Navigating Your Military Relocation to Billings, MT: Part 3 of 3 – What Military Families Need to Know About Relocating to Billings
You’ve made it to Part 3 of the military relocation series on the blog!
In case you missed it, in Part 1 I covered the first steps to take to ensure a smooth relocation process and in Part 2 I covered the ins and outs of buying a home with a VA loan.
In this final blog of the series, I’m talking directly to those who are relocating to Billings, MT specifically because 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, especially if your move felt a little frantic, which it often can for military families.
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!
Ultimately I want Billings to feel like a true home for you as soon as possible, so as you make your move for your military relocation, my hope is that this blog post serves as a step by step guide to navigating life in Billings, MT!
What Billings, MT Is All About
Relocating to a new city is a big transition, but Billings, MT, makes it easy to feel right at home. Known for its welcoming community, stunning natural beauty, and growing opportunities, Billings truly offers military families a unique and fulfilling place to call home.
Something that I personally love so much about the area is that Billings has a small-town feel with big-city amenities.
It’s the kind of place where neighbors look out for each other and community events bring people together year-round. (Andddd if you don’t know where to find ‘em, I’ve gotcha covered!)
In addition to the community centered feel of Billings, if you love the outdoors, you’ll feel right at home here! The city sits along the Yellowstone River and is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, making it a paradise for hiking, fishing, camping, and exploring.
It’s the ultimate escape for outdoorsmen and adventurers and if you don’t know where to start, here’s a fun weekend guide for you!
Nearby destinations like the Beartooth Mountains, Yellowstone National Park, and the Rimrocks offer endless opportunities for adventure. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or an afternoon spent on a scenic trail, the natural beauty of Montana is always within reach.
And lastly, Billings is truly a perfect place to raise a family! For military families with children, Billings provides excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
From the Montana Zoo to museums, parks, and community sports leagues, there’s always something to do. The city’s relaxed pace and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal place to settle, even if only for a few years.
Here’s a fun itinerary I’d recommend doing with the kiddos when you get to town!
Overall, relocating to Billings means becoming part of a community that values service, connection, and adventure. Whether you’re here for a short time or planning to stay long-term, Billings offers military families a place where they can thrive.
A Breakdown of the Billings Neighborhoods
When you move to Billings, you’ll quickly realize that the area is big, yet small and it’s divided into 11 different geographical sections that make up the city as a whole.
Each community within Billings brings its own vibe with different attractions and amenities, depending on what you’re looking for. So much so that I created an entire Billings community vibe so that people could discover the area of Billings that’s best suited for them.
If you want the whole spiel, you can read the Community Guide series on the blog OR download the Ultimate Community Guide here!
But for now, here’s a quick breakdown:
Northwest Billings – this area is known for its scenic beauty and proximity to the Rimrocks, a local favorite for hiking, biking, and breathtaking sunset views.
Downtown Billings – the heart of the city, Downtown is the place to be for entertainment, dining, and cultural attractions. Enjoy local breweries, coffee shops, live music venues, and events like the Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market.
Billings Heights – this rapidly growing area offers plenty of conveniences, including major retail stores, restaurants, and fitness centers. It’s home to Lake Elmo State Park, a popular spot for fishing, paddleboarding, and dog-friendly walking trails.
West End – known for its modern conveniences, the West End has all the major shopping centers, including Rimrock Mall, as well as popular chain restaurants and local eateries. It’s also home to newer parks, golf courses, and great healthcare facilities like Billings Clinic West.
Laurel – a charming small-town community just west of Billings, Laurel hosts annual events like the largest fireworks display in Montana on the Fourth of July. It’s a great spot for those who want a quieter pace of life while still having access to grocery stores, schools, and local businesses.
Lockwood – located just east of Billings, Lockwood is a fast-growing area with a mix of residential and commercial development. It’s home to a brand-new high school and has easy access to trails, parks, and the Yellowstone River. The area is ideal for those who want a bit more space while staying close to city conveniences.
Shepherd & Huntley – these rural communities just outside of Billings are perfect for those who love wide-open spaces. With local farms, farmers' markets, and easy access to the Yellowstone River, it’s a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. Huntley also has the Huntley Project Museum, which showcases Montana’s agricultural history.
Southwest Billings – this area offers quick access to Interstate 90, making commuting a breeze. It’s home to Amend Park, a large multi-use sports complex, and nearby hiking spots like Two Moon Park. With a mix of established and new developments, Southwest Billings is a convenient and growing part of the city.
New Resident Checklist
When you get to town, in addition to getting familiar with the area, there’s a few other things you’ll want to take care of right away to feel like you’re fully settled in.
To take the guesswork out of it, follow this checklist to help you do just that:
✔️ Address Change – simply click here to submit this with USPS
✔️ Register to Vote – you can do this at the same time of your address change and you can click here to find your polling place!
✔️ Get connected with your community
Depending on the area of town you’re moving to or which neighborhood you’re now a part of, they may have a Facebook group, HOA, or other community group for you to tap into.
To find your community, you can simply search on Facebook, ask your agent (they’ll usually know!), or befriend a neighbor to help you get plugged in right away.
