Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Rose Hills needed? 

Montana has long faced housing challenges, which continue to escalate as the state’s population increases and housing availability remains limited. Rose Hills is needed to meet the growing demand for starter homes in the Helena area.

With the growing pressure on housing markets, Rose Hills offers options for families, individuals, and workers. The development’s thoughtful design emphasizes sustainability, trails and parks, and local amenities, creating a vibrant and welcoming neighborhood and community for people of all ages and income levels.

How many homes will be developed?

Rose Hills development is planned for over 1,500 homes on 200-250 acres in East Helena.

What will the financial impact be?

When fully completed, Rose Hills will be valued at over $700 million and generate a $3.5 billion impact on the local economy.

Rose Hills is anticipated to produce $7 million in property tax revenue annually, which will help support schools, local first responders, and road maintenance.

What type of homes will be built?

Purposefully designed to include various housing types, including cottages and townhomes for first-time homebuyers or those downsizing in retirement, medium and large family homes, and apartment homes.

This variety of housing options is designed to meet the needs of individuals and families at all incomes and stages of life.

Will there be access to parks and trails?

Yes, Rose Hills will include 46 acres of green space, offering expansive outdoor areas for residents to enjoy. Every house will be located within two blocks of a public green space or park.  

Rose Hills will have a network of trails connecting to Prickly Pear Land Trust’s Greenway Project, an eight-mile trail along the restored Prickly Pear Creek.

Will there be commercial space? 

Rose Hills will include commercial spaces as a key component of its development. These spaces are designed to feature shops, services, incubators for small businesses, light manufacturing, and gathering areas. Potential amenities include daycares, Montessori schools, small restaurants and coffee shops, a school, and community centers integrated into the neighborhood.

This will ensure that residents have easy access to essential services and local businesses, contributing to a vibrant and connected community.

Does East Helena have the capacity to take on such a large development?

East Helena is expected to grow substantially over the next 15-20 years. The city’s services, including fire departments, police, and public works will need to be scaled to meet the needs of a growing community. The city understands the extent of the growth, and is currently making plans to scale services to meet the needs of the expanded community.

What is Helena area Habitat for Humanity’s role in Rose Hills?

As the largest land development project ever undertaken by any Habitat for Humanity organization, Helena Area Habitat is responsible for creating a welcoming, thoughtfully designed and community-centered neighborhood that offers a mix of housing options, green spaces, and local amenities.

Habitat plans to construct 400-500 starter homes accessible to working Montanans, maintaining affordability through a community land trust. The entire project aims to provide 1,500 new homes to significantly boost the local housing supply. Habitat’s vision is for Rose Hills to be more than just a place to live. This vibrant, welcoming community will complement and enhance the City of East Helena.

To ensure long-term sustainability, Habitat will collaborate with other contractors and developers, fostering a dynamic neighborhood with a strong tax base that benefits everyone.

What is a housing trust?

A housing trust is a nonprofit organization that acquires and holds land for the benefit of a community, ensuring long-term affordability and preventing displacement.

The trust caps the property’s appreciation at a future resale, ensuring that homes in a land trust remain affordable for future buyers even as market conditions fluctuate.

Why is it named rose hills?

The neighborhood is named after Al and Ann Rose, lifelong residents and pillars of the East Helena community. Al served as the town's chief of police.  Ann became the first woman hired at the local smelter during WWII, working as a "Rosie the Riveter." The Roses raised their children in the area, one of whom lives just a block from the family home.