Why Billings, MT Is Perfect for Remote Workers
As a Realtor in Billings, MT, I get an up and close and personal look at how quickly our city is becoming a hub for relocation buyers. And what’s fun is that everyone has their different reasons for moving here.
Between the healthcare industry, the energy sector, education positions at the local colleges, and the recent introduction of the new National Guard training facility, I see many relocations happen due to job changes.
Others move here to be closer to family and friends, while many are attracted to the small town feel (while still being in close proximity to city life and tons of outdoor adventure).
And others? The foodie scene might’ve drawn them in and the variety of housing options might’ve kept them here.
Whatever the reason, people are starting to see that Billings, MT is truly a GREAT place to be!
And in the age of remote work, it’s making it easier than ever for people to uproot their lives and move somewhere new. Many people are no longer tied to certain areas thanks to their remote work positions, so they’re exploring their options of where they can call home, when in the past it might’ve felt like a dream that could never be a reality.
If you’re a remote worker and you’ve been exploring the idea of making a move, but have no clue where to start, might I suggest Billings, MT?
As someone that’s lived here for most of my life and now helps other people call this place home, of course I’m biased, but there are a few legitimate reasons that make Billings the PERFECT destination for remote workers. Let’s get into them. ⬇️
6 Reasons Why Billings, MT is the Perfect Home for Remote Workers
Thriving Coffee Shop Culture
As a remote worker, the last thing you want is to live somewhere with little to no options for a change of scenery. In the era of remote work, having the ability to pack up your “office” (which is really just your laptop, noise cancelling headphones, and your emotional support water bottle of choice) and stake your claim at a coffee shop for the day is KEY!
And believe it or not, Billings actually has a thriving coffee shop scene that you might not expect. ☕️
Some favorites in the community include:
Big Sky Coffee Roasters – a family owned neighborhood coffee house nestled in Northwest Billings where you’ll feel welcomed as soon as you walk in!
Rock Creek Coffee Roasters - located in the heart of Downtown Billings, Rock Creek Rock Creek offers a bustling yet comfortable environment, with a strong coffee game and plenty of space to plug in and work. Their house-roasted beans and artisan drinks make it a go-to for locals.
Maple Moose Coffee & Pop Shop – located in Southwest Billings, Maple Moose not only serves your favorite lattes and mochas, but they brought back the classic soda pop fountain experience to soothe your sweet tooth on days you need a tasty treat after your long day of work!
And if coffee shops aren’t your thing and instead you prefer a more structured work environment, Rock 31 in Billings offers a creatively inspired coworking space providing customizable membership tiers, amenities, and resources tailored to various business needs!
Affordable Living with Big-City Amenities
One of the things that makes Billings so unique is that it has a few different personalities…
It’s a city that also feels like a small town community where so many people are connected, that also offers a ton of outdoor adventure thanks to the surrounding Rimrocks.
And the best part about all of this? It doesn’t come with an outrageous price tag that you’d typically expect an area like this to have. 💸
Compared to larger cities, housing is more affordable, allowing remote workers to enjoy spacious accommodations without breaking the bank.
When you choose to relocate to Billings, you’re really getting the best of both worlds – the ability to unplug and escape the hustle and bustle of your daily work life without feeling completely removed from things to do.
Because here’s the thing: despite its smaller size, Billings doesn't skimp on amenities. The city offers a range of dining options, entertainment venues, and community events ensuring that residents have access to the conveniences typically found in larger urban areas!
Easily Accessible Outdoor Recreation
Billings is nestled amidst some of Montana's most stunning landscapes with the most notable being the Rimrocks. Remote workers can take advantage of their flexible schedules to explore nearby hiking trails, fishing spots, and national parks.
During the spring and summer months, you can enjoy the Yellowstone River, which flows through the city offering opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. ☀️
During the fall, you can embrace the changing seasons and enjoy crisp, cool local hikes at Zimmerman Park or Four Dances. 🍂
And when winter sets in, you can head to nearby Red Lodge Mountain for skiing and snowboarding, or find a fun indoor activity while snow falls outside (because yes, we get our fair share of it!). ❄️
Community Activities
Not really an outdoorsy type of person? That’s okay! Billings still has you covered.
Throughout the year, Billings hosts various art galleries, live music venues, and theaters, providing ample entertainment options, along with the annual community events like the Strawberry Festival in July and the Harvest Fest in October.
All of these events bring the community together and offer fun activities for you to partake in outside of work!
Additionally, for the history buffs, the area has a few museums and historical sites you can explore when you’re wanting to do something a little out of the box, including Moss Mansion and the nearby Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. .
All of these things combined can ensure you have a well-rounded lifestyle that balances work and play in a healthy way!
Supportive Community and Networking Opportunities
One of my absolute favorite parts of living in Billings is the tight-knit community that welcomes newcomers. It’s not one of those places where you won’t get blank stares from strangers and feel like you don’t belong.
Instead, you’ll likely be greeted with a smile and sucked into a conversation with someone wanting to know your story and where you came from. (We can’t help ourselves!)
When you’re new to the area and aren’t sure how to get plugged in, Billings Chamber of Commerce is a great place to start. The chamber hosts regular events and mixers allowing professionals to connect and collaborate.
But if you’re looking for ways to meet people outside of something so formal, I highly recommend attending a fun community workshop at one of the local creative venues (like Frae Everyday or The Front Porch), signing up for a fitness class (CrossFit Billings and Black Orchid are top recs!), or attending a fun community event.
You’re sure to meet people that might just become your new besties! 👯♀️
Reliable Infrastructure
Okay, this one might seem silly, but if you’re a remote worker then it won’t be so silly to you.
People love to say that remote workers can work “from anywhere,” but the correct way to say this would be “from anywhere with reliable wifi.” 💻
When you’re working remotely, reliable internet is a non-negotiable and you have to live in an area where you know this won’t be compromised.
Even though Billings is considered a very outdoorsy area and might feel like a place where you can fully unplug, it’s not TOTALLY off-the-grid. (Even though you can definitely find those spots to escape if you wish!)
Billings offers high-speed internet services across the city, ensuring that professionals can work without interruptions. Additionally, the city's infrastructure supports remote work through well-maintained roads, public transportation options, and a regional airport that connects to major hubs, making business travel convenient when necessary.
Ready to make the move to Billings?
So, if you’re a remote worker and you’ve been searching for the next place to call home… Billings is ready for you!
Whether you're drawn by the thriving foodie scene, the diverse real estate options, or the abundance of outdoor adventures, there’s truly something here for everyone. It’s a place where families can grow, professionals can thrive, and communities come together.
With a neighborhood to suit every lifestyle and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home from day one, Billings is more than just a place to live – it's a place to belong.
If you’re considering making the move, I’m here to help. CLICK HERE to connect so we can talk about your next chapter!
P.S. If you’ve recently made the move to Billings and you need a little guidance on what to do next – like where to go for date night, where to get a coffee, where to shop for clothes, and everything in between – this post has you covered!