Not surprisingly, we love our city, and we don’t see how anyone couldn’t. However, we understand also that while Branson may be your favorite place to visit, maybe you’re looking for a more rural setting. If that’s the case, there are a few nearby towns that offer the convenience of living nearby Branson without the city buzz.
Do you imagine living in a small town of small families and wonderful homes? Then Reeds Spring is the place to check out. Reeds Spring is a small town—about 1,200 people. The majority of its residents are married people in their late 20s to late 30s, and the median home price is $151,000. As a place to live, it sounds lovely! As a place to work, it’s also pretty good—unemployment is moderate, but jobs have been growing in Reeds Spring, and a 23-minute average commute time is quite comfortable. Reeds Spring is an up and coming town, but apart from zip lining, golfing, and an “interactive zoo,” there isn’t much to do in Reeds Spring proper. However, if you’re looking for a dream home in a small town and you’ve recently started a family, you’ll fit right in here! Keep in mind though, its population is growing fast—get the best real estate while it’s available!
Continuing with the idea of dream homes, any place with a median home price of $193,000 is going to have plenty of them! Saddlebrook isn’t for everyone though. Its population was barely 200 in 2010, and is estimated at about 250 now. If you want a tiny town, this is the place! If you prefer big cities, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Its demographics are similar to Reeds Spring, with slightly lower unemployment and slightly higher commute. It’s also closer to the mountains, making it ideal for those who love day trips.
For those who want a bigger town, Springfield is the place to check out—it’s essentially straight north from Branson, keeping the city in easy driving range. With a population of 160,000, it’s more diverse than the outlying towns, meaning people of all ages and marital status are likely to find someone similar. The larger population also means plenty more to do—if you love to go out, Springfield offers Hammons Field, a zoo, a castle, an aquarium, an ice park, and more! The median property values might be lower in this city than in others on this list, but that doesn’t change that the city still has fantastic homes for those who can afford them.
Not far across the Missouri-Arkansas border from Branson is Berryville, a town of 5,000 people that is steadily growing in recent years. The town has a rich history—it even rebuilt after the Civil War—probably because its lovely location in the Ozark mountains has enticed people for centuries. The town offers golf, hunting, fishing, and hiking thanks to its proximity to Bull Shoals and Taneycomo Lakes. It’s a lovely place to settle down at the moment—its cost of living, unemployment rate, and average commute time are all lower than the national average.
Another small town—about 2,700—this spot is ideal for retirees and those who are retiring soon. It’s a small town full of elderly couples. Its proximity to the same water features as Branson make it just as great for those who love aquatic daytrips and weekends hiking, canoeing, and fishing. Home prices average around $150,000, meaning you’re sure to find a lovely place to spend your twilight years.
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