I Just Moved To Billings, MT – What Next?
If you’ve ever moved to a new city or state, you know what it’s like to get there and be like, “okayyyyy, so now what?!”
While it’s typically an exciting time to be in a new place, it can also feel like a whirlwind trying to figure out your new life.
Like where do the locals go? Where’s the best grocery store? Where can you get your nails done? And don’t even get me started on finding a new gym.
It’s A LOT! I remember feeling this way when my family moved to Billings from Alaska. Even though I was a kid, it was still a huge transition and it took some time for my family to really find our footing in our new community.
The same feeling happened when we bought our Florida house and started visiting there more frequently. While we were excited to be there, we had this “what’s next?” question in our heads because we just wanted to feel at home!
And there’s a chance you can relate to this feeling at least at some point in your life. Even if you’ve never made a cross country move, simply moving across town can bring about these questions.
Maybe for you it’s when you moved for college. Or maybe it’s when you got married and moved in with your spouse in the town over. Or maybe you’re like me and did make a massive move and had to completely start over.
Whatever the case may be, I see this with my clients a lot and as their trusted real estate agent, I ultimately want them to feel like Billings truly is home. And the only way that can happen is if they have all of these questions answered.
So, if you find yourself new to the area and are wondering “what’s next” this blog post is for you! Keep reading for a step by step guide to navigating life in Billings, MT.
Your Guide To Living Life In Billings, MT
Billings, Montana is the largest city in the state located in southern Montana along the Yellowstone River offering an inviting environment for visitors and residents alike.
Nicknamed “Magic City” and known for the beautiful Rimrocks, Billings is divided into 11 geographical sections with each community bringing its own vibe that attracts different types of people depending on what you’re looking for.
In the Community Guide series on the blog, I break down the differences between each area and give you a closer look at what it’s like to live in each community specifically, so if you’re in search of that, CLICK HERE!
But generally speaking, Billings is filled to the brim with so many amazing restaurants, shops, adventures, and lifestyle opportunities, so my hope is that you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for below.
When You Need a Date Night 🍽️
You know that feeling when you’re in a new area and you’re looking for the best place to eat so you naturally flock to Google to see what you can find? But then… you’re met with TONS of different recommendations and the next thing you know you’ve wasted hours skimming menus and reading reviews just to settle for the first place you see on the side of the road.
Yeah, not exactly a fun time and this is probably the last thing you want to be doing once you’ve moved somewhere new. It’s no secret that Billings is a foodie town and there are lots of restaurants to choose from. But as a Billings local, of course I have my tried and true favorites that have stood the test of time.
So, once you move to Billings and you’re in a need of a date night (or just a dinner out with yourself, family, or friends), my top recommendations include:
Walkers – a well-established downtown favorite, Walkers is the perfect choice for dinner or date night serving up a mix of international cuisine and western comfort foods in a casual yet urban setting (oh and if you want to get to know the owner, CLICK HERE for the Community Member highlight)
The Granary – a 50 year landmark in Billings, The Granary is a city staple that has recently been remodeled with a modern design to match the upscale menu featuring your seafood favorites. Insider tip: I HIGHLY recommend the oyster selection - they’re flown in fresh on the daily - and when the weather permits, ask to sit on the patio!
NaRa – where are my sushi and ramen lovers at?! NaRa is THE go to spot for good sushi in Billings! For real, they were voted best sushi and Japanese in the Billings Gazette for over 12 years.
Bistro Enzo – the perfect date night spot for delicious Italian food paired with your favorite red wine. The vibes of this place are chef’s kiss!
Jake's Downtown - a locally owned and operated steakhouse that was established in 1979 and has been serving up classic steakhouse fare ever since. They also have an amazing wine list and the environment just really tops it off!
When You Need a Coffee ☕️
Where are my coffee lovers at?! If you’re anything like me, you prefer to find the best local coffee shops instead of hitting up the big chains.
And trust me, I get it – sometimes Starbucks is the easier option, but there’s nothing better than finding a place where they remember your name AND your order. Billings has a few of those:
Big Sky Coffee Roasters – a family owned neighborhood coffee house, this is the spot for those who prefer a chainless cup of joe from familiar faces that put community first.
Rock Creek Coffee Roasters- a cup of joe that’s quite literally made in Montana! In the heart of downtown, Rock Creek roasts all of their coffee in-house that pairs perfectly with their dreamy coffee shop atmosphere.
Maple Moose Coffee & Pop Shop – Southwest Billings closest coffee shop not only serves your favorite lattes and mochas, but they brought back the classic soda pop fountain experience to soothe your sweet tooth on days you need a tasty treat!
Proof Donuts - your classic small town donut shop with all of the favorite flavors made from scratch daily! Pair a dozen with a cup of coffee and you’ve got yourself a morning.
When You Need a Sweet Treat 🍦
You know those days where you just need a little treat? Well, Billings has you covered with their classic soda shops, ice cream shops, and even a fun candy store that you’ll without a doubt fall in love with.
