Bitterroot Valley
Stevensville
Montana's oldest permanent settlement, a Bitterroot Valley anchor
About Stevensville
Montana's oldest permanent settlement, a Bitterroot Valley anchor
Founded in 1841 as St. Mary's Mission, Stevensville is the oldest permanent European settlement in Montana — a town where restored Main Street brick storefronts sit a few blocks from the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge and the Bitterroot River. The community blends genuine historic character with a fast-growing residential base, sitting 35 miles south of Missoula on the eastern side of the valley. Home to Engel & Völkers Western Frontier's flagship office, Stevensville anchors the Bitterroot real estate market that Ashley Inglis calls home.
Real estate inventory spans historic in-town homes (many on the National Register), Bitterroot Riverfront acreage, horse properties along the Eastside corridor, and newer luxury subdivisions like Creekside Meadows and Bitterroot Valley Estates. The market has benefited from continued relocation from higher-cost Western states, with acreage and riverfront properties commanding premium pricing. The Stevensville School District serves K-12, and the town's walkable Main Street hosts galleries, restaurants, and independent shops.
Market Snapshot
Stevensville Real Estate at a Glance
- Median Price
- $595k — 2026 estimate
- Price Range
- $425k – $4.5M
- Price / Sq Ft
- $328
- Days on Market
- 68
- YoY Change
- +2.1%
- Property Types
- Historic in-town homes, acreage estates, horse properties, Bitterroot riverfront, ranch, new construction
Trend: Steady — mid-market absorption is healthy while luxury ranch and riverfront remain tightly held.
Lifestyle
Living in Stevensville
- Dining
- Walkable Main Street hosts Frontier Cafe, Lee's Drive-In, Mission Bistro, and Blacksmith Brewing, with additional dining 20 minutes south in Hamilton.
- Outdoors
- Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge (2,800 acres of Bitterroot River bottomland), Bitterroot River fly fishing, Kootenai Creek and St. Mary's Peak hiking, and direct access to the Bitterroot National Forest.
- Culture
- Historic Main Street (National Register), Fort Owen State Park, the Stevensville Museum, and the annual Creamery Picnic — Montana's oldest continuous community celebration.
- Schools
- Stevensville School District serves K-12 with Stevensville High, Middle School, and Primary; private options include Mary Queen of Peace Catholic School.
- Shopping
- Walkable Main Street with galleries and independent retailers, plus big-box and specialty retail in Hamilton (20 min) or Missoula (35 min).
Housing
What Your Budget Buys
Entry Tier
$425k–$600k buys a historic in-town home, a newer build in Creekside Meadows or similar subdivisions, or a three-bedroom ranch on a small acreage lot near town.
Luxury Tier
$1.5M+ opens custom homes on 5–40 acres with mountain views, working and luxury ranches, and Bitterroot River or creek-frontage estates reaching $3M–$4.5M for top-end properties.
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Get in TouchCommon Questions
Stevensville FAQ
- Why Stevensville?
- Stevensville offers the best mix in the Bitterroot of genuine historic character (Montana's oldest permanent settlement), walkable Main Street, proximity to both Missoula (35 min) and Hamilton (20 min), and strong acreage inventory at more accessible price points than Hamilton or Corvallis.
- Commute to Missoula?
- Roughly 35 miles north on US-93 — about 40-50 minutes to downtown Missoula and the University. Missoula International Airport is a similar drive.
- How are the schools?
- Stevensville School District (K-12) is a strong public district, with Mary Queen of Peace Catholic School as the private option. Many families cite the schools as a primary reason for buying in Stevensville over unincorporated Ravalli County.
- Are there historic homes?
- Yes — Stevensville's Main Street and surrounding blocks are on the National Register of Historic Places, with well-preserved Victorians, craftsman bungalows, and early-20th-century brick storefronts available for restoration-minded buyers.
- What are property taxes like?
- Ravalli County effective property tax rate runs around 0.57% of assessed value, with actual bills varying by school, fire, and special-district levies.
- Is there much new construction?
- Yes — Creekside Meadows, Bitterroot Valley Estates, and other subdivisions have brought meaningful new inventory, though the pace remains measured and in-character with the valley's rural identity.
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