Black Bull vs The Knolls at Hillcrest: Two Bozeman Communities Compared

Black Bull and The Knolls at Hillcrest both come up when buyers ask about established communities in Bozeman, but they are built for very different people. One is a private golf community with custom luxury homes. The other is a 55-and-older community designed for low-maintenance living close to downtown and the hospital. If you're weighing the two, the good news is that the decision is usually clear once you understand what each one actually offers.

Here's a side-by-side from someone who works in both, so you can quickly figure out which one fits, or whether you should be looking at something else entirely.

Black Bull vs The Knolls at Hillcrest at a Glance

Black Bull: A Private Golf Community

Black Bull sits on 485 acres on the west side of Bozeman, just outside the city limits off Love Lane, Durston, and Baxter Lane. It's a private community for homeowners, built around a Tom Weiskopf-designed 19-hole, par-72 golf course.

The lifestyle here centers on the club. Residents have access to a clubhouse and restaurant, a pool, and a fitness center, plus the golf course for those who choose a golf membership. Black Bull offers two membership tiers: a full golf membership, and a social membership for residents who want the clubhouse and amenities without the golf access. That flexibility matters, because not everyone in Black Bull is a golfer.

Housing in Black Bull ranges widely. You'll find custom single-family homes, townhomes, and condos, which means the price range is broad: condos and townhomes can start in the mid-$400,000s, while large custom homes reach around $4 million. The average sits near $1.3 million. For current numbers and available homes, see the Black Bull subdivision page.

Black Bull is a strong fit if you:

• Want a golf or country-club lifestyle
• Are looking in the luxury or near-luxury price range
• Like having a clubhouse, restaurant, pool, and fitness center on site
• Prefer a community with space and views, slightly removed from town
• Don't mind being just outside city limits

The Knolls at Hillcrest: A 55+ Community Near Downtown

The Knolls at Hillcrest is a different product entirely. It's an age-qualified community for active adults 55 and older, part of the Highlands, a 500-acre planned community near downtown Bozeman off Highland Boulevard.

The whole point of The Knolls is low-maintenance living. Homes are single-level and treated like single-family homes, but the HOA handles snow removal and light yard upkeep, so residents can travel, relax, or focus on an active lifestyle without worrying about the property. The community includes a fitness center and concierge service, and it sits adjacent to Bozeman Health and Highland Health Park, with the hospital about half a mile down Highland Boulevard.

Location is one of The Knolls' biggest advantages. The Hospital Trails and Peets Hill are right outside the door, offering some of the best walking and biking around Bozeman with excellent views of town. Downtown Bozeman is about 1 to 1.5 miles away, walkable for some, a short drive for most.

Homes here are more consistent in price than Black Bull, typically running from the high $500,000s to around $695,000 for two-bed, two-bath single-level homes in the 1,500 to 2,100 square foot range. There are a couple of things to know up front: the community has covenants, and rentals are not allowed, including short-term rentals through Airbnb or VRBO. That restriction is part of what keeps it quiet and owner-occupied. For current availability, see the Knolls at Hillcrest page.

The Knolls at Hillcrest is a strong fit if you:

• Are 55 or older and want an age-qualified community
• Want low-maintenance, lock-and-leave living
• Value being close to downtown, trails, and the hospital
• Prefer single-level living
• Plan to live in the home yourself rather than rent it out

The Real Difference: Lifestyle and Life Stage

The price tags overlap a little at the bottom of Black Bull's range, but these communities aren't really competing for the same buyer. The decision usually comes down to life stage and what you want your daily life to look like.

If you're a golfer, you want club amenities, and you're shopping in the luxury range, Black Bull is the obvious choice. If you're 55 or older and you want to simplify, stay close to downtown and healthcare, and let someone else handle the snow, The Knolls at Hillcrest is built precisely for that.

One practical note on maintenance, since it's the biggest day-to-day difference: Black Bull homes are the owner's responsibility to maintain, which suits buyers who want a large custom home and don't mind the upkeep that comes with it. The Knolls takes that burden off your plate, which is the whole appeal for many active-adult buyers.

Other Bozeman Communities Worth Considering

If neither of these is quite right, Bozeman has plenty of other options depending on what you're after. For luxury and acreage, Triple Tree and Eagle Rock Reserve are worth a look. For more retirement-friendly and 55+ options, see our guide to Bozeman retirement communities. And for the full picture, our Bozeman subdivisions hub breaks down more than 80 neighborhoods by price, school district, and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Knolls at Hillcrest a 55+ community?

Yes. The Knolls at Hillcrest is an age-qualified community, meaning you must be 55 or older to own and live there. It's part of the Highlands, a planned community near downtown Bozeman, and is designed for active adults who want low-maintenance living close to amenities and healthcare.

Do you have to be a golf member to live in Black Bull?

No. Black Bull offers two membership types: a golf membership and a social membership. Homeowners can choose the social membership and still enjoy the clubhouse, restaurant, pool, and fitness center without paying for full golf access. The private Tom Weiskopf-designed course is reserved for golf members.

How much do homes cost in Black Bull and The Knolls at Hillcrest?

Black Bull homes span a wide range, from roughly $445,000 for condos and townhomes to around $4 million for large custom homes, with an average near $1.3 million. The Knolls at Hillcrest is more consistent, typically ranging from the high $500,000s to around $695,000 for single-level homes. Prices change with the market, so check current listings for up-to-date figures.

Can you rent out a home in The Knolls at Hillcrest?

No. The Knolls at Hillcrest has covenants that prohibit renting the property, including short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. It's an owner-occupied community by design, which is part of what keeps it quiet and stable.

Which Bozeman community is better for low-maintenance living?

The Knolls at Hillcrest is built specifically for low-maintenance living, with the HOA handling snow removal and light yard upkeep so residents can lock and leave. Black Bull homes are generally the homeowner's responsibility to maintain, though the community offers extensive amenities. If hands-off ownership is the priority, The Knolls is the stronger fit.

Still deciding? Let's talk it through.

These are two of the more distinct communities in Bozeman, and the right answer usually becomes obvious once we talk through your budget, your stage of life, and how you want to spend your time. If you'd like a tour of either one or want to compare them against other Bozeman neighborhoods, reach out. Call Tamara Williams at 406.223.6823.

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