Edwards offers a rural environment with lots of wildlife
Edwards is a rural community on the edge of the Lake of the Ozarks. Most homes sit on at least half an acre of land, offering views of the lake and chances to see wildlife like deer, wild turkey, migratory birds and monarch butterflies. “People like country living, and that is what this is,” says Realtor Rhonda Boedeker, who has worked in the area for nearly a decade. “It is just unbelievable, all the wildlife that is here, and people love to watch that." Besides a gas station, post office and fire department, most of the nonresidential buildings in Edwards are churches. “You name it, whatever kind of church it is, we’ve got it," she says. The closest city is Warsaw, about 17 miles away.
Quiet side of the Lake of Ozarks allows for relaxing water recreation
Edwards’ location on the lake means people spend much of their free time on the water. “We call this the quiet end of the lake simply because we don’t have the huge speedboats, so many of them that you can’t get out on the water and swim and relax on your dock,” Boedeker says. “The water at this end of the lake is very calm.” Fishing, water skiing, swimming and tubing are popular activities, and access points are at Forbes Lake of the Ozarks Park. Residents can hike the well-marked trails or hunt at Granny’s Acres Conservation Area. There is a playground at Climax Springs Memorial Park.
Lakefront and inland homes have a wide price range
Dense forests are interrupted by fields and farmland. Many of the homes in Edwards are along the shoreline, offering views of the Lake of the Ozarks. Ranch styles and farmhouses are common, and lakefront residences often have lots of windows and private docks. Another housing style that is gaining popularity is barndominiums, which have enough space to store cars, boats and tractors. “The barndominium is a trend, but it’s probably going to stay because it fits all the needs for people with lake lives,” Boedeker says. The oldest properties date back to the 1950s, though there are several new homes. Prices for a single-family house generally range from $130,000 to $900,000, depending on size, condition and acreage. The median is $340,000. Manufactured homes in the area typically cost $210,000 to $400,000, although investment properties can cost less than $80,000. The area also has land for sale, especially at Forbes Lake of the Ozarks Park. “It’s a nature preserve, so you have to love nature,” Boedeker says. “They do have restrictions to protect that nature, but man, is it a gorgeous place.”
According to First Street, Benton County has a major risk from flooding. However, Boedeker says she has rarely seen flooding beyond low-water bridges in the past decade.
Warsaw and Climax Springs schools serve the region
Most of Edwards is part of the Warsaw R-IX School District. Warsaw South Elementary School earns a C-plus from Niche; John Boise Middle School and Warsaw High School both receive a C. The high school partners with State Fair Community College to offer vocational programs. Dual credit courses are also available. Some homes on the eastern end of Edwards are zoned for Climax Springs R-IV School District. Climax Springs Elementary School earns a B-minus and teaches kindergarten through sixth grade. Seventh through 12th graders can attend Climax Springs High School, which scores a C-plus.
Edwards residents need cars to get around
Residents rely on cars to get around. State Route 7 goes through Edwards and intersects with U.S. Route 65. The closest emergency room is at Lake Regional Hospital, about a 40-mile drive. Springfield-Branson National Airport is about 80 miles away and has nonstop flights to 15 destinations.
Restaurants and stores are along the lake or in Warsaw
There are several restaurants along the lake. Bucknaked Restaurant Bar and Marina is known for its burgers and catfish, while Rick’s Oar House serves comfort food like spaghetti and fried shrimp. Another option along the shore is Shooters 81. “It is a bar; however, they have good trucks that come in on the weekends, so you get a variety of different kinds of food,” Boedeker says. “You never know what is going to be there on a weekend.” There is a Dollar General on the outskirts of Edwards, but most people drive into Warsaw for more eateries and to shop at Town & Country Supermarket or Walmart.
