Great Falls, Montana
Military Relocation Guide
Great Falls, Montana is a posting unlike any other in the Air Force — a small, genuinely Western city on the Missouri River at the foot of the Rocky Mountain Front, home of Malmstrom Air Force Base and its critical ICBM mission. As one of three Minuteman III missile wings, Malmstrom's 341st Missile Wing maintains nuclear deterrence across eastern Montana's missile fields, making this one of the Air Force's most specialized and operationally serious assignments.
At WeVett Realty, we work with Malmstrom families who discover that Great Falls offers one of the Air Force's most surprising combinations: median home prices around $285,000, Montana's extraordinary outdoor lifestyle, and a genuine sense of community that small-city America is known for. The low cost of living — Montana has no sales tax — and the town's authentic character make this an assignment many families come to treasure.
The Montana lifestyle is the great equalizer for Great Falls. World-class fly fishing on the Missouri River, elk hunting in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, skiing at Showdown Montana, and the grandeur of Glacier National Park just 90 miles north provide outdoor adventure at a scale and quality that America's biggest cities cannot buy. Families who love the outdoors consistently rank Great Falls among their best assignments.
The mission here is serious — missile alert duty and maintenance are demanding, with crews spending extended periods on alert. WeVett Realty's Malmstrom specialists understand the operational lifestyle and will help you find a home that works for your family's unique schedule and needs.
Military Installations Served
Malmstrom Air Force Base
air force
Home of the 341st Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB operates and maintains Minuteman III ICBMs across a 23,000-square-mile missile complex in central Montana. Its nuclear deterrence mission makes it one of the most critically important strategic installations in the U.S. Air Force.
Local Market Trends
Median Home Price
$284,000
Average Days on Market
43 days
List-to-Sale Price Ratio
97.5%
Active Listings
310
Data represents recent market activity. Contact a local agent for current conditions.
Local FAQs
What is BAH for Malmstrom AFB, and how does it compare to Great Falls housing?
Malmstrom BAH (Cascade County) runs approximately $1,620/month for O-3 with dependents and $1,380/month for E-5 with dependents as of 2024. Great Falls's $285k median home price puts most buyers slightly above BAH on a VA loan payment, but Montana's lack of sales tax and relatively low cost of living (outside of housing) makes the total financial picture very favorable. Rental options for 3-bedrooms run $1,200–$1,600/month, making the buy-vs-rent case clear for tours over 18 months.
What neighborhoods near Malmstrom AFB are best for Air Force families?
The north side of Great Falls along 10th Avenue North and the Upper River Road area is closest to Malmstrom's main gate and popular for convenience. The Southgate area near the Giant Springs and River Drive neighborhoods offers newer construction and access to recreational trails along the Missouri River. On-base housing at Malmstrom is managed by Hunt Military Communities and has limited waitlists — off-base ownership is the norm for most permanent party families.
What should I know about Montana winters when buying near Malmstrom?
Great Falls experiences genuine Montana winters with temperatures regularly below -10°F and significant wind chills on the open plains. Smart home buying here means evaluating heating systems (natural gas preferred), insulation, window ratings, and garage configuration carefully. Many local homes are built or retrofitted for extreme cold performance. WeVett Realty works with Montana-experienced inspectors who evaluate all cold-weather systems thoroughly. Budget for heating costs — well-insulated natural gas homes are the most efficient.
What outdoor recreation opportunities are available near Great Falls?
Great Falls is surrounded by some of America's most magnificent outdoor recreation. The Missouri River through town and the Missouri River Breaks 100 miles east offer legendary fishing and paddling. Glacier National Park is 90 miles north. The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex is accessible from multiple trailheads within 60 miles. Showdown Montana ski area is 60 miles south. Hunters find elk, mule deer, antelope, and pheasant in exceptional numbers across Cascade County. The outdoor recreation here rivals duty stations with far higher cost-of-living profiles.
Things to Do
Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum and Air Park
Military Heritage
Features restored aircraft and a museum tracing Malmstrom's history from WWII through the nuclear missile era, including a Minuteman II missile in its original launch capsule.
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center
Cultural
A stunning riverside interpretive center documenting the Lewis and Clark Expedition's passage through the Great Falls portage — one of the most significant moments in American exploration history.
Glacier National Park
Outdoor Recreation
One of America's crown jewel national parks, just 90 miles north, featuring the Going-to-the-Sun Road, thousands of square miles of pristine wilderness, and world-class hiking.
Giant Springs State Park
Outdoor Recreation
Home of one of the largest freshwater springs in the U.S. and exceptional Missouri River fishing, Giant Springs is a beloved natural treasure in the heart of Great Falls.
Where to Eat
The Celtic Cowboy
$$American
A Great Falls staple with a western-meets-Irish personality, serving hearty steaks, burgers, and local craft beers in a warm, welcoming atmosphere favored by Malmstrom families.
Dante's Creative Cuisine
$$$American
Great Falls's premier fine dining destination, offering an inventive menu of Montana-inspired dishes with seasonal local ingredients and a thoughtfully curated wine list.
El Compadre Mexican Restaurant
$Mexican
A Great Falls institution for over three decades, serving authentic Mexican cuisine with excellent enchiladas and green chili that has become a go-to for Malmstrom families.
Montana Rib & Chop House
$$American Steakhouse
A Montana steakhouse chain known for prime local beef, generous portions, and a casual upscale atmosphere popular with military families celebrating milestones.
Relocation Resources
Malmstrom AFB Housing Office
Manages on-base family housing through Hunt Military Communities and provides off-base housing referral assistance for incoming Malmstrom Airmen and families.
Great Falls Public Schools
Serves Great Falls with dedicated military family enrollment support and a School Liaison Officer at Malmstrom AFB for incoming families.
Malmstrom AFB Clinic / Benefis Health System
Malmstrom's on-base clinic provides primary care, with TRICARE network referrals to Benefis Health System for specialty and hospital care in Great Falls.
Malmstrom Airman & Family Readiness Center
Provides relocation assistance, financial counseling, and missile-community-specific support services for Malmstrom Airmen and their families.
Ready to Make Great Falls Your New Home?
Let us connect you with a local agent who knows Great Falls and understands military families.