Believe in Better:

Ground Breaking

…And we’re off to a new year! In 2026, Helena looks forward to another ground breaking year of steady, responsible growth. Under the leadership of outgoing Mayor Wilmot Collins and retiring City Manager, Tim Burton, City Commissioners adopted the “Helena Forward” growth policy in November that provides a roadmap for development, transportation, housing and community services over the next 20 years. Incoming Mayor Emily Dean and new City Manager, Alana Lake, will now work with City Staff and Commissioners, Helena residents, community leaders, local service agencies and private partners to prioritize policy goals outlined in the plan. The Adopted Land Use Plan can be read online at helenamt.gov by Googling “Helena Forward Land Use Plan – City of Helena, MT.” Mountain View Meadows will continue to play a key role in housing development in Helena providing a diverse range of housing products from single-level condos and quality-built homes on small to medium-sized lots to move-up homes and executive homes on large lots -- all with the convenience and reliability of Helena city services. As Mountain View Meadows continues to grow, so do activities at the Mountain View Meadows Information Center at 431 S. Alice Street. Having outgrown its current location, Mountain View Meadows is proud to announce that ground has broken for its new office building adjacent to Blue Cross Blue Shield. The new R & R Building, named after Mountain View Meadows CEO, Mark Runkle and his wife, Director of Design, Rebecca Ryland, is designed to house four distinct business condos. Weatherall Builders has tentatively staked a claim on one of the condos with the owners of the other two units yet to be determined. It’s a great start to the new year for both the City of Helena and Mountain View Meadows. Another ground-breaking year with a vision for the continued and future success and well-being of a vibrant community.

Building a Better Community:

The Helena Symphony kicks off the new year with a Masterworks Concert on January 24 at 7:30 PM at the Helena Civic Center featuring Tchaikovsky’s Sixth… And at the end of the month, “Symphony Kids: Punch’s Farcical Parcel” will take center stage at 10 AM at Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church, 512 Logan Street. Symphony Kids engages younger children with imaginative, free, 30-minute performances with narration and actors to introduce children to the world of music. Following each concert, children are invited to try instruments at the “Instrument Petting Zoo” sponsored by Piccolo’s Music. Symphony Education Coordinator Anna Milburn is excited to share more information about this exciting upcoming event. “Symphony Kids is back on January 31st at 10 a.m. with a whole new story based on the Italian tradition of commedia dell'arte and inspired by old Punch and Judy shows,” said Milburn. “In "Punch's Farcical Parcel", Punch is excited to deliver a birthday gift to his dear friend Polly, but is thwarted along the way by a host of other characters. All the action is acted out without spoken dialogue, allowing the sweeping music of Stravinsky's Pulcinella Suite to play a central role in telling the story. This show is in collaboration with Kevin Casey who specializes in physical comedy and storytelling, so we are looking forward to presenting a funny and enjoyable start to 2026!” Mountain View Meadows is a proud sponsor of the Helena Symphony recognizing the value of this prestigious organization as one of the most important creative assets to the community. The Helena Symphony performs in the Helena Civic Center, the largest concert hall in Montana as well as the Cathedral of Saint Helena under the artistic vision of Maestro Allen R. Scott. More than 1400 people attend performances every month, and the Helena Symphony is one of the leading symphonic organizations in the Rocky Mountain region. New home buyers at Mountain View Meadows receive complimentary vouchers to the Symphony thanks to a sponsor program developed between Mountain View Meadows and Helena Symphony marketing director Cameron Knight. Newlywed Cameron and her husband, Jacob Knight, purchased a new home in Mountain View Meadows this past summer. To learn more about the Symphony or to become a sponsor, visit helenasymphony.org.

On Topic:

2026 Housing Market Trends

The experts are at it again – predicting what will happen in the housing market during the upcoming year. Amanda Lauren, writer for Forbes Magazine, pulled together the forecasts of some top industry leaders who make it their business to predict where the market will trend in 2026. They all agreed: the post-pandemic market is firmly in place. And while potential buyers who are currently priced out of the market are hoping for a big crash, most agree that dream is unlikely to come to fruition.

