Moving to Butte, Montana
Your comprehensive guide to living near Butte Armed Forces Reserve Center. Find housing, BAH rates, schools, cost of living, and community resources for your assignment to Butte, Southwestern Montana.
Welcome to Butte
Welcome to Butte, a historic mining city with deep patriotic roots and home to the Butte Armed Forces Reserve Center. Montana Property Network is here to help military personnel and their families find affordable housing and community resources in one of Montana's most budget-friendly cities.
Installation Overview
Key details about the military installation(s) in your area.
Butte Armed Forces Reserve Center
Buying vs. Renting
Weigh the benefits of each option for your situation and budget.
Benefits of Buying
- Build equity with each mortgage payment instead of paying rent to a landlord
- VA home loans offer 0% down payment with no PMI for eligible service members and veterans
- Fixed-rate mortgages provide predictable monthly housing costs regardless of market changes
- Montana property values have historically appreciated, particularly in Bozeman, Billings, and Kalispell
- Freedom to customize, renovate, and make the property your own
- Potential tax benefits including mortgage interest and property tax deductions
Typical Home Prices
$265,000 median ($180,000 – $400,000+)
Benefits of Renting
- Flexibility to relocate quickly if orders change or you receive a short-notice PCS
- No maintenance costs, property taxes, or HOA fees to manage
- Lower upfront costs — no down payment or closing costs required
- Easier to explore different neighborhoods before committing to a purchase
- No risk of property value declining during your assignment
- Amenities like gyms, pools, and on-site maintenance included in many complexes
Typical Rental Prices
1BR: $600 – $850 | 2BR: $800 – $1,100 | 3BR: $1,100 – $1,500 | House: $1,200 – $1,700+
Factors to Consider
- Expected assignment length — buying typically makes sense if you plan to stay 3+ years
- Local market conditions — are home values rising or flat in your target area?
- Your BAH coverage — does your monthly BAH comfortably cover a mortgage payment?
- Resale potential — will the property be easy to sell when you receive new orders?
- Your VA loan entitlement status and whether you have used it before
- Personal comfort level with homeownership responsibilities and maintenance
Best Places to Live
Neighborhoods organized by what matters most to you.
Closest Commute
Uptown, Flats
5–10 minutes to the Reserve Center from most central neighborhoods.
Family-Friendly Neighborhoods
Flats, Harrison Avenue Area
Established residential areas with parks and schools nearby.
Best Schools
Flats, Walker Mine Area
Served by Butte School District #1 schools.
New Construction
South of Town, Roe Road Area
Limited but growing new construction options.
Acreage Properties
Basin Creek, Divide, Melrose
5+ acre properties 15–30 minutes from town.
Downtown Living
Uptown Butte
Historic homes and apartments in Butte's distinctive Uptown district.
Budget-Friendly Areas
Uptown, East Side
Some of the most affordable home prices in Montana.
Luxury Homes
Big Butte, Rockies
Upscale homes with panoramic views of the valley.
Rural Living
Divide, Melrose, Whitehall
Small communities 20–40 minutes from Butte.
Named Neighborhoods & Subdivisions in Butte
Real subdivision and district names locals use — shared from our Butte relocation guide.
Uptown Butte
The heart of the city's character, featuring dense rows of historic Victorian and Queen Anne-style homes and bustling local businesses.
The Flats
A more traditional, level residential area offering easy access to shopping centers and everyday amenities.
Walkerville
An iconic hilltop neighborhood that retains the rugged feel of an old mining camp with sweeping views.
East Ridge
Known for larger home lots and spectacular views, this area offers a mix of city convenience and semi-rural seclusion.
University District
Located near Montana Technological University, this area is popular for its proximity to campus life and walkable access to amenities.
Major Employers in Butte
Who hires locally — useful for spouses seeking work near the installation.
BAH Guide
Current Basic Allowance for Housing rates for Butte.
