Getting to Know Missoula’s Neighborhoods: Southgate Triangle

There was a time when what is now known as the "Southgate Triangle Neighborhood" was more known for being "out in the country". I remember all the excitement 50 years ago this summer when the Garden City was buzzing over the "93 strip" and why was "Kmart so far out of town?"

Today, the Southgate Triangle is a mix of residential and retail and has seen significant investment over the past decade. We're checking the details in the City of Missoula's Neighborhood Profiles.

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Where is the Southgate Triangle Neighborhood?

The Southgate Triangle is a big triangle (hence the name), which extends from 39th Street on the south, bordered on the east by Russell Street, and by the Bitterroot Spur railroad corridor and Old Highway 93 on the west, north to "Malfunction Junction". Outside of the preschool at the old Jefferson Elementary, it's one of the only Missoula neighborhoods without a generally operating school.

Who Lives in the Southgate Triangle Neighborhood?

Ethnicity in the Triangle differs from the rest of Missoula, with 4.5% of the residents identifying as Hispanic, above the citywide average of 2.9%. Black, American Indian, and Asian populations are also higher, and 8.9% of the homes have two or more residents, which is also almost 2 points higher than the Missoula average.

21% of the population are between 25 and 35. The median income is $53,214, slightly higher than the citywide average.

What is Housing Like in the Southgate Triangle Neighborhood?

Those demographics indicate the mix of residential units, which offer a broader mix of multi-family and some older homes, which are more affordable than in some Missoula neighborhoods. Although prices are higher here as well, with a median home price of $535,000, which is higher than the $519,000 city benchmark.

Most of the homes were originally built between 1950 and 1960.

40% of the homes are owner-occupied, with 60% renting. It's a great place to walk and bike, with the Bitterroot Trail access, and 3 main parks, Bellevue, McLeod, and Boyd.

Key feature of the Southgate Triangle Neighborhood: Retail Investment

While Southgate Mall is the primary economic engine for the Southgate Triangle, extensive investment in "Midtown Missoula" has brought big changes over the past decade. The "South Crossing" development by the Woodbury Corporation totally changed the old Kmart site over the past 10 years, with Kohl's, Cabella's, Petco, and Boot Barn anchoring a collection of new businesses and restaurants that rival destinations on North Reserve.

Additionally, investments by Stockman Bank, Clearwater Credit Union, and First Security Bank's new headquarters provide even more jobs and long-term commitment.

For more information about the Southgate Triangle Neighborhood visit this link.