Trying to choose between Somers and Lakeside on the north end of Flathead Lake? Both offer classic Montana lake living with different rhythms, amenities, and price points. In this guide, you’ll compare commute, waterfront access, lifestyle, and housing so you can feel confident about where to plant roots. Let’s dive in.
Location and commute
Where they sit on the lake
Lakeside is the larger community on the northwest shore with a 2020 population near 2,700 and services clustered along US‑93. You’ll find it stretching south toward the Lake County line. Somers sits immediately north of Lakeside on the north shore with a smaller 2020 population near 1,050. For quick geography and context, review the profiles for Lakeside and Somers.
Distance to Kalispell and FCA
US‑93 links both towns to Kalispell for shopping, dining, and healthcare. Somers is about 9 miles to Kalispell, while Lakeside is about 14 miles, so Somers is slightly closer for daily errands. Glacier Park International Airport serves the valley, and Somers is typically a bit closer than Lakeside because it sits farther north. Always check drive times from the specific address you’re considering.
Commute patterns
Many residents of both towns commute to Kalispell for work and services. American Community Survey estimates show a longer mean commute time for Lakeside residents and a shorter one for Somers. You can review the ACS profiles for Lakeside and Somers to compare current median age and travel time to work.
Vibe and amenities
Lakeside snapshot
Lakeside reads a bit more commercial and resort‑oriented. You get a well‑used marina, restaurants, and seasonal tourism energy, plus everyday conveniences like a grocer and hardware store along US‑93. The marina at Flathead Harbor is a core hub for boaters and dining at the water’s edge. Winter adds easy access to Blacktail Mountain Ski Area just above town for lift‑served and Nordic days.
- On‑water hub: Flathead Harbor at Lakeside
Somers snapshot
Somers keeps a quieter residential feel with strong sailing culture and quick access to protected shoreline. The North Flathead Yacht Club anchors much of the sailing scene, and the town’s day‑use beach has become a local favorite. The new Somers Beach State Park offers walking paths and shoreline access, with adjacent wildlife areas that observe seasonal closures.
Waterfront and recreation
Marinas and slips
If slip availability, fuel, or pump‑outs top your list, Lakeside’s marina infrastructure is a draw. Flathead Harbor offers slip rentals, services, and fuel, and it has invested in a public pump‑out station for cleaner boating. Somers relies more on private docks through the yacht club and nearby public hand‑launch spots, which can mean memberships or waitlists. Always confirm slip availability, fees, and transfer rules directly with operators.
- Lakeside marina details: Flathead Harbor services
- Pump‑out infrastructure update: Lakeside marina adds pump‑out
Parks and seasons
Somers Beach State Park is day‑use only today and provides roughly a half‑mile of accessible shoreline and walking paths. Adjacent Waterfowl Production Area lands typically close seasonally around March 1 to July 15 to protect nesting birds, which can limit certain shoreline access. Expect busy summer patterns across both towns, with traffic near boat launches and popular beaches.
- Park rules and closures: Somers Beach State Park
Environmental factors to know
Flathead Lake shorelines experience ongoing erosion management, and “dynamic gravel beach” projects are part of the current tool kit. If you are buying waterfront, review any stabilization work, permits, and maintenance expectations. Aquatic invasive species inspections are active on the lake and often required by local clubs and event organizers.
- Erosion management context: Gravel beaches favored for shoreline protection
Housing and prices
Property types you will see
- Lakeside: A mix of lakeshore condominiums, cottages, and legacy estates, plus lake‑view lots and modest inland neighborhoods. The marina and ski area nearby create a stronger resort‑service presence, and you will find more commercial parcels and dining options in town.
- Somers: Primarily near‑shore single‑family homes and quieter residential streets, some with ties to the area’s historic rail and mill era. The sailing community is established, with private docks through the yacht club and shoreline parcels that prize sailing access.
Price context and inventory
Waterfront commands a premium in both towns. Recent MLS‑based snapshots have shown Lakeside’s median list or sale figures in the high 700s to 900s, with Somers often in the mid to high 600s through the high 700s. ACS owner‑occupied median values are different by design and have been lower than active market medians, but they can help you compare places across time. Inventory is typically modest, and waterfront can take longer to trade when choices are limited.
