Trying to decide between Three Forks and Belgrade? You’re not alone. Both towns sit in Gallatin County and offer access to Bozeman jobs and Montana’s outdoor lifestyle, but the day-to-day feel is different. In this guide, you’ll learn how housing, commute times, recreation, and everyday services compare so you can choose with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Quick take: Key differences
- Belgrade offers more newer construction, townhomes, and suburban conveniences close to Bozeman and the airport.
- Three Forks leans rural with larger lots and acreage options near the Missouri River headwaters.
- Commutes into Bozeman are typically shorter from Belgrade. Three Forks is a longer I‑90 drive, especially in winter.
- Belgrade has more retail and services in town. Three Forks covers essentials, with many residents driving to Bozeman for specialty shopping.
Housing and neighborhood feel
Belgrade: Newer builds and suburban choice
If you want newer subdivisions, townhomes, and a range of single‑family homes on smaller lots, Belgrade delivers. There is stronger developer activity and higher listing volume, which can help if you need options and quick move‑in timelines. Belgrade’s location near Bozeman and the airport also supports steady resale demand.
Three Forks: Acreage and small‑town living
If elbow room is your priority, Three Forks is known for larger lots, small historic‑area homes, and more acreage parcels suitable for hobby farms. Development is less dense and sales volume is lower than Belgrade, which can mean fewer immediate comps and potentially a slower market pace. Many buyers choose Three Forks for a quieter setting and rural flexibility.
Commute, airport, and transportation
Belgrade: Closer to Bozeman and BZN
Belgrade is the closer option for commuting into Bozeman’s job centers. Typical drives can run about 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic and route. If you fly often, Belgrade also offers the fastest access to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.
Three Forks: Longer I‑90 drives
Three Forks sits west along I‑90, so plan for roughly 30 to 40 plus minutes into Bozeman in normal conditions. The tradeoff is a more rural setting and quick access to western county amenities. If your commute is flexible or remote, the extra drive may be manageable.
Winter and transit tips
Both towns rely on I‑90 for regional travel, and winter weather can affect reliability. Before you commute or tour homes in snow season, check Montana Department of Transportation travel information. Fixed‑route public transit is limited compared with urban areas, so most residents drive.
Outdoor access and weekend life
Three Forks: Rivers and open landscapes
Three Forks sits at the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers, near the headwaters of the Missouri. If you enjoy fishing, floating, or simply being near the water, you’ll appreciate the easy river access and agricultural landscape. For seasons, access points, and regulations, review Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
Belgrade: Trails, Bridgers, and quick day trips
Belgrade puts you closer to Bozeman’s established trail systems, the Gallatin River corridor, and the Bridger Range. You can reach popular hikes, mountain biking, and ski options like day trips to Bridger Bowl more quickly via Bozeman. Both towns are reasonable bases for Yellowstone region adventures, but exact drive times differ.
Daily needs and services
Groceries, retail, and dining
Belgrade has a larger commercial base with more grocery and retail choices along with a broader restaurant selection. Three Forks provides core essentials and local businesses, with many residents heading into Belgrade or Bozeman for specialty shopping and bigger box stores.
Healthcare
Regional hospital care and most specialists are in Bozeman under the Bozeman Health system. Both Belgrade and Three Forks use Bozeman for hospital services and higher‑acuity needs. Check clinic locations for urgent or primary care options in each town as hours and services can change.
Schools
Both communities have local K‑12 schools. Because boundaries and capacity change, review current district information and statewide data via the Montana Office of Public Instruction. Use neutral, objective criteria like programs available, transportation options, and your daily commute when evaluating fit.
Broadband and utilities
Belgrade generally has stronger in‑town broadband coverage, with multiple providers and technology options. Rural areas around Three Forks can be more variable, sometimes relying on fixed wireless or satellite. Confirm availability by address on the FCC Broadband Map and with local ISPs before you write an offer.