“Nationally, we're not expecting a drop—more like a modest appreciation of one to two percent,” says Mike Martirena at Compass in South Florida. “But the real story is how much things will vary locally. 2026 is going to be a micro-market year where neighborhood-level data matters way more than national averages.”

The good news? Mortgage rates are expected to come down.

“I believe the rates may come down, but modestly,” shares Libby McKinney Tritschler, broker with William Raveis, Team AFA. “I believe the bigger shift in 2026 will be buyer acceptance of the current mortgage rates. Buyers are adjusting to a world where five to six percent feels normal, and activity increases as confidence returns—not because rates crash. In other words: once home buyers accept that rates won’t drop to Covid rates of 3% or less, it will make decisions easier – whether to buy, continue to rent or invest in a smaller home, not their dream home.”

A new shift in real estate may be that unsold homes become rentals. Used homes are sitting longer on the market or not bringing the price sellers want. As sellers wait out the market, those who can afford to move without selling their current home may offer their homes for rent, at least temporarily.

AI has joined the market in predicting trends, setting prices, and reshaping home searches. Arman Javaherian, CEO & Co-Founder of Homa, an AI platform designed to assist homebuyers navigate the purchasing process, believes this shift will largely benefit consumers. “By 2026, AI will enable new real estate platforms that look and feel very different from the home search sites consumers are used to today. Instead of simply helping people browse listings, these platforms focus on helping buyers understand what actually matters, including pricing tradeoffs, potential risks, and what it really takes to move from browsing to ownership.”

It’s important to note that not all homes for sale will end up on any search site. “If you’re walking around your neighborhood and noticing moving trucks but few listings, off-market deals may be the reason,” says Mike Fabbri of The Agency, a company representing a global portfolio of homes for sale or rent. “Sellers want control and privacy, while buyers want access. This favors well-connected, relationship-driven agents. The most interesting deals rarely start on a public website.”

This is especially true in the new home market where homes under construction may never make it to Zillow. Checking in with sellers of new homes under construction is a great place to start your search. Engaging an agent who stays on top of what is available in your area before a new home hits the general market may be key to getting the best deal on a new home in your town.

1.  NOMINATE NEIGHBOR OF THE YEAR TODAY: Who walks that extra mile for others in your neighborhood? Whether it’s someone who stands out community-wide or is always there to lend a helping hand to the folks next door, now is your opportunity to recognize the person (or couple) in your neighborhood who exemplifies the best in all of us. Nominations may be emailed to April at April.mvm@hotmail.com or dropped off at the MVM office at 431 S. Alice St. on or before February 1. Include with your nomination a detailed description of the activities of this person or couple that make them your choice for Neighbor of the Year. Your nomination and supporting information will be presented and voted on at the February meeting between the HOA Advisory Board and HOA Board of Directors. The award will be announced at the Annual HOA General Membership Meeting in March.

2. OPEN POSITION ON HOA ADVISORY BOARD. With Tom Naegele retiring from the HOA Advisory Board, HOA members are encouraged to submit nominations for his replacement as Vice President. You are welcome to nominate yourself! Submit nominations to HOA Executive Board member Rebecca Ryland at risland05@yahoo.com. Include a resume of related experience working with, for example, an HOA Board or non-profit organization, and a detailed statement as to why you would like to serve in this volunteer position. The HOA Advisory Board Officers meet monthly with the HOA Executive Board of Directors to discuss HOA issues, implement policies and oversee HOA business. The Advisory Board represents all HOA members and must be available as needed to address concerns and provide comment at the Annual HOA General Membership Meeting in March. Officers are also encouraged to volunteer at HOA Community Events. You must be in good standing with the HOA with no outstanding fines or dues to serve on the Advisory Board.

Pricing for new single-family homes and condos at Mountain View Meadows if not shown may be available upon request. Not all available homes and condos are included below. To learn more about your favorite home or for a complete list of plans under construction call the Mountain View Meadows Sales and Information Center at 406-449-0800 for an appointment or stop by our office anytime during regular business hours. And remember, realtors are always welcome!