- Compare ACS place profiles: Lakeside ACS profile
Daily logistics
Schools and boundaries
Both towns are served by Somers‑Lakeside School District 29, with Lakeside Elementary and Somers Middle in the district. High school students attend Flathead High School in Kalispell. Always confirm the exact school boundary for a specific parcel with the district.
- District information: Somers‑Lakeside SD 29
Healthcare and services
You will find primary care options in the Lakeside area, while the closest full hospital and most specialists are in Kalispell. Plan most medical appointments around Kalispell for convenience. Daily needs like fuel, groceries, dining, and hardware are more concentrated in Lakeside, with a smaller set of options in Somers.
Internet and utilities
Broadband options vary widely by address, from cable or DSL in some pockets to fixed‑wireless or satellite. If remote work is essential, confirm provider availability, expected speeds, and reliability before you write an offer. For homes on wells and septic, review recent inspection reports and county records.
Rules, zoning, and permits
If you plan to build, add a dock, or modify shoreline, review Flathead County lakeshore regulations and current planning cases. Lakeside has seen active discussion of zoning details and lakeshore variances, which can influence future nearby development and your project timelines.
- Planning context: Flathead County planning board hearing on Lakeside zoning
Quick decision guide
Choose Lakeside if you want:
- A larger marina with fuel, services, and dining right on the water.
- More on‑the‑go amenities like restaurants, a grocer, and hardware in town.
- Quick winter access to Blacktail Mountain skiing.
- A livelier summer scene with more visitor activity.
Choose Somers if you prefer:
- A smaller, quieter lakeshore community feel.
- Proximity to the yacht club and a strong sailing culture.
- Day‑use beach access at Somers Beach State Park and calmer coves.
- A slightly shorter drive to Kalispell for work and errands.
Buyer checklist for either town
- Confirm whether a dock or slip is included, transferable, or subject to a waitlist or membership.
- Review county lakeshore permits, setbacks, and any recorded variances for the parcel.
- Ask about shoreline stabilization work, erosion history, and maintenance expectations.
- Verify broadband providers and tested upload and download speeds at the address.
- Check well and septic inspection reports and any HOA or CCR rules related to short‑term rentals or dock use.
- Understand seasonal access rules near wildlife areas and state parks, including typical March to mid‑July closures for adjacent Waterfowl Production Area lands near Somers Beach.
- Compare recent MLS comps and days on market, especially for waterfront which can trade on a different timeline.
Finding your fit comes down to how you want to use the lake, how much activity you enjoy in summer, and what your day‑to‑day looks like during the workweek. If you are weighing two great options and need local clarity on streets, shoreline nuances, and true market value, reach out. I am here to help you choose the town that fits your lifestyle and budget. Connect with Nelson Schwab to schedule a free consultation.
FAQs
Which town is closer to Kalispell and the airport?
- Somers sits about 9 miles from Kalispell and Lakeside about 14 miles, and Somers is typically a bit closer to Glacier Park International Airport because it is farther north on US‑93.
How does boat access differ between Lakeside and Somers?
- Lakeside offers a larger public marina with slip rentals, fuel, and a pump‑out, while Somers centers on private yacht‑club docks and public hand‑launch access, so availability may require memberships or waitlists.
What parks or beaches can I use near Somers and Lakeside?
- Somers Beach State Park provides day‑use shoreline and walking paths, and nearby wildlife areas observe seasonal closures to protect nesting birds, so check rules before you go.
Are prices higher in Lakeside or Somers?
- Recent MLS‑based snapshots have shown higher medians in Lakeside, often in the high 700s to 900s, with Somers often in the mid to high 600s through the high 700s, but pricing changes often and depends on property type and lake access.
What regulations affect lakefront building or docks?
- Flathead County applies lakeshore protection rules and reviews variances, so you should review current regulations and any active planning cases for your parcel before you design or build.
