Red Lodge Montana Real Estate

Red Lodge, Montana

Real western cultural experiences begin when you step into Red Lodge, Montana. This is a city of only 2,500 people-but don't let the size fool you. First, it's only an hour away from Billings, Montana, so it's part of the Greater Billings Metropolitan area. Second, you'll find yourself far enough away from city life to get a taste for wilderness living. Red Lodge is the gateway to the scenic Beartooth Highway, which takes you right into Yellowstone National Park.

Red Lodge history began as Crow country, way back before Americans settled the land. Great mining opportunities, for both coal and gold, drew settlers to the area. The United States government signed a treaty with the Crow people in 1851, and by 1884 it was officially a town.

These were the lands, nestled against the Northern Rockies, that were peopled by colorful characters like Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill Cody, and William Jennings Bryant back in the day. The Beartooth Mountains rise almost 13,000 feet above sea level. You just have to take a deep breath to catch a whiff of history. These days you can still find rodeo events, horseback adventures, or wagon rides right through Red Lodge's downtown streets.

The mining era faded as the Great Depression of the Thirties set in, and a tragic mine explosion killing 74 men ended it forever in 1943. The town subsisted for a while selling cough syrup that it produced for those traveling out to California-bootleg liquor that saw the town through until people began appreciating the area's natural attractions. Eventually ranching and tourism became the primary industries.

You're not going to find a Wal-mart in this town-head on over toward Billings or down toward Cody, Wyoming, for that-but you'll find stores selling books, collectibles, sportswear, vehicles, quilts, sundries, and much more, plus all kinds of services, churches, and health care providers. And if you're hoping to settle in a place where you can start your own business, there is a Small Business Development Center plus other services available through the area's Chamber of Commerce. The area is also popular with retirees or for those seeking a second home.

The schools are small and focused on getting youngsters prepped for life's challenges. The grade school and middle school service the Red Lodge town and rural areas. The high school draws students from several surrounding towns with a population of about two hundred.

Per capita income and median salary levels seem low to someone coming from one of the country's major metropolitan areas, but the cost of living is also low. While median family income falls at about $40,000 per year, only a small percentage of families lives below the poverty level.

Red Lodge Real Estate

You can buy houses in the town for prices ranging from $150,000 to $400,000. Values have held steady through the real estate upheavals felt elsewhere in the country over the past two years. There are also luxurious developments like the Island at Rock Creek, built right in town, which features granite countertops, hardwood floors, and over 2,000 square feet of fine living for $500,000. Or, you can pick out a parcel of land outside of town starting at $50,000 and build to your own specifications.

Think about coming for the Annual Winter Chocolate Event in the wintertime, or maybe the Annual Beartooth Rally for motorcyclists-and anyone who loves to dance-in the summer. Why not visit this place and see how it fits your lifestyle?