The state of Montana has a reputation in being vast, home to striking mountain chains and a variety of wild animals; its people have an un-rushed lifestyle. Although most of the state consists of actual land rather than urban sprawl, Montana does contain a few cities that offer these features without significantly increased crime. If there is one thing that you would like to be certain of, it is the fact that your family will be safe when living in these cities of Big Sky Country.
Sidney
Sidney is a small city located in eastern Montana, and residents of the city take pride in security and tranquility in that region. Sidney is a town with less than 6000 inhabitants and this provides for the benefit of small town peoples where everyone seems to know each other and everyone has got his/her neighbor’s back. In the several years that have been under consideration here, Sidney has been registering few incidences of violent and property crimes. The Sidney Police Department aims at being as involved as possible with the community in order to form a shield for the people. The city also has programs that are meant to involve residents in the neighborhood watch. It has a low cost of living, close to natural resources, and vast flat lands which make Sidney ideal for those who want to live a simple life in rural setting.
Polson
Nested gracefully in the counties of Flathead in northwestern Montana, Polson’s low crime rate can be attributed to the fact that it is a small town. The population of Polson is rather small, as there are only over 5,000 residents in the city, which is quite beneficial for the development of a tight-knit community. Criminal acts of violence are also low and are only reported to occur in rare occasions, probably two in a year at most. The rates of property crimes are also comparatively low, and the area is safer than the state average and the national average. People do not worry to leave their children to go play in the outside part of the neighborhood even at night. Specifically, the Polson Police Department has ensured that it enjoys a good stand with the community through the programs offered and the academies. The area around Polson has Flather Lake which is a natural resource and attract people who are interested in water activities such as boating, fishing and others.
Laurel
Compared to Sidney and Polson, the city failed to be that small but for the past decade, Laurel has also been trying for a decline in crime rate. Strategies that have been essential for the Laurel Police Department include the use of community and problem-solving policing strategies that enhance trust within the community. The violent crime rate is considerably lower than the national average with Laurel having a rate of 180 per thousand population The property crime rate too has declined in recent years. Laurel is situated close to the Exit 425 Interstate 90 between Billings and Bozeman and the cost of living in this city is comparatively lower than in other cities of Montana. Adventures will have an advantage of easy access to the Yellowstone River and the Beartooth Mountains trails for hiking. Safe from what? From crime perhaps, if one considers the cost of living low in this newly awaken city with its downtown area buzzing with renewed life.
Whitefish
It is worthy of note that Whitefish is often included in the list of ten best places to live in Montana and even though it is a tourist town, crime rates are comparatively low. Whitefish experiences under one hundred cases of violent crime each year for the combined total of approximately eight thousand individuals residing or vacationing in the city. Residential burglary occurs more frequently due to seasonal rental property and second homes standing unoccupied for some period of time, but remain below state rates. The town of Whitefish has a proactive police force of 16 officers who engage with Whitefish’s residents and tourists throughout the year. With Glacier National Park as its backdrop, Whitefish boasts skiing, sightseeing, hiking, mountain biking, art, and antiques. Though this city is cheaper than some other cities in Montana, people who own homes and tourists in Whitefish, are safe from violence.
West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone is a town that is located near the gateway to Yellowstone National Park and millions of tourists flock here each year. Although so many people pass through West Yellowstone during the winter, safety records are relatively low. An important point that should be mentioned is that violent crimes are significantly low and may affect both the residents and the tourists. The crime rate on the property has been reduced over the last decade through effective security measures practiced in the town. Most residents are living in small households, and the total number of people residing in the town is under 1,500; however, they are very careful and attentive to everything that is happening in the town. The West Yellowstone Police Department also continues to patrol areas that are most popular with tourists. Natural resources like wildlife, magnificent views of the Madison Mountain Range, and easy access to Yellowstone National Park and the national forest place West Yellowstone are significantly high among Montana’s safe small towns.
Livingston
This famous town within Montana has been welcoming people for the history and the beauty of nature which is situated in the area of the Yellowstone River. Livingston is not very hit by violent crime; in fact, the violent crime rate ranges slightly above thirteen per annum. Rates of property crime have also been on the rise because many houses used as cottages are deserted during winter and other dry seasons of the year, but overall break-ins and thefts have been coming down in the past years. Due to the small size of Livingston with a population of less than 8000 residents, this makes it easy for people living in the area to be in touch with each other. The Livingston Police Department employs a downtown substation to observe criminal activity that occurs in and around tourist zones. Boasting excellent trout fishing, multiple unique stores and restaurants, and the well-curated districts of the city, Livingston provides the ideal safe small-town living experience.
As the state is characterized by a calm, non-violent approach toward life, these cities can be regarded as some of the safest in Montana. Presenting prospective homebuyers with low crime statistics along with natural beauty and a small-town community feel, these areas should be at the top of anyone’s list looking for safe havens in the gorgeous Big Sky Country.
