FAQ about Livingston, Montana

Livingston, Montana, began as the first gateway town to Yellowstone National Park when the Northern Pacific Railroad allowed visitors to access the Park more easily. Today, it still serves as a lovely stop for visitors, but there is also a surge in residents moving to the area. It’s no wonder, with a vast amount of outdoor recreation, a thriving arts and cultural scene, excellent restaurants, and a small population of just under 9,000 people, it’s a beautiful place to call home.

So, how do you know if Livingston is right for you? We’ve collected some of the most frequently asked questions to help you decide! 

What kind of jobs are in Livingston?

Livingston has a mix of economic drivers between healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and government. According to the Livingston Enterprise, the top employer in Park County is Livingston Healthcare, followed by Livingston Public Schools, Printing for Less, Sage Lodge, and Park County Government. A growing number of entrepreneurs are opening unique retail shops, restaurants, and outdoor recreation experiences, and the downtown is quickly becoming a vacation destination for other Montanans. 

What is the median price of buying a home in Livingston?

The median price of a single-family home in 2024 is $625,000, a townhome is $412,500, and a condominium is $350,000. 

What is there to do around Livingston?

Or rather, the question should be, what ISN’T there to do in Livingston? First, it’s an outdoor paradise (hence the aptly named Paradise Valley) with 43 hiking trailheads, 16 campgrounds, 15 parks, and 24 fishing access sites.

The Shane Lalani Center for Performing Arts hosts year-round community theater productions, and the four independent bookstores regularly have author readings. Sacajawea Park, a family favorite, sits along the Yellowstone River and is home to the public swimming pool, tennis courts, playground equipment, a walking path, and plenty of elbow room. Plans are underway for a new wellness center. 

Down the road, two natural hot springs, Chico Hot Springs and Yellowstone Hot Springs, are favorites of locals and visitors alike. And in recent years, the music scene has boomed in this neck of the woods!  

Is it windy in Livingston?

The short answer is yes, it can be windy at times. The cool winds from Yellowstone National Park’s high plateau combine with the north’s lower pressures, causing wind. The placement of the Gallatin and Absaroka Mountains creates natural walls that funnel the wind, called a mountain gap wind. But don’t let this deter you; the beauty, character, and livability more than make up for any strong gales that may pass through.