Billings MT Real Estate

The largest city in the state of Montana, Billings is located in the south central portion of the state in the Yellowstone Valley carved out by the Yellowstone River. Fossils, especially those of fish, abound in this area as well as a rich and important history dating back some 2,000 years. Ranked the #3rd best place in the United States to raise a family by Best Life Magazine, the moniker, Magic City, derives from the city’s rapid rate of growth since its inception as a railroad town in 1882.

Named for Frederick H. Billings, then president of the Northern Pacific Railroad, the city has an estimated current population of 92,000. With the nearest city of comparable size some 300 miles away, Billings serves as an important gateway to highway travelers and area residents as well as a shopping and accommodation center. According to the most current Billings MT real estate statistics, there are almost 21,000 single family, owner occupied homes in the area with a median value of about $100,000. For the period between February 10 and April 10, 2010, according to Billings Montana real estate data, the median price sales for homes was $197,000 with $102 being the average price per square foot. Compared to the same period last year, this marks an increase of 16.4% or almost $28,000.

The biggest attractions to the area, especially during the warmer months of the year involve Billing’s proximity to Yellowstone National Park, Pompey’s Pillar, and the site of The Battle of the Little Bighorn. Long a hunting ground and sacred native-American territory, in 1806 the region was discovered by Lewis and Clark. William Clark inscribed his name on a rock formation some 25 miles north of Billings and named the spot Pompy’s Tower in honor of a Shoshone lad whose mother served as guide and interpreter to the famous expedition. Other important attractions include: the Pictograph Cave, the Moss mansion, the Western Heritage Center Museum and the Billings Depot. Zoo Montana is the state’s only zoo and botanical park and it is located in the city of Billings. It boasts 70 acres, which are home to both native and non-native animals from all over the world, including a Siberian Tiger. State-of-the art enclosures designed to simulate natural habitats attract some 70,000 visitors annually to the zoo.

Sports and cultural activities abound in Billings, Montana. Some of these include: minor league baseball, football, rodeos, performing arts and community theatres, Opera, symphony, major museums and national entertainment. Billings is on the theater circuit between Seattle and New York.

Billings MT is a place where everyone you meet says hello, most shopkeepers know your name and a parking space is rarely difficult to find. A community that sets a premium on peace and quiet for its residents, Billings has something to offer the young the old alike. It boasts of thriving business districts with many job opportunities as well as manifold community groups, recreational, and cultural activities.

So what are YOU waiting for?