You’ve seen the shows. You’ve probably seen the Instagram posts of mountains that look too good to be real. It feels like every time you turn around, another A-lister is trading their Malibu beach house for a pair of muddy boots and a tractor. But honestly, who can blame them? Montana has always been that "last best place," but lately, the secret is definitely out.
If you're wondering what celebrities live in Montana, the list is getting longer by the minute. It’s not just about vacationing anymore. We’re talking full-blown residency. People are moving their whole lives to places like Bozeman and Livingston. It's a weird mix of old-school Hollywood legends who have been here since the '80s and the new "Boz-Angeles" crowd that locals aren't always thrilled about.
The Yellowstone Club Crowd
Basically, if you have a net worth that makes your head spin, you’re probably looking at the Yellowstone Club. It’s this insanely exclusive, private residential club in Big Sky. You can’t even get through the gate unless you’re a member or an invited guest.
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are probably the most famous faces associated with the club. They’ve been raising their kids there for years. They aren't just hiding behind the gates either; they’ve been spotted grabbing coffee in Bozeman and just acting like regular people. That’s the thing about Montana—people mostly leave you alone.
Tom Brady is another big one. He’s been a part-time resident for a while, mostly for the world-class skiing. Even after the whole Gisele split, he’s still tied to the area. You’ve also got Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg who own property in the vicinity. It’s basically a billionaire’s playground with better views than Silicon Valley.
Paradise Valley and the Livingston Legends
If Big Sky is for the tech moguls and pop stars, Paradise Valley is for the artists and the "cool" celebrities. This is the stretch of land south of Livingston that looks exactly like a movie set.
John Mayer is the unofficial king of Livingston. After he had throat surgery years ago, he basically retreated to his ranch here to heal, and he never really left. He’s super involved in the community too. When the historic flooding hit in 2022, he didn't just tweet about it; he played a series of benefit shows at Pine Creek Lodge to raise money for locals.
Then you have the legends like Jeff Bridges and Michael Keaton. Keaton has owned a ranch near Big Timber for decades. He’s the kind of guy you might see at the hardware store and not even realize it’s Batman until he’s already walking out the door. He’s famously low-key. Glenn Close is also a major part of the Bozeman community now. She moved there full-time a few years ago to be near her siblings. She’s currently building what she calls a "Zen farmhouse" outside of town. Honestly, that sounds like the dream.
Why Everyone Is Moving to the 406
It isn't just about the tax breaks, though Montana doesn't have a sales tax, which is nice. It’s the anonymity. In LA, if a celebrity goes to get a bagel, there are ten photographers waiting. In Missoula or Whitefish? They’re just another person in a flannel shirt.
Kelly Clarkson has a massive ranch in western Montana. She’s talked openly about how much she loves the peace there. Luke Grimes, who actually plays Kayce on Yellowstone, loved the state so much while filming that he moved here permanently. It’s a classic case of art imitating life, or maybe the other way around.
Here is a quick look at some other notable names you might run into:
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- Huey Lewis: He’s lived in Stevensville since the late '80s and is a total local fixture.
- Phil Jackson: The NBA legend grew up in Montana and still keeps a huge lake house on Flathead Lake.
- Hank Green: The SciShow and Vlogbrothers creator is a full-time Missoula resident.
- Howie Long: Another Flathead Lake fan, the Hall of Famer is often spotted around Polson.
- Alvin Kamara: The NFL star recently fell in love with the state after a snowboarding trip and bought a house almost immediately.
The Local Perspective: It’s Complicated
You can’t talk about celebrities in Montana without mentioning the "Boz-Angeles" effect.
Real estate prices have absolutely skyrocketed. In some areas, prices have doubled in just a few years. It’s getting harder for people who were born and raised here to afford homes. While it's cool to see Jason Momoa promoting his vodka in Bozeman, there’s a definite tension between the old Montana and the new, high-gloss version.
Most celebrities who stay long-term are the ones who respect the "act like a neighbor, not a star" rule. If you come in trying to change things or acting entitled, the locals will sniff that out in a heartbeat.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Visit
If you’re heading to Big Sky Country hoping for a sighting, keep these things in mind:
- Be Chill: If you see John Mayer at a bar in Livingston, don't scream. Just nod. Maybe buy him a drink if the vibe is right, but mostly, just let him be.
- Support Local: Go where the celebs go—not because they’re there, but because the spots are actually good. Pine Creek Lodge for music or The Murray Bar in Livingston are classic Montana experiences.
- Explore Beyond the Hubs: Everyone goes to Bozeman, but the real Montana is in places like Choteau (where David Letterman has a ranch) or the Bitterroot Valley.
- Watch the News: Many of these stars, like John Mayer or Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament (who is from Havre), do a ton of charity work. Checking out local fundraisers is a great way to see them supporting the state they love.
Montana is changing, for sure. But at its core, it’s still a place that values privacy and hard work. Whether you're a billionaire or a backpacker, the mountains treat everyone the same.
If you are planning a trip to see the Big Sky for yourself, the best thing you can do is book your stay in a smaller town like Livingston or Red Lodge. You'll get a much more authentic feel for the state than staying in a high-end resort, and you might just end up standing in line for a burger next to a Hollywood legend.