Stunning landscapes, snow-filled mountains, beautiful greenery and crystal-clear waters. Montana is a beautiful state with incredible views, landing itself as a top vacation destination. Known as the Treasure State, Montana is an affordable place to live. With a population of just over one million residents, Montana is a great state for slow living, outdoor adventures and small-town living.

In recent years, Montana has become one of the fastest-growing states because of its rich history and family-friendly activities. Montana is also one of the largest in terms of land space in the U.S. While Montana is not a very diverse state and only has a population of 0.6 percent of Black residents, it is a great place for raising families. The low cost of living in this state makes for a great quality of life. Homeownership is easy to achieve in Montana, with the average home price being around $442,000.

Here are the best places to live in Montana.

Helena, Montana

• Population: 33,885
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $575,000
• Walkability: Low to Moderate

With a population of over 33,000 residents, Helena serves as the capital of the Treasure State. Helena is a small lively city with plenty of restaurants, breweries and parks. With historical museums, hiking trails, botanical gardens and hot springs, there’s always something to do in Helena. Because it’s the state’s capital with a lot of amenities, the cost of living is higher in this city than in other Montana cities. The average home price in Helena is around $575,000 and homes typically sell around three months after being listed on the market.

For Black Families: If you’re looking for a quiet and lively city to raise your children, Helena is a great option. They have a great public school rating and if your family enjoys the great outdoors, it’s the perfect balance between a city and the mountains. Because Montana is not a diverse state, the diversity rate is pretty low with only 0.9 percent of Black residents.

For Young Professionals: For the young professional who prefers breweries and restaurants over nightlife and clubbing, Helena is the perfect city for you. While it’s a small city, you can take advantage of the natural beauty of Montana in this city. The average rent in Helena is around $1,465, so it is slightly higher than other Montana cities.

Bozeman, Montana

• Population: 56,123
• Public School Rating: B
• Average Home Price: $839,000
• Walkability: Low to Moderate

An outdoor lover and skiing paradise, Bozeman is one of the place places to live in Montana because of access to Yellowstone National Park. The city has two universities, making it a hot spot for college students and young professionals. In fact, a lot of the young professionals who live here love the access to outdoor activities, hiking, restaurants and entertainment that Bozeman has to offer. Bozeman is an expensive city to live in, with an average home price of $839,000.

For Black Families: For Black families wanting close access to amenities like Yellowstone National Park, skiing and entertainment options, choosing Bozeman seems like a no-brainer. While it is less diverse than Helena with a Black population of 0.6 percent residents, it’s a great place for raising active families.

For Young Professionals: With multiple universities in Bozeman, this city is a place where young professionals can thrive. For those wanting to work in hospitality and tourism, higher education, retail trade and accommodation and food services, these are the most common employment sectors.

Billings, Montana

• Population: 119,960
• Public School Rating: B
• Average Home Price: $420,000
• Walkability: Low

As the largest city in Montana, Billings has plenty to explore. From restaurants to nightlife to art and theater to shopping, there’s no shortage of activities for everyone in this Montana city. This Montana city is more affordable than Helena and Bozeman, with an average home price of $420,000.

For Black Families: Because Billings is the largest Montana city, it is slightly more diverse than other cities in the Treasure State. Black residents make up exactly one percent of the Billings population. There are also plenty of museums, parks and shows for families to enjoy.

For Young Professionals: For the young professional looking to move to Montana’s largest city, Billings is the place to be. With so many entertainment options, young people can thrive in this Montana city. The average rent in Billings is around $1,312, making it more affordable than other Montana cities for young professionals.

Missoula, Montana

• Population: 76,955
• Public School Rating: B
• Average Home Price: $532,399
• Walkability: Low to Moderate

Located in Western Montana, Missoula is a vibrant city full of restaurants, breweries, outdoor activities, coffee shops, galleries, boutiques and more. A college town and home to the University of Montana, this city is the best of both worlds. The average Missoula home is around $532,399, making the housing market somewhat competitive.

For Black Families: For Black families choosing a Montana city to live in, Missoula is one of the best ones for entertainment options and outdoor activities. Black residents make up 0.7 percent of Missoula’s small population, but there are so many family-friendly activities to enjoy.

For Young Professionals: For young professionals wanting to move to a small Montana city, Missoula is a vibrant place with a lot of options. It’s also a more affordable city with an average rent of around $1395.