Page 3 of Best Independent Living in Montana

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 49 independent living communities in MT using MT Dept. of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in MT
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Montana our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in Montana.
49 homes
Other senior care options in Montana:

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Info below is compiled from the MT Dept. of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
A named contact for the facility. Hover the name to see their role — Administrator (state administrator of record or facility-provided administrator), Nursing Director, Medical Director, or Staff. The most authoritative available is shown.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
The Ivy at Great Falls
IL
AL
MC
NH
Great Falls
278
Facility 278
MT AVG 88
Rank #1 / 26
No
43
Facility 43
MT AVG 45
Rank #24 / 47
-----
Kenhodro Inc. dba Frontier Assisted Living
IL
AL
MC
RC
Livingston
52
Facility 52
MT AVG 88
Rank #19 / 26
No
89
Facility 89
MT AVG 45
Rank #5 / 47
---Carissa Walsh11
The Iris MT
IL
Great Falls
83
Facility 83
MT AVG 88
Rank #12 / 26
No
74
Facility 74
MT AVG 45
Rank #9 / 47
-
1
Facility 1
MT AVG 10
Rank #21 / 25
-Kathy Kuntz3
The Auberge at Missoula Valley
IL
AL
Missoula (North Reserve)
120
Facility 120
MT AVG 88
Rank #5 / 26
Yes
48
Facility 48
MT AVG 45
Rank #22 / 47
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
7
Facility 7
MT AVG 10
Rank #10 / 25
A+Jo-Ann Marchica-
Holiday Hunters Pointe
IL
Helena
-Yes
14
Facility 14
MT AVG 45
Rank #38 / 47
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / Cottage-A+--
Sweetwater Retirement Community
IL
AL
MC
RC
Billings (West End)
-No
35
Facility 35
MT AVG 45
Rank #29 / 47
--A+--
BeeHive Homes of Helena
IL
AL
MC
RC
Helena
17
Facility 17
MT AVG 88
Rank #26 / 26
Yes
15
Facility 15
MT AVG 45
Rank #37 / 47
-
1
Facility 1
MT AVG 10
Rank #21 / 25
-Jamie Hopkins4
Big Sky Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
Butte
95
Facility 95
MT AVG 88
Rank #11 / 26
Yes--
2
Facility 2
MT AVG 10
Rank #12 / 25
-Jake Kelly6
Sweetwater Assisted Living
IL
AL
MC
RC
Billings (West End)
-Yes
27
Facility 27
MT AVG 45
Rank #31 / 47
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-A+--
Highgate Senior Living – Bozeman
IL
AL
MC
Bozeman
-Yes
66
Facility 66
MT AVG 45
Rank #13 / 47
-
21
Facility 21
MT AVG 10
Rank #5 / 25
---

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each independent living community is ranked against every other MT independent living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 49 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of The Iris Mt

The Iris, located in Great Falls, MT, is a senior living community offering independent living services and amenities which provides modern conveniences and comfort for their residents. Their accommodation options ranging from studio, to one-to-two bedroom units offer spacious bedrooms and living areas, kitchenette, and private bathrooms.
Additionally, the monthly rent includes three restaurant-style meals, 24/7 staff availability, and weekly housekeeping and laundry. For added sense of security, a monitored care team call system is also available in the accommodations, so the residents may rest assured that help is always available.

Contact The Iris MT

Overview of Kenhodro Inc. DBA Frontier Assisted Living

Frontier Assisted Living, operated by Kenhodro Inc., occupies a 52-bed building at 121 S 3rd Street in Livingston, within Park County, Montana. The neighborhood ranks as very walkable, with a Walk Score of 89, meaning most errands don’t require a car. Livingston HealthCare sits nearby as a medical resource families can factor into their planning.

Care here spans a wide range. Independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite stays are all available under one roof, backed by 24-hour staffing from licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants. Rehabilitation services support residents recovering from illness or injury, while the memory care option serves those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related needs. A beauty salon gives residents a lifestyle touch beyond the clinical side of daily life.

