$191,578Average Value$153Average Price per Sq Ft27Homes 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
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Ava, MO sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Ava, MO over the last 12 months is $180,000.
Move-in ready and fully renovated from top to bottom! Located just steps from Ava Schools, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect combination of modern updates, convenience, and small-town charm. Recent improvements include a brand-new roof, new siding for great curb appeal, updated electrical and plumbing, fresh interior paint, and new flooring throughout. The kitchen has been completely
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
Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, this beautiful cabin-style home offers the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and natural beauty. Built in 2017, the two-story home features three bedrooms and two bathrooms and sits surrounded by peaceful Ozark timber, creating a secluded retreat ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of town. The exterior showcases attractive Douglas fir
Tucked away in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks, this secluded timber tract offers the perfect blend of recreation, hunting, and peaceful country living. Surrounded by mature hardwoods and anchored by a rustic off-grid cabin, this property is an ideal getaway for outdoor enthusiasts seeking privacy and year-round adventure. Honey Creek winds through approximately 4/10 of a mile of the property,
If you’ve been searching for a turn-key horse property with quality improvements, functional setup, and a location that’s hard to beat, this 23.8 +/- acre property just outside Ava city limits deserves a serious look. Conveniently located near the National Fox Trotters Headquarters, local saddle club, and Mark Twain National Forest riding trails, this property was built with purpose
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
This beautiful and unrestricted 103 +/- acre property offers a diverse and scenic landscape with a well-established trail system winding throughout the land, making it easy to explore by foot, ATV, or horseback. The property features just under a half mile of Honey Creek frontage along County Road 14-531, including a beautiful three-foot waterfall along the creek that adds to the unique character
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 equipped
Jana GauleyUnited Country Missouri Ozarks Realty Inc.
A beautiful, long winding drive sets the tone as you enter this premier 161.9 +/- acre farm, leading you to a well-positioned 40’x60’ shop with living quarters that sits atop a hill with a truly one-of-a-kind view. From the moment you arrive, it is clear this property has been carefully developed and exceptionally maintained. The living space features a kitchen, living area, one
If you've been searching for an Ozarks hunting property with privacy, diverse terrain, and great potential, this 137 acre farm in Douglas County deserves a look. Tucked away at the end of a county-maintained road just two miles off the highway, the property offers the seclusion hunters want while remaining a short drive from Ava and Sparta. The landscape is everything you would expect from the
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
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
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: 2612629• All hardwood flooring• Spacious master suite with oversized walk-in closet and private bath• Large living room, dining room, and kitchen with open, functional layout• Granite countertops in kitchen • Appliance included: washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher • Dedicated laundry area • Large covered porch and balcony - perfect for
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: 1611160Unit 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 Fire Sprinkler and Alarm System Carbon Monoxide
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