Top Neighborhoods
Kalispell isn't a one-size-fits-all town. The difference between a 25-minute commute and being stuck behind a tractor on Highway 2 is the difference between loving your move and listing your house in six months.
Quick Compare: Top Neighborhoods in Kalispell
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Rent Range | Best For | Walk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historic District | Walkable, established | $1,600-$2,200 | History buffs, downtown workers | ~70 |
| Evergreen | Family-centric, suburban | $1,400-$1,800 | Families with kids | ~35 |
| Hedges Addition | Up-and-coming, quiet | $1,300-$1,700 | First-time buyers, remote workers | ~45 |
| Whitefish Stage | Upscale, sprawling | $1,800-$2,500 | High-income professionals | ~25 |
| Somers | Lakeside, tight-knit | $1,450-$1,900 | Outdoor enthusiasts | ~40 |
Historic District
Overview: The heart of old Kalispell, centered on Main Street between 1st and 4th Ave N. Tree-lined streets with Victorian homes that actually have sidewalks.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,600 - $2,200/mo (1BR) | $2,200 - $2,800/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $480k - $650k (older homes, fixer-uppers)
- 🚗 Commute: 5 min to downtown | 8 min to Kalispell Regional Medical
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~70 (Most errands doable on foot)
Local Intel: Street parking is a nightmare during the Big Mountain Folk Festival. The west side of Main Street floods during spring runoff—avoid those basements. Grab coffee at The Coffee Still on Main before 7:30 AM or wait 20 minutes.
Who Thrives Here: Professionals who work downtown and want to walk to Nite Owl Pizza or Yeti Grill without driving. Empty nesters who value character over square footage.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ True walkability to 15+ restaurants and bars
- ✅ Character homes with original woodwork (if you can afford the maintenance)
- ❌ Street parking only for many units; garages are rare
- ❌ Older infrastructure means plumbing/electrical surprises
Schools: Kalispell Public Schools, rated average. Russell Elementary is solid, but middle school options vary.
The Verdict: Move here if you want urban life in a small town. Avoid if you need a two-car garage or have a big dog.
Evergreen
Overview: North of downtown off Highway 2, this is where families hunker down. Think 1990s-2000s subdivisions with sidewalks and chain-link fences.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,400 - $1,800/mo (1BR) | $1,700 - $2,200/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $420k - $520k
- 🚗 Commute: 12 min to downtown | 15 min to Kalispell Central
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~35 (Car-dependent)
Local Intel: The Evergreen Shopping Center has everything—Safeway, Hardware Hank, a decent pizza place—but traffic backs up at the 2-Evergreen Rd intersection from 4:30-5:30 PM. The Whitefish River Trail access near 8th Ave W is a hidden gem for evening walks.
Who Thrives Here: Families with school-age kids who want a fenced yard and neighbors with kids. People who work at Kalispell Regional Medical or in the industrial park and want a quick commute.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Best value for 3-4 bedroom houses with yards
- ✅ Strong neighborhood watch; crime is mostly package theft
- ❌ Zero walkability; you'll drive for everything
- ❌ Highway 2 noise can be an issue on the north side
Schools: Evergreen School District (separate from Kalispell Public). Evergreen Junior High is above average; Hedges Elementary is well-regarded.
The Verdict: Perfect for families who prioritize space and schools over nightlife. Skip it if you want to walk to dinner or hate suburban sprawl.
Hedges Addition
Overview: Southwest Kalispell, tucked behind the mall. Older homes on larger lots, mixing blue-collar roots with young professionals.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,300 - $1,700/mo (1BR) | $1,600 - $2,000/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $380k - $480k
- 🚗 Commute: 15 min to downtown | 10 min to Kalispell Central
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~45 (Some amenities nearby)
Local Intel: The Kalispell Center Mall area has decent food court options but avoid it on Saturday afternoons. Hedges Elementary is the anchor—kids walk safely here. The real secret: The Wren coffee shop on 4th Ave W is where remote workers camp out.
