The Old Sawmill District Neighborhood

Live

This is urban living infused with Montana’s wide-open sensibility. Old Sawmill District bridges Missoula’s historic past with its future through a vibrant mix of housing in all shapes and sizes, drawing together an equally vibrant mix of people from all lifestyles and stages. Young couples and families, professionals, empty-nesters, active seniors, and university students can all call Old Sawmill District home.

Old Sawmill District planners envision 650 to 700 new residential units, ranging from warehouse flats, brownstones, cottages, patio homes and condos, with architectural design harkening back to an era when homes and neighborhood businesses sat side by side. There will be high-end apartments for people seeking a strong sense of community with the flexibility of a rental. Here, sidewalks aren’t just a way of getting from one place to the next, but truly a way of getting to know your neighbors.

Let’s hear it for the town Old Sawmill District calls home:

Missoula continues to earn national recognition as one of America’s most livable, outdoor-oriented, and entrepreneurial cities — celebrated for its exceptional quality of life, access to recreation, thriving arts scene, and innovative business community.

  • 2024 & 2026 Ranked among Livability’s “Top 100 Best Places to Live in America” for quality of life, outdoor access, and community vibrancy —  Livability Rankings
  • Named Montana’s “Happiest City” and recognized among the happiest cities in the United States —  Destination Missoula
  • Ranked the #1 Best Place to Live in Montana for lifestyle, recreation, and community appeal —  Redfin
  • Recognized as #2 of Montana’s Best Places for Young Professionals —  Niche
  • Celebrated nationally for outdoor recreation, entrepreneurship, arts, and culture —  Money Magazine Feature
  • Home to the University of Montana and a rapidly growing technology, bioscience, and creative business sector —  Missoula Economic Partnership

Work

Want a better workplace? How about putting it at the hub of city parks and walking/biking trails? Why not provide a riverside timber pavilion for company lunches and work breaks? Mix in ground-floor retail shops and sidewalk dining to spur lively conversations and residential housing to guarantee shorter commutes. While you’re at it, throw in a new 1GB network to make the big data crunchers happy. And it wouldn’t hurt to have the creative minds and resources of a major university within walking distance.

Old Sawmill District has all the fixings of a better workplace. Located in Missoula’s central corridor, Old Sawmill District is poised to contribute to the city’s strong, eclectic economy in a meaningful way. New commercial office and retail space provide an unprecedented opportunity for businesses seeking new construction in a true urban park environment. Within walking or biking distance of the city’s two largest employers—St. Patrick Hospital and the University of Montana—Old Sawmill District is already handily integrated into the fabric of Missoula’s workday. There’s nothing else quite like it.

5 Ways to Improve Your Workday in Old Sawmill District

Walk the walk. Who needs a desk treadmill? With countless miles of trail right at your door, there’s nothing stopping you from thinking on your feet.

The old ballgame. Don’t work late. Instead, treat your coworkers to a night of Osprey baseball. Leave work by 5 p.m. and still have plenty of time for a bite to eat before the 7:05 “Star Spangled Banner”.

Work faster. Sometimes faster is better. Take advantage of Old Sawmill District’s speedy 1 Gig Internet, unique to a select few communities in the U.S.

Wise up. Squeeze in a class at the University or the Lifelong Learning Center. You’ll find everything from beginning Mandarin to intermediate jitterbug to advanced econometrics.

Grab some z’s. If you’re lucky enough to both live and work in Old Sawmill District, why not head home for a noontime catnap?

Play

This brings us to the third part of our live/work/play trifecta. The fun part. It’s time to play.

With unrivaled recreational access and entertainment options right out the front door, the Old Sawmill District couldn’t possibly be in a better place. Whether your idea of play involves indoor or outdoor fun, Old Sawmill District puts you within tantalizing reach of it. Go ahead, plan your play

Places to Play in Missoula

Downtown Missoula
Known for its walkability and vibrant local culture, Downtown Missoula features locally owned restaurants, breweries, galleries, music venues, coffee shops, and year-round community events.

A Carousel for Missoula
A beloved downtown landmark built by community volunteers, A Carousel for Missoula features beautifully handcrafted horses, whimsical creatures, and the iconic Lucky Red Ringer dragon. Recognized as one of the finest carousels in the country, it continues to delight visitors of all ages in the heart of downtown Missoula.

The Wilma
Originally opened in 1921, The Wilma blends historic architecture with a vibrant modern entertainment experience. Today, the venue hosts nationally touring musicians, comedians, film festivals, and cultural events, making it one of Montana’s premier live entertainment destinations.

Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness
Located just minutes from downtown, the Rattlesnake offers miles of scenic trails, alpine lakes, and protected wilderness. Popular with hikers, trail runners, cyclists, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts, the area provides quick access to Montana’s renowned natural beauty.

Montana Snowbowl
Just a short drive from the city, Montana Snowbowl is known for steep terrain, deep powder, and panoramic mountain views. In the winter, locals and visitors enjoy skiing and snowboarding, while summer brings hiking, scenic chairlift rides, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Clark Fork River
Flowing directly through downtown, the Clark Fork River is central to Missoula’s outdoor lifestyle. Residents and visitors enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, floating, fishing, and riverside trail access throughout the warmer months.

University of Montana
Home to a vibrant campus community, the University of Montana contributes to Missoula’s thriving arts, education, research, and athletic culture. The university hosts year-round events, lectures, performances, and Grizzly athletics.

Caras Park
Situated along the Clark Fork River in the center of downtown, Caras Park hosts concerts, festivals, farmers markets, outdoor movies, and community gatherings throughout the year, helping create Missoula’s energetic and connected atmosphere.

Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
Held annually in downtown Missoula, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival has become one of the nation’s premier documentary film events, attracting filmmakers and audiences from around the world.

Brennan’s Wave
Located in the heart of downtown on the Clark Fork River, Brennan’s Wave is a nationally recognized urban whitewater feature that attracts kayakers, surfers, paddleboarders, and spectators throughout the summer months.

Blue Mountain Recreation Area
Just southwest of downtown, Blue Mountain offers extensive hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing opportunities with sweeping views of the Missoula Valley and surrounding mountains.

Mount Sentinel
Home to the iconic “M” overlooking the city, Mount Sentinel is one of Missoula’s most recognizable outdoor destinations, offering popular hiking trails and panoramic views directly adjacent to downtown and the University of Montana.

Missoula Art Museum
The Missoula Art Museum showcases contemporary art, regional artists, and rotating exhibitions while serving as a cultural centerpiece for the city’s thriving creative community.

KettleHouse Amphitheater
Located just east of Missoula along the Blackfoot River, the KettleHouse Amphitheater hosts nationally touring concerts in one of the most scenic outdoor music venues in the Northwest.