Louise Lopez expertly guides queer individuals to vibrant, inclusive U.S. and North American neighborhoods with 15+ years of dedicated experience, ensuring they find not just a home, but a community where their authenticity is celebrated and protected.
If you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the decision to relocate to a new state can be daunting, especially when you’re unsure of the level of acceptance you’ll receive. It’s a legitimate concern to have, and unfortunately, in this day and age, it’s still a reality that not all places are equally welcoming. However, with the rise of queer-friendly cities and states, the process of moving can be made more comfortable and reassuring.
By conducting research and tapping into resources, queer people can identify places where they can live their lives authentically and thrive. So, if you’re thinking of relocating, don’t let the fear of not being accepted hold you back. With some planning and support, you can find a new home where you’re celebrated for who you are.
To help queer folx who are considering moving to Gay Montana, we have put together this guide from experts on the ground, considering the pros and cons of life here, discussing LGBT rights in Montana and whether Montana embraces our community.
We also take a look at the most gay-friendly cities in Montana, and LGBT community organizations in Montana that you should be aware of!
Montana is also known as the Treasure State. It is home to some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes in spite of it being amongst the least populated states in the U.S. With slightly over a million residents, Montana is home to 6.8 people per square mile. This is so much less than the national average of 87.4 people per square mile.
If you want to live in a state that will allow you a little more legroom, this could be the state for you. A lot of people consider Montana to be an overly religious, and excessively-conservative state, and while we have to agree that Montana isn’t very open to LGBT families, the truth is that Montana isn’t as religious as many of the other hyper-religious states throughout the country.
All the golden wheat fields, snaggletoothed mountain peaks and raw beauty don’t make a difference when you repeatedly see bumper stickers “Real Men Marry Women,” “No To Adam and Steve,” and “Marriage = 1 Man + 1 Woman”.
While it might be as conservative as they come, there are quite a number of locations in Montana that are LGBT-friendly. Safety, a sense of community, and neighborhoods that would make you feel included and appreciated should be paramount wherever you live – and thankfully, you can find these even in Montana.
To reduce the stress of your relocation, we recommend engaging a gay realtor in Montana early in the process to help you find your new perfect home there. They will have up-to-the-minute information on the best cities and areas for LGBT people and be able to match your needs to a neighborhood most suited to you.
You can just start with a no-obligation conversation, and if you decide to continue with your move to Montana – they will not only have your best interests at heart but also ensure you are treated with dignity and respect throughout the entire process.
In this article we will cover...
Highlights Of Moving To Gay Montana
It’s hard not to get enthusiastic about the unique and tempting proposition that moving to Montana presents – especially once you get chatting with residents and long-time locals in the know about all their state’s hidden gems and best-kept secrets. After all, this is why many chose to live here.
Once you move here, you should quickly befriend locals, let them ‘spill the tea’ and then spend your free time discovering the best sights, food, nature and culture Montana has to offer. On top of this, thanks to an offbeat yet deeply engaged LGBT community – which congregates at a few fabulous queer hot spots – securing a relocation to Montana should allow you to meet local queer people with similar interests.
We are certain locals will have many more to add, but to get you excited, here are just a few highlights to look forward to as you become Montana’s newest denizen.
Outdoor Recreation
As we mentioned earlier, Montana is home to some pretty amazing views. With these, come many opportunities to be out in nature and enjoy outdoor activities. Montana comes with plenty of opportunities for recreation, such as sailing, kayaking, tubing, and so much more!
Whether you simply want to be outside in nature or do a little exercise, there’s much for you to enjoy in Montana. What’s more, Montana is home to Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, so call up all your friends and go on an adventure.
Rich with History
Montana is history rich. The earliest inhabitants of the state were Native Americans. The region was discovered by Lewis and Clark in the 1800s, and their discovery facilitated the introduction of fur traders to the state.
Later on, the gold that was discovered in this region became an attraction to the mountain region. Montana is now a thriving economy with a variety of wildlife and Museums where you can learn about its history.
Winter Sports
You have to incorporate winter sports into your life if you’re thinking of moving to Montana. The state is home to 15 resorts and ski areas, some of them, like the Big Ski Resort, being very popular.
The truth is, in Montana, the fun keeps going even through the winter months. Hunting and fishing are also very popular in the state, so make sure you get the essential licenses for your firearms ready.
LGBTQ+ Rights In The USA
The laws governing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have altered considerably over time in the United States and vary from state to state. In many ways, LGBT rights are some of the best in the world – but the devil is in the detail, and some places are much more hostile to queer life than others.
While same-sex marriage has been legal in every state since the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges ruling on June 26, 2015 (before Obergefell v. Hodges, same-sex marriage was legal in 36 states and Washington, D.C. ), LGBT people are still treated differently in different states – both societally and as inequality under the law.
Over half of all states still allow discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression, while counties and cities within states often have distinct laws as well. While some states permit adoption by all couples, others forbid it for all unmarried couples.
This is all to say what most of us already know is that LGBT rights and equality differ greatly across the USA, and the specifics of family, marriage and anti-discrimination laws are different in every state.
