additional questions.

[@rustys.1070]

mitch, please don't come here.

[@billsprague9783]

Have you shown Lewiston Montana? If so I missed it. If not please do. Thank you

[@RadiantRealty]

I haven't recorded one for Lewistown yet. Where are you currently located? What interests you about Lewistown?

[@augustbrante8117]

Are there fine dining or semi d=fine dining option available like Outback...? Also in High School do they play Soccer too? thanks kindly!

[@RadiantRealty]

Yes, we have some... Applebees, Famous Daves, Mackenzie River, but no Outback. I know Glacier High School has a soccer team but it's "no cut".

[@weaponizedmemes3461]

I can't believe housing is so expensive in Kalispell. Looking to move from Portland, OR and the prices are higher than most areas of the Portland Metro Area, which are already crazy high. Bummer.

[@RadiantRealty]

It depends on where in Montana, but yes they have jumped significantly in the last two years.

[@jhartwells]

do you have a video on the forest hill village area?

[@RadiantRealty]

On South 93? Between Kalispell and Somers?

[@craighoward4446]

Thank you. We’re enjoying your vid. Can you do a vid on Bozeman?

[@RadiantRealty]

Hey Craig, I’m glad you’re enjoying them. I would love to film Bozeman, but it’s about 5 hours from me. Are you considering a move there? What questions do you have?

[@toadflax636]

Just look at a video about moving to Sacramento. That is where everyone is moving from in Bozeman.

[@TammyEmineth]

how is the internet in KAlispell? We have an internet business and need super fast speed. Is that possible here? BTW, love your videos!

[@RadiantRealty]

Hey Tammy, it varies by location but most of the locations within city limits should have good internet although there are a few surprising pockets. ;p

[@joesandwhich3909]

Get out liberal!

[@BirthSentient]

What about the crunchy people? What are the organic options, health food? food Co-ops? Spas?

[@RadiantRealty]

Haha, ok. Knead cafe in Kalispell, red poppy bakery, glacier med spa, saltbox therapy, etc. I’m not sure about food co-ops.

[@joeinthekitchen6783]

Coming up for vacation next month from Florida. Anything else to know?

[@RadiantRealty]

What are your plans so far? Where will you be staying?

[@sabahattinkilic452]

🖐

[@warrenbell2805]

How many days of sun and do you have inversion ?

[@RadiantRealty]

Yes, we have inversions here. Love them when we are skiing, but a lot of gray days. Google says we have about 151 sunny days per year. ;p

[@turkeychuck]

Great.... More out of stater's....

[@Mikes358]

My husband and I are looking to buy in Kalispell in Evergreen. Would you say that this would be a good investment ?

[@RadiantRealty]

Hey Toni, thanks for reaching out. Can you send me a private message with the property you're looking at and the timeline you are thinking for the purchase? janetcantrell.exprealty.com/agents/1035651/Janet+Cantrell

[@RadiantRealty]

Hey Toni, tell me a bit more about your needs, budget, and timeline. Why have you centered your search in the Evergreen area so far?

[@gunman-6646]

I wanted to buy property in Kalispell back in 1999, now I wish I would have.

[@RadiantRealty]

Yes, we all do haha.

[@MartinJBenjaminJr]

Holy shit, the price of homes in this place would make a RN live in poverty. Lol

[@RadiantRealty]

Prices have definitely gotten crazy here in the last 12 months. :(

[@chalupasupremegordito5251]

