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FORT ELLIS LEISURE COMMUNITY

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Fort Ellis Leisure Community

Fort Ellis Leisure Community is an east Bozeman neighborhood that gets overlooked for one reason: the name. “Leisure community” makes people assume 55-plus, HOA-run, activity coordinator on staff — and then they move on. It is none of those things. It’s a private, single-family residential neighborhood with 1+ acre lots, panoramic views of the Bridger, Gallatin, and Madison mountain ranges, custom homes built primarily between 1998 and 2003, and a $300/year HOA that’s essentially nominal. Some lots have private ponds. Paved roads throughout. Located just east of Bozeman near Painted Hills, with easy Bridger Canyon access. Two homes sold here over the past two years at $1,200,000 and $1,355,000 — both on Golden Trout Way, both in under three weeks. The low turnover isn’t a warning sign; it’s a signal that people who get in don’t leave.

Location: East Bozeman, near Painted Hills subdivision -- MLS area 2SE. Outside Bozeman city limits, Gallatin County.

Street: Golden Trout Way

Drive to downtown Bozeman: Approx. 10-12 min

Drive to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport: Approx. 15-18 min

Drive to MSU Campus: Approx. 10-12 min

Drive to Bridger Canyon / Bridger Bowl: Approx. 15-20 min

Nearest major corridor: Main Street / Bozeman Trail Road (I-90 access)

Notable nearby: Painted Hills subdivision, Mount Ellis Meadows (adjacent), Bridger Mountains, Bridger Canyon, I-90 Main Street exit

Access notes: East Bozeman location with quick I-90 access. Bridger Canyon is close for ski season access to Bridger Bowl. Outside city limits -- Gallatin County services and permitting apply.

Utilities: Well water throughout -- no city water service

Housing types: Single-family only -- custom-built homes, primarily 1998-2003 construction; some designed by Locati Architects
Lot sizes: 1.17-1.55 acres; some lots include private ponds
HOA: Yes -- $300/year; one of the lowest annual HOA fees in any Bozeman subdivision; covers road and common area maintenance
Price range: $1,200,000-$1,355,000 sold range (past 2 years, 2 sold -- as of May 2026); no active listings
Home sizes: 2,809-4,458 sq ft; 3-4 BR / 2.5-3.5 BA based on recent sales
Median Sold Price: $1,277,500
Median Days on Market (sold): 15 days
Note: 2-year data window, very low annual volume. Outside Bozeman city limits -- Gallatin County jurisdiction.

Fort Ellis Leisure Community has panoramic mountain views -- Bridger Range, Gallatin Range, and Madison Range -- with southern exposure on many lots. Some properties feature private ponds and waterfall features, which are rare in any Bozeman subdivision at any price point. The neighborhood has paved roads throughout and walking paths. The rural, private character is the defining quality: quiet streets, large lots, and no through-traffic.

Fort Ellis Leisure Community tends to attract buyers who want a private east Bozeman estate with 1+ acre lots, exceptional three-range mountain views, and custom-built quality -- at a price point that's more accessible than many comparable south Bozeman neighborhoods. The $300/year HOA is essentially nominal. Buyers who appreciate Locati Architects' design pedigree will find examples here. Buyers who want the Bridger Mountain corridor without the higher price tags of some north Bozeman neighborhoods will find it worth a serious look.

- The name "Leisure Community" is not descriptive of what this neighborhood is. It's a standard single-family residential subdivision with large custom homes on acreage. Don't let the name filter it out of your search.

- $300/year HOA is confirmed as one of the lowest annual fees in any Bozeman subdivision -- $25/month covering road and common area maintenance. Factor this into your total cost of ownership comparison.

- Several homes in Fort Ellis Leisure Community were designed by Locati Architects, one of Montana's most prominent residential architecture firms. Meaningful for buyers who care about design pedigree and craftsmanship.

- Located outside Bozeman city limits -- well water (no city water service), Gallatin County assessments, and Gallatin County services and permits rather than City of Bozeman. Understand the practical implications before purchasing.

- Some lots include private ponds -- a genuinely distinctive feature. Worth identifying on any specific listing you're evaluating.

- Fort Ellis Leisure Community and Mount Ellis Meadows are neighboring east Bozeman neighborhoods that locals sometimes confuse. Fort Ellis has all older stock (1998-2003); Mount Ellis Meadows has a mix including builds through 2024. They're adjacent but separate subdivisions.