Radiant Wanderings

Flathead Valley boasts an airport, Amtrak station, 2 ski resorts, 8 golf courses, mountain bike trails, cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails, over 269 lakes and reservoirs, campgrounds, diverse wildlife, fishing, hunting, and more. It’s easy to see why this county draws new residents every year. But, is it the right location for you and your family? In this series of blog posts and videos I hope to answer those questions and help you determine not only if Flathead Valley is the best place for your family, but which city or area within the county best fits your needs. Be sure to subscribe and reach out with any questions you may have about Montana living.

This week’s blog post is dedicated to Bigfork and Creston Montana. If you prefer to watch a video with this information click here.

I’ve tried to give accurate information in these city guides but please consult a professional real estate agent before purchasing a home or moving to the area as information is subject to change.

Electric Avenue Downtown - Montana Living - Bigfork City Moving Guide

Bigfork

Bigfork is a small community of just over 4,000 residents located along the North shore of Flathead lake just 20 miles south of Kalispell Montana. 

This quaint community is unincorporated meaning it has no ability to raise taxes.

This quaint community is unincorporated meaning it has no ability to raise taxes and relies heavily on donations from residents, businesses, and community organizations. This unique feature gives Bigfork a charm all it’s own. It is one of my favorite locations within Flathead County. 

North Beach - Flathead Lake - Montana Living - Bigfork City Moving Guide

Bigfork residents will enjoy a nice selection of dining and shopping options downtown on Electric Avenue, along with parades, the Bigfork theater and Summer Playhouse and a weekly Summer farmer’s market on Monday evenings featuring live music, local produce, and unique items. Harvest Foods is the local grocery store and there is a small hardware supply store in town as well.

Creston, Lake Blaine, & Many Lakes Area

Creston is found along HWY 35 between Kalispell and Bigfork. This area is known for having great soil (calling all gardeners and farmers) and amazing mountain views. 

This area is known for having great soil (calling all gardeners and farmers) and amazing mountain views.

Many Lakes is a well known neighborhood in Creston that is wooded and has, as indicated, many small lakes. I noticed this year that some of the lakes hadn’t filled by mid Summer though so you definitely want to inquire further about this before buying. Lake Blaine, Echo Lake, and Swan Lake are home to some of the popular waterfront homes in the area. Creston residents will need to head into Kalispell or Bigfork for their shopping and dining needs. Creston also has a fish hatchery that is open seven days a week year round.

Roadside Farm - Montana Living - Creston City Moving Guide

Home Prices in Bigfork and Creston

According to Zillow, the median price for a home in Bigfork is currently $420,560. This simply means that half of the homes listed for sale are above this price and half of them are below it. 

This is one of the highest median home prices in Flathead County second only to Whitefish Montana.

If you’ve been following along with the other city guides for Flathead County you will notice that this is one of the highest median home prices in Flathead County just below Whitefish and Lakeside Montana.

Median Home Prices According to Zillow - Montana Living - Bigfork City Moving Guide

Commute Time

According to bestplaces.net the average one-way commute time for Bigfork is currently 18.8 minutes. The national average is 26.4 minutes.

Public Transportation

Bigfork and Creston currently do not have any public transportation options. Residents here will need a vehicle, preferably one with all wheel drive or 4 wheel drive and one that is reliable in the Winter months if kept outside.

Schools

Creston

Creston does have an elementary school along HWY 35 with a greatschools.org rating of 9 out of 10, and Lake Blaine area has a small and picturesque elementary, Cayuse Prairie School, with a great schools rating of 6 out of 10. 

These areas both feed into Flathead High School. View more information on Flathead High School in my Kalispell City Moving Guide. 

These areas both feed into Flathead High School. View more information on Flathead High School in my Kalispell City Moving Guide. 

Cayuse Prairie Elementary School - Montana Living - Lake Blaine City Moving Guide

Bigfork

The current Bigfork High School district boundary map is pictured below. As you can see, it begins just north of Echo Lake continues South through Bigfork and further South to the end of Flathead Lake. 

Bigfork School Boundary Map - Montana Living - Bigfork City Moving Guide

Bigfork Middle School

Bigfork Middle School is a 6th-8th grade establishment with a great schools rating of 4 out of 10. The 6th graders are a new addition to the school which is not yet reflected on the great schools website. For sports the middle school offers football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, and track.

Bigfork Middle School - Montana Living - Bigfork City Moving Guide

Bigfork High School

Bigfork High School is a 9th-12th grade establishment with a great schools rating of 5 out of 10. The school offers students the opportunity to participate in the following sports: soccer, volleyball, football, cross country, basketball, swimming, wrestling, track, tennis, and golf. Activities include band, cheerleading, newspaper, and speech and debate.

Bigfork High School - Montana Living - Bigfork City Moving Guide

I was surprised during my research that the school ratings were not higher. I’ve only heard great things about Bigfork schools from locals, but of course I haven’t spoken to everyone. The school ratings take the following into account: college readiness, college success, advanced courses, diversity in race and income, support for disabilities, and teacher/student ratios. 