Butte, MT (verify current rates at the BAH calculator)
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-5 (with dependents) | $1,389 | $1,092 |
| E-7 (with dependents) | $1,554 | $1,230 |
| O-3 (with dependents) | $1,815 | $1,446 |
| O-4 (with dependents) | $2,061 | $1,638 |
What Your BAH Can Buy
Estimated home purchase prices based on monthly BAH (assumes VA 0% down loan, ~6.5% interest, including taxes and insurance). Actual affordability varies with interest rates and other debts.
~$188,000
Excellent buying power — easily covers a starter home in Butte.
~$210,000
Comfortable purchase of a mid-range home in established neighborhoods.
~$245,000
Near median — strong buying power in Butte's affordable market.
~$278,000
Above median — ample options including larger homes with character.
Temporary Housing
Short-term lodging options while you get settled.
Finlen Hotel
HotelHistoric Uptown hotel with character — a Butte landmark.
Hampton Inn Butte
HotelModern hotel near the interstate with complimentary breakfast.
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Resort/HotelHot springs resort 15 minutes from Butte with pools and dining.
Copper King Mansion B&B
Bed & BreakfastHistoric mansion B&B in Uptown Butte.
Holiday Inn Express Butte
HotelModern hotel near the interstate with free breakfast and indoor pool.
Comfort Inn Butte
HotelComfortable rooms with complimentary breakfast near downtown.
La Quinta Inn & Suites Butte
HotelPet-friendly hotel with free breakfast and easy interstate access.
Motel 6 Butte
Budget MotelEconomy lodging with basic amenities at an affordable nightly rate.
Fairmont Hot Springs Condos
Extended StayCondo-style lodging at the resort with kitchens for longer assignments.
Airbnb
Furnished RentalVacation rentals and furnished homes for short or 30+ day stays, including historic Uptown apartments.
Cost of Living
What to expect for everyday expenses in your new community.
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $265,000 |
| Average Rent (2BR) | $950 |
| Average Rent (3BR House) | $1,300 |
| Utilities (monthly) | $150 – $250 |
| Property Taxes (annual) | ~0.83% of assessed value |
| Homeowners Insurance (annual) | $1,100 – $1,600 |
| Vehicle Registration | ~$120 – $200/year (permanent plates available) |
| Gas Prices (regular) | $3.20 – $3.60/gal (varies) |
| Groceries | Near national average |
| Internet (basic) | $55 – $85/month |
Schools
Educational options for families with school-age children.
Butte School District #1
Public School District6 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school serving Butte.
Butte Central Catholic Schools
Private (Catholic)Pre-K through 12th grade faith-based education.
Montana Tech of the University of Montana
Higher EducationEngineering, science, and technology university in Butte.
Highlands College
Higher EducationTwo-year college offering trades and technical programs.
Preschool Options
PreschoolSeveral preschools and early childhood programs in Butte.
Healthcare
Military, VA, and civilian healthcare options in your area.
St. James Healthcare
HospitalCommunity hospital providing comprehensive medical services to the Butte area.
Butte VA Clinic
VA ClinicOutpatient primary care for enrolled veterans; Fort Harrison VA is the nearest VA medical center.
Community Hospital of Anaconda
HospitalNearby hospital in Anaconda, 25 minutes from Butte.
St. James Urgent Care
Urgent CareWalk-in urgent care with extended hours.
Dental Providers
DentalMultiple dental practices accept TRICARE Dental Program.
Pediatric Care
PediatricSt. James Pediatrics serves area families.
Montana Lifestyle
What makes living in Montana special.
Hiking & Backpacking
Thousands of miles of trails from day hikes in the Bridger Range to multi-day wilderness treks in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.
Fishing
World-class trout fishing on the Madison, Yellowstone, Bighorn, and Missouri rivers, plus countless alpine lakes and reservoirs.
