📍 About GTF & Great Falls
Great Falls International Airport (GTF) is located in the heart of Montana, offering a relaxed pace of life, strong community ties, and beautiful natural surroundings. Great Falls is known for its affordability, military presence (home to Malmstrom AFB), and outdoor recreation along the Missouri River. Whether you want city convenience or quiet rural charm, this area has options for all lifestyles.
🏡 Where to Live
Best for Singles & Couples
- Downtown Great Falls – Historic buildings, walkable, breweries, apartments
- Fox Farm – Quiet, residential area near the airport
- Skyline – Affordable homes, great views
- Westside – Growing area with newer developments
Best for Families
- Fox Farm – One of the most desirable neighborhoods, good schools
- Vaughn – Rural lifestyle, just west of Great Falls
- Black Eagle – Quiet, affordable, close to river trails
- Sand Coulee – Small-town vibe just outside city limits
- Malmstrom AFB – Military housing & nearby neighborhoods
🚗 Commute Times to GTF Tower
- 5–10 min: Fox Farm, Skyline, Downtown Great Falls
- 10–20 min: Black Eagle, Westside, Malmstrom AFB
- 20–30 min: Vaughn, Sand Coulee, Belt
🎓 Top School Districts
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- Hiking & Biking: River's Edge Trail (60+ miles), Giant Springs State Park
- Fishing & Boating: Missouri River, Black Eagle Dam, Broadwater Bay
- Skiing: Showdown Montana (1.5 hrs southeast)
- Camping: Sluice Boxes State Park, Belt Creek Canyon
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Art & History: C.M. Russell Museum, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
- Theaters & Music: Mansfield Center, Celtic Cowboy Pub events
- Breweries: Mighty Mo Brewing, Jeremiah Johnson Brewing
- Shopping: Holiday Village Mall, downtown antique & artisan shops
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Great Falls International Airport (GTF): On-site — Alaska, Delta, United, Allegiant
- Helena Regional Airport (HLN): ~1.5 hours – another small commercial option
- Bozeman Yellowstone Int'l (BZN): ~2.5 hours – larger airport for broader access
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Fox Farm: Low crime, quiet, well-kept neighborhood
- Downtown: Moderate petty crime — stay alert at night
- Vaughn, Black Eagle: Safe but rural — limited patrol presence
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Housing: Median home price in Great Falls: $270,000; 1BR rent: $950–$1,200/month
- Taxes: No sales tax in Montana; property tax rate ~0.8%
- Utilities: ~$150–$220/month for an apartment
- Groceries: About 2–4% above national average (remote delivery cost)
- Gasoline: ~$3.60–$3.80/gallon
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Fox Farm: Great schools, quiet, ideal for families
- Downtown: Vibrant arts scene, walkable, historic charm
- Skyline: Elevated views, affordable homes, tucked away
- Westside: Convenient access to stores and GTF
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Cold & snowy — be prepared for extended snow/ice
- Spring: Short & cool with melting snow and wind
- Summer: Warm and dry — mid-70s to 90s°F
- Fall: Crisp, golden foliage — starts early (Sept.)
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Car necessary: City is spread out, transit limited
- Traffic: Light — 10–15 minutes to anywhere in town
- Airport access: Simple drive via I-15 and local routes
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Benefis Health System: Regional medical center with urgent care
- Great Falls Clinic: Multiple specialties & walk-in services
- VA Clinic: Available for eligible veterans
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Local bars & breweries: Community-focused hangouts
- Outdoor events: Farmer’s markets, summer concerts, rodeos
- Family activities: Museums, skate parks, splash pads, youth sports
- Faith & volunteering: Tight-knit community groups and churches
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Best Local Eats: Roadhouse Diner, The Block, Tracy’s Family Diner
- Breweries: Mighty Mo Brewing, Black Eagle Brewery
- Local Favorites: Sip ‘n Dip Lounge (mermaid bar), Fire Artisan Pizza
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Live close: Fox Farm or Westside for <15 minute commutes
- Weather: Prepare for snow days and wind delays — dress for cold shifts
- Community: Controllers are spread across Great Falls; Greer and Fox Farm are most popular
📦 Moving Tips
- Winter move? Get snow tires and a remote car starter
- Best time to move: May–September for weather & rental availability
- Rental market: Competitive for good spots — act quickly
❓ FAQs
- Is Great Falls isolated?
Somewhat, but it has everything you need plus beautiful landscapes - What’s the weather really like?
Cold winters, windy springs, sunny dry summers — dress in layers - Do I need AWD?
Yes — AWD and snow tires are highly recommended for winter driving