📍 About BIL & Billings
Billings Tower is located at Billings Logan International Airport in Billings, MT — the largest city in Montana with a laid-back Western atmosphere, beautiful natural surroundings, and a growing economy. Billings offers a high quality of life with great amenities, excellent outdoor access, and a welcoming community.
🏡 Where to Live
Popular Areas – Singles & Couples
- Downtown Billings – Walkable, bars, restaurants, historic buildings.
- West End – Newer developments, shopping, restaurants.
- Midtown – Affordable, central location, older homes.
Popular Areas – Families
- Billings Heights – Suburban, quiet, parks, family-friendly.
- Laurel – Small-town feel, good schools, affordable housing.
- Shiloh Area – Modern homes, shopping, great for families.
🚗 Commute Times to BIL
- 5–15 min: Heights, Midtown, Downtown, West End
- 15–30 min: Laurel, Shiloh, outskirts of city
🎓 Top School Districts
- Billings Public Schools – Strong academic programs and extracurriculars
- Laurel School District – Good option for families in Laurel
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- Hiking: Zimmerman Park, Four Dances Trail, Phipps Park
- Skiing: Red Lodge Mountain (~1.5 hours)
- National Parks: Day trips to Yellowstone National Park
- Climbing: Rimrocks offer bouldering and great views
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Entertainment: Alberta Bair Theater, Art House Cinema
- Breweries: Thirsty Street, Angry Hank’s, Canyon Creek
- Museums: Yellowstone Art Museum, Western Heritage Center
- Shopping: Rimrock Mall, local boutiques downtown
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Billings Logan International Airport (BIL): Located at the tower — commercial & GA service
- Laurel Airport (6S8): General aviation
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety
- Safest Areas: Heights, Shiloh, Laurel
- More urban areas like Downtown: Some petty crime; overall improving
💰 Cost of Living
- Median Home Price: ~$330,000
- 1-Bedroom Rent: ~$1,100/month
- Gas: ~$3.50/gallon
- Utilities: ~$160/month
- Montana Taxes: No sales tax, income tax ranges from 1%–6.75%
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Downtown: Arts, food, nightlife, walkability
- West End: Major shopping and newer homes
- Laurel: Small-town feel with quick commute
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Cold with snow, wind chill common
- Spring: Cool and dry, windy
- Summer: Hot and dry, upper 80s–90s
- Fall: Crisp with colorful foliage and clear skies
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- MET Transit: Local city buses — limited routes
- Driving: Common and easy — little congestion
- Parking: Generally free and available
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Billings Clinic: Large regional medical center
- St. Vincent Healthcare: Full hospital services
- RiverStone Health: Community health center
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Strong local pride and friendliness
- Great for outdoor clubs, fitness groups, young professionals
- Active volunteer organizations and church communities
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Walker's Grill: Upscale New American
- Jake’s Downtown: Steaks & seafood
- Stacked, The Montana Grill: Creative burgers & local beers
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Shifts: Expect a full rotating schedule — mid shifts included
- Winter: Snow gear is a must, icy roads common
- Community: Connect with other controllers via base events
📦 Moving Tips
- Try to move before November — avoid early snow
- 4WD/AWD vehicle highly recommended
- Housing market is active — connect with a local realtor early
❓ FAQs
- Is Billings affordable?
Yes, especially compared to larger metro areas. - Do I need a car?
Yes — public transportation is limited. - What is the vibe like?
Relaxed, outdoorsy, and friendly.