Montana Information

The National Association of REALTORS developed a very descriptive phrase when it comes to real estate: "All real estate is local". The phrase is very applicable to Montana... it seems that each community, river valley or region has its own real estate market; pricing rationale and criteria used to buy and sell real estate vary widely across the state.

In a resort market, proximity to resort amenities often drives the price of a particular property, not the amount of granite or the number of garage door bays.

In the recreational market, does the property touch public land, does it have frontage on a lake or stream? Is it really private? Does it have all season access? Does it have cell service? How far is it from a regional airport where either commercial or private jet service is available? Does it have harvestable timber? Would the property be a candidate for a conservation easement? Are there easements across the property?

And the list goes on and on...

Given the size of the state and the unique markets within certain areas, I believe it would be helpful to provide some information on specific markets and trends that influence those markets.

BIG SKY:

The resort first started in the early 1970's and was originally developed by Chrysler Real Estate, using Chet Huntley, as a spokesperson. Slowly the area evolved to the "Largest Skiing in America". Growth during the mid-70's was slow and growing pains included a sewer moratorium in the early to mid 90's.
Plum Creek Lumber sold its holdings in this part of the state to Big Sky Lumber and Moonlight Basin Ranch. Through a series of land swaps the historic checkerboard pattern of land ownership changed, setting the stage for the creation of Yellowstone Club and The Club at Spanish Peaks.
In 1996 the tram opened the top of Lone Mountain to skiing, the sewer moratorium was resolved and zoning came to the Gallatin County side of Big Sky. In 1997 Madison County embraced a master plan concept. All of Yellowstone Club, Mountain Village and most of The Club at Spanish Peaks are in Madison County.
Moonlight Basin Ranch began to develop as did Yellowstone Club, soon to be followed by The Club at Spanish Peaks. Meadow Village Center and Town Center began to add infrastructure and buildings adding space for commercial development.

BOZEMAN:

The Bozeman market continues to be one of the more robust areas of development in the state. Even with the economic slowdown, Bozeman has strong financial base. Montana State University, agriculture, the medical community, Gallatin Field as well as a healthy blend of businesses located in the Gallatin Valley continue to make Bozeman one of the most desirable addresses in the state.
Bridger Bowl, a terrific ski hill, is located about 16 miles northeast of Bozeman. The Bridger Canyon area, with its great views and proximity to both recreation and Bozeman remains one of the premier addresses in southwest Montana.
Bozeman boasts a robust downtown shopping district, with art galleries, wonderful restaurants and an interesting blend of shops and services.

BIG TIMBER & BOULDER VALLEY:

Big Timber, Montana is located about 60 miles west of Bozeman and is the commerce center for Sweetgrass County and the Boulder valleys. The East and West Boulder drainages are sought after addresses. The combination of incredible mountain views and easy access into the Absaroka Mountains create a highly desirable area.
North of Big Timber is an isolated mountain range known as the Crazy Mountains. Public access into the Crazy Mountains is very limited. Large land private holdings just about surround these mountains.

DILLON AREA:

Dillon, the county seat of Beaverhead County (which is the largest county in the state) is located along I-15 and is about a two hour drive from Bozeman. The Beaverhead River and numerous tributaries such as the Red Rock River provide excellent fishing in that part of the state. Dillon is the home to the University of Montana Dillon Campus.

GALLATIN VALLEY:

The Gallatin Valley is laced with water and recreation. Properties along the East and West Gallatin Rivers, as well as the Gallatin River and its tributaries provide outstanding recreation. Smaller communities such as Belgrade, Manhattan, Logan, Churchill, Amsterdam and Three Forks each have a unique character. Surrounding foothills can provide outstanding views of the valley floor and also allow for direct access into public land.

LIVINGSTON AND THE PARADISE VALLEY:

An old railroad town, Livingston is noted for fine art galleries, great dining and fishing. There are several spring creeks south of Livingston that are known as world class fisheries. Of course, the Yellowstone River flows through the Paradise Valley and produces some of the finest fishing in the west.
Chico Hot Springs is one of the more famous locations in this valley. Great outdoor hot water pools, a day spa, tons of recreational activities, a hotel and great dining make this a must see spot when in the area.
Gardiner and Cooke City offer outdoor recreation and also serve as entrances into Yellowstone National Park.

MADISON VALLEY AND ENNIS:

The crown jewel of the Madison Valley is the Madison River. The Madison Range lies east of the valley while the Gravelly Range and Tobacco Root Mountains lie to the west. Ennis is an authentic western town with a full range of services including excellent dining, a new hospital, art galleries and numerous tackle shops.

RUBY VALLEY:

The Ruby River, known as an excellent brown trout fishery, flows from the Ruby Reservoir past Alder, Sheridan and Twin Bridges, Montana. This beautiful valley has the Greenhorn, Ruby and Tobacco Root Mountains surrounding it. Rural in character, it is somewhat off the beaten track, yet it is within an easy drive to Gallatin Field for commercial air service.

SHEILDS VALLEY:

The small towns of Clyde Park and Wilsall are located in this wide valley situated between the Bridger and Bangtail mountains to the west and the Crazy Mountains to the east.