Your Community Guide to Laurel, MT
We’re back with another edition of Community Guides for all of the hot spots in and around Billings, Montana. With Billings being the largest city in Montana, there are various neighborhoods that attract different personalities, so to help you find the one best suited for you, we created this blog series to be your guide!
For this community guide specifically, we’re taking a trip to the outskirts of Billings and diving into Laurel, Montana. Laurel is the third largest community in the Billings Metropolitan area and is located in the Yellowstone Valley.
Laurel is home to a small, tight knit community of about 7,000 people, but don’t let the small population fool you - Laurel has its own special amenities that draws people in, so let’s dive in!
Living in Laurel
As I’m writing this it’s December which is very fitting because Laurel feels like your typical Hallmark town.
You know the one with few redlights and small sidewalk streets where everyone knows everyone, visitors are welcomed with smiling faces and there’s of course tradition that everyone takes part in.
The kind of town that feels too good to be true? Well, that’s Laurel in a nutshell!
You might be shocked to know that what’s often a pass through town to get to Yellowstone National Park or Red Lodge is also highly sought after for living… for the right person of course!
If you live in Laurel, there’s a high chance you value living on the outskirts of the hustle and bustle, you don’t mind a small commute to work (many people regularly make the 15 mile trek to Billings) and you place a large emphasis on community.
If those three things light you up, you’re in the right place.
But if you value easy access to nightlife or lots of restaurant options, downtown might be a better fit!
What’s so cool about Laurel is that you’ll find a perfect mix of newer and older homes to choose from when you’re looking to make the move, but whatever you choose you’ll definitely achieve the charming and quaint feeling that comes with living in a small town.
And while there might not be a TON of attractions compared to a community like Northwest Billings, when you’re a Laurel local, you’ll quickly find your favorites and will become a regular.
A few of my don’t skips include:
Mo Cones - the absolute cutest roadside ice cream shack serving up tasty treats 🍦
Soda Station - a classic Montana soda shop where you can grab your favorite soda and mix it with all kinds of fun flavors 🥤
The Front Porch - a local Laurel boutique and venue where you can shop handmade goods, rent for events and attend fun community workshops like cookie decorating, make your own signs and candle pouring 🤩
The Vue and Brew - a small, 3 screen local movie theater that goes above and beyond with their food and drinks 🎥
While Laurel may not be known for its restaurants and attractions, the town is known for one thing and that’s their annual 4th of July festival!
Each year, Laurel packs its small streets with family, friends and fun to celebrate Independence Day with a pancake breakfast, parade, food and craft fair, and of course, fireworks (the largest display in Montana in fact). 🧨
It’s a celebration unlike any other, so if you’re living in Laurel, this is likely to become your new favorite holiday!
In addition to this summer tradition, Laurel also hosts its very own downtown farmer’s market and has fun kid friendly movies under the stars in July and August.
Nothing beats slow living in the summertime!
Schooling in Laurel, MT
Just like the community is tight knit, so is the school system! Though you may have to drive to Billings for work, your kiddos can attend school right in Laurel.
Elementary operates within three schools, including: South, West and Graff and then all students will attend Laurel Middle and Laurel High!
The school team is the Laurel Locomotives named after the railroad system that occupies the town - choo choo. 🚂
So, what’s it gonna cost ya?
As mentioned earlier, there’s a good mix of newer and older homes throughout Laurel, so the average cost of a single family home sits between $388,000 - $414,000 as of August 2024.
Being on the outskirts has its perks and lower price points can be one of them. 😍
Overall, depending on your goals, wishes and wants, I’m confident we can find a home in Laurel that stays within your budget and makes you feel right at home!
Want to be a Laurel local?
If Laurel is sounding like your cup of tea and you’re ready to embrace the slow living style of the locals, connect here for first steps!
Not sure if Laurel is for you? That’s totally cool! Click here to explore the other areas of Billings before making your move!
P.S. Want a peek into all of the neighborhoods that Billings, Montana has to offer? Download the Ultimate Community Guide to take a look under the hood to what life could be like for you in this beautiful side of the state.
