Living a Boating Lifestyle in Lake Ozark, Missouri

Lake Ozark is a small town  in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri. The Ozarks' spectacular scenery quickly transformed the lake into a major boating and resort area. Boating, swimming, and fishing are very popular. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri. It was created when the Osage River was dammed beginning in the late 1920's. When it was built it became one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.  There are at least 16 golf courses in the area. More than 3 million people visit the lake annually. Other towns in the area include Lakeland, Lakeview, Lakeside, Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, and others.The population is less than 2,000 people.

Where to Retire in Lake Ozark and Home Prices

You can live in one of the many small communities dotted around the lake, or you can live in an active adult communities in the region. There are over 70,000 homes existing along the lake, many of which are vacation homes.
Prices tend to be in the high $100's, but proximity to the lake has a big influence on pricing. Zillow.com reports the median home value was $328,264, in late 2021.

What Is Special about Lake Ozark

Getting to live on or near a huge lake amidst the beauty of the Ozarks. A 1,150 mile long coastline. Two of the midwest's finest golf courses are in the area, including the Lodge at 4 Seasons and Osage National. Ha Ha Tonka State Park and Lake of the Ozarks State Park are 2 great state parks.

What Is Not Special about Lake Ozark

Winters are cold. Summers are crowded on the lake. Party Cove is an annual bacchanal held over the 4th of July, one of the largest and rowdiest parties in the U.S.

Climate and Physical Environment

Lake of the Ozarks is in the center of Missouri, about 30 miles from Jefferson City and south of Columbia. The average July high temperature is 90 and the average January high is 41 (the average low is 20). The wettest month is May (5").

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

The Carousel of the Arts is an annual month-long festival. The Lake Arts Council promotes the efforts of local writers, artists, photographers, and musicians. There are other festivals throughout the year, as well as more than 50 antique shops.

Crime

The crime rate in Lake Ozark is just above the national average.

Medical Facilities

Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach is one of the medical facilities in the region, offering a 140 bed, Tier III level trauma center. Other hospitals are 30 miles away in Jefferson City.

Transportation

Lake of the Ozarks is located a few hours from either the Kansas City, Columbia, or St. Louis airports. It is also midway between I 70 and I 44.

Valuable Links

Missouri retirement guide
Wikipedia page on Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks Tourist site
Lake of the Ozarks Vacation Guide

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