Lower Rattlesnake Missoula Homes for Sale

Why Buyers End Up in the Lower Rattlesnake

Location, mostly. The city describes the neighborhood as running from Waterworks Hill east to Mount Jumbo, and from Lolo Street south to I-90. That’s a small area with a lot packed in.

Open space at the end of the street

Mount Jumbo and Waterworks Hill are city open space, so the hills around you aren’t going to fill up with houses. Lots of residents hike or walk the dog up there before work.

Greenough Park

Greenough Park follows Rattlesnake Creek through the middle of the neighborhood. It’s shady, it has a creekside loop and a shelter, and it’s where a lot of neighbors run into each other.

Downtown without living downtown

Cross the interstate and you’re in the Northside and then Downtown Missoula in minutes. Bike it if you like. Plenty of people do.

Homes and Property Types

Mostly single family homes, with a range of ages and sizes.

Older homes near the bottom

The streets closest to I-90 and Greenough Park have many of the neighborhood’s older houses on regular city lots. Expect character, smaller garages and the usual old house homework.

What to look at

Foundations, sewer lines, wiring and drainage. Ask how the home handles snowmelt in spring, especially on sloped lots.

Homes on the hillsides and farther up

As you move toward the hills and up Rattlesnake Drive, lots and homes tend to vary more. Some have big views. Some have steep driveways that matter in January.

Wildlife and wildfire

This is bear country, and the neighborhood council regularly talks about bears and fire risk. Plan on bear smart trash habits and ask about defensible space. Missoula County has resources on assessing a home for fire risk.

Want more room?

The Rattlesnake page covers the upper valley, where lots get bigger. For acreage outside town, browse our land listings.

Schools

The Lower Rattlesnake is in Missoula County Public Schools. MCPS attendance maps generally place the neighborhood in the Rattlesnake Elementary, Washington Middle School and Hellgate High School areas. The old Prescott School building sits in the neighborhood too, and its future is an ongoing topic between MCPS and neighbors. Check any address with the MCPS attendance boundary tool.

Recreation

This is the reason most people move here.

Mount Jumbo’s trails start right from neighborhood streets. Most of the mountain closes every December 1 to protect wintering elk. The South Zone usually reopens in mid March and the North Zone on May 1, while the L Trail and U.S. West Road stay open all year. Waterworks Hill on the west side is about 470 acres of open space with wide gravel trails, and spring brings bitterroot and Missoula phlox. Dogs need leashes on the Ridge Trail in late spring to protect those plants.

Head north up Rattlesnake Drive and you’ll reach the main trailhead for the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness on Sawmill Gulch Road, a few miles from I-90. It’s managed by the Lolo National Forest, and the main corridor is popular for running, biking and skiing.

Closer to home, Greenough Park’s creekside paths are an easy daily walk. It’s not a big destination park. It’s better than that, because it’s the one you’ll actually use every day.

Commuting

The Van Buren Street interchange (Exit 105), rebuilt with twin roundabouts in 2018, puts you on I-90 within a minute or two. Sound walls went up along the freeway at the same time. Downtown and the University of Montana are a quick drive or bike ride across the river. Mountain Line’s Route 5 serves the Rattlesnake, and every Mountain Line bus is free to ride.

The train tracks along the south edge are part of life here. Some crossings get busy, and train horns are a long running neighborhood topic. Spend an evening at a house before you commit.

Housing Market

We’re not going to quote an average. The Lower Rattlesnake has small older homes, remodeled houses and view properties, and one number can’t cover them.

Generally, homes close to trails, parks and downtown don’t sit around long, and supply is limited because the neighborhood is boxed in by hills and the interstate. Buyers often compare it with Central Missoula and the University District.

Look at FHA home loans for a lower down payment, or VA home loans if you’ve served. Selling here? See how we help sellers.

Lower Rattlesnake FAQ

Where is the Lower Rattlesnake in Missoula?

It’s just north of I-90 and downtown, running from Waterworks Hill east to Mount Jumbo and from Lolo Street south to the interstate.

What schools serve the Lower Rattlesnake?

MCPS maps generally show Rattlesnake Elementary, Washington Middle School and Hellgate High School. Confirm any address with the MCPS boundary tool.

How far is the Lower Rattlesnake from the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area?

The main trailhead on Sawmill Gulch Road is a few miles north up Rattlesnake Drive, an easy drive or bike ride.

Can I hike from my house in the Lower Rattlesnake?

Often, yes. Mount Jumbo, Waterworks Hill and Greenough Park are all reachable on foot from many streets.

What should I know about wildlife in the Lower Rattlesnake?

Bears and deer come through regularly. Keep trash and bird feeders secured and ask about fire risk and defensible space on hillside homes.