Trying to decide between Laurel and Billings for your next move? You are not alone. Both offer strong value, but the day-to-day experience can feel very different depending on what you need from your home, commute, and weekend routine. In this guide, you will learn how housing options, typical drive times, and outdoor access compare so you can choose with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Quick look: Laurel vs Billings
Use this side-by-side to frame your search before you start touring.
| Factor | Laurel (ZIP 59044) | Billings (city) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing mix | Mostly single-family, practical floor plans, larger yards; limited condos and multifamily | Wide mix of single-family, condos, townhomes, and apartments, from historic areas to new builds |
| Typical lot size | Often larger lots and more space between homes | Smaller lots near the core, more townhomes and multifamily in central areas |
| Price pattern | Often more affordable single-family relative to the highest-priced Billings neighborhoods | Broader price spectrum with both entry-level and higher-end options |
| New construction | Smaller-scale subdivisions and infill | More builder communities and new-home inventory |
| Commute | Many residents drive along I-90 to Billings jobs | Shorter in-city commutes within Billings neighborhoods |
| Transit options | Limited bus service to Billings; driving is common | MET Transit coverage within the city and established bike routes |
| Outdoor vibe | Quieter, easy access to rural roads, river recreation nearby | Urban trail network, parks, Rimrocks access, and organized recreation |
Housing: what you will find
Billings housing mix
In Billings, you will see a diverse range of options. There are older neighborhoods with small-lot single-family homes and bungalows, established mid-century areas, and newer subdivisions. You will also find condos and townhomes, plus more rental and multifamily choices near commercial corridors and employment centers. If you want variety and the option to compare across many price points and property types, Billings tends to provide more selection.
Laurel housing mix
Laurel’s housing leans toward single-family homes with practical layouts and room to spread out. Many properties offer larger yards, and you will see one-level and ranch plans that work well for simple living and easy maintenance. Condos and larger multifamily buildings are less common, so buyers who want that product type may have fewer options. If you want more elbow room without heading too far from Billings amenities, Laurel often hits the sweet spot.
Price patterns and inventory
Prices change with the market cycle, but the general pattern is consistent. Billings usually shows a wider price spread, from entry-level areas to higher-priced neighborhoods. Laurel often delivers more affordable single-family opportunities compared to Billings’ top-tier locations, with the added benefit of larger lots. Inventory is typically deeper in Billings across all property types, while Laurel’s smaller pool means well-priced homes can move quickly. For current numbers, review recent median prices, days on market, and inventory for Billings and ZIP 59044 before you write an offer.
New construction and property types
Billings has a larger new-build scene with more active subdivisions and builder options. Laurel sees smaller-scale developments and infill homes. If you want a brand-new home with multiple floor plans to choose from, Billings will usually give you more choices. If you value a newer home on a larger lot with a quiet street feel, Laurel is worth a close look.
Utilities and zoning basics
As you move from city neighborhoods to suburban and rural edges, utility setups can change. Some properties near Laurel may have well and septic rather than municipal services. Lot sizes, outbuildings, and land-use rules can also vary by location. Build time into your due diligence to confirm water, sewer, internet options, and any county or city zoning factors that affect how you plan to use the property.
Commute and daily logistics
Typical drive times
Many Laurel residents travel along I-90 to reach jobs, health care, shopping, and entertainment in Billings. Under normal conditions, the drive from central Laurel to central Billings is commonly around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on start and end points and peak-hour traffic. Within Billings, commute times vary by neighborhood and time of day, with some congestion near major interchanges and arterials.
Transit and non-driving options
MET Transit provides bus service within Billings, including routes that serve many job centers and commercial areas. Service between Laurel and central Billings is generally limited, so most commuters drive or arrange carpools. Billings also has more developed bike lanes and paths for in-town rides. Bike commuting from Laurel into Billings is uncommon due to distance and highway conditions.
Winter driving and road reliability
Montana winters can bring snow, wind, and ice that affect commute times. I-90 is the main high-speed corridor connecting the two communities, and it also carries regional freight, which can influence traffic at times. Check weather and road condition reports during the colder months and factor in winter maintenance responsibilities if you are considering more rural properties.
