Getting to Know Missoula’s Neighborhoods: River Road

You might not think Missoula would have a neighborhood without a public school, but that's the case for the River Road neighborhood. However, this neighborhood has a different kind of learning facility and gems that make this area more popular than meets the eye.

In this series, we'll take a look at information from the City of Missoula's Neighborhood Profiles for each of Missoula's Neighborhoods, with all data cited below coming from the Neighborhood Profile. In this article, we'll look at the River Road Neighborhood.

Where is the River Road Neighborhood?

The River Road neighborhood is bordered by Reserve Street, 3rd Street, Russell Street, and the Clark Fork River. The streets that border the neighborhood are considered major thoroughfares in Missoula, but the streets within the neighborhood are relatively quiet. Being adjacent to the river, the neighborhood is a unique mix of both urban and rural features.

Who Lives in the River Road Neighborhood?

The median age of River Road residents is similar to the median age of the city, 31.6 and 33.8 respectively, with the majority of residents falling between the ages of 25 and 34 years old. More than half of the residents rent and the median household income is $46,261. 4.2% of residents are American Indian.

While there isn't a public school located in the neighborhood, it is home to the Lifelong Learning Center, which offers classes in myriad subjects as well as HiSet Testing. The neighborhood also hosts the Missoula Community Food Bank, the YWCA, Westside Lanes and Fun Center, Bayern Brewing, and The Good Food Store.

Read More: Missoula's Other Neighborhoods

What is Housing Like in the River Road Neighborhood?

While 57% of residents rent in the River Road neighborhood, the median gross rent is actually higher in this neighborhood than the median gross rent for the city--$974 vs. $895. For those interested in looking for a home, the 2022 median home sales price was $448,000 which is less than the median for the city at $519,000.

Key Feature of the River Road Neighborhood: The Milwaukee Trail

Even though the River Road neighborhood only has 6.32 acres of open space, it hosts the Milwaukee Trail, a 1-mile paved trail that connects Russell Street to Reserve Street and the greater network of bike/commuter trails in Missoula. Along the trail, you'll also find the Milwaukee Trail Community Garden. Both of these resources support the health of our community.