Retirement
Located in Northwest Montana, the Flathead Valley is the place to spend your retirement years in today's modern world. Defined by Glacier National Park, Whitefish and Blacktail Mountain Ski Resorts, and Flathead Lake - the largest body of natural freshwater west of the Mississippi River - Flathead County is comprised of more than 2 million acres of the country's most spectacular scenery and recreational playgrounds. Moreover, Flathead Valley has one of the most diverse economies in the state of Montana.
Flathead County has three incorporated cities and the community of Bigfork. Kalispell, recognized among America's top ten western towns; Whitefish, at the base of Big Mountain and Columbia Falls; and, the gateway to the "Crown Jewel of the Continent", Glacier National Park.
Flathead has excellent health facilities, recreation, international airport, and a historic downtown, making it just a few of the reasons that make living here a rewarding experience.
Recreation
Flathead features homes with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and four lakes, Glacier National Park and Whitefish Mountain Ski and Summer Resort. Golf Digest declared the Flathead Valley one of the '50 greatest golf destinations' in the world. There are ten courses within an hour's drive of Whitefish, including a new Tom Fazio-designed course. In a recent issue ranking of the top 36 golf retirement counties in the U.S., Golf Digest also selected Flathead County as the #1 Four-Season County with Great Golf.
There are two ski resorts, 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, indoor and outdoor tennis, swimming and health facilities, and world class hunting and fishing.
Health and Medical Facilities
The healthcare system in the valley offers 2 facilities, 142 beds, 197 doctors, 911 service, and emergency helicopter service. Elderly Care includes a VA administration home, free medical transportation, hospice care, and two different homecare agencies.
Kalispell Regional Medical Center is a leader in healthcare, with 150 physicians, 1,300 employees, and an annual budget over $100,000,000. This medical center was named by Newsweek magazine as one of the Top 100 Hospitals in America. KRMC boasts getting the nations' first rural air ambulance, Montana's first MRI, and the Summit.
The Summit - a 100,000 square foot wellness center - has become a model for hospitals throughout the nation. The integration of wellness and clinical outpatient services, the Summit was one of the first hospital-based centers in the nation to take this integrated approach.
North Valley Hospital is located in Whitefish and prides itself on having a "caring family" atmosphere. North Valley believes that community service should start with education and offers 18 wellness programs ranging from stress management to cardiac rehabilitation.
Weather
The climate is relatively mild year-round. Surrounded and protected by three mountain ranges, The Swan Range on the east, the Whitefish Range on the north, and the Salish Mountains on the west, and by Flathead Lake on the south, the average temperature during the coldest month of the year is in the 20's. In the summer, 85 degrees is considered a hot day.
View the local providers:
Comments? .