In addition to viewing school ratings be sure to ask locals if possible or inquire on area Facebook pages for insight on the schools.

In addition to viewing school ratings be sure to ask locals if possible or inquire on area Facebook pages for insight on the schools. Don’t accept generic answers. Inquire further to find out why they do or don’t like it. What’s right for one family or child may be wrong for another.

Taxes

Bigfork Montana does not currently have sales tax.

Property taxes in Bigfork Montana are similar to other Flathead County cities where according to smartasset.com, the average for Flathead County is currently .811% which is lower than the current national average of 1.19%. Discuss this with your real estate agent for specifics.

Crime

Moving to Flathead County from our highly ranked suburb in the Midwest was a bit scary for me when comparing the crime ratings. Even now, as I look at them it concerns me. But, I can say that I've never felt unsafe in the area or felt that my daughters were in danger. 

The crime rating is based per 1,000 residents. Bigfork Montana has a crime index rating of 54 meaning it is safer than 54% of towns in the country.

The crime rating is based per 1,000 residents. Bigfork Montana has a crime index rating of 54 meaning it is safer than 54% of towns in the country. Here is the neighborhood scout link for your investigation. Feel free to message me if you have further questions.

And, I believe I mentioned this in the Moving to Montana intro video, however, I feel the need to mention it again here. As a parent I’ve always viewed the local sex offender map for the city I live in and the city I’m moving to. If you struggle with anxiety this may not be a great idea, but for me knowledge is power. Brace yourself, it’s not pretty. Almost every city (including your current city) is overwhelmingly spattered with dots on the map. But, at least I can familiarize myself with area surroundings and choose my neighborhood accordingly and so can you. Here is the link for Flathead County. 

Recreation

Swan River Nature Trail - Montana Living - Bigfork City Moving Guide

Flathead Lake and North Shore Beach

The village of Bigfork is located along Flathead Lake affording residents the opportunity to enjoy swimming, boating, paddle boarding, kayaking and fishing throughout the Summer months. Flathead Lake water levels are controlled by a dam which is usually released in late May so residents are also able to horseback ride, hike, and swim along North Shore Beach during the Spring months. And Bigfork also has daily charters along Flathead Lake to Wild Horse Island throughout the Summer.

North Shore Beach - Flathead Lake - Montana Living - Bigfork City Moving Guide

Wayfarers State Park

Found along HWY 35, Wayfarers State Park sits on 67 acres with a public beach and boat access along Flathead Lake, camping sites, hiking trails, and the park is host to the annual Northern Rockies Paddlefest.

Wayfarers State Park - Montana Living - Bigfork City Moving Guide

Swan River

The Swan River is host to the annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival and provides fishing, floating, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities to local residents. Bigfork high school students and visitors alike can be found jumping from The Old Steel Bridge and the bridge along HWY 35 all Summer long. (Please be sure water levels are deep enough before jumping from any bridge or cliff in Montana. If you aren’t certain, ask the locals.)

Floating on the Swan River - Montana Living - Bigfork City Moving Guide

Downtown Historical Walking Tour and Swan River Nature Trail

The village of Bigfork offers residents and visitors alike an opportunity to learn a bit more about the history of the town via a walking tour. The map and information can be easily found in the community square downtown along Electric Avenue. Locals also enjoy daily walks along the Swan River Nature Trail. The trailhead is easy to access from downtown and is a fairly flat and very wide trail above the Swan River, providing peaceful river and mountain views.

Swan River Nature Trail - Montana Living - Bigfork City Moving Guide

Bigfork Children's Theater and Summer Playhouse

The Bigfork Children’s Theater is a staple for youth in the valley seeking to improve upon their performing and acting skills. The theater provides five youth focused productions from Fall to Spring. Our daughter has participated in this program throughout the years and I can’t say enough good things about it. Brach and his team do an amazing job with students of all ages. They are organized, encouraging, and committed to excellence. 

The theater provides five youth focused productions from Fall to Spring.

Whitefish Montana also provides opportunities for young actors/actresses, however, this program is not my favorite. It’s great if your child just wants to experience participating in a play as all who audition are accepted for a $149 fee. However, this method combined with the sweet nature of the couple who runs the program tends to contribute to chaos and delays. Bigfork Children’s Theater is also more affordable at $50 per play if your child makes the cast. Auditioning is free.

The Bigfork Summer Playhouse draws actors and actresses from around the country and provides residents with unforgettable monthly shows and entertainment throughout the Summer.

Bigfork Theater Downtown - Montana Living - Bigfork City Moving Guide

Eagle Bend Golf Course

Avid golfers and recreational golfers alike can enjoy teeing off at Eagle Bend Golf Club along the North shore of Flathead Lake. Eagle bend is a 27 hole championship golf course that also offers a practice facility and on site dining. 

