“One Smart Way To Enjoy Retirement: Move Back To Your College Town,” Forbes (Oct 3 2025) argues that America’s best college towns deliver not just charm, but genuine quality-of-life value for retirees—walkability, culture, and access to healthcare wrapped in small-city ease.
Missoula, Montana checks all those boxes—and then some.
The College-Town Advantage
- Built-in vibrancy. The University of Montana infuses Missoula with arts, lectures, athletics, and lifelong learning—making it more stimulating than a traditional resort town.
- Healthcare & connectivity. Regional medical hubs and the Missoula International Airport keep life convenient while the community retains its small-town pace.
- Intergenerational mix. Students, entrepreneurs, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts coexist in one compact valley—creating social fabric instead of isolation.
A Housing Market Hitting Equilibrium
Recent reports show median home prices around $560 K, rising just 2–3% YoY—healthy growth without the pandemic-era spikes.
- Still “tight,” per HUD, but listings up ~30 % since 2022.
- Rental market: Vacancy around 4–5 % and stabilizing; new multifamily supply is entering the pipeline.
- Investment outlook: Balanced conditions favor long-term holds or retirement relocation over speculation.
(Sources: HUD Jan 2025 Missoula HMP; Missoula Organization of Realtors Five Valleys Report Feb 2025; Sterling CRE Q1 2025 Multifamily Update.)
Lifestyle That’s Hard to Replicate
Where else can you kayak a downtown river, walk to campus art shows, and ski a 15-minute drive away?
Missoula blends university energy + outdoor access—a lifestyle cocktail that keeps aging vibrant, not static.
Smart Play for Retirees & Investors
- Downsize strategically. Look near the river corridor or university fringe for walkability and future resale strength.
- ADU & duplex potential. Income units can offset retirement costs and serve visiting family.
- Mission-driven ownership. Join the growing wave of locals and newcomers prioritizing sustainability and long-term community stability.
Reality Check
Affordability is still Missoula’s challenge; supply in the sub-$300K range is scarce. Yet compared to coastal metros, Missoula remains attainable—especially when factoring lifestyle value, safety, and growth potential.
Forbes says college towns are a smart way to retire. Missoula proves why:
culture, care, and community—anchored by a stable market and a stronger
sense of place.
If you’re exploring Missoula for relocation, investment, or second-home ownership, Aragon & Partners specializes in pairing out-of-state buyers and local investors with properties that hold both financial return and lifestyle value.
Connect with us to discuss available opportunities and personalized buy-side strategies.
