Is Orchard Homes Safe, Pros and cons of living in Orchard Homes
Orchard Homes, Montana, offers a blend of suburban and rural living, with a population of approximately 5,377 residents as of the 2020 census. This community is situated in Missoula County and is part of the larger Missoula metropolitan area. Residents often describe living in Orchard Homes as having a suburban rural mix feel, with most individuals owning their homes. The area is known for its abundance of restaurants and parks, contributing to a desirable living environment for families and young professionals.
The demographic makeup of Orchard Homes shows a median age of 44.7 years, with 20.5% of residents under 18 and 23.5% aged 65 or older. The community is characterized by a middle-income population, with a higher income than a significant portion of neighborhoods in America. A substantial part of the working population is employed in executive, management, and professional occupations, with sales and service jobs being the second most common occupational group.
Is it Safe to Live in Orchard Homes?
Orchard Homes, Montana, presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The crime rate in Orchard Homes, MT, is reported to be 7% below the national average. This positive safety outlook is further supported by a crime score of A+ according to some analyses.
While overall crime rates are favorable, specific crime statistics can vary. For instance, in a different locality also named Orchard Homes (Portland, OR), crime was reported as 53% above the national average, with assault being a notable concern. However, for Orchard Homes, MT, the data indicates a lower-than-average crime rate, suggesting a secure living environment for its inhabitants.
Housing Market and Cost of Living
The housing market in Orchard Homes, Montana, is characterized by a median home value of $553,700, which is considerably higher than the national median of $332,700. The median rent in Orchard Homes is $1,000 per month, also above the national median rent of $1,413. This indicates a higher cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, compared to national averages.
Currently, the median listing price for homes in Orchard Homes, MT, is $765,000, with approximately 35 homes available for sale. The market shows year-over-year momentum, suggesting sustained demand for housing in the area. The price per square foot is valued at $354, serving as a benchmark for property values. Rental options are more limited, with only about 3 rental listings active at present.
Homeownership and Rental Trends
In Orchard Homes, MT, a significant majority of residents own their homes, with 67% being homeowners and 33% being renters. This trend aligns with the overall housing market, where demand appears to be above average for the U.S., potentially driving price increases or new construction. The real estate market also shows a faster turnover year-over-year, with median days on market declining by 31.67%, indicating a more urgent market for both buyers and sellers.
Despite a slight month-over-month price momentum decrease of -1.29%, the overall market suggests a robust demand for housing in Orchard Homes. Vacancy rates in Orchard Homes are quite low, at 2.9%, which is lower than in most American neighborhoods, further indicating a tight housing market.
Climate and Environment
Orchard Homes, Montana, experiences a climate typical of the Rocky Mountain region. While specific average temperature and rainfall data for Orchard Homes, MT, were not directly found in the search results, general climate information for Montana suggests distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers. The area’s geography, bordered by the Clark Fork River to the north and the Bitterroot River to the west and south, provides a natural setting.
The community’s location within Missoula County places it in proximity to natural recreational opportunities. The presence of numerous parks within Orchard Homes contributes to a lifestyle that balances suburban convenience with access to outdoor spaces.
Education and Schools
The public schools serving Orchard Homes, Montana, are generally rated as above average. Specific schools like Target Range Junior High School and Hellgate Middle School have received an “A minus” rating. Target Range Elementary School and Hawthorne Elementary School are rated “B+”.
These ratings suggest a good quality of education available to residents. The Niche rankings place Orchard Homes among the top places to live in Montana, including being ranked #8 for Best Places to Live and #9 for Best Places to Raise a Family. These accolades often reflect the strength and quality of local educational institutions.
Employment and Economy
The economic landscape of Orchard Homes, MT, is supported by its integration into the Missoula metropolitan area. While specific major employers for Orchard Homes, MT, were not detailed, the broader Missoula area likely influences employment opportunities. The median household income in Orchard Homes was $40,240 in 2000, with a median family income of $47,612.
The unemployment rate for Orchard Homes CDP has shown a trend of decrease from 2017 to 2023. As of 2023, the uninsured rate was 8.2%, a significant decrease from 14.1% in 2017. These figures suggest a generally stable and improving employment situation for the community.
Demographics and Lifestyle
Orchard Homes, Montana, is a census-designated place with a population of 5,377 as of 2020. The community offers a suburban rural mix feel, with most residents owning their homes. It is noted for having many families and young professionals, and residents tend to lean liberal.
The ethnic makeup of Orchard Homes includes individuals of German, English, and Irish ancestry, among others. The neighborhood is also unique for its higher-than-average percentage of residents with Swiss ancestry and a notable percentage who speak Tagalog at home, indicating a diverse linguistic and cultural presence. The median age in Orchard Homes is 44.7 years.