After watching your video and keeping in mind you are a realty person, I feel your video essay about kalispell is horrible propaganda to lure people somewhere they will end up hating. Living there from 2018 to late 2021 I saw a lot of changes in that time. I met tons of coworkers and newcomers who tried to find work and could only find fast food and menial jobs even though they had trade experience and degrees in the fields they were hoping to find work in. You need to also let people know to keep their traps shut if they're coming from out of state as there is much much hate, ostricizing, and resentment from the locals for people who aren't born and raised IN MONTANA. No one wants to live in evergreen as the more east kalispell you go, you see it is neglected by the local government. I understand that due to lack of taxes in the state there is only so much they can do. For example, I know that you know the path that was built to the left of the interstate going towards downtown coming down the hill( it's right above the tunnel by FVCC). It took them how long to even come up with the idea to install that?? And even then it was a half-assed job where they slathered some weird asphalt all over the side of the hill making it damn near impossible not to slip when walking on it during the winters. The walkability of kalispell is decent but not good enough. Something that would greatly benefit walkers and bikers is to put overheads on the walkways similar to the ones on campus at FVCC. In Arizona we have these everywhere as to keep people shaded from the heat in the summers, BUT here in kalispell it would make for a great thing to have all year round. Protection from falling snow and the atrocious heat waves that hit us in the spring/summer In the past year of being gone, my friends who have kept in touch with me have told me all about how (I saw you addressing it in another comment reply) bad the gentrification is getting. It is blatantly obvious that kalispell is run by evil business masterminds who are trying to move all of the dirty dingy crackheads and homeless people out and continue to underpay the people trying to make a living working at walmart,McDonald's, chip Fil a, five guys etc, so they basically have damn near free slave labor. As a manager who worked at BOTH Five Guys and Frugals I was capping out my pay at 13 dollars. Whereas now I live in Minnesota and for the same job I am making 18$/hour to do the same thing and take care of a store and maintain it. Which is kind of sad considering even the local Walmart is too cheap to give raises and has an open secret about fudging numbers to not pay out on "Myshare" bonuses. By the way Shout out to Tyler from frugals and Chaz the most amazing GM who runs Five Guys like a freaking champ. (YOU DIDNT EVEN MENTION THE SHOVING LEOPARDS, THE BEST DAMN BAND IN KALISPELL!!!) I rate your review of Kalispell and the Flathead Valley a 6.9/10. (D+) I feel like you're not in tune with the majority of townsfolk and you're off in your own little slice of kalispell heaven, which is cool and all for you and I'm glad, but I feel like you missed the mark and almost hit it. People appreciate honesty, not lies in pretty packaging.

[@RadiantRealty]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I actually recorded this before I was a realtor. I worked in the travel industry at that time. (I had to edit and rerelease it because as a realtor there are certain things I need to be mindful of with the fair housing act) But, you are correct that I certainly don’t know every aspect or every persons experience living here. Only my own. I’ve lived in 6 states and in general have enjoyed every one of them in some way. I am definitely a glass half full kind of person which is probably what comes through. If people want to know the negative of any city I feel the news does a really good job of that. However, I do mention the walkability score and that we are not a very walker/biker friendly area. I’m sure people will appreciate your insight as well though. Also, I don’t know what Walmart pays, but our daughter makes $15/hr + tips as a hostess at a local restaurant so from what I’ve heard wages have increased here some as well. Certainly not enough to keep up with the crazy housing cost increase in the last 2 years though.

[@citroeno]

Does anyone know Dawn Moore i met her and her husband at the King and Queen brighton last tuesday eve ime trying to contact her

[@RadiantRealty]

I don't know her. Good luck though.

[@khloesunboxing1128]

How is the crime rate in Kalispell?

[@RadiantRealty]

Great question. Here is a link Bobby. I like the map view this link gives if you scroll down a bit. www.bestplaces.net/crime/city/montana/kalispell

[@michaeltracy7577]

@@RadiantRealty wow the property crime is high in comparison would of never thought is what going on here?

[@RadiantRealty]

@@michaeltracy7577 I know, I was surprised as well. I feel like the Kalispell number isn’t right and that it should be closer to the surrounding cities but I don’t know how I would verify that. 🤪

[@honorablesheriff8883]

@@RadiantRealty It's not hard to believe that crime rate, since they just legalized marijuana and all the people moving from big cities. I expected to go up even more, which is incredibly sad. in my opinion I wish it would just stay a small town. Unfortunately Kalispell and the surrounding city's/counties has gotten so big it will never be the same. 😔 I'm a 6th generation Montana and it's just incredibly sad. Something that's awesome is we just got named one of the most or the most patriotic state in all 50 states!! 🥳

[@jessicaleslie-byrn8008]

I have a friend that lives tjere and says theres nothing to do there .he can come move here to greatfalls ill move in his housese then we can both be happy

[@RadiantRealty]

Haha, what are his hobbies? We have everything outdoorsy you would want. Not as much for nightlife or party activities but we do have a few options for those as well. ;p

[@montanadreaming5722]

OMG THERES A KMART STILL IN. BUSINESS? WOW, THOUGHT THEY WERE ALL DONE EVERYWHERE! 😅😅😅😅

[@RadiantRealty]

It's out of business now. :(

[@jmn93065]

For you Southern Californians that want to move to Montana, notice the real estate agents, NEVER mention winter temps. Imagine in January, temperatures in the low -30's with wind chills potentially achieving -75. Try walking your dog in those temps.