Hunting
Big game hunting for elk, mule deer, whitetail, antelope, and bear. Montana offers both general and limited-draw tags with seasons from September through November.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Resorts like Big Sky, Bridger Bowl, Whitefish Mountain, and Discovery Basin, plus backcountry skiing and Nordic trails statewide.
National Parks
Glacier National Park in the north and the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park in the south offer breathtaking scenery and wildlife year-round.
State Parks
55+ Montana State Parks including Flathead Lake, Lewis & Clark Caverns, Makoshika, and Bannack — many with camping, boating, and interpretive trails.
Community Events
Rodeos, county fairs, farmers markets, music festivals, and local celebrations that reflect Montana's agricultural and Western heritage throughout the year.
Local Attractions
Historic downtowns, museums, breweries, distilleries, art galleries, and local shops that give each Montana city its own distinct character.
Winter in Montana
Essential tips for thriving during Montana winters.
Driving in Snow
Reduce speed significantly, increase following distance to 6+ seconds, brake gently to avoid skidding, and avoid using cruise control on slick roads.
Winter Vehicle Preparation
Install winter or all-season tires with good tread, keep tire chains in your vehicle, check battery and antifreeze levels, and keep the gas tank at least half full.
Recommended Clothing
Layer with moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer shells. Insulated boots, gloves, hats, and face protection are essential below 20°F.
Heating Costs
Budget $150–$400+ per month for winter heating (November–March) depending on home size and insulation. NorthWestern Energy offers budget billing to spread costs evenly.
Snow Removal
Homeowners are responsible for clearing sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall in most cities. Keep a snow shovel, ice melt, and a roof rake for heavy accumulations.
Winter Safety Tips
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle (blankets, food, water, flashlight, jumper cables). Watch for ice on walkways and driveways. Check on elderly neighbors during cold snaps.
Home Search
Start your home search with Montana Property Network.
Browse All Homes
Search all available Montana listings near your installation
Montana Cities
Explore homes for sale by city across Montana
Home Buying Programs
Down payment assistance and first-time buyer programs available in Montana
VA Loan Calculator
Estimate your VA loan monthly payment and purchasing power
Montana Ranches & Acreage
Browse ranch, acreage, and rural properties across Montana
Helpful Resources
Important contacts and links for your relocation.
Military & Federal Resources
Military OneSource
24/7 support for active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and families — relocation counseling, financial guidance, and spouse resources
VA Home Loan Information
Official VA portal for home loan eligibility, the COE process, and lender requirements
Montana Department of Veterans Affairs
Statewide veteran benefits assistance, County Veterans Service Officer directory, and Montana-specific programs
Montana MVD (Vehicle Registration)
Vehicle registration, driver's license transfers, and titling information for new Montana residents
Military Installations Directory
Searchable directory of all U.S. military installations with contact info and base services
BAH Rate Calculator
Official Defense Travel Management Office tool to look up current BAH rates by zip code and pay grade
Local & Community Resources
Installation Housing Office
- Reserve Center Housing: Contact your assigned unit. Reserve members arrange off-base housing in the community.
Utility Providers
- Electricity & Natural Gas: NorthWestern Energy
- Water & Sewer: Butte-Silver Bow Utilities
Internet Providers
- Spectrum: Cable internet
- CenturyLink: DSL
School District
- Butte School District #1: butte.k12.mt.us
City & County
- Butte-Silver Bow (consolidated city-county): butteinfo.com
Emergency Services
- Emergency (Fire/Police/Ambulance): Call 911
- Butte Police Non-Emergency: 406-497-1120
Community Organizations
- Butte Chamber of Commerce: buttechamber.org
- Butte Family YMCA: Fitness and youth programs
BAH rates, cost-of-living figures, and other data on this page are estimates based on publicly available information and are provided for general guidance only. Rates change annually and costs vary by specific location and circumstances. Always verify current information through official sources. Montana Property Network is an informational resource and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense, any military installation, or the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Ready to Find Your Montana Home?
Browse available listings near Butte or connect with a local real estate professional who understands the needs of military families.