9 Cost-Effective Towns In The Ozarks For Retirees
Researching the best place to retire in the Ozarks can feel overwhelming, especially when the region is so vast. The 50,000-square-mile mountain covers parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Illinois, boasting some of the greatest landscapes and communities in the United States. If you are looking for a cost-effective place to retire, these nine affordable Ozark towns will help narrow your search. Unlike more expensive states like California and New York, these Ozark states offer a lower cost of living and more affordable housing options, making it easier to save or spend more on leisure.
Even then, affordable leisure is one of the greatest perks in the Ozarks since much of its outdoor recreation is free. Paired with fabulous entertainment districts, waterfront marinas, world-class wineries, and charming downtowns, retiring in the Ozarks is like a permanent alpine vacation minus the resort town price.
Batesville, Arkansas
In the Arkansas town of Batesville, affordability is one of the community’s best features. With a cost of living 29% lower than the national average and 8% lower than other Arkansas communities, this is one of the best Ozark towns for retirees on a budget. According to 2023 FBI statistics, crime rates here are also 3.7% lower than the US average, so safety does not have to come at a price.
With savings this great, retirees can put more toward Batesville’s leisure and attractions. Whether hunting for treasures at The Southern Belle Flea Market or seeing a film downtown at the historic Melba Theater, Batesville is the perfect place to slow down. But staying active is equally easy at the renowned Batesville Community Center & Aquatics Park. There are also plenty of places to get fresh air along the beautiful White River, including spaces like Riverside Park and Kennedy Park.
Hermann, Missouri
Over in Missouri, Hermann is another river town ideal for retirees looking to embrace a more relaxed lifestyle. The sense of calm begins with the affordability of this Ozarks town, granting locals an 18% lower cost of living and 46% less expensive cost of housing than the US average. As the “heart and soul of Missouri Wine Country,” the bliss extends to Hermann’s wineries and vineyards, like the Stone Hill Winery and Hermannhof Winery.
With the Missouri River flowing past the north end of town, peaceful strolls are another daily delight in Hermann at spaces like Riverfront Park. Whether staying active on the Riverfront Walking Trail, picnicking along the river’s shores, or launching a boat or kayak from the boat ramp, this easygoing park embodies Herman’s love of simple pleasures.
To top it all off, this close-knit Missouri town has a love of festivals and celebrations. The end-of-year holiday season promises events like Christmastime in Hermann, while spring calls for celebrations like Maifest. Throughout the remaining seasons, festivities are just as lively, with highlights like the Missouri Bourbon Festival, Hermann Antique Show, Oktoberfest, and Hermann Harvest Festival.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Back in Arkansas, seniors can have an easy time buying a home in Eureka Springs as well. Housing prices are 23% cheaper than the national average here, and retirees can also save 24% on the overall cost of living compared to other US communities. With medical centers like the Eureka Springs Hospital right in town, residents prioritizing their health can also save on transportation costs.
Beyond its practical perks, Eureka Springs is a hub of activity. The town is an excellent choice for retirees looking to stay busy while retaining that small-town feel. In the heart of town, Eureka Springs’ Historical Downtown is a spirited center, melding Victorian-era charms and modern attractions. From chic American restaurants like The Spring on Main to treasured local attractions like the Historical Eureka Springs Museum, there is always something to see or do. The Victorian buildings are the cherry on top, along with Basin Spring Park, a quaint little spot highlighting one of the town’s natural springs. For a change of scenery, Eureka Springs is also a gateway to Beaver Lake, a serene manmade reservoir surrounded by limestone bluffs.
Branson, Missouri
Known primarily as a family vacation destination, Branson is another town ideal for seniors looking to fill their schedules with leisure. As the "Live Entertainment Capital of the World,” retirees with a love of musicals, plays, and cabaret can access the town’s dozens of theaters and venues. Highlights include the Americana Theatre, the Hughes Brothers Theatre, and the Clay Cooper Theatre to name a few. There are also dozens of other attractions, from Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Theater to the Silver Dollar City amusement park.
Unlike other entertainment capitals, this Missouri town remains affordable, costing 20% lower than the US average and 6.5% lower than the rest of Missouri. While housing costs a bit more than the state average, retirees can still expect to pay 26% less than the national home price. For locals on a budget, Branson also has plenty of free and cost-effective activities and attractions beyond its entertainment. Spots like the Branson Centennial Museum are free for all ages, along with stunning outdoor areas like the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area.
Mountain View, Missouri
Around 2 hours from the Live Entertainment Capital of the World, Mountain View is a Missouri town promising even higher savings for seniors. Differing from Branson, the homes here are more affordable than the state average by 26%. Paired with a 13% lower cost of living compared to the rest of Missouri, this Ozarks community is an excellent choice for retirees on a fixed income or those looking to build their savings.