Outdoor lifestyle and recreation
Billings outdoor assets
Billings puts urban outdoor access at your doorstep. The Rimrocks offer trail running, hiking, and biking with expansive city views. The Yellowstone River corridor includes parks and launch points for fishing and floating, along with segments of a riverside trail system. You also have municipal parks, golf courses, a zoo, and city recreation programs that make it easy to plug into organized activities.
Laurel outdoor character
Laurel sits near the Yellowstone River and offers proximity to local fishing and seasonal float opportunities. You will also find quiet roads and open landscapes for informal hiking, horseback riding, and ATV use in surrounding areas. If you want a calmer pace, a larger private yard, and quick access to rural recreation, Laurel aligns well with that lifestyle. When you want bigger trail systems and organized amenities, Billings parks and trailheads are a short drive away.
Weekends and day trips
Both locations serve as a convenient base for regional adventures. From Billings, many residents head to nearby ranges, with day trips to the Bighorn Mountains and Pryor Mountains. Weekend getaways to destinations such as Yellowstone National Park and the Beartooth Highway are common. Living in Laurel does not change your access to these trips; it simply trades some in-city convenience for a quieter home setting.
Neighborhood snapshots
Billings West End snapshot
In the West End of Billings, you will find a broad mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and newer construction near shopping and services. Streets are more suburban in feel, lots are moderate in size, and daily errands are close by. If you want options across several price points in a convenient location, this area is a practical starting point.
Laurel subdivision snapshot
Near the I-90 interchange and through established Laurel streets, you will see neighborhoods with traditional ranch homes, split levels, and newer infill properties. Yards tend to be larger, with room for projects, pets, and outdoor storage. The feel is calm and residential, with local businesses and everyday services nearby, and Billings destinations within a straightforward drive.
How to choose with confidence
Practical buyer checklist
- Commute test. Drive your likely route at weekday rush times to confirm a realistic door-to-door time.
- Utility review. Verify water, sewer, internet options, and winter maintenance for the exact property.
- Lot and upkeep. Compare yard sizes, snow removal expectations, and landscaping costs between urban and suburban settings.
- Market reality. Review recent days on market and current inventory for Billings and ZIP 59044 to gauge competition.
- Amenities vs space. Weigh proximity to health care, groceries, and entertainment against the value of more land and a quieter street.
Test your routine
Picture a full week in each place. Where will you work, shop, exercise, and meet friends? How does the commute feel on a busy morning, and what is your plan for winter storms? Try both options in person so you can notice the small details that matter to your daily life.
Work with local advisors
A local team can help you compare neighborhoods, property types, and utility setups, and then structure a smart offer. If you are also selling, the right marketing and staging plan can help you move up without losing momentum. When you are ready to discuss your goals, connect with Huskey Real Estate Group for a straightforward, local perspective.
FAQs
What are the main housing differences between Laurel and Billings?
- Billings offers a broader mix that includes condos, townhomes, and more new-build communities, while Laurel leans toward single-family homes on larger lots with fewer multifamily options.
How long is the typical commute from Laurel to Billings?
- Under normal conditions, many drivers report about 15 to 30 minutes from central Laurel to central Billings, depending on start and end points and peak-hour traffic.
Is there reliable public transit between Laurel and Billings?
- MET Transit serves Billings, but service between Laurel and central Billings is generally limited; most commuters drive or arrange carpools.
Where will I find more new construction choices?
- Billings typically has more active builder communities and new-home inventory, while Laurel sees smaller-scale subdivisions and infill projects.
Which location offers better access to outdoor recreation?
- Billings places you near urban trails, parks, and the Rimrocks, while Laurel provides quick access to rural roads, the Yellowstone River corridor, and a quieter outdoor setting.
What should I verify about utilities when buying near Laurel?
- Confirm whether the property uses municipal water and sewer or well and septic, and check internet options and winter road maintenance responsibilities before you close.