Thus, while it is comforting to know that you can choose to marry whoever you love across the USA (and have it recognized as such) and are protected against hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity (which can be punished under Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr.
Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009), there are still many questions you will likely have about moving to Montana and what you can expect of LGBT life there.
Does Montana Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
The truth is that most people don’t think that Montana is the most gay-friendly state in the nation, especially after the murder of Matthew Shepard in 1998 in Laramie. Even so, some of the state’s larger cities, such as Bozeman and Missoula, have visible gay scenes.
Even so, any traveler or person looking to make Montana their home should be a little wary of the rural areas as some are still quite homophobic.
One of the biggest pride events in the city is Big Sky Pride, which happens every year and is a celebration for the LGBTQ community and their allies to come together, raise awareness, and offer support to each other. The event features parades, colorful festivals, and live musical performances. Missoula, home to the University of Montana, is a beacon of progress and hope in the state.
The city is home to a variety of restaurants and bars that are welcoming to the LGBT community. It also has gay running clubs and chorus groups. Missoula was the first city in the state to adopt anti-discrimination laws that protect the LGBTQ community. Other cities in the state that are considered gay-friendly include the capital city of Helena and Bozeman, the state capital.
Montana has some supportive and inclusive communities. Even so, the state still has very high rates of suicide, rejection of LGBTQ+ youth by family, and high rates of bullying. In addition to this, LGBTQ people in the city still experience challenges in the form of laws that prevent them from adoption.
The city has no anti-discrimination protections in housing, public accommodations, adoption, education, gender identity for employment, credit, insurance, or foster care. For some of the LGBTQ+ people living in the state, the feeling of inclusion and affirmation isn’t present in their life.
Is Montana An Expensive State To Move To
Montana is the 34th most expensive state in the country. Some of its neighboring states have lower costs of living. Below is a summary of what living in Montana is like:
Housing
The housing market here isn’t as strong, considering the fact that Montana is one of the least populated states in the country. Approximately 57% of homes in the state cost between $118,670 and $356,470. As a result, the medium home value in the state is around $245,260.
Utilities
Expect to pay around $94.74 per month for your energy bill in Montana. This is below the national average of $11.65. While it isn’t the lowest energy bill in the country, it’s still something.
Transportation
Residents of Montana drive themselves most of the time. Expect to spend about $2.95 per gallon of gas. The average commute in the state is about 17 minutes, which is much less time than the national average of 26 minutes.
Food
It is estimated that you will pay around $3,570 per year on food purchases if you’re a single adult.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Montana
Wherever you live, it is essential that you support LGBT organizations in any way you can so that they can keep reaching out to and assisting other, more vulnerable members of the community. After all, we are stronger when we work together, and each of us will likely have a time in our lives when we require a little extra support.
Thankfully, Montana has a supportive and diverse LGBTQ community, which has helped the state become more gay-friendly in recent years.
As a result, there are a variety of LGBT resources available to community members, their allies, friends, and families – and you ought to feel free to utilize them or consider giving your support as needed to keep your new home state moving forwards! They are also great places to meet new people and find your queer chosen family in Gay Montana.
Gay and bisexual men in Montana are welcome to go through the Montana Gay Men’s Task Force, which is an online resource and community in the state. The Gay Men’s Task Force lists socializing events, health news, resources, and a list of services and groups that are LGBT-friendly or LGBT. The resource also plans an annual retreat for HIV-positive men and their partners, young gay men and Two-spirit men.
The Center offers a safe and welcoming space for people of all gender identities, expressions, and sexual orientations. They seek to empower the entire community through advocacy, education, and networking.
The goal of the center is to be the region’s voice for the LGBTQIA+ community and their friends. The Center is a volunteer-based organization that offers free space for the LGBTQ community, and community events.
Pride Foundation is the Northwest’s only LGBTQ+ foundation. The organization works to enhance equity and justice for LGBTQ+ people in different communities across the region. The Proud Foundation looks forward to a world where everyone, including LGBT people, lives openly and safely as who they are in their communities. Their work is well founded on social justice philanthropy.
Most Gay-Friendly Cities In Montana
In Montana, there are many wonderful areas to live in, but when relocating to LGBTQ Montana, you should be cognizant that there are a few cities and gaybourhoods that are nearer to the queer hubs of life. Knowing them will allow you to pull your U-Haul up to your new house in a gay-friendly neighborhood or town that is best suited to your needs.
If you’re a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise queer person seeking a welcoming neighborhood with facilities you’ll cherish, start with these top gay and gay-friendly Montana cities to discover your perfect new home, each with its distinct personality.
Give yourself enough time to acquaint yourself with Montana’s diverse personalities, and remember that there is no one perfect answer when it comes to the most gay-friendly places in Montana… and just because it does not make our list doesn’t necessarily make it a bad option.
We recommend speaking to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more detailed understanding of the best options today. Now, let’s take a look at where these fabulously gay-friendly cities in Montana are and why you might want to consider them!
Missoula
When it comes to LGBT people in Montana, you can count on Missoula to rank highest. Missoula is very tolerant and welcoming when it comes to sexuality and gender identification. The city has non-discrimination laws in housing, employment, and public accommodations.