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex

If you are looking for a bit more than a stroll on one of the beautiful trails in town, look no further than the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Jewel Basin hiking areas. The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex is home to over 1.5 million acres of recreational land waiting to be explored. Fishing, camping, llama trekking, horseback riding, hiking, hunting, and more nestled among breathtaking mountain peaks, crystal clear streams, and majestic forests.

Extreme hikers and adventure seekers should check out the Chinese Wall Trail found within the wilderness.

Extreme hikers and adventure seekers should check out the Chinese Wall Trail found within the wilderness. The Jewel Basin Hiking area within Flathead National Forest is a locals favorite due to its proximity to town. I will be covering this more in depth in an upcoming Montana Secrets of the Locals post. View previous posts here.

Sunrise Hike Jewel Basin - Montana Living - Bigfork City Moving Guide

Winter Activities

Just 15 minutes from town residents can enjoy nordic skiing at the Bigfork Community Nordic Center. The center is located on state land and offers residents over 10 Kilometers of groomed trails. Additionally residents can cross country ski along the North Shore of Flathead Lake a bit closer to town. For downhill skiing Bigfork residents can drive to Blacktail Ski Area or Whitefish Mountain Resort. Dog sledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing opportunities are also available locally.

Shopping and Dining

Grille 459 Downtown - Montana Living - Bigfork City Moving Guide

Dining

In Bigfork, residents will enjoy an array of dining options along Electric Avenue and throughout the town. Flathead Brewing Company provides visitors with incredible views over Flathead Lake, Grill 459 downtown offers an intimate atmosphere for chilly Winter nights, SaketoMe is the sushi spot, and many locals enjoy a visit to the Garden Bar and Grill and Old Bridge Pub. 

Pocketstone Cafe is the locals place for breakfast, lunch, and any baked goods needed.

Pocketstone Cafe is the locals place for breakfast, lunch, and any baked goods needed. Burger Town is just outside of town near the state park and is a popular Summer dining option and further South along HWY 35 near Woods Bay residents can enjoy The Raven for live music and a bustling atmosphere or Saddlehorn Bar and Grill for a calmer dining experience along the water. 

Art Gallery Downtown - Montana Living - Bigfork City Moving Guide

Shopping

For shopping, residents can visit some specialty shops downtown such as Eva Gates homemade preserves, Electric Avenue Gifts, art galleries, sculpture studios, and more. Bigfork also has Harvest Foods, the local grocery store, along with a hardware supply store, pharmacy, gas station and Dairy Queen.

Electric Avenue Gift Shop Downtown - Montana Living - Bigfork City Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Choosing Creston or Bigfork (over other cities in Flathead County)

Creston Pros

Creston has the beautiful wide open countryside that in my opinion perfectly fits within the idyllic Montana dream. The area provides a bit more space from the hustle and bustle of city living and the incredible soil here is conducive to a slower pace where gardening, canning, and cultivating can thrive. 

Roadside Farm - Montana Living - Creston City Moving Guide

Bigfork Pros

If you’re looking for picture perfect small town living, Bigfork definitely fits that bill. Bigfork is a Summer destination lake town so while residents will enjoy plenty of action during the Summer months, it all slows down for a much quieter and slower pace the remainder of the year. In Bigfork, elementary school students stroll Electric Avenue to trick or treat at local businesses while displaying their Halloween attire, community residents work together to decorate the village for the Holidays, and after a long Winter snuggled up by their fires residents re-emerge to enjoy the whitewater festival and reconnect. 

Bigfork is a Summer destination lake town so while residents will enjoy plenty of action during the Summer months, it all slows down for a much quieter and slower pace the remainder of the year.

If you have a child that loves theater this is a great place as well. The Bigfork Children’s Theater is known throughout the valley and offers five youth focused productions each year along with workshops, classes, choir, and dance. Bigfork also has a nice selection of shopping and dining downtown and plenty of recreational activities via Flathead Lake, the Jewel Basin, and Bob Marshall Wilderness nearby.

Bigfork Old Steel Bridge - Montana Living - Bigfork City Moving Guide

Creston Cons

Creston residents will have a longer commute to big box stores and to Flathead High School for children’s sports and activities. Commute times to Glacier National Park and area ski resorts will also be a bit longer than most other cities within Flathead County.

Bigfork Cons

Bigfork residents will have a longer commute to big box stores, Glacier National Park, and area ski resorts than most other cities in Flathead County. It is also difficult to find a good latte here after 4 p.m. And, unfortunately, school ratings fall below average for the middle school here.

Commute Times

Creston Commute Times

Creston Commute Times - Montana Living - Bigfork City Moving Guide

Bigfork Commute Times

Bigfork Commute Times - Montana Living - Bigfork City Moving Guide

Hopefully, this answers some of your questions about the area. If you feel I’ve missed something please leave a comment below. If you have a question, feel free to message me or leave that below as well. If you contact me through the website be sure to check your spam folder for my reply. Some readers have unfortunately found my reply in spam.

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Interested in Montana real estate? Check out Radiant Realty here. Specializing in Montana homes, properties, and investments.