Your Community Guide to Shepherd & Huntley, MT
When we first started the Community Guide series on the blog, most of the communities featured were the go-to hotspots that everyone talks about, such as Downtown, Northwest and West End.
These are the places you would typically find on Instagram or in the higher results of your Google searches because they are home to the newest attractions that really draws the community in.
And while I’m all about a trendy new restaurant for happy hour, I’m also all about the outskirts of Billings that are lesser known and provide that true small town feel that’s hard to find these days.
The outskirts of Billings has a few of these “everybody knows everybody” type of towns and they deserve their own spot here on the blog because let’s be real: not everyone wants to live among the hustle and bustle of work and play.
Some people prefer slow living with tight knit communities and if you’re one of them, let me introduce you to Shepherd and Huntley, MT.
These two communities are technically their own separate towns and you’ll find them just east of Billings closer to Lockwood, but much smaller!
When you make the 20-ish minute trek, here’s what you’ll find ⬇️
Living in Shepherd or Huntley
Shepherd and Huntley are located about 10 minutes from each other and are both home to an average of about 500 people - yes, you read that right! 500. We’re talking REAL small town living.
Your neighbor will most definitely know your name and the car you drive, which means you’ll be among a group of people who value community and truly invite you in to be a part of it!
Both, Shepherd and Huntley, are rooted in their history and are heavy farming and agriculture communities so the homes in both of these areas are going to reflect that! In fact, having your horses on your property is super common, which is such a unique thing that isn’t the norm in other areas.
If you’re a history buff and find yourself in the area, you’ll want to hit up the Huntley Project Museum - it’s the top spot that tells the unique history of the Huntley Irrigation Project and tells the story of the area from prehistoric times to the present!
Throughout each of these communities, you’ll find small neighborhoods with older style homes that have far less restrictions than the more populated areas. This means that you likely won’t be dealing with an HOA or be forced to follow any major rules regarding your property.
While some enjoy this factor, others prefer a few guidelines within their neighborhoods and if that’s the case for you, I encourage you to check out a few of the other Billings communities!
The reason we talk about Shepherd and Huntley combined is because no matter which small community you live within, you’ll find yourself in the other quite often even if it’s just passing through.
Local Favorites
As mentioned, Shepherd and Huntley aren’t always the places highlighted when you’re in search of a trendy restaurant or rooftop bar and you won’t necessarily find your favorite chain, but they DO have a few local favorites where people will learn your name and order fairly quickly!
Cowboys BBQ - situated right on the Yellowstone with an amazing patio view and some of the best BBQ in Billings
Feedlot Steakhouse - this is your traditional Montana steakhouse with delicious food and huge portions
Blue Cat Bar and Grill - an inviting local hang out that’s a go-to if you live in the area
With Shepherd and Huntley being somewhat off the grid, there’s also a few fun activities that the locals love including:
Pryor Golf Course - a true hidden gem offering a 36 hole golfing experience while taking in beautiful panoramic views that this area of Montana has to offer!
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!
Schooling
As for the schooling in this area, you might be shocked to know that communities this small have their own school district, but it’s true!
In fact, Shepherd has its own district and Huntley has its own district - cool, huh?!
Similar to Lockwood, this means that your kiddo will likely graduate high school with the same people they attend Kindergarten with. It’s a super special thing that you can’t find in most places.
If you live in Shepherd, your kids will attend Shepherd Elementary, Middle and High. If you live in Huntley, they’ll attend Huntley Project Elementary, Middle and High. Both districts will be a much more intimate school experience with small class sizes throughout each grade level.
Sports in this area are also a HUGE deal and the community loves to show their support!
So, what’s it gonna cost ya?
With Shepherd and Huntley both being on the outskirts and offering living with less restrictions, you can expect the average cost of a single family home to be $429k-$500k.
PLUS there’s a huge upside that you can’t usually qualify for in other areas…
Because of the ties to agriculture, many homes in the area can qualify for a Rural Development loan.
This type of loan is backed by the United States Department of Agriculture and allows for as little as a $0 down payment, competitive interest rates, low monthly mortgage insurance and flexible credit requirements.
This option alone is a HUGE draw to both Shepherd and Huntley!
Want to live on the outskirts?
So, does off the grid and outskirt living sound like the thing you’ve been searching for? Look no further, friend! Click here to connect so we can start your personalized home search. 🏡
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.