720 Mount Baldy: “The Lookout”. Special design features make this ready-to-move-in single-level 1400 SF, 3BD/2BA home a true standout at a great price… And you can still select your exterior colors for painting in the spring! Located in the much sought-after Mountain View Meadows with all city of Helena services including sewer, water, police and fire protection, the Lookout lives exceptionally large optimizing both space and comfort. A contrasting color palette creates a modern look that will wow you the moment you step inside. A floor to ceiling rock fireplace in the great room compliments exterior rock features on the covered front porch. Other design features include all undermount sinks, gas range, black fixtures, tiled second bath/shower, composite kitchen sink and laminate flooring throughout. You’ll fall in love with the huge kitchen island and appreciate extras like a pantry and linen closet plus all the standard features you expect in a Weatherall Builders’ home including soft-close cabinets, tiled bath and laundry room floors, vaulted ceilings and 9’ walls throughout. The owner’s suite boasts a tiled walk-in shower, walk-in closet, double vanity and private water closet. You’ll appreciate other extras including a garbage disposal, AC, and an active radon system just in case it is ever needed. Want outdoor space? Check out the covered rear patio perfect for relaxing and entertaining and a 2-car attached garage with enough extra space for tinkering with your toys. Proudly represented by Tara Palmer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. For a private tour, call Tara at 406-431-0892. MLS#30061172. $469,900.

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675 Lone Chief: “The Gatehouse”. The new single-level Gatehouse features a spacious and inviting front porch, an attached 2-car garage and an 11’ x 15’ covered rear patio adding lots of legroom to this 2BD/2BA 1400 SF floorplan. Designed for the discerning buyer who prefers more living space than sleeping space, The Gatehouse keeps all the upscale finishes you’ve come to expect in a Weatherall built home. Call Danielle at 406-461-9748 for an appointment to tour this brand new floorplan currently under construction priced at only $459,900.  

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2912 Travis: “The Meadowrue”. Ready later in March, the 1580 SF, 2-story Meadowrue provides you with the space and comfort you need at a price you want. The Meadowrue features a main floor bedroom and bath plus a powder room for guests. Upstairs you’ll appreciate the huge laundry room along with 2 more bedrooms and another full bath. You can expect quality details in this new Sierra Custom Home on all City of Helena services including water, sewer, curbside garbage pick-up and police and fire protection. For additional information call Danielle at 406-461-9748. She’ll be happy to get you the design booklet and take you on a private afternoon tour of this new home currently under construction. $484,900. 

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2913 Adam Run: “The Barrister”. Back by popular demand, the Barrister features a main level bedroom (or den) and a full bath along with 3 bedrooms and two baths upstairs for a total of 4 bedrooms and 3 baths! Available for move-in the end of February, but now is the time to check out this 1910 SF two-story before it hits the general market. Stop by the Mountain View Meadows office at 431 S. Alice St. for a private tour Monday through Friday 10-4 PM. $524,900.

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2912 Adam Run: “The Deputy”. If you missed the last one, time is of the essence for checking out the Deputy floorplan beautifully built and appointed by Sierra Custom Homes. This gorgeous single-level, 3BD/2BA, 1644 SF Sierra Custom Home boasts all the upscale finishes and design details you deserve, featuring a premium owners suite, fireplace, Z-Line appliances, large kitchen island, covered deck, beautiful craftsman details and an attached 2-car garage. Call Stephanie Ricks at 406-672-5479 for more details and to find out today how you can make this dream home your very own. $569,900 with $10K in seller concessions if you call in the next 2 weeks.

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2948 Adam Run: “The Explorer”. Still time to choose your exterior colors! Now open to tour, this lovely single-story 3BD/2BA, 1713 SF Weatherall Builders home is the perfect blend of casual living and upscale design.  Situated on a corner lot, you’ll enjoy outstanding views from the side picture window and the covered rear deck -- including the Sleeping Giant! The open floorplan and high ceilings create exceptional volume with a truly luxurious feel.  With a large owners’ suite, pantry and dedicated dining area, you’ll enjoy custom living in your brand, new home ready for move-in today! $549,900 with $10K credit towards closing costs, prepaids or rate buy-down. You choose! For additional information call Freda Wilkinson, Big Sky Brokers at 406-431-5240. MLS#: 30058395.

