Affordable Missoula Storage Units

Moving and storage go hand in hand. Whether traveling across town or the country, moving is an exciting and fresh start. While Storage Rentals of America is here to help you with all your storage needs, we also want to help you get familiar with the area. That's why we put together this resource guide for Missoula.

About Missoula, MT

Nestled in a spectacular valley at the intersection of the Clark Fork and Bitterroot Rivers, Missoula is best known for the wild mountain scenery that surrounds it. But this vibrant city of 75,000 people in Western Montana is also a cultural hub, with a significant art scene and growing craft breweries. It also retains plenty of its Wild West charm.

What to do in Missoula, MT

There's little chance you'll ever run out of new things to experience in Missoula. In addition to spectacular scenery, Missoula offers a rich arts scene, great shopping and dining options, and unique historical sites. Some of the top activities and attractions in Missoula include:

• Outdoor Adventure: Missoula offers endless opportunities to immerse yourself in nature, from fly fishing in the Bitterroot River to hiking and mountain biking in Rattlesnake National Recreation Area. One of the best hikes in Missoula is the 6-mile out-and-back trek to the summit of Mt. Jumbo, which offers an expansive view of the city below.
• Art and History: There are numerous museums to explore in Missoula, including the Missoula Art Museum, which highlights contemporary works by Montana artists. The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is a unique historical site in an 1877 fort.
• Festivals and Events: Be sure to check out the Annual Events Calendar for the city of Missoula. Festivities like the Garden City Brewfest in May, the Western Montana Fair and Rodeo in August, and the Parade of Lights in December are always local favorites.

Working in Missoula, MT

Missoula is neither a predominately white-collar nor blue-collar city. The Missoula workforce comprises a diverse assortment of professions ranging from forestry and agriculture to finance and insurance.

The unemployment rate in Missoula is below the national average, and a little over 50% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. That percentage is more than double the national average.

The most common occupations in Missoula are health care and social assistance, followed by educational services, accommodation and food services, and professional, scientific, and technical services. The largest employers in the city are the University of Montana, St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula County Public Schools, and Community Medical Center.

Missoula, MT Neighborhoods

The city of Missoula spans a large area, ranging from the river valley at the city's center to the meadows and rugged mountains surrounding it. Within that space are more than a dozen distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. Some of the best places to live in Missoula include:

• Heart of Missoula: The aptly-named Heart of Missoula neighborhood is essentially Missoula's downtown, where you'll find many of the city's best shops, eateries, and nightlife spots. The median real estate price is $646,000, though most residential real estate in this area is renter-occupied.
• Farviews / Pattee Canyon: The terrain starts to get more rugged as you head into the Farviews / Pattee Canyon Neighborhood. Named for its "far views," this neighborhood is mostly residential and owner-occupied, with a median real estate price of $588,000. It's a great place to live if you enjoy hiking and wide-open spaces.
• Rose Park: Known among locals for its angled street grid, Rose Park has a classic "neighborhood" vibe. It's a bike- and pedestrian-friendly area, with many cool shops and eateries adjacent to residential streets. The median real estate price is $526,000, and the neighborhood mixes owners and renters.
• East Missoula: Located in the canyons east of the city, East Missoula feels very much like its own small town. This area has some great parks and hiking trails, and it's also home to some of Missoula's most affordable real estate, with a median property value of $395,000.

Missoula, MT School District

Public Schools in Missoula, MT are part of the Missoula County Public Schools district, which includes 9 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 4 high schools, along with an Early Learning Preschool program and an Alternative High School program. The district serves approximately 14,000 students in Missoula and the surrounding areas.

Several colleges and universities are located around Missoula. The city is home to the University of Montana, a public flagship research university, and to Missoula College, which is the junior college of the University of Montana.

Moving to Missoula, MT Resource Guide

Although moving to a new city always presents its fair share of challenges, some excellent resources are available to anyone who has recently moved or is planning on moving to Missoula. Start with this official Missoula County Resource Guide. You can also request a relocation packet and travel guide from the Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce.

Some other helpful resources include the Missoula Police and Fire Department, as well as the Department of Parks & Recreation. Water and sewer services are managed by the Missoula Department of Public Works, while gas and electricity are provided to most residents by Northwest Energy.

Missoula, MT Housing

The overall cost of living in Missoula, MT, is comparable to the national average, but real estate prices tend to be higher here than in a typical U.S. city. This may be due in part to a shortage of housing that has been exacerbated by a lack of new construction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The median home price in Missoula is $459,000. That being said, rental rates in Missoula are well below the national average, ranging from $749 for a typical one-bedroom apartment to $1,609 for a four-bedroom apartment.