$189,006Average Value$134Average Price per Sq Ft28Homes For Sale
Ava offers quiet surroundings, horse trails and a walkable downtown
Surrounded by miles of Ozarks farmland, Ava, Missouri, is a small city with quiet surroundings, lower taxes and a destination for horse lovers. This city of just under 5,000 people is over 50 miles southeast of Springfield, and even farther away from several larger metro areas. “I hate to say it, but a lot of it is low taxes,” says Tammy Barrett, a Realtor with Keller Williams, about some of Ava’s appeal. “Our schools are good, and there’s a Walmart there. They also have a lot of horse trails.” The area hosts the country’s largest annual showcase of the Missouri Fox Trotter, a horse breed native to the state. Ava meets its community’s needs with a walkable downtown square, a seasonal farmers market, a diverse mix of local restaurants and shops as well as national chains.
The Ava Bears water tower overlooks schools and town life.
Eliz Arts Studio & Gallery adds local flair to Ava’s square.
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Homebuyers can choose to live outside of town for more seclusion
Many city lots are no larger than 1 acre and include gravel driveways. However, the surrounding farmland offers more room, with some lots spanning over 10 acres. The rural area also offers seclusion, as woods surround some homes. “Most people want to be out of town if they can,” Barrett says. “If you’re out in the rural area, most of the time, there are no covenants and restrictions. You can have farm animals. You can have 25 dogs if you want.” Houses include Craftsman bungalows, ranch-style homes and a few upscale farmhouses. Most homes in the city run between $120,000 and $300,000, while some outside Ava go from about $330,000 to $430,000. Ava’s median sale price for single-family homes is $235,000, less than half of Springfield’s.
A Tudor Revival home pairs steep gables with native stone in Ava.
A tidy ranch‑style home reflects Ava’s relaxed, small‑city living.
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Downtown square offers diverse dining options
Various restaurants, boutiques and other businesses are in the vintage buildings around the downtown square. Cafes in this area include True Brew, a coffee shop and cafe that serves flatbread sandwiches, small pizzas and burgers. Casa Delicioso is among the city's few Mexican restaurants. Its options include street-style tacos, tamales and pastries like conchas. Haro Brothers Restaurant is a laid-back spot serving various comfort foods and classic breakfasts. “They do all home-cooked meals, and it’s amazing,” Barrett says. Grocery shopping options include Walmart and Town & Country Supermarket. Every Saturday from April to October, many here go to the Ava Farmers Market for locally-grown produce, crafts and baked goods.
Casa Delicioso brings Mexican plates and bright color to Ava.
Town & Country Supermarket serves everyday needs in Ava.
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Recreation ranges from pools and tennis to horseback riding
Ava City Park is one of the city’s recreation destinations. The 20-acre park’s amenities range from playgrounds and walking trails to tennis courts and a pool facility. The park also has skating ramps and a disc golf course. Local golfers may play at the private Ava Country Club, which has a nine-hole course and pool. For more recreation, some may make the trip to a section of the Mark Twain National Forest about 30 miles south. Popular spots there include the Glade Top Trail, a 23-mile path that leads users to overlooking views of the region’s sprawling hills and woods. The trail draws many hikers, but horseback riders also visit the area.
Ava City Park features a colorful playground for families.
Disc golfers warm up at Ava City Park’s course.
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Open country near Ava blends pastures with woodlots.
Ava hosts the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Show
Ava's most well-known event is the annual Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Show and Celebration at the grounds and tracks just north of the city. The show spans the entire week after Labor Day, with over 1,000 horses competing in over 100 classes. The event also organizes activities like trail rides for spectators. “I’ve been to one of the shows, and they [horses] come from every place on earth. It’s a big deal for horse people,” Barrett says. “The town really tries to accommodate and be all about the Fox Trotters when they come.”
Students may attend Ava schools and take a bike ride around the area
Ava R-I School District serves the city and receives a B-minus from Niche. Ava elementary and high schools get B grades, while Ava Middle School receives a B-minus. The district takes kids into the community, like an elementary-aged bike class that goes on supervised rides to various locations. The trips often involve the students getting frozen desserts and meeting with school district staff.
Ava Elementary School has an average enrollment of around 560 students.
Ava High School students attend grades 9th through 12th.
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Missouri Route 14 is a commuter route
Many here have direct access to Missouri Route 14, which goes to several different communities around Ava. Commuters may get on the highway to Springfield, which is more than a 1-hour drive from Ava. Despite the distance, Springfield provides some important institutions for Ava residents. They include Springfield-Branson National Airport and Mercy Hospital Springfield, which is one of the nearest hospitals to Ava.
Written By
Yann Ranaivo
Photography Contributed By
Anne Sheridan
Video By
Anne Sheridan
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andrew Batdorf,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Ava, MO sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Ava, MO over the last 12 months is $180,000.
Discover the beauty and serenity of this Goldilocks property, just minutes from the busy little town of Ava, Missouri. The 6.42-acre wooded park boasts views that stretch as far as the eye can see. Two natural pads make it easy to imagine where your dream home could be. A seasonal creek and natural springs create a haven for wildlife, making it an incredible oasis for nature watching or hunting.
Looking for room to grow? This home has it! Offering over 2,400 sq. ft. all on one level and set in a great neighborhood on a .72 acre lot, there's space for everyone. Inside, you'll find a very large living room, a warm dining area, and a well-equipped kitchen with tons of cabinet storage and an island that keeps everyone connected. The home features 3 bedrooms including 2 on-suites, and a large
Experience stunning views of Fox Meadow Lake, a tranquil private lake nestled in the charming Fox Meadows community of Douglas County, MO. This immaculate residence boasts five spacious bedrooms and four beautifully appointed bathrooms, along with two versatile bonus rooms that can serve as additional living spaces or non-conforming bedrooms.The heart of the home is a gourmet kitchen
Welcome to your Ozarks retreat on 99 +/- acres in Douglas County, Missouri. Tucked at the end of a long private drive and gated entrance, this property combines seclusion, utility, and recreational opportunity in one remarkable package.The land offers a mix of mature hardwood timber, persimmon trees, and ideal food plot locations, creating outstanding habitat for deer, turkey, and other
Nestled in the heart of Douglas County, this expansive 332-acre ranch is a rare gem, offering a unique blend of agricultural potential and natural beauty. Located near Ava, Missouri, the ranch boasts pristine Beaver Creek frontage, providing an idyllic setting and abundant water resources for both farming and recreation.Property Features:Acreage: 332 acres of prime agricultural
Kim GrennanUnited Country Missouri Ozarks Realty, Inc
Nestled in the heart of nature, this exceptional 260-acre hunting property offers a sanctuary of privacy and tranquility. The expansive land is a harmonious blend of open pasture and dense woods, creating diverse environments for a variety of outdoor activities and wildlife encounters. One of the most remarkable features of this property is its adjacency to a national forest, providing endless
Dustin LewisMossy Oak Properties Mozark Land and Farm
Are you ready for ranch life living? Look no further than this 427 acres! This property features seven different large paddocks and a few smaller ones. The property has nice cattle working pens, with the main stall barn being 94 x 100. There is no shortage of water with 7 ponds, a creek, and multiple springs on the property. The biggest water source being a spring fed pond approximately 4 acres
Dustin LewisMossy Oak Properties Mozark Land and Farm
Ozarks Farm for Sale - 155 Acres | Live Water | Pasture & Timber | Ready forLivestock Turnkey 155-Acre Working Farm in the Missouri Ozarks! This exceptional 155-acre farm offers the perfect mix of lush pasture, mature timber, and quality infrastructure —making it ideal for cattle, horses, or a self-sufficient homestead. Located in the scenic MissouriOzarks, this property is fully
Jana GauleyUnited Country Missouri Ozarks Realty Inc.
Easy rolling timber tract with live water springs. It is a very private and secluded location offering peace, tranquility, and escape from the busy lives we lead. Near the entrance of the property is an off-the-grid 14x24, one-room cabin for low-maintenance shelter and comfort. Larger landowners surround this property with big blocks of timber and pasture. Plenty of wildlife transitions through
Premier Cattle Ranch | 1125 Acres | Douglas County, MissouriWelcome to one of the finest cattle operations in Southern Missouri, an elite, turn-key 1,125-acre ranch located in the rolling hills of Douglas County. Meticulously developed, this extraordinary property blends state-of-the-art livestock infrastructure with beautiful residential living, all set against an Ozark backdrop of highly
Randall D LandwehrUnited Country Farm & Home Sales
Welcome to Brookshire Apartments in Ava, Missouri where you will find comfortable, affordable living for your budget. We are just minutes away from local shopping, restaurants. Ava Missouri is centrally located approximately 55 miles East of Springfield, Missouri and 55 miles West of West Plains, MO. Call or email us today to schedule a tour!
Property Id: 2184364Brand new apartment complex available Summer 2026! Unit is 1125 sq ft with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and amazing views from a private deck All Appliances included. Amenities: Pet Friendly (deposit required) Online Rent Payments Online Maintenance System Assigned Parking Guest Parking Area Security Cameras in Corridors Fire
Property Id: 2184360Brand new apartment complex available Summer 2026! Unit is 1125 sq ft with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and amazing views from a private deck All Appliances included. Amenities: Pet Friendly (deposit required) Online Rent Payments Online Maintenance System Assigned Parking Guest Parking Area Security Cameras in Corridors Fire
Property Id: 2184356Brand new apartment complex available Summer 2026! Unit is 1125 sq ft with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and amazing views from a private deck All Appliances included. Amenities: Pet Friendly (deposit required) Online Rent Payments Online Maintenance System Assigned Parking Guest Parking Area Security Cameras in Corridors Fire
Property Id: 2184363Brand new apartment complex available Summer 2026! Unit is 1125 sq ft with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and amazing views from a private deck All Appliances included. Amenities: Pet Friendly (deposit required) Online Rent Payments Online Maintenance System Assigned Parking Guest Parking Area Security Cameras in Corridors Fire
Property Id: 1727424New construction duplexes coming February! Be the first to get moved into one of these cozy 2-bedroom 2-bathroom units that includes a large glass back patio door leading out to your own cement pad, perfect for grilling and lounging! Located in an all-new cul-de-sac driveway, quiet neighborhood with no thru traffic. You'll have your own master bedroom with a walk in
Property Id: 1611166Unit is 1250 sq ft with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and amazing views from a private 100 sq ft deck All Appliances included.Amenities:Fully FurnishedPet Friendly (deposit required)Online Rent PaymentsOnline Maintenance SystemAssigned ParkingGuest Parking AreaSecurity Cameras in Corridors Fire Sprinkler and Alarm System Carbon
Property Id: 1611164Brand new apartment complex available Spring 2025!Unit is 1250 sq ft with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and amazing views from a private 100 sq ft deck All Appliances included.Amenities:Pet Friendly (deposit required)Online Rent PaymentsOnline Maintenance SystemAssigned ParkingGuest Parking AreaSecurity Cameras in Corridors
Property Id: 2184362Brand new apartment complex available Summer 2026! Unit is 1125 sq ft with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and amazing views from a private deck All Appliances included. Amenities: Pet Friendly (deposit required) Online Rent Payments Online Maintenance System Assigned Parking Guest Parking Area Security Cameras in Corridors Fire
Property Id: 2184361Brand new apartment complex available Summer 2026! Unit is 1125 sq ft with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and amazing views from a private deck All Appliances included. Amenities: Pet Friendly (deposit required) Online Rent Payments Online Maintenance System Assigned Parking Guest Parking Area Security Cameras in Corridors Fire
Property Id: 2184367Brand new apartment complex available Summer 2026! Unit is 1125 sq ft with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and amazing views from a private deck All Appliances included. Amenities: Pet Friendly (deposit required) Online Rent Payments Online Maintenance System Assigned Parking Guest Parking Area Security Cameras in Corridors Fire
Property Id: 2184365Brand new apartment complex available Summer 2026! Unit is 1125 sq ft with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and amazing views from a private deck All Appliances included. Amenities: Pet Friendly (deposit required) Online Rent Payments Online Maintenance System Assigned Parking Guest Parking Area Security Cameras in Corridors Fire
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