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2918 Adam Run: “The Broker”. Design booklet available for this soon-to-hit the market 4BD/2BA single-level home on a large lot in Craftsman Village with all City of Helena services. Priced at $554,900, this 2,000 SF home will wow you with its exceptional design and practical functionality. Call Sarah at 406-551-3629 for a private tour of this new home nearing completion.

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2905 Adam Run: “The Homesteader”. An awesome Sierra Custom Home with 10’ ceilings, exceptional upscale finishes, Z-Line appliances, designer lighting, fireplace and a beautiful wrap-around porch. You really need a tour to appreciate this 1543 SF, 3BD/2BA single-level home. Nothing on paper can compare to what you will see and love when you walk inside! Priced at $504,900, call Danielle at 406-461-9748 for a personal tour today.

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2909 Adam Run: “The Sierra Settler”. Looking for luxury with spacious rooms and upscale finishes? You’ll find it in the 1646 SF Settler nearing completion in sought-after Mountain View Meadows with City of Helena sewer and water services. Black handles and bathroom fixtures set off the white cabinets and granite countertops and contrast beautifully with the great room fireplace. Want to learn more about the interior design? Call Danielle at 406-461-9748 to get a digital copy of the design booklet for this gorgeous Sierra Custom Home priced at $512,900.

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2726 Lone Chief: “The Edith” by Gebhardt Development. New to Mountain View Meadows, the Gebhardt Edith 4BD/2BA floorplan provides all the space you need for entertaining family and friends. Built with functionality and design in mind, the Edith features 2,000 square feet of thoughtfully used space with custom finishes in every room, truly making it feel like a one-of-a-kind home. Priced at $534,900. Call Sarah at 406-551-3629.

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Berwin St. Cottage Homes: Ranging in size from 1088 SF to over 1500 SF, the brand-new 2-story cottage homes by McCall Homes are priced competitively from $370,495 to $421,390. Built on compact city lots, you’ll enjoy great views from the upstairs bedrooms and appreciate the included UG water system, landscaping, privacy fence between homes and an attached two-car garage. Located on Berwin Street in the Craftsman Village neighborhood at Mountain View Meadows. To take a tour, email Dan at dan@mccallhomes.com or call 406-461-9748 to arrange a meeting.

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2753 Favor Loop: “The Teton”. Foundation in on a beautiful new 1925 SF 2-story with both a downstairs living/dining area and upstairs family/TV room. This 3BD/2.5BA plan with a dedicated office or guest bedroom will be ready this summer -- but act now if you want to choose your own interior colors, countertops, flooring, tile and cabinets. Pricing soon but expect under $300 a SF. Call Rebecca for more information – 406-431-7680.

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2924 Travis: “The Trader”. One of the most loved plans in Craftsman Village! The beautiful, 2-story, 3BD/2.5BA Trader, with nearly 1500 SF, blends comfort, style and affordability for one of the best buys in the market. Ready for move-in before Christmas, we’ll get you inside so you can see for yourself the beautiful upscale finishes including quartz countertops throughout, soft-close cabinets, stainless steel owner’s suite. You’ll appreciate the attached 2-car garage and the included AC. All this plus Helena City Services! Call Rebecca today at 406-431-7680 to tour the popular Trader priced at only $444,900.

