Montana
Big Sky's big terrain and Whitefish's lake town, near Bozeman and Glacier.
- Counties
- Gallatin and Madison (Big Sky), Flathead (Whitefish), Montana
- Base elevation
- Big Sky about 6,936 ft · Whitefish about 2,999 ft
- Population
- Big Sky 3,591 (2020 census) · Whitefish about 9,358 (2025 estimate)
- Drive from airports
- BZN to Big Sky Resort 51 mi · about 1 hr · FCA to Whitefish 12 mi · about 20 min
- Nearest airports
- Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN) and Glacier Park International (FCA)
- Ski areas
- Big Sky Resort and Whitefish Mountain Resort
Drive times are typical and change with traffic and weather.
Living in Montana
What it's like to live in Montana
Montana gives you two very different mountain markets. Big Sky is an unincorporated resort community in the Gallatin and Madison county mountains, about an hour from the Bozeman airport. Whitefish is an incorporated lake and railroad town in Flathead County, about 25 miles from Glacier National Park. Both are lived in all year, not just during ski weeks.
Homes in Big Sky run from condos near the lifts to custom homes and private club communities like Yellowstone Club and Spanish Peaks. Whitefish mixes older homes in the Avenues by downtown, homes around Whitefish Lake, and condos and homes on Big Mountain near the resort. I could not find current median prices from a source I trust, so get recent sales for the exact area before you set a budget.
The tradeoffs are real. Starting with 2026 tax bills, Montana taxes second homes at a higher rate than primary residences and long-term rentals. Both towns charge a local resort tax, short-term rental rules differ by town and zoning, and winter roads take snow tires and patience. I live on the Front Range and I'm licensed in Colorado, so for Montana I refer you to a local agent I trust and stay with you through the whole move.
The map
Every town in this guide
Hover a pin for a quick look. Click to open that town's guide.
Neighborhoods
Where to look in Montana
Big Sky
An unincorporated resort community spread across Meadow Village, Town Center, and Mountain Village below Lone Peak.
Whitefish
An incorporated town on Whitefish Lake with a walkable downtown and the ski resort 6 miles up Big Mountain Road.
Gallatin Valley
Bozeman and the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, about 45 miles north of Big Sky by road.
Flathead Valley
The valley around Whitefish and Kalispell, served by Glacier Park International Airport 12 miles from Whitefish.
Get outside
Things to do in Montana
- 01
Big Sky Resort
5,850 skiable acres and about 4,350 vertical feet, with a tram to the 11,166-foot top of Lone Peak.
- 02
Whitefish Mountain Resort
110 named trails and nearly 300 inches of average snowfall, 6 miles from town.
- 03
Glacier National Park
About 25 miles from Whitefish.
- 04
Yellowstone National Park
US 191 runs south from Big Sky toward West Yellowstone.
- 05
The Whitefish Trail
About 47 miles of non-motorized trail with 15 trailheads.
- 06
Lone Mountain Ranch
85 km of groomed Nordic trails in Big Sky.
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FAQ
Montana questions, answered
Is Josh licensed in Montana?
No. I'm licensed in Colorado only. For Montana I refer you to a local agent I trust and stay in your corner through the whole move.
How do I get to Big Sky and Whitefish?
Fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International for Big Sky, about 51 miles and an hour to the resort. Fly into Glacier Park International for Whitefish, about 12 miles and 20 minutes to downtown.
How are second homes taxed in Montana?
Starting with 2026 tax bills, homes that are not a primary residence or a qualifying long-term rental are taxed at a higher rate. To qualify for the lower rate you must live in the home at least seven months a year. Confirm with the Montana Department of Revenue.
Can I rent my place short term?
It depends on the town and zoning. Whitefish bans rentals under 30 days outside a few areas such as downtown and around Big Mountain. Big Sky rules depend on the county and zoning district. Confirm with the town or county before you buy.
How high are these towns?
Big Sky sits around 6,936 feet. Whitefish is much lower, around 2,999 feet.
Which school districts serve these towns?
The Gallatin County side of Big Sky is in Big Sky School District, and the Madison County side is in Ennis K-12 Schools. Whitefish is served by Whitefish School District. Confirm by address.