Who Thrives Here: First-time homebuyers who want character without Historic District prices. Remote workers who need coffee shop variety but hate driving 20 minutes.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Larger lots (0.25+ acres) for the price
- ✅ Quick access to Woodland Water Park and Lindbergh Park
- ❌ Older homes need roof/HVAC updates (budget $20k+)
- ❌ Crime is slightly higher near the mall—lock your car
Schools: Kalispell Public Schools. Hedges Elementary is good; high school is Kalispell High (average).
The Verdict: Best for buyers who can handle a fixer-upper. Renters wanting space without suburbia should look here. Avoid if you need new construction.
Whitefish Stage
Overview: Northwest Kalispell, bordering Whitefish Lake. Newer, bigger homes with HOAs and mountain views. This is where the money lives.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,800 - $2,500/mo (1BR) | $2,400 - $3,200/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $650k - $900k+
- 🚗 Commute: 20 min to downtown | 15 min to Whitefish Mountain Resort
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~25 (You're driving)
Local Intel: The Whitefish Lake Golf Club is the social hub. The Lodge at Whitefish Lake restaurant is overpriced but the view is worth it once. Traffic on US-93 north of town is brutal during ski season—add 10 minutes December-March.
Who Thrives Here: Established professionals with $150k+ incomes. Families who want access to Whitefish schools but Kalispell pricing. Retirees downsizing from bigger markets.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Best schools in the area (Whitefish District)
- ✅ Mountain views, larger lots, newer construction
- ❌ HOA fees ($200-400/month) and strict rules
- ❌ 20-minute drive to most Kalispell amenities
Schools: Whitefish School District (excellent). Whitefish High School is top-rated; Muldown Elementary is exceptional.
The Verdict: For families who can afford it and prioritize schools. Avoid if you work downtown daily or hate HOAs.
Somers
Overview: 15 minutes west of Kalispell on Flathead Lake. Small-town feel with lake access. Mix of older cabins and new lake houses.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,450 - $1,900/mo (1BR) | $1,800 - $2,400/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $500k - $750k (lakefront is $1M+)
- 🚗 Commute: 25 min to downtown | 20 min to Bigfork
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~40 (Walkable to lake, not much else)
Local Intel: Somers Bay Cafe has the best breakfast but closed Mondays. The Somers Lumber Company history is etched into the town. Winter driving on Highway 93 can be treacherous—get snow tires. The Somers Beach is small but great for dogs.
Who Thrives Here: Outdoor obsessives who work remotely or at Flathead Valley Community College. People who want lake life without Whitefish prices.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Direct lake access without millionaire price tag
- ✅ Tight-knit community; everyone knows everyone
- ❌ Limited dining/shopping; you'll drive to Kalispell
- ❌ Internet can be spotty (check providers before renting)
Schools: Whitefish District (same as Whitefish Stage). Somers Elementary is small and well-liked.
The Verdict: Ideal for remote workers who fish/kayak daily. Avoid if you need city amenities or commute to Kalispell during rush hour.
Final Advice
For young professionals: Historic District wins if you work downtown and want a social life. Hedges Addition is your runner-up if you're buying and can handle a fixer.
For families: Evergreen gives you the best house for your money. If you can stretch the budget, Whitefish Stage has superior schools and resale value.
For retirees/remote workers: Somers offers the best quality of life if you don't mind driving 20 minutes for groceries. Historic District if you want to age in place walkably.
Traffic pattern reality check: Highway 2 and US-93 are the only real arteries. A fender-bender at the Kalispell Central Mall intersection can back things up for 30 minutes. If you commute from Somers or Whitefish Stage, leave by 7:15 AM or after 9:00 AM.
Counterintuitive tip: The "worst" neighborhood—Hedges Addition—has the best long-term appreciation potential. It's the only area with tear-downs happening, and the city is investing in sewer upgrades there through 2026. Buy before the flippers arrive.