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2925 Adam Run: “The Pioneer”. At $429,900 plus $10K towards closing, this attractively-designed 2BD/2BA Pioneer offers personal comfort for the discerning buyer. At nearly 1300 SF with a lovely covered front porch, rear grilling patio and an attached 2-car garage, you’ll have the perfect get-away spaces when you’d like to sit back and relax outside or tinker on your toys inside. Upscale finishes and features include soft-close drawers and cabinets, beautiful quartz countertops, kitchen island, tiled kitchen backsplash, pantry cabinet, optional additional pantry closet, double vanity and walk-in closet in owner's suite, walk-in tiled shower, tiled wet areas, large laundry room with sink and cabinets, vaulted ceilings, and plush bedroom carpets. All this plus AC, City of Helena water and sewer services, curbside garbage pick-up, and police and fire protection. You’ll enjoy access to Mountain View Park with its tennis and basket-ball courts, playground, dog park, pavilion, and open space along with a variety of pocket parks, paved trails and sidewalk connectivity to get where you want to go throughout the neighborhoods. Check out this brand-new home in the much sought-after Mountain View Meadows Community with Covenants and Design Standards that protect your most treasured investment. Plan a tour today with Heather Lay by calling 406-431-1571 or by email at heatherlay@kw.com. MLS#: 30056062.

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2749 Lone Chief Loop: This isn’t your typical 2BD/2BA condo. This single-level, 1219 SF beauty priced at just $399,900 includes a separate office or dining room, an attached two car garage, and an enclosed and covered outdoor living space all on City of Helena services! The low monthly fees – currently under $200 a month – include exterior landscape maintenance, exterior insurance and upkeep, sidewalk snow removal and access and maintenance of common areas including pocket parks and walking trails. You’ll enjoy everything you need to live comfortably in style with upscale finishes throughout from granite countertops to soft-close cabinets and tiled wet areas. You’ll spend your time doing what you want and not on all those outside chores when you choose this lovely new condo for your next home. Call Ellen Allen at Big Sky Brokers for a tour today.  406-439-3221. MLS# 30061685. (Just a reminder that condos cannot be rented.)

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155 & 157 War Eagle: Back by popular demand, this 1255 SF, 2BD/2BA floorplan with covered outdoor deck, fireplace and upscale interior allows you to live in style without worrying about exterior home maintenance, mowing the grass or shoveling your sidewalk. Almost ready for move-in. We can get you inside before this beautiful condo hits the general market. With each side individually designed, you’ll have a choice which side fits your taste best! Reach out to Danielle at 406-461-9748 to schedule an appointment for a tour. Pricing available soon.

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140 & 142 War Eagle: Photo above is of the condo building across the street but both of those units are already under contract! That’s a good indication that staking your claim now is a smart move on your part. These beautiful, upscale 3BD/2BA, 1713 SF single-level condos feature a fireplace, tray ceilings, walk-in pantry, designer lighting, tiled walk-in shower, soft-close cabinets, covered outdoor patio, attached 2-car garage and AC. The “end” unit is priced at $524,900 and the “inside” unit at $519,900. Each condo is individually appointed with unique design elements and colors. Under construction but taking a tour of the condos across the street will give you a great idea what to expect when these units come available in the spring. But act now to get your choice on which unit is right for you. Call Danielle at 406-461-9748 for more details.

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Lots With Views You Can't Lose

1 ACRE CITY LOTS WITH UNOBSTRUCTED MOUNTAIN VIEWS! Wouldn’t you love an amazing mountain view? But then, you also want the convenience of Helena city services? Hard to find? Not at Mountain View Meadows! Stop by for a tour of these awesome lots and we'll explore what it takes to build your custom dream home with mountain views you can't lose. Call 406-431-7680 today to schedule an appointment.

PEAKS EDGE: Lots 2, 7, & 9: Ranging in size from .71 acre to 1 acre, these estate-size city lots provide unbeatable views across the Helena Valley to the Big Belts. Peaks Edge homes backing onto open space require a 3000 SF minimum footprint with upgraded roofs and professionally designed landscaping. Expect the best when you build your new custom home on Peaks Edge!

UPPER PEAKS: Lots 10-27: 12,000 SF to over 22,000 SF. Walk-outs, flat lots and most with awesome views of the Elkhorns. Lot prices range from $114,000 to $170,000. Choose your lot now and start building this spring. Covenants and Design Standards apply.

The Peaks at Mountain View Meadows

Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows