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You wake up close to a shimmering lake, stroll to a downtown restaurant, probably in flip-flops, to catch up with a friend, and enjoy a slow brunch — and in the afternoon, you are enjoying a round of golf, wandering through quiet forest trails, or paddling a clear lake. You are no longer contending with early-morning traffic, a toxic workplace, and a regimented life. If you love nature, lakes, hills, and the purple coneflower, consider retiring in the Ozarks. Life is slow and quiet but filled with joy and happiness. Looking for a warm, cozy spot? Discover below the eight towns in the serene Ozarks region that are ideal for seniors.

Searcy, Arkansas

Searcy is among the best places to live in the Ozarks. It is home to about 30,000 residents, meaning it's buzzy and vibrant and conveniently less than an hour from Little Rock. Expect a town that is mostly quiet and family-friendly — and has plenty of places to shop and eat. To a large extent, life here revolves around Harding University, a Christian liberal arts institution that dabbles up as the largest private university in Arkansas. Harding has senior-focused programs, such as Abundant Living, that offer a variety of opportunities for empty nesters to mingle and grow. One can pass the time at the historic Rialto Theatre — or take a furry friend to Spring Park to play, and get some sunshine. Moreover, there is Unity Health's White County Medical Center if you are worried about healthcare access. On the social side, 23% of residents here are aged 60 and above, meaning you will scarcely feel out of place. Plus, don't think you have to save for 40 years to own a home. The median listing home price in Searcy, AR was just $240,000 in September 2024.

Mountain Home, Arkansas

Home is where the heart is — and in Mountain Home — where the surrounding views are pristine and the air fresh, is a venue any empty nester will want to call home. You can float down the North Fork River in the morning and, in the afternoon, shift gears to the Buffalo River. In the meantime, Norfork Lake and Bull Shoals Lake will be waiting for their turns, which proves an empty nester here can easily be spoilt for choice. Make no mistake. Glass and glitter may sway mesmerized eyes, but nothing compares to waking up to a shimmering view, especially if the water is clear as crystal. Baxter Health is right in town and ranked among America's 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery. Empty nesters aged 60 and above comprise 18% of the population. In short, you will easily find peers in the same age bracket. The median listing home price in Mountain Home was just $263,000 in September 2024. So no need to worry about California-level price points.

Van Buren, Arkansas

A cozy movie theater here; a skating rink there. Overall, it is a slow-paced town with a kind and caring community. Van Buren has an active downtown speckled with tasty restaurants, many of which can serve as fantastic spots for midweek brunch. And with Fort Smith just 15 minutes down the road, what else can one ask for? Of course, there is the Arkansas River, the site of several recreational activities; Malco Van Buren Cinema, for movies and popcorn; and Braum's Ice Cream & Dairy Store, a cut above the bigger chains. There is Baptist Health Van Buren as well, a trusted brand whose history goes back to 1887. The most exciting part is that 35% of Van Buren residents are empty nesters aged 60 and above, and you don't get that often. In September 2024, the median listing home price in Van Buren was $269,000.

Branson, Missouri

Branson breaks the pattern of Arkansas towns on this list — and deservedly so. It is one of the best places to live in Missouri, features beautiful natural surroundings, and is known as the Live Entertainment Capital of the º£½ÇÉçÇø, meaning there is never a dull moment here, even if the sky is gray. If you can wrap your head around it, we are talking about more than 40 theaters. Plus, there is the iconic Silver Dollar City, the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, and Tanger Outlets for all kinds of shopping. Established in 1950, Cox Medical Center Branson is the region's premier medical facility. You don't have to pour your lifetime savings on a home, either. The median listing home price in Branson was $265,000 in September 2024. With empty nesters aged 60 and above comprising 32% of the town's population, the social landscape here hits the right spot.

Clarksville, Arkansas

Clarksville is not known for a pulsating entertainment scene, but it is still endearing and close-knit, an aspect that makes it perfect for retirement. Those looking for a slow-paced environment where steps are light and relaxed, with beautiful natural scenery in the backdrop, will particularly enjoy retiring in Clarksville. One can float down the Arkansas River, swim in Lake Dardanelle, pick items at a local Walmart, enroll for a course at the University of the Ozarks, or take grandkids to the Clarksville Aquatic Center. How much does it cost to own a home here? Don't shout about it. The median listing home price in Clarksville, Arkansas, was $199,200 in September 2024. This comes with access to the Johnson Regional Medical Center, which has been providing medical services in the area since 1922. One more thing: Clarksville residents aged 60 and above comprise 22% of the population.

Bella Vista, Arkansas

Bella Vista, Arkansas — is a small, welcoming town near Bentonville within the Springfield Plateau of the Ozarks Mountains. It is known for its trees and beautiful hiking trails. An empty nester here will always be looking forward to the Bella Vista Arts & Crafts Festival, which takes place in October every year. We are talking about one of the premier arts and crafts shows in Northwest Arkansas. With Rogers a short drive away, a retiree here will have easy access to several big-city amenities. Outdoor venues include Tanyard Creek Nature Trail, Lake Norwood, Lake Avalon, and Lake Windsor. In September 2024, the median listing home price in Bella Vista, AR was $385,000. However, the icing is that Bella Vista residents aged 60 and above comprise 40% of the town's population, meaning almost every second person you meet is a fellow empty nester.

Bolivar, Missouri

Retiring in Bolivar means you will be half an hour from Springfield and, hence, a heartbeat away from the state's second-largest university, the headquarters for Bass Pro Shops (for one’s outdoor gear), and Wonder of Wildlife, arguably the largest immersive wildlife attraction on Earth. In Bolivar itself, you will have access to Southwest Baptist University, which offers more than 100 degrees, Dunnegan Memorial Park, with its lovely walking trails — and a few farms where you can go pick pumpkins and apples. Of course, there is Woods Supermarket for one's grocery needs, Citizens Memorial Hospital Emergency Medical Services, just in case one is under the weather and one of the best Dairy Queens for miles. Will you meet folks in the same age bracket? Bolivar residents aged 60 and above comprise 23% of the population, meaning almost 1 in 4 residents are fellow empty nesters. In August 2024, the median listing home price in Bolivar was $279,000.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Springs is a small, artsy town, often ranked among the most beautiful in the United States. It is a tourist destination, which means you will be living in a melting pot of culture and regularly meeting people from across the globe. The mountainous landscape here is awesome, with views no one can exchange for the º£½ÇÉçÇø. There is Beaver Dam Site Park to fish, hike, and camp; Lake Leatherwood, where one will occasionally enjoy reeling in a yummy catch; and a downtown area that looks plucked from a fairytale. Rogers, one of the largest towns in Arkansas, is just about 36 miles down the road. Eureka Springs Hospital is at the doorstep, so there is no need to hit the road for medical attention. But if you have to, Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas is a heartbeat away in Rogers and is a 2023 recipient of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Prostate Surgery Award. Eureka Springs is evolving into a retirement community, especially considering residents aged 60 and above comprise 37% of its population. But it comes at a cost. In September 2024, the median listing home price in Eureka Springs, AR was $555,000.

The Takeaway

Chances are, you want to retire right next to a shimmering body of water, ensconced in an area of incredible natural beauty. You want to inhale the beauty of rolling hills and verdant valleys, wander through quiet forest trails, float down a river, hit up a trail, catch a show, and occasionally enjoy a delicious evening meal at a downtown restaurant. Fortunately, the Ozarks is home to many comfortable towns such as the ones highlighted here, including Searcy, Arkansas, Branson, Missouri, and Mountain Home, Arkansas. Have your pick.