Montana’s inspection process for this facility has touched on several standard categories: medication management, staffing and credentialing, fire-safety systems, environmental and hazardous-materials handling, care planning and documentation, dietary service, and general housekeeping. These are areas that affect care and so regulators routinely examine across licensed senior care communities in the state.

For a family weighing options in Livingston, Frontier Assisted Living offers a full continuum, from independent living through memory care, inside a walkable pocket of town with medical resources close by and nursing staff present around the clock.

Contact Kenhodro Inc. dba Frontier Assisted Living

Overview of BeeHive Homes of Helena

Discover a delightful haven for seniors at Beehive Homes. Located in Helena, Montana, this advanced assisted living community lets older adults relish their golden years. In this community, skilled nurses provide various services, including residential living, memory care, hospice, and respite care.

This nurturing environment of BeeHive Homes ensures seniors’ safety and enrichment. With their wealthy background, the compassionate caregivers of Beehive Homes deliver tailor-made assistance for aging family members. Explore Beehive Homes and witness the dedication to creating a warm and welcoming community where seniors thrive.

Contact BeeHive Homes of Helena

Overview of The Auberge at Missoula Valley

The Auberge at Missoula Valley offers assisted living and independent living in Missoula, MT. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps a private living space; independent living provides private living without daily care. Both care levels can suit a resident whose needs may grow over time, allowing a move between care levels without leaving the community.

The community has 120 beds and offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences. A studio provides a single private space, while a two-bedroom layout can suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion.

A Walk Score of 48 places the area in a car-dependent setting, so most errands require a car or a ride. Pets are allowed, which lets a resident move in with a pet. Jo-Ann Marchica serves as the administrator.

Contact The Auberge at Missoula Valley

Overview of Big Sky Senior Living

Jake Kelly manages Big Sky Senior Living, which is a 95-bed home located on Elizabeth Warren Avenue in Butte, Montana. Since the building opened two years ago, it has offered three different types of care—independent living, assisted living, and memory care—all under one roof. While nurses and trained assistants help everyone in the building, those who live in the memory care section have staff available to help them at all hours.

Because the neighborhood is not set up for walking, you will need a car to run errands or go out, which is typical for this part of Butte. Even though the location is not very walkable, residents and their families can feel secure knowing that St. James Healthcare and Butte Community Hospital are close by if they ever need urgent medical help.

The community allows pets, which is a meaningful detail for people who do not want to leave their longtime animal friends behind during such a big life change. Since the minimum age to move in is 55, the community is built specifically for older adults.

One major benefit is that a person can transition from independent living to assisted living or memory care without having to move to a new building. Because this facility is relatively new and has a dedicated team, it is a great choice for families who are planning for a long-term home rather than a place for just a short stay.

Contact Big Sky Senior Living

Overview of Highgate Senior Living – Bozeman

All in the picturesque Southwest Montana, Highgate Senior Living extends a warm invitation to explore their living options, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care services. This charming assisted living community boasts a homelike ambiance and provides remarkable vistas of the Bridger and Madison mountains.

Highgate Senior Living residents fondly reside in one of the most culturally rich small towns in the Rocky Mountain West, situated just north of the renowned Yellowstone National Park. Situated a stone’s throw away from shopping, banking, and grocery stores, residents revel in the convenience of their surroundings—experience firsthand the welcoming environment of Highgate Senior Living in Bozeman.

Contact Highgate Senior Living – Bozeman

Overview of The Ivy at Great Falls

The Ivy at Great Falls sits at 1130 17th Ave S in Great Falls, Montana, and it’s a big place. With 278 beds, it’s built to handle a lot of different people at once: someone recovering from surgery who just needs a few weeks of rehab, and someone who’s going to call this place home for a long while.