Soda Station - Montana and Utah are sort of known for soda shops like this and they are essentially exactly what they sound like - a drive thru where you can grab your favorite soda and mix it with all kinds of fun flavors! A must visit when you’re in the area.
Big Dipper Ice Cream – a Montana classic, Big Dipper has been serving up handcrafted ice cream since 1995 and has made many national media appearances. You can find the famous shops in a few different Montana cities, one being Downtown Billings.
Mo Cones – the absolute cutest roadside ice cream shack in just a short drive over in Laurel, MT serving up tasty treats.
Candy Town USA – this is the largest candy store and old-fashioned soda shop in Montana where you’ll find delicious caramel apples, chocolate fudge, gourmet candies and out of this world milkshakes!
When You Need a Family Outing 👨👩👧👦
If you’re moving to Billings with your family, you’ve chosen a GREAT spot because the city has you covered with plenty of ways to enjoy family outings:
ZooMontana – a true Billings classic, ZooMontana is a 70-acre wildlife park and is actually Montana’s ONLY zoo and botanical park. It’s a great activity for families with kids!
Wise Wonders Science and Discovery Museum – here you’ll find a ton of education along with playful hands-on exhibits that can truly entertain your kids for hours. They also have weekly events and offer summer camps!
Moss Mansion – Moss Mansion is a historic house museum that’s open to the public for tours, and it also serves as a venue for family friendly events, celebrations, and community gatherings.
Billings Studio Theatre – one of the oldest and most active community theaters in Montana, BST offers a wide range of theatre productions, including dramas, comedies, musicals, and children's theater
When You Need an Adventure 🌄
I can’t think of a place that has more adventure than Billings, MT. From fishing, hiking, horseback riding and even offroading, there’s truly something for everyone! A few favorites throughout the area include:
Ah Nei Recreation Center – off roading anyone?! This popular recreational facility offers 50 miles of trails on over 1,000 acres for off-roading, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking or even just picnicking!
Norm Schoenthal Island – a prominent part of Riverfront Park, Norm’s Island has over two miles of trails and is a popular walking spot. The biggest draw is that it’s an off leash dog park so you bring your fur baby to run free!
Lake Elmo – Lake Elmo is a Billings classic recreation area that’s popular for swimming, fishing and paddle boarding, but also offers a 1.4 mile hiking and nature trail for those looking to enjoy a quick stroll. This state park is a 64-acre reservoir inside the Billings city limits and is a huge attraction during the warmer months!
Horseback Riding with Bitter Creek Outfitters – located just 10 minutes from downtown Billings, you can choose from a 1 or 2 hour guided tour along scenic trails making it one of the best ways to take in the beautiful views!
When You Need a Shopping Day 🛍️
Okay girlies I see you – in fact, I AM you! If you’re wondering where to shop in Billings to get the cutest clothes, skip the mall and head to these local boutiques instead:
RocHouse – a Billings favorite, RocHouse offers sought-after styles from various brands that fashion-forward shoppers LOVE. (and I just so happen to know the owner and can vouch that she's just as amazing as her store! Learn more about her HERE.)
SOMETHINGChic – a women's lifestyle clothing boutique in Downtown Billings offering clothes, shoes, jewelry and accessories.
The Joy of Living – this is your go to place for gift shopping where you’ll find unique items that everyone in your life will love.
When You Need to be Pampered 🧖🏼♀️
There’s arguably nothing harder to find than a new hairdresser or nail tech when you move somewhere new, but luckily Billings makes it easy for you with a few top rated and trusted salons in town that offer everything you need:
Top Deck Medical Spa – a go to med spa for all things facials, botox, laser hair removal, IV therapy, spray tans, and much more (I know the owner personally and trust me when I say THIS is the place to be! Learn more about Top Deck HERE.)
Polished Salon – your one stop shop for hair, nails and all your esthetician needs under one roof!
Onyx Wellness Studio and Spa – from halotherapy, yoga, infrared saunas, footbaths and breathwork sessions, Onyx is a wellness lover's dream!
When You Need a Workout 👟
I don’t know about you, but if I’m moving somewhere new one of my non-negotiables is a gym that I can call home! If you can relate, a few of the community favorites are:
CrossFit Billings – if you’re looking for a strength and conditioning workout that is made up of functional movement performed at a high intensity level, crossfit is your best bet.
Grindhouse – if you’re in search of a different type of workout, Grindhouse is your place to go offering Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, MMA and Self-Defense.
Black Orchid – if you’re into yoga and cycling, Black Orchid is your place to go for a fun group class
I’ll be honest, I could go on and on about all of the amazing places throughout Billings, but instead I’ll point you to the Ultimate Community Guide where you’ll find:
✔️a breakdown of each community complete with neighborhood information, schooling options, and the top rated places throughout each area
✔️a list of 15+ additional restaurants that have my stamp of approval
✔️additional gym and workout options for the fitness guru
✔️more salons and spas to choose from
AND in case you’re in search of local community events in and around Billings, MT, the event calendar will be your bestie!
PLUS, the blog is filled with Weekend Guides specific to your scenario and The Best of Billing Guides based on the season.