With under 3,000 residents, Mountain View also offers a more slow-paced atmosphere than Branson. For retirees looking for simple pleasures and a close-knit community, this Ozarks town offers the perfect blend of both. Whether teeing off at the Mountain View Golf Course or visiting the Viandel Vineyard for its divine wine and wood-fired pizza, Mountain View is all about enjoying your golden years with little luxuries.
For nature lovers, the town’s surroundings add to this allure. Mountain View is close to several popular hiking areas, including the Rocky Creek Conservation Area, Barn Hollow Natural Area, and the Mark Twain National Forest.
Van Buren, Missouri
40 minutes east of Mountain View, Van Buren is even more renowned for its natural beauty. Drawn to its postcard landscapes, the town was established as the county seat in 1833, named after that year’s vice president, Martin Van Buren. Like its neighbor, the community’s proximity to the Mark Twain National Forest makes it a popular hiking area. But its setting along the breathtaking Current River is what sets this Ozarks town apart.
River views can be enjoyed at spots like Van Buren Riverfront Park, whose picnic areas, walking trails, and kayak launches call for relaxation. Van Buren is also home to one of the Current River’s prettiest tributaries and the largest natural spring in Missouri. Averaging a daily flow of 286 million gallons of water, “Big Spring” is a true marvel, its dissolved rocks creating a turquoise glow.
With a setting this spectacular, one might expect Van Buren to be more expensive. But the cost of living here is well below the US average and 9% lower than the rest of Missouri. The crime rate in Van Buren is also 55% lower than the national average, making this Ozarks town one of the safest and most affordable.
Heber Springs, Arkansas
Similar to Eureka Springs, Heber Springs is centered around its natural waters. The community was originally founded in the 1830s as a health resort town when people believed the area’s springs had healing properties. Today, the springs can be enjoyed for their history and beauty at places like Spring Park. This charming town is also a gateway to the Little Red River and beautiful Greers Ferry Lake, an award-winning reservoir noted for its environmental cleanliness.
The lake is even more well known for its surrounding attractions, like the Heber Springs Marina, Sandy Beach, Asphalt Beach, and Dam Site Recreation Area. With this reputation for recreation, it is unsurprising that living here is slightly higher than the Arkansas average. But with a cost of living 21% lower than the US average, there are still plenty of savings to be made.
Grove, Oklahoma
In the foothills of the Oklahoma Ozarks, Grove's lakefront makes it an ideal town for retirees who love getting outdoors. The Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, or “Grand Lake” for short, is revered as one of the best fishing lakes in Oklahoma. Along with hosting countless Bassmaster Classic competitions, Grove is known for owning Wolf Creek Park, considered to be the “ #1 fishing facility and tournament launch site in the country.”
If angling is not your cup of tea, the lake’s 1,300-mile shoreline and breathtaking waters can be enjoyed all the same. Whether appreciating views from land or boating its waters with rental services like Water Trix, the best spot for both is Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park.
Similar to Heber Springs, Grove’s cost of living is a bit higher than the state average. However, with a 16.5% lower cost of living and 32% lower cost of housing compared to the national average, this Oklahoma town is still very affordable for retirees. With the INTEGRIS Health Grove Hospital right in town, the convenience of local healthcare is also a noteworthy perk.
Kimberling City, Missouri
For a lake town with the cost of living below its state's average, consider a move to Kimberling City. Here, retirees can save around 1% compared to the rest of Missouri. This may not sound like much, but housing is also 8.5% less expensive than the national average. With overall crime rates also well below average, many seniors are also happy to live in Kimberling for its sense of security.
With a median age of 59.4 in 2022, it is clear retirees thrive in this Ozarks town. Its setting along Table Rock Lake makes it a popular community for boating enthusiasts, whether owning your own or renting from the What's Up Dock at Port Of Kimberling Marina. Kimberling City is also a gateway to nearby attractions like Talking Rocks Cavern and Branson’s Entertainment District, making it the perfect in-between for those who like having access to attractions but also want to avoid the crowds at home.
Why Retire In These Ozark Towns?
If you are on a fixed income or simply looking to ease your financial worries in retirement, these nine affordable towns in the Ozarks can help alleviate that stress. Whether enjoying Hermann’s riverfront, Mountain View’s nature trails, or Heber Springs’ beaches, your golden years can be full of leisure without depleting your savings. Coupled with the region’s iconic mountain surroundings, friendly locals, and spirited small town atmospheres, tranquility truly goes hand-in-hand with these alpine towns.
