8 Towns Perfect For Retirement In The Ozarks
Choosing the best location for retirement living can be crucial for older adults as they approach their golden years. The Ozarks in the heart of America offers numerous options for retirees looking for peaceful living, tight-knit communities, and affordable housing. This region stretches across southern Missouri and northern Arkansas, overlapping small parts of eastern Oklahoma and southeast Kansas. The region is known for its lush forests, mountainous landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique tourist attractions designed to keep visitors engaged and entertained. The following eight communities are excellent choices for seniors who want to enjoy a peaceful retirement as they live out their final years.
Branson, Missouri
If you envision an active retirement with plenty of opportunities to visit music venues and iconic museums and indulge in shopping, Branson might be your perfect destination. During summer, the town can fill with tourists, leading to traffic problems, but there are so many exciting things to do in Branson that you will never run out of options. Your grandkids will have a great time at Silver Dollar City, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, and the iconic Titanic Museum. Top country music performances and award-winning stage productions are a normal part of life here, as many retired entertainers have made Branson their home.
The median home price is a very reasonable $260,000. Food and fuel expenses are significantly less than the state average. The community's hospital is Cox Medical Center, a 165-bed community-owned healthcare facility. Over 24.1% of the town's residents are over 65 years of age, so there are many services for seniors through the city and area churches.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is a captivating destination with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This picturesque town sits in the Ozark Mountains in the north-central part of the state. It boasts Victorian architecture, winding streets, and thermal springs that have attracted visitors for generations. For retirees, When you visit, stroll through the charming downtown filled with elegant art galleries and quirky boutique shops or soak in a rejuvenating spa experience at the Palace Hotel and Bath House. The Crescent Hotel is an old Victorian hotel overlooking the town, and tourists enjoy nightly ghost tours. If you need a place to eat, the award-winning Grotto Wood Fire Grill and Wine Cave is a top-featured dining establishment featuring farm-to-table cuisine.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring Lake Leatherwood City Park, which features 25 miles of trails winding through the town's lush forest. One popular place for a tranquil stroll is Thorncrown Chapel, a renowned architectural chapel built in the woods. In the summer, tourists flock to the region for The Great Passion Play, an outdoor depiction of Christ's last week that has been performed for nearly 60 years.
The median home price is $299,000, higher than the state average but still lower than the national average. Food and fuel costs are reasonable, and Eureka Springs Hospital, a small 22-bed healthcare facility, provides medical care. Arkansas tends to be very tax-friendly to seniors, with social security not being taxed and retirement account withdrawals only partially levied.
Lebanon, Missouri
Lebanon, Missouri, sits along historic Route 66 and is the county seat of Laclede County. The community has a rich history connected to the Mother Road, and the Route 66 Museum is a beautiful look into the town's past glory days when Highway 66 was the primary road from Illinois to California. Retirees can immerse themselves in the natural splendor of Bennett Springs State Park, located just 13 minutes northeast of the town. Nearly 100 million gallons of cold, clear water gush from the natural spring every day and form a spring branch stocked daily with rainbow trout.
The median home value is $234,000, with rent for a two-bedroom apartment averaging nearly $898. The town is on I-44, so Springfield and Branson are within a comfortable drive. Mercy Hospital anchors the healthcare services with its 58-bed acute/general care facility. Basic living expenses are less than the average for comparable towns. With 15.9% of the residents aged 65 and over, there is a strong network of retirees for developing social connections.
When you visit, ensure that you dine at the Elm Street Eatery, a local breakfast spot for over a decade. Dowd's Catfish and BBQ has some of the best mouthwatering catfish and smoke-kissed ribs. If you need a place to stay, the Manor House Inn is a reasonably priced B&B worth booking a reservation for. With its affordable cost of living and a strong sense of community, Lebanon stands out as a welcoming and fulfilling place for retirees to embrace a laid-back lifestyle amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Ozarks.
Mountain Home, Arkansas
This small Arkansas community lies on the serene banks of the White River. It is an ideal retirement destination for those seeking mild weather, breathtaking scenery, and abundant outdoor activities. Retirees can indulge in fishing along the North Fork River, home to one of the state's most popular trout fishing spots. Moreover, there are plenty of trails to explore, including the Indian Rockhouse Trail Loop, a 3.1-mile hike in the Buffalo National Forest. David's Trail is an excellent option if you prefer a trail closer to town. It is a well-maintained path that provides a place for your grandchildren to exercise. For mountain biking enthusiasts, the region boasts six well-maintained trails, each with varying degrees of difficulty.
The median home price is $249,900, and the cost of living is significantly less than the state and national averages. There is excellent access to medical care through the Baxter Health Complex, a 268-bed healthcare facility with over 180 primary care and specialists serving northern Arkansas. With safe streets, strong schools, and a vibrant community identity, Mountain Home attracts more seniors yearly.
