Low property taxes, wide and open spaces convince home buyers to invest in Montana’s luxury real estate sector.
As of 2022, homeowners in the state pay a median property tax rate of $1,756. The amount costs less than four times the median property tax rate in New Jersey ($7,840).
Your actual tax rate when you buy a luxury home in Montana depends on the assessed home value. For example, you might pay $19,200 in annual property taxes for a $2 million house in Kalispell.
The potential annual tax for a similarly priced property in Trenton, New Jersey, might cost $52,600. Aside from low taxes, Montana attracts many luxury home buyers because of its low population density.
The state’s population comprised almost 1.1 million people so far in 2022. There are approximately 7 people per square mile in the state, based on its land area of 147,040 square miles.
National Parks Realty, one of the leading luxury property brokers in Montana, shares some of the best places to find real estate in the state.
At almost 2,900 feet above sea level, Bigfork provides residents with a mountain-resort environment. This log cabin-style estate has room for a crowd with two homes and a guest cottage, all on Flathead Lake. (National Parks Realty)
1. A Mountain-Resort Lifestyle In Bigfork
An estimated 1,400 people live in Bigfork. Many of them chose the community because of its mild climate and year-round recreational activities (e.g. boating, fishing and water sports).
At almost 2,900 feet above sea level, Bigfork provides residents with a mountain-resort environment. Prime property prices can go as high as $8.2 million like a four-bedroom, eight-bathroom manor at 22743 E Shore Route.
The log-style lodge home lets you enjoy a waterfront view, flanked by 295 feet of frontage from Flathead Lake.
Best of all, the 9,218-square-foot manor includes a guest house with an extra three-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage.
Family-friendly Columbia Falls is also called the Gateway to Glacier National Park. This custom home in the area is listed for a little under $5 million. (National Parks Realty
2. A Small-Town Vibe In Columbia Falls
If you plan to downsize without compromising the quality of life for your children, Columbia Falls should be your first choice.
Approximately 3,400 people live in the family-friendly community, which is also called the Gateway to Glacier National Park.
Despite having a bigger population than Bigfork, the environment in Columbia Falls has maintained a small-town atmosphere.
While there are limited choices for luxury homes, Columbia Falls is a great area to find value and space for your money. For example, a 5,486-square-foot property at 62 & 54 Gentry Way is listed for $5 million.
The five-bedroom, six-bathroom ranch house’s amenities and features include:
- 551 feet of Flathead River frontage
- Exclusive access to a 100-acre island for horseback riding
- New kitchen and pantry
- Office and conference room
The luxury property also has three turnkey guest cabins with three bedrooms each.
A large barn and shop on 17.61 acres of land make the ranch house a true horseback rider’s dream home.
As the business and cultural center of Flathead Valley, most outdoor and recreational spots remain within a short distance of Kalispell. (National Parks Realty)
3. Luxury Vacation Homes In Kalispell
Luxury property buyers will find more real estate investment opportunities in Kalispell. As the business and cultural center of Flathead Valley, most outdoor and recreational spots remain within a short distance.
For example, you only need to drive for less than 15 minutes to reach Flathead Lake. If you plan an out-of-town trip by plane, the Glacier Park International Airport takes less than 20 minutes by car.
In other words, it’s easy to travel in and out of Kalispell if you only want to stay for a weekend vacation.
Available inventory includes this recently built five-bedroom, three-bathroom home at 142 Lazy Creek Way, which is listed for $1.195 million.
The 3,138-square-foot home is located in master-planned Silverbrook Estates, one of the premier communities in the area. Despite being in a private location, the luxury home is near recreational amenities such as the Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Stunning views draw many to Whitefish, Montana. This modern luxury home with fly-in, fly-out access is listed for $3.299 million. (National Parks Realty)
4. Luxury Ski Properties In Whitefish
Skiers head to Whitefish at the Continental Divide’s western slope because of its elevation reaching over 3,000 feet. The attraction can be a good alternative to other ski destinations such as Vail in Colorado.
A luxury ski lodge in Whitefish may cost as much as $3.3 million like this 2.5-acre property at 465 Armory Road. The 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom home occupies more than 5,700 square feet of space.
Fly in and out of Whitefish Airport year-round from the property, which is also just 1.5 miles away from downtown. A look-out area on the home’s third floor lets you see a 360-degree view of meadows, mountains and a ski resort among others.
Convenient transportation routes in Whitefish include Amtrak and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad trains. A single day might not be enough to view homes in the community.
Find the perfect luxury home in Montana by consulting a top broker. Click here to learn more about National Parks Realty and its team of more than 40 realtors.
