Affordable Storage Units in Billings

Moving and storage go hand in hand. Whether you are traveling across town or across 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 Billings.

Billings, MT, was a boomtown when it was first founded in 1882, and it saw rapid growth as a major trade hub along one of America's most important railway routes. Today, Billings is a college town as well as a modern city that still maintains much of its Wild West character.

Around 117,000 people call Billings home. Nestled in the valley along the Yellowstone River, the city is known largely for its picturesque scenery, which includes the rugged sandstone cliffs known as the Rimrocks that overlook Downtown Billings. The city is also just 100 miles from the northern entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

What to do in Billings, MT

There's always something to see and do in Billings! From shopping and dining to outdoor adventures, these are some of our favorite ways to have a good time in the Billings area:

• Festivals and Events - Billings hosts several much-anticipated festivals throughout the year, including the annual Strawberry Festival in June, which has been a regular event for more than 30 years. The Alive After 5 concert series takes place on Thursday evenings throughout summer, and the Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market returns to Downtown Billings every Saturday, June through October.
• Parks and Trails - Billings is surrounded by the spectacular landscape of the Yellowstone Valley and offers a wealth of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor recreation. Some of the best places for outdoor adventure in Billings include Four Dances Recreation Area, the Rimrocks, and Pictograph Cave.
• Art and Museums - Billings is also home to a wealth of art, history, and culture. Explore contemporary art at the Yellowstone Art Museum, or immerse yourself in regional history at the Western Heritage Center. If you're looking for a place where kids can play and explore, check out the Wise Wonders Science and Discovery Museum.

Working in Billings, MT

Employment in Billings includes a wide range of what are traditionally considered white-collar or blue-collar jobs, though the overall job market leans slightly blue-collar. Sales, office and administrative support, and management occupations are some of the most common.

Overall, the most prevalent occupations in Billings fall under the umbrella of health care and social assistance, followed by retail trade, accommodation and food services, construction, and educational services. Commute times are below average, and the unemployment rate in Billings is just 4.1%.

Billings, MT Neighborhoods

Billings is a medium-sized city spanning an area of a little over 44 square miles. As such, it has numerous distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. Some of the best places to live in Billings, MT, include:

• Billings Heights - Encompassing a large area north of Downtown, the Billings Heights neighborhood has a suburban feel to it. Often referred to simply as 'The Heights,' this neighborhood is made up of predominately owner-occupied single-family homes built during the latter half of the 20th century. Lake Elmo State Park is a fixture of the neighborhood.
• Highlands - With a median real estate price of $348,315, the Highlands is an urban neighborhood with a wide range of small to medium single-family homes as well as some small apartment buildings. This neighborhood includes the beautiful Hilands Golf Club and is within walking distance of Montana State University Billings.
• East Central - Extending westward from Downtown, East Central Billings has a median real estate value of $263,135. Homes here are occupied by a mix of owners and renters, and most residences were built between 1940 and 1970. East Central has several excellent public parks and plenty of shopping and dining options along Grand Avenue, which forms the neighborhood's northern boundary.

Billings, MT School District

The Billings Public Schools district serves approximately 16,600 students in the Billings area, and includes 22 elementary schools, six middle schools, and three high schools. The school district has an impressive 84.6% graduation rate. Numerous private schools offer alternative options, including Sunrise Montessori School and Billings Christian School.

Several institutions of higher learning are also located in Billings, including Montana State University Billings and Rocky Mountain College. A little over 35% of adults in Billings have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Moving to Billings, MT Resource Guide

There's always a bit of a learning curve when it comes to moving to a new place. Luckily, there are some great resources to help new residents of Billings get settled in. First and foremost, this Official Relocation Guide from the Billings Chamber of Commerce is tremendously helpful and informative.

You might also want to bookmark the local Police and Fire Department in Billings. Be sure to check out the Billings Parks & Recreation Department to learn more about parks, trails, outdoor events, and activities in and around the city.

And let's not forget about utilities! Water and sewer service, as well as waste disposal, are handled by the city of Billings, and you can learn more or arrange service through the Billings Department of Public Works. Electricity and gas are provided by Northwestern Energy and Montana-Dakota Utilities, respectively.

Billings, MT Housing

Overall, the cost of living in Billings is slightly lower than the national average. Real estate values are comparable to the U.S. average but below average compared to Montana as a whole, with a median home cost of $285,600. That being said, rental rates are more affordable than in many parts of the country. The average rental rate in Billings ranges from about $709 for a one-bedroom apartment to $1,499 for a four-bedroom apartment.