If you visit, you will want to dine at Rapps Barren Brewing Company on South Baker Street. This unique local institution brews some of the best craft beer on the planet and always sources the freshest ingredients for its meals. The Flashbacks Retro Shop is the best place to satisfy your inner hippie needs if you like nostalgic curios and vintage items.
Grove, Oklahoma
Grove, located in the northeastern region of Oklahoma, is a beautiful place for retirees to enjoy a serene lakeside experience. Grand Lake O The Cherokees, one of the largest lakes in the Ozarks, provides endless opportunities for water-based activities like fishing, boating, and hiking. The lake boasts of its marinas, parks, and scenic overlooks, making it a perfect spot for those who prefer a slower pace of life during their retirement.
The town's downtown area is home to various shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, providing retirees plenty of opportunities for socializing and exploration. Har-ber Village is a seasonal pioneer village and a museum filled with historical artifacts, buildings, and displays. Lendonwood Gardens is an eight-acre botanical paradise that is a must-visit, and the nearby casinos also offer plenty of gaming diversions. Monkey Island is close by, featuring the luxury Shangrila Resort with a world-class championship 27-hole golf course. When you visit, eat at Goodfella's Pizzeria for a few slices of great pizza, cold beer, and friendly people.
The median home price is $299,000, depending on whether the property is on the lakefront. Integris Health features a state-of-the-art medical facility with 58 private beds for healthcare needs. With almost 24.6% of the residents aged 65 and over, there is a strong retirement community to lean on for support and services.
West Plains, Missouri
West Plains, Missouri, has a rich Civil War heritage due to its proximity to the Arkansas state line. During the war, the community was the site of constant skirmishes between Union and Confederate forces, and the town was burned to the ground on more than one occasion. Eventually, the town emerged from the conflict and grew into the thriving rural community it is today. The downtown area has several friendly antique stores, and if you need a place to eat, try the Ozark Cafe for a severe helping of home cooking.
The average home price is $249,000, and the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $895. Ozarks Healthcare is a 114-bed medical facility designed to handle any medical need, with various specialty clinics providing services. Food and fuel expenses are average, but other cost-of-living factors like utilities are significantly less than the state and national averages.
The nearby Mark Twain National Forest offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. Moreover, the town's proximity to two state parks, Grand Gulf and Mammoth Springs, are pleasant retreats where retirees can immerse themselves in the region's natural splendor. With its modest cost of living, affordable housing, and access to quality medical care, it is unsurprising that over 17.3% of the residents are senior citizens.
Bella Vista, Arkansas
Bella Vista, Arkansas, is located in northeast Arkansas on the Missouri line. If you love golf, this town is about as close to paradise as you can imagine. Twenty-seven courses are within 20 miles of the town (most of them are public), so there's no shortage of tee times. In addition, Bella Vista boasts breathtaking landscapes with lush forests, pristine lakes, walking trails, and abundant wildlife.
For a peaceful stroll and a few moments of reflection, visit the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, a stunning example of architecture with expansive glass panels and rustic features. The town's proximity to Bentonville and Fayetteville helps provide ample cultural and social venues for seniors to engage in. When you visit, eat at Tavola Trattoria in nearby Bentonville for an incredible evening of Italian dishes from Tuscany.
The median home price for Bella Vista is $385,000, which is slightly higher than the national average. Other living costs are average, and a substantial retirement contingent offers services in the community. Medical care is excellent, with Bella Vista Med Center housing 90 beds. Nearly a third of the town's residents are retired, so Bella Vista appears to be gaining traction as a retirement destination.
Heber Springs, Arkansas
Heber Springs, Arkansas, is a small town of 7,165 residents and serves as the county seat of Cleburne County. It sits along the shores of Greers Ferry Lake and offers retirees breathtaking natural beauty and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. Whether it's boating, fishing, hiking, or simply soaking in the serenity of the lakefront, retirees can quickly embrace all this small community has to offer. The state capital of Little Rock is about an hour away, which opens more attractions and venues for senior adults to experience.
The town's charming downtown area features a variety of shops, boutiques, and restaurants, including the quaint Jitterbug Coffeehouse. Be sure to take the grandkids to Ruland Toy Train Museum, which has fascinating displays and exhibits. If you need to stretch your legs, the short hike to the Collins Creek Cascade is a pleasant walk through the woods.
The median home price is $289,000, and the average rent is $700 - $800 per month. Baptist Med Center, a small 25-bed healthcare facility, supplies medical care. With its low cost of living, affordable housing, and rolling hills of the Ozarks, Heber Springs is the perfect setting for a relaxing retirement in the heart of Arkansas.
The Ozark region offers a wealth of perfect retirement destinations for those seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. Whether you're drawn to the historic charm of towns like Eureka Springs or the outdoor adventures awaiting in Mountain Home and West Plains, there's a perfect spot to welcome you home. These eight communities comprise some of the best attractions and lifestyles in the Ozarks for retirees.
