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Installation Guide

Malmstrom AFB

Air Force Great Falls, Montana

Off-Base Living

Top neighborhoods near Malmstrom AFB

Great Falls (North Side)

Neighborhoods north of the Missouri River closest to Malmstrom's main gate with affordable housing and a strong military family presence.

10–15 min to main gate

Military communityAffordableSuburban

Great Falls (West Bank)

Established Great Falls neighborhoods along the Missouri River's west bank with scenic river access and a mix of ranch-style and two-story homes.

10–15 min to main gate

SuburbanAffordableFamily-friendly

Black Eagle

An unincorporated community adjacent to Great Falls with older working-class homes and the most affordable prices near the base.

15–20 min to main gate

AffordableRuralMilitary community
Schools

Great Falls Public Schools

GFPS serves the Malmstrom community. The district is modestly sized and offers standard Montana public school programming. C.M. Russell High School and Great Falls High School are the two main secondaries.

What families should know

  • C.M. Russell High School offers strong fine arts programs reflecting the city's namesake artist
  • Great Falls College MSU provides community college dual enrollment
  • District has strong vocational-technical programs
Things to Do

Life around Malmstrom AFB

Outdoors

Giant Springs State Park

One of the largest freshwater springs in the US in Great Falls with a fish hatchery, Lewis & Clark interpretive exhibits, and riverside trails.

Attraction

C.M. Russell Museum

A world-class Western art museum dedicated to Charles M. Russell, the 'Cowboy Artist,' with original oils, bronzes, and his log-cabin studio.

Outdoors

River's Edge Trail

A 60+ mile trail system along the Missouri River in Great Falls offering cycling, running, and wildlife viewing through the city.

Dining

Bert & Ernie's Restaurant

A Great Falls favorite for casual American dining with excellent burgers, sandwiches, and a family-friendly atmosphere since the 1970s.

Outdoors

Glacier National Park

One of America's crown jewel national parks is about 2 hours north with the Going-to-the-Sun Road, alpine hiking, and stunning glaciated peaks.

Outdoors

Sluice Boxes State Park

A rugged canyon park south of Great Falls with hiking, fishing on Belt Creek, and dramatic limestone formations.

Housing Market

Buying or renting near Malmstrom AFB

Home Prices

$220,000–$360,000

Typical Rent

$1,000–$1,500/mo

Great Falls is one of Montana's most affordable cities. The housing market is stable and BAH covers costs well. Limited new construction but solid inventory of older homes. Very low competition compared to Bozeman or Missoula.

Popular neighborhoods: Great Falls North Side, West Bank

Buying near Malmstrom AFB with a VA loan: $0 down and no PMI. Estimate your allowance with the BAH calculator, follow the PCS checklist, and read the full VA Loan Guide before you go under contract.

Orders to Malmstrom AFB?

Get pre-approved before you arrive. A VA loan specialist can have your numbers ready this week.

Call (719) 259-2246