Laurie is a friendly community near the Lake of the Ozarks
Laurie is one of many small communities surrounding the Lake of the Ozarks. The lake is open for boating, fishing and swimming. While the water may draw people in, it’s the residents that make them stay. “We get a lot of people coming in from all over the world,” says Mike Koenigsman, director of the Lake West Chamber of Commerce. “One of the first things they say is that they cannot believe how friendly people are, no matter what they are asking.” He attests that neighbors are always looking for ways to support each other and get involved in the community, whether that is shopping locally or working with nonprofits or churches in the area.
Lake of the Ozarks offers water activities, hiking