Missoula, Montana, is a picturesque city nestled in the Rocky Mountains, known for its outdoor recreation, vibrant arts scene, and strong sense of community. As a gateway to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country, Missoula offers a variety of neighborhoods that cater to those who appreciate both urban amenities and easy access to the great outdoors. Whether you're looking for a quiet neighborhood with mountain views or a lively area close to downtown, Missoula has something to offer everyone.
A Missoula neighborhood map is an invaluable resource for exploring the city's diverse areas. The map highlights neighborhoods such as the University District, South Hills, and the Rattlesnake, each offering its own unique character and attractions. Whether you're drawn to the academic atmosphere of the University District, the scenic views of South Hills, or the outdoor adventure opportunities in the Rattlesnake, a Missoula neighborhood map can help you find the ideal place to live. This resource is especially useful for new residents or those looking to explore different parts of the city.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | South 39th Street | 2,472 | 1.59 | 81 |
| 2 | Rose Park | 5,815 | 2.7 | 80 |
| 3 | Southgate Triangle | 3,670 | 2.44 | 77 |
| 4 | Lewis And Clark | 2,806 | 2.03 | 76 |
| 5 | Franklin To The Fort | 8,945 | 5.52 | 75 |
The best Missoula neighborhoods are typically determined by livability scores that consider factors such as access to local amenities, crime rates, cost of living, and school quality. These neighborhoods are known for their high quality of life, with proximity to parks, trails, and cultural attractions. The best Missoula neighborhoods are particularly appealing to families, professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts who value a strong sense of community and easy access to nature.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | Grant Creek | 584 | 4.75 | 51 |
| 2 | Miller Creek | 2,751 | 3.31 | 58 |
| 3 | University District | 6,739 | 3.73 | 65 |
| 4 | Upper Rattlesnake | 2,949 | 11.04 | 66 |
| 5 | Emma Dickinson Orchard Homes | 2,557 | 2.18 | 68 |
Some neighborhoods in Missoula may not score as highly on livability scales due to factors like higher crime rates, fewer amenities, or limited access to quality schools. While these areas might be considered some of the worst Missoula neighborhoods, they can still offer unique qualities that may appeal to certain residents. It's important to carefully evaluate these neighborhoods based on your personal needs and lifestyle, as they may still offer advantages depending on your specific situation.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | Franklin To The Fort | 8,945 | 5.52 | 75 |
| 2 | Westside | 7,252 | 4.65 | 73 |
| 3 | University District | 6,739 | 3.73 | 65 |
| 4 | Rose Park | 5,815 | 2.7 | 80 |
| 5 | Moose Can Gully | 3,932 | 3.47 | 73 |
| 6 | Southgate Triangle | 3,670 | 2.44 | 77 |
| 7 | Northside | 3,260 | 4.16 | 73 |
| 8 | Upper Rattlesnake | 2,949 | 11.04 | 66 |
| 9 | Lewis And Clark | 2,806 | 2.03 | 76 |
| 10 | Miller Creek | 2,751 | 3.31 | 58 |
Missoula, Montana's second-largest city is called the Garden City because its winters are milder than the rest of Montana. Located in an old, glacial lakebed, tucked into the heart of the Northern Rockies, it is three hours south of Glacier National Park and three-and-a-half hours west of Yellowstone National Park. Missoula is often considered the cultural center of the State, but when you think of Montana, what comes to mind is the outdoors. White water rafting, fly fishing and its extensive trail system within 400 acres of parkland are central to the city's quality of life.
Known for its "slant streets" because of the roads that angle off at about 46 degrees from due north, Rose Park residents enjoy the reduced traffic encouraged by the tricky streets. The area is very pedestrian and bike friendly. The heart of the neighborhood is Rose Memorial Park, a Korean War Memorial that is home to green spaces and lavish beds of roses. The tranquility of this park makes it a favorite resting place during the spring and summer months. Triangle Park was created from the residents using materials salvaged from a fire house that was being torn down. The centerpiece of this park is Missoula's only labyrinth meditation path made of bricks from the firehouse. Many of Missoula's favorite restaurants and boutiques are part of, or close to, Rose Park giving the neighborhood the best of both worlds. The most traveled of the slant streets runs through the center of the neighborhood and leads to some of the largest local establishments.
Centrally located with easy access to all of the city's amenities, this family oriented neighborhood is kid friendly and bustling with activity. Playfair Park provides soccer fields and tennis courts. Splash Montana, the newest addition to the area is a summer favorite. This is a wetlands area and special care has been given to preservation, resulting in a healthy population of migratory birds and fish. In the winter, Glacier Ice Rink is within walking distance and is a favorite recreational area for L&C neighbors. All of these amenities are wonderful, but what the area is most known for is its tight community and friendly ambience. This is beautifully reflected in the "Peace Path" project constructed by the students on the grounds of Lewis and Clark Elementary. They collected over 700 river rocks to line the path and each student wrote words of peace on their own rock. The school is central to many of the events in the neighborhood.
Home to Rattlesnake National Recreation Center, this area has diverse areas ranging from rural to suburban. The area was named for the creek that runs through it, so here you may find wildlife like deer and bears but not rattlesnakes. The west side of the Rattlesnake features Greenough Park, one of Missoula’s most beautiful and serene public spaces. The lower Rattlesnake consists of nearly 20 blocks of cottages that were once home to mill workers. The craftsman-style homes, and turn-of-the century architecture put this neighborhood on the National Historic Register. Upper Rattlesnake is where you will find a more country way of life. Residents work with government agencies to maintain a healthy relationship between humans and their wildlife neighbors. In all of the area, outdoor activities like hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking and camping are popular and accessible. In the winter, snow shoeing and cross country skiing keep the parks busy.