Taxes, zoning, and growth basics
Both areas fall under Gallatin County for taxation and county land use. Property tax bills can vary based on municipal mill levies and special districts. Zoning rules differ between city limits and county parcels, especially if you plan accessory buildings, short‑term rentals, or agricultural use. For current rules, start with Gallatin County Assessor and Planning and Building pages, and check city planning pages for Belgrade and Three Forks if you are looking in‑town.
Self‑assessment: Which town fits you?
Use this quick worksheet to align your priorities. Circle or fill in your choices, then compare how each town matches your top five.
Personal priorities
- Commute tolerance: preferred maximum one‑way drive time (minutes): ______
- Proximity to airport (BZN): High / Medium / Low
- Lot size preference: < 0.25 acre / 0.25–1 acre / 1–5 acres / 5+ acres
- Housing type: New construction / Existing single‑family / Townhouse‑condo / Acreage / Farm
- Need local retail-grocery within 10 minutes: Yes / No
- School importance (1–5): ____
- Remote work requirement (upload-download speed in Mbps): ______
- Desire for immediate river-trail access: Yes / No
- Interest in agricultural-hobby farm use: Yes / No
- Tolerance for maintenance (snow, septic, wells): High / Medium / Low
- Timeline to move (0–3 / 3–6 / 6–12 / 12+ months)
- Budget range for home purchase: $ ______ to $ ______
Lifestyle fit scoring
- Pick your top five priorities and rate importance for each (1–5).
- Score Belgrade and Three Forks on each priority (1–5) based on what you learned above.
- Add the totals. The higher score points to a stronger lifestyle match.
Saved searches to speed your hunt
Tell us what you want and we’ll set up MLS‑synced alerts tailored to your criteria. Examples:
- Belgrade — New construction and townhomes
- City: Belgrade; Property type: Single Family plus Condo-Townhome; Year built: 2015 or newer; Max days on market: 90.
- Belgrade — Commuter family homes
- City: Belgrade; Beds: 3 plus; Lot: up to 1 acre; Price range per budget; School district filter if available.
- Three Forks — Acreage and hobby farms
- City: Three Forks or within nearby Gallatin County; Lot size: 1 plus acres; Property type: Single Family plus Farm-Ranchette.
- Three Forks — Starter homes and small‑town living
- City: Three Forks; Entry to mid price; Beds: 2 plus; Lot: up to 1 acre.
Next steps
Choosing between Three Forks and Belgrade comes down to lifestyle tradeoffs. If you want newer homes, higher inventory, and shorter commutes, Belgrade is often the practical pick. If you value acreage, small‑town pace, and river access, Three Forks may feel like home.
Want a data‑backed plan and on‑the‑ground advice for your move? Reach out to Bozeman Realty to set up tailored saved searches, confirm drive times, and preview neighborhoods that match your goals.
Further reading and official resources
- Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
- Montana Department of Transportation travel information
- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
- Bozeman Health
- Montana Office of Public Instruction
- FCC Broadband Map
- Gallatin County
FAQs
Which town is closer to the airport in Gallatin County?
- Belgrade is closer and typically offers the fastest access to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, which can be a key factor for frequent flyers.
Where will I find more acreage or hobby farm potential?
- Three Forks commonly offers larger lots and more rural parcels, which many buyers choose for acreage and hobby farm uses.
Which area has a shorter commute to Bozeman jobs?
- Belgrade generally provides shorter drive times into Bozeman, while Three Forks is a longer I‑90 commute.
How do shopping and dining options compare between the towns?
- Belgrade has a broader mix of grocery, retail, and restaurants in town. Three Forks covers essentials, with many residents driving to Bozeman for specialty shopping.
How reliable is broadband for remote work on rural properties?
- In‑town Belgrade typically has stronger coverage and technology options. Around Three Forks, coverage varies by address, so verify on the FCC Broadband Map and with local ISPs.
Do schools differ in quality between Belgrade and Three Forks?
- Both have local K‑12 schools. Because data and boundaries change, check current information through the Montana Office of Public Instruction and the respective district websites for the latest details.
