📍 About HLN & Helena
Helena Regional Airport (HLN) serves Montana’s capital city — Helena — a scenic, historic, and government-focused town nestled between the Rocky Mountains and rolling plains. With its walkable downtown, proximity to nature, and tight-knit community, Helena offers a high quality of life with low congestion. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure or small-city charm, Helena has both.
🏡 Where to Live
Best for Singles & Couples
- Downtown Helena – Walkable, historic charm, coffee shops, apartments
- South-Central Helena – Mix of old homes and new rentals, close to trails
- East Helena – Affordable, quiet, developing area
- Midtown Helena – Convenient location, mid-century homes
Best for Families
- Helena Valley West Central – Great schools, newer homes, spacious lots
- North Valley – Peaceful, more rural, growing area
- Clancy – Just south of town, small-town charm with top-rated schools
- East Helena – Family-friendly neighborhoods and parks
🚗 Commute Times to HLN Tower
- 5–10 min: Midtown Helena, Downtown, East Helena
- 10–20 min: Helena Valley West, North Valley
- 20–30 min: Clancy, Montana City, Jefferson City
🎓 Top School Districts
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- Hiking & Trails: Mount Helena City Park, Mt. Ascension, South Hills Trail System
- Fishing & Boating: Canyon Ferry Lake, Missouri River, Hauser Lake
- Skiing: Great Divide Ski Area (~35 min), Showdown Montana (~1.5 hrs)
- Camping: Helena National Forest, Gates of the Mountains
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Capitol Building: Montana’s historic seat of government
- Museums: Montana Historical Society, ExplorationWorks Science Center
- Theaters: Grandstreet Theatre, Myrna Loy Center for the Arts
- Breweries: Blackfoot River Brewing, Lewis & Clark Brewing Co.
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Helena Regional Airport (HLN): On-site — Alaska, Delta, United regional service
- Great Falls International (GTF): ~1.5 hrs north — more flight options
- Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN): ~1 hr 45 min southeast — major regional hub
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Downtown: Safe but occasional petty theft — walkable and well-lit
- Helena Valley & Clancy: Very safe, suburban and rural communities
- East Helena: Family-friendly, growing with good community policing
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Housing: Median home price: $350,000; 1-bedroom rent: $1,100–$1,300/month
- Taxes: No sales tax in Montana; property tax ~0.75%
- Utilities: ~$140–$200/month for an apartment
- Groceries: ~5–8% above national average due to shipping
- Gasoline: ~$3.60–$3.80/gallon
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Downtown Helena: Historic, walkable, active arts scene
- Helena Valley: Spacious, newer builds, mountain views
- Clancy: Quiet, rural feel with excellent schools
- East Helena: Great for families, parks, and newer developments
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Cold and snowy — snow tires highly recommended
- Spring: Cool and rainy, occasional late snow
- Summer: Warm and dry, highs in 80s°F
- Fall: Crisp and colorful — great hiking weather
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Car recommended: Limited public transit in the area
- Commute: Light traffic — most places within 15–20 minutes
- Airport access: HLN is right in town, very easy to reach
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- St. Peter’s Health: Full-service regional hospital and clinics
- PureView Health Center: Federally qualified health center
- Urgent Care: St. Peter’s Urgent Care, local walk-in clinics
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Downtown: Regular festivals, art walks, concerts at The Myrna Loy
- Outdoor groups: Mountain biking, hiking, skiing meetups
- Families: Library events, youth sports, museum programs
- Faith & volunteering: Numerous churches and service organizations
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Popular restaurants: On Broadway, Lucca’s, Benny’s Bistro
- Casual eats: The Brewhouse, Silver Star Steak Co., Taco del Sol
- Breweries: Blackfoot River Brewing, Lewis & Clark Brewing Co.
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Live close if possible: Downtown or East Helena offers short commutes
- Winter readiness: Keep a snow brush, extra jacket, and 4WD if possible
- Shifts: Be ready for variable hours — blackout curtains help
📦 Moving Tips
- Best time to move: May–September — before snowfall begins
- Winter prep: Plan early and get snow tires ahead of time
- Rental availability: Limited supply — secure housing early
❓ FAQs
- Is Helena a walkable city?
Yes — especially downtown. Suburbs require a car. - Do I need AWD?
Yes — or at least snow tires. Winters can be slick. - How big is the airport?
Small regional — easy access, low traffic, but limited flights