The average resident stays about 152 days, somewhere between a short rehab stint and a long-term placement. Right now the facility is running at 39% occupancy, so there’s real room here. If your family is trying to move fast, that matters; since you’re not going to end up on a waiting on a waitlist.

Getting around the neighborhood on foot is doable but limited. The Walk Score sits at 43 out of 100, somewhat walkable, so you might reach a handful of nearby spots without a car, but plan on driving for most errands or visits.

Money-wise, The Ivy works with Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, so there’s flexibility depending on your situation. Medicaid covers the largest share of new residents, 37%, and those stays tend to run long, averaging 10 to 11 months. That tells you something real: this is a place built around steady, ongoing nursing care for people settling in for a while, not just a quick stop on the way somewhere else.

Contact The Ivy at Great Falls

Overview of Holiday Hunters Pointe

Holiday Hunters Pointe is an independent living community at 2801 Colonial Dr in Helena, Montana. As an independent living provider, it’s set up to support older adults valuing their autonomy with access to amenities and social opportunities. Residents live in their own apartments with housing options spanning studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and cottage-style units. This gives people flexibility in selecting a space appropriate for their lifestyle.

The three-story building sits in a residential area of Helena. Its neighborhood has a Walk Score of 14, indicating it’s car-dependent, so most errands and activities require a car instead of being within walking distance. This setting may attract residents and their families wanting a calmer, residential location over a more bustling commercial area.

For those thinking of choosing Holiday Hunters Pointe, touring it in person is a good first step to see various unit types and get a feel for the overall atmosphere and amenities or activities offered. Its location provides a residential ambiance in Helena’s broader community.

Contact Holiday Hunters Pointe

Overview of Sweetwater Assisted Living

Sweetwater Assisted Living, also known as Sweetwater Retirement Community, is a senior living community in Billings, Montana, located on Sweet Water Drive about four and a half miles from the city center. It offers a full range of care under one roof, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care, which gives families the option to stay in one familiar place as needs change over time. The community is led by director Jeannette Ivan.

Housing is set in a two-story building with studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts, and room sizes range from roughly 497 to just over 1,000 square feet. For residents who want more space and privacy, Sweetwater also offers townhome villas. Pets are welcome, which can matter a great deal to residents bringing a companion animal along.

Daily life is supported by a movie theater, a library and computer room, a wellness center, a chapel, and an on-site salon. Practical services round out the setting, with scheduled transportation for appointments and outings, weekly housekeeping, and emergency response systems in place for added peace of mind. Fitness and recreation programming give residents regular ways to stay active and connected.

The surrounding neighborhood has a Walk Score of 27, so a few errands may be reachable on foot while most trips will involve transportation, which the community helps arrange. Families weighing Sweetwater may want to tour the villa and apartment options in person to see which layout best fits their loved one.

Contact Sweetwater Assisted Living

Overview of Sweetwater Retirement Community

Sweetwater Retirement Community offers the best retirement living options in Montana, catering to both assisted and independent living for seniors. The accommodations are spacious and luxurious, with options like townhome villas for those who prefer a little more space. But Sweetwater Retirement Community doesn’t just stop at providing comfortable living spaces. They also have a calendar of events that is thoughtfully crafted to cater to the interests of all residents, ensuring that each day is filled with exciting activities and events.
The community boasts a wide array of top-notch amenities, including a wellness center, library, chapel, theater, garage, billiards room, and private dining room. The meals served in the dining area are not only delicious but also home-cooked, adding a personal touch to each resident’s experience. And who doesn’t love a visit to the ice cream parlor for a sweet treat on a sunny afternoon?

Contact Sweetwater Retirement Community

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in Montana

What is independent living?

Independent living communities are residential settings for active older adults — typically with private apartments or cottages, shared amenities (dining, fitness, activities), and no built-in medical care.

How many independent living communities are listed on this page?

This page features 49 independent living communities in Montana. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in Montana?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Montana, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting independent living communities in Montana?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.

Independent Living in Montana at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 45/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Montana. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 88The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Montana. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90