The city leadership is very clear about where they stand when it comes to LGBT people, and the police department does all it can to report hate crimes against the LGBT community. Missoula is home to extracurricular groups such as an LGBTQ+ spiritual group and the gay men’s chorus. The city also has the University of Montana, which offers a progressive attitude.
Missoula is also home to the Western Montana LGBTQ+ Community Center as a center for the LGBTQ groups in the city. Generally speaking, the community in Missoula is queer-friendly and peaceful. Like any other community, they also experience trouble and pockets of crime here and then, but there’s no doubt that they’re the most LGBT-friendly community in the state.
If you’re truly looking for the perfect city to live in Big Sky Country, Missoula could be the perfect place for you. The city is also home to a plethora of gay-friendly bars and restaurants where you can meet and have fun with your friends.
Bozeman
LGBT families, individuals, and the entire community can also find places in Bozeman to call home. Just like Missoula, Bozeman is also a college town thanks to Montana State University. The city is also well-connected to I-90, which is the pathway to all the influence enjoyed by residents of Missoula.
Bozeman is a city that loves the queer community and is also known to have laws that make it welcoming for anyone to live here. The city also doesn’t discriminate against city contractors and employees. Even so, Bozeman doesn’t have HRC scores that are higher than Missoula because it doesn’t have an LGBT task force or liaison in its Police Department.
They do, however, ensure they report all hate crimes to the FBI, which goes a long way to ensure that those in our community feel safe. The city council also doesn’t have openly LGBT people, and Bozeman doesn’t offer transgender-inclusive benefits in health care. This doesn’t mean that the city isn’t friendly to LGBT people and communities.
There are plenty of bars and restaurants in Bozeman that are LGBTQ-friendly and where you can meet like-minded people. Simply think of it as a city in progress. With the university located here, it’s only a matter of time before everyone in the city embraces progressive thinking in a city that’s already making strides to ensure that everyone feels inclusive and included.
Billings
Billings is the largest city in Montana, with a population of 117,116, and has the most established gay scene and LGBT resources (though that isn’t hard in Montana).
The city itself ranks lower than the other three cities here for anti-discrimination legislation and is decidedly more conservative in feel. 406 Pride opened an LGBTQ+ Resource Center here in 2019 to build unity, acceptance, and fellowship and to ensure that LGBTQ+ people are embraced as full members of the society of Montana at home, at work, and throughout our community.
They have a lot of work still to go, but with a thriving, historic, and culturally diverse community, strong economy, an abundance of outdoor activities, and dynamic arts and culture scene, all seasoned with local charm, Billings might be the right choice for you.
Helena
The city of Helena in Montana is located almost towards the middle part of Montana. The city is also located near the rolling plains and offers much to those who would like to make it home. Montana has much to offer in recreational opportunities, such as Helena Reservoir, the Great Divide Ski Area, the Big Belt Mountains, and so much more.
It’s truly a paradise for those who love the outdoors and all that comes with it. While Helena is the state capital of Montana, the truth is that it might not be the first place you think about when you consider LGBT-friendliness. However, even though there might be areas where conservativeness is the order of the day, there are also places where inclusivity and being different are welcome.
Considering this, it’s also important to recognize the steps that Helena has made to have LGBT protections compared to other Montana towns. Helena’s gay-friendliness has much to do with the city being the political center of the state. Helena also has extensive non-discrimination protections for the LGBT community.
However, where the city seems to fail is the fact that they have no liaison for the LGBT community in the police department or the mayor’s office. The city is also a little on the sidelines in regard to public accommodations.
However, this isn’t to say that there’s nothing at all to celebrate about this city. Laws are in place to protect LGBT people in housing and employment, and city leadership is in the race to ensure that all LGBT people feel safe, accommodated, and included.
Finding Gay Realtors In Montana
When looking for the ideal realtor, why would you consider someone’s sexuality? This may seem strange at first, but there are several reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Montana is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when it relates to one of life’s most significant transactions, it’s not unreasonable to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who understands the queer community’s particular needs and wishes.
Furthermore, unfortunately, many people (up to a third of Americans) believe that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in housing, adoption, employment, and other areas of life.
So it’s no surprise that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors often describe feelings of discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt.
Everyone deserves a pleasant, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being adequately represented, and this is why we feel you should hire a gay realtor to assist you in finding your future home.
LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be familiar with the diverse communities in their area and know which ones may be best suited to you when looking for a home.
That’s not to say a heterosexual realtor isn’t capable, but they’ve probably never had to address many of the issues LGBT people face.
Rather than just being concerned with how bustling, fashionable, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or what it may appear like), gay realtors conduct extensive research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to ensure that clients are safe.
It used to be challenging to locate professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Montana, and it was virtually impossible to find one if you were relocating here from out of state and didn’t have access to a local referral.
You no longer have to search for a realtor without knowing whether or not they are accepting of others because you can use a list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents in Montana to do all of your homework for you.
Simply go to the page, and you’ll be presented with a free list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents who can help you with your relocation as well as other useful information like LGBT+friendly schools, shopping, storage firms, tradespeople, and more.
Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then choose the one who is right for you. It’s critical that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exciting occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