✔️ School Registration
The community that you move to will determine your school zone! Here’s a quick list:
Elementary Schools
Arrowhead (Serving Northwest)
Boulder (Serving Northwest)
Poly Drive (Serving Northwest)
Broadwater (Serving Downtown)
McKinley (Serving Downtown)
Alkali Creek (Serving Heights)
Bench (Serving Heights)
Bitterroot (Serving Heights)
Eagle Cliffs (Serving Heights)
Sandstone (Serving Heights)
Meadowlark Elementary (Serving West End)
South Elementary (Serving Laurel)
West Elementary (Serving Laurel)
Middle Schools
Ben Steele (Serving Northwest Billings)
Lewis and Clark (Serving Northwest, Downtown)
Castle Rock (Serving Heights)
Medicine Crow (Serving Heights)
Will James (Serving West End)
High Schools
Billings West (Serving Northwest, West End, and Southwest)
Billings Senior High (Serving Northwest and Downtown)
Skyview (Serving Heights)
Additional Schools
Laurel School District (Serving the entire Laurel area)
Lockwood School District (Serving the entire Lockwood area)
Blue Creek School District (Serving the Blue Creek and Duck Creek area)
Shepherd School District (Serving the entire Shepherd area)
Huntley Project School District (Serving the entire Huntley area)
Billings Central Catholic Schools (Grades PK-12 )
St. Francis Catholic School (Grades K-8)
Billing Central Catholic High School (Grades 9-12)
Billings Christian School (PK-12)
Grace Montessori Academy (PK-8)
Trinity Lutheran School (PK-8)
Trailhead Christian School (K-8)
Mount Olive Lutheran School (PK-8)
Sunrise Montessori School (PK - age 12)
✔️ Change Driver’s License & Register Your Vehicle – click here for the info you need!
✔️ Make any necessary personal care appointments
Hair and Nail Salon recommendations:
Polished Salon – your one stop shop for hair, nails and all your esthetician needs under one roof!
Nailissimo – another great one stop shop in town for manis, pedis, hair, massages, facials and waxing.
Spa recommendations:
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!)
Onyx Wellness Studio and Spa – from halotherapy, yoga, infrared saunas, footbaths and breathwork sessions, Onyx is a wellness lover's dream!
Additional recommendations:
Mariposa – the best spot in Billings to get luscious lashes and walk out feeling yourself.
Versa Tan – have an event coming up? Want to sport a tan all year round? Versa Tan is your spot for luxury tans anytime you need!
✔️ Take care of any necessary home maintenance
When you first move into a new home, there’s usually a LOT to do and if you’re anything like me, then you want things done pretty promptly. To help you take care of any necessary home maintenance that might be required right away, here’s a list of my recommended vendors to help you out:
Professional Organizing | The OCD Girls
Professional Cleaning | Codi Borner (DM on Instagram to get connected!)
Fireplace Cleaning / Maintenance | Fire Place Center of Billings
Flooring Install | Elite Flooring
Roofing, Windows, and Siding | David S. Siding and Windows
Electrician | Tounsley Electric
HVAC and Plumbing | Christoferson Plumbing & Heating
Landscaping and Sprinkler Systems | Horizon Landscaping
Decluttering Service | Purple Cactus
Bulk Trash and Junk Removal
✔️ Find your new favorite gym (or walking spot)
There’s nothing worse than moving somewhere new and not knowing where all of the go-to spots are! If you’re a workout junkie or someone who loves a leisurely stroll, here’s some places to look into and explore:
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
Riverfront Park – Located near Josephine Crossing, this park offers beautiful trail and walking areas centered around Lake Josephine.
Zimmerman Park – Zimmerman Park Mountain Bike Trail is the highest ranked mountain bike trail in Billings, MT and is one of the most popular places to explore the famous Rimrocks.
Lake Elmo State Park – 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.
Your First Month in Billings Bucket List
Once you’ve fully moved and started settling in, it’s time to get out and explore your new home! I know that sometimes knowing what to do in a new place can feel confusing and a little weird or awkward, so let’s make it FUN with your very own Billings Bucket List:
☕️ Grab coffee at 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.
🍽️ Go on a date night to Walkers, a well-established downtown favorite 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)
🍻 Visit a local brewery like Meadowlark
🍩 Get Saturday morning donuts at Proof, your classic small town donut shop with all of the favorite flavors made from scratch daily!
🥤 Find your favorite soda flavor at Soda Station, a classic Montana soda shop where you can grab your favorite soda and mix it with all kinds of fun flavors!
🍦Grab icecream at Mo Cones, the absolute cutest roadside ice cream shack in just a short drive over in Laurel, MT serving up tasty treats.
🦁 Have a family day at ZooMontana, Montana’s ONLY zoo and botanical park
🏛️ Stroll the grounds at Moss Mansion, 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
🎥 See a show at Alberta Bair, Billings Studio Theatre, or the NOVA
👗 Buy a new outfit at SOMETHINGChic, a women's lifestyle clothing boutique in Downtown Billings offering clothes, shoes, jewelry and accessories
🧖🏼♀️ Get pampered at 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.)
🏋🏻♀️ Try a new workout class at CrossFit Billings, Grindhouse, or Black Orchid
💐 Attend a community event, like the farmers market or parade
🥾 Go on a local hike at one of the local parks or trails
Need support with your military relocation to Billings, MT?
Overall, relocating to Billings for a military assignment can be both exciting and challenging, but with the right support, it can also be a smooth and rewarding experience!
That’s why working with a local real estate agent who is established in the area you’re moving to and KNOWS 👏🏼 THEIR 👏🏼 STUFF 👏🏼 is so important.
Although I don’t consider myself a military expert by any means, I DO consider myself to have the relocation process in general on lock and am confident in the resources and connections I have to make your military move as smooth as possible.
SO, if you have a Billings military relocation on your radar and are looking for a local agent to help you navigate the ins and outs of buying, I’d love to help you get the process started!
CLICK HERE to get connected so I can learn more about your specific scenario!