[@RadiantRealty]

We've lived in Kalispell MT for 8 years and the lowest temp I recall was -6. I went back quite a ways in this history and couldn't find what you're talking about. But, if you can find it please prove me wrong. Also, you might like kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJeZoKKFitKjl9U

[@RadiantRealty]

Weather history www.usclimatedata.com/climate/kalispell/montana/united-states/usmt0188

[@ChuckNorris-ju5fn]

I live in Kalispell and work in North Dakota because jobs suck in Kalispell… But I understand what you’re trying to do so I support you!😆😆

[@johncarlo2630]

I went back to last year and found on the NWS website that Kalispell recoded -34*F on December 22nd 2022. I’m not trying to play gotcha here, but we can all agree it can get bitterly cold in Kalispell

[@jameskjv8236]

I seen that there's a Christian high school?

[@RadiantRealty]

Stillwater School, yes.

[@troyehnisz9907]

Is there a lot of crime in kalispell all the media really makes Montana seem bad compared to Wyoming

[@RadiantRealty]

I'm not sure which city you are comparing it to but you can enter a comparison city in this website to see. www.neighborhoodscout.com/mt/kalispell/crime

[@adamguardiala8792]

Is it safe for non white to be there? I am a registered nurse who is thinking about taking. Traveling assignment there

[@RadiantRealty]

Hey Adam, I'm not sure how to answer this in such broad terms. Feel free to send me a private message or give me a call to discuss further. janetcantrell.exprealty.com/agents/1035651/Janet+Cantrell

[@bison2022]

Whitefish is the home of a grand wizzard of the KKK the locals took to the streets armed during a march a couple years ago.

[@chalupasupremegordito5251]

It is iffy. The oldheads of the valley are stuck in their ways and are blatantly racist because of the majority white population. But, thanks to the young generation getting sick of their bullshit there is a huge (passive aggressive) culture war going down in kalispell . It is nice to see the clash, but it is not nice being called racial slurs while I was working retail and other jobs there.

[@United-vf4pq]

Just so you all know. The real Montanan’s born and raised here are getting fed up with all the people moving here. It’s so crowded now the streets almost can’t handle the overwhelming amount of traffic. Especially in whitefish. It’s so bad we can’t even camp or go to our own Glacier National Park because there’s no parking and all the spots are taken!!! Most of us can’t even afford to purchase a home in their own town because of greedy realtors and all the foreigners coming here driving the prices up astronomically high. STOP moving here!

[@RadiantRealty]

I went to Glacier National Park last week. Entered at 5pm, drove to Logan Pass, hiked to Hidden Lake Overlook, saw some mountain goats and enjoyed the sunset.

[@United-vf4pq]

@@RadiantRealty Yea key phrase “you entered at 5pm”. That’s not enough daylight to do a real hike. Hidden Lake is not a hike. It’s a manicured trail for tourists. If you want to hike places like Ptarmigan tunnel, you can’t! Because there is no where to park unless you want to enter the park at 4:30am just to get a spot. Even by then there’s barely enough parking. You people have made the Flathead valley almost completely unenjoyable now. I can tell your not even from here.

[@RadiantRealty]

@@United-vf4pq try the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Plenty of space to hike to your hearts content. No tickets or reservations required, very few visitors.

[@United-vf4pq]

@@RadiantRealty You missed the point, Ginger. Guess it went right over your head.

[@ceceliapickering7447]

Realtors just greedy. They don't care about Montana. Just $$$ . Roads going down hill can't get down reserve. Drivers have road rage when they come here. Might want to call the health department on some of the restaurants. Applebee's just closed. She inflates everything. Wages suck . Try telling them the truth. Stop putting signs on my door. My house isn't for sell. Also mention the homeless.

[@henrykn4257]

Tell me, do you have a clown behind the camera that you keep smiling like ALL the time? No offense but it looks a bit wired while you smile even when you talk about the outrageous median home pricing.

[@RadiantRealty]

3 clowns actually....Nope, smiling is my favorite and I won't stop. Thanks though. ;p

[@blankblank9737]

Just stop. Waaaay too much traffic in kalispell. But you’re a realtor, so you don’t care. Like posting “waterfront” when there is a highway in between. Or dozens of pics of water is a listing but then you click satellite image and no water on or near property, but those are the lies you all tell in your pathetic attempt to sell and pocket cash… it’s always about money…just stop…

[@davislee311]

please stop exploiting Montana.