6 Budget-Friendly Towns in The Ozarks for Retirees
Millions flock to the Ozarks to explore its captivating mountains and pristine landscape. Unbeknownst to most, these ancient mountains formed billions of years ago and are among the oldest mountains in North America. In recent years though, the Ozarks has gained popularity as a retirement hub for its affordability compared to expensive coastal states, in addition to serene natural surroundings, historic landmark, and vibrant communities. This article will reveal six budget-friendly towns in the Ozarks for retirees.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Boasting some of the largest collections of Victorian architecture in the United States, Eureka Springs is a standout for its affordable homes, excellent medical facilities, and happy residents, which helped Eureka Springs land a spot among The Travel's Ten Happiest Small Towns in America this year. According to Zillow, the average home is valued at $307K, whereas average rent costs $813, a significant discount from the average state rent of $1.4K. Explore the town's downtown, home to a variety of unique boutique shops that sll handmade crafts, antiques, gifts, and local arts. And speaking of the arts. the month of May features numerous art exhibitions, live demonstrations, and outdoor concerts. Finally, take advantage of Lake Leatherwood City Park, a 13-minute drive away. The park is home an idyllic lake in the middle of a dense forest, providing miles of hiking routes to explore.
Branson, Missouri
Branson is like your favorite Philly cheesesteak sandwich, with every possible topic you can think of. This town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, entertainment, and a friendly atmosphere to forge new connections. With Dogwood Canyon Nature Park just a short 35-minute drive away, you'll have all the opportunity to savor the outdoors, with over 10,000 acres to roam. This park features endless hiking routes, cascading waterfalls, ancient burial caves, and premier lodges for those seeking to stay the night. On the other hand, Branson is home to Silver Dollar City, a fun amusement park nestled amidst lush trees and features adrenaline-inducing rides, traditional crafts, and a waterpark. For all your grocery needs, visit the Branson Farmers Market to obtain the freshest produce in the area, open Saturdays from 9:00 pm - 1:00 pm and Tuesdays 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm. According to Realtor's latest figures, median listings cost $269K, while rent averages $1.2K per Zillow.
Mountain Home, Arkansas
Mountain Home is an outdoor lovers paradise, as it sits in the middle of Norfork Lake and Bull Shoals Lake. Additionally, it's home to three museums, a stunning golf course, and a vibrant downtown. Gather your friends and loved ones to explore the lakes for an unforgettable adventure, where you can swim, water-ski, then relax around the campfire under the stars. The lakes are renowned for their diverse fish species, comprising of bass, crappie, and other species to catch—not only will it lower your grocery bill, it will also create memorable outdoor experiences. To learn about the local area's history, stop by the Baxter County Historical and Genealogical Society, where you can observe a wide array of artifacts and galleries, in addition to historic documents and photographs. Settling down in Mountain Home costs $277K for homebuyers per Realtor, while renters are looking at paying $1.2K based on Zillow's data, a 14% discount from the state's average rent.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Some pay hefty fees to brick-and-mortar spas to unwind, with mixed results. Not in Hot Springs. Here, you can trek the Hot Springs National Park and attend top-notch bathhouses, including the Buckstaff Bathhouse and Quapaw Bathhouse. Moreover, the park offers free spring water, 26 miles of paved hiking paths in the wooded landscape, and 40 campsites. Alternatively, attend the Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf course for a more relaxing activity and enjoy its 18-hole courses by the scenic waterfalls. In addition, residents of this town enjoy a wide range of dining options and year-round events, such as the Hot Springs Fishing Challenge and the Hot Springs Gun & Knife Show. For all your healthcare needs, the CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs hospital is minutes away, serving residents since 1888. Despite all these amenities, average homes cost $339K as reported by Realtor, while rent sits at a modest $1.4K per Zillow
Camdenton, Missouri
Camdenton is the closest town to the Lake of the Ozarks, and is just a nine-minute drive from Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Discover the region's beauty and stay at Bass Point Resort, a stunning lakeside resort with a swimming pool, boat dock, free wifi, and more. Not too far away lies the Bridal Cave & Thunder Mountain Park, one of the biggest tourist attractions in the area thanks to awe-inspiring formations that formed over millions of years. Finally, explore the 5,000-acre Ha Ha Tonka State Park, offering 14 hiking trails, castle ruins, and a visitor center to rent a kayak. Also worth mentioning, the park also is popular among campers at designated sites. Aside from being a gateway to stunning parks and lakes, Camdenton boasts several parks throughout the city and cozy cafes, including the prominent Funky Buffalo Coffee House & Trading Co. Additionally, Camdenton sits a short 13-minute drive away from the nearest hospital, and offers five medical centers to proactively manage your health. To live here, median listings average around $302K according to Zillow, whereas renters can expect to pay $900, a remarkable 30% discount from what renters pay across the state.
Bella Vista, Arkansas
Bella Vista was once mainly a tourist town but today, it has blossomed into a retirement hub as well, with 32% of the town's residents being seniors. This town's name translates to "beautiful view" in Spanish and when you arrive, you'll understand why residents agreed to this name; visit the magical Tanyard Creek Nature Trail to discover a myriad number of aesthetic streams, ponds, waterfalls, and bridges. And just a short 10-minute drive away lies the Metfield Golf Complex, where you can take a swing among the rolling hills by picturesque forests. Finally, stop by the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, where you can roam through 120 acres of indoor and outdoor space to see a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits. This gorgeous town is surprisingly affordable, with median homes costing $332K per Zillow's figures, while typical rent stands at $1.8K .
To summarize, the Ozarks not only offer stunning natural areas and historic landmarks, but also affordable housing, access to healthcare, and welcoming communities to make your retirement years a blissful experience. The region boasts a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and exploring unique attractions that cater to retirees, and with numerous festivals and events happening year-round, there is always something exciting to partake in, making the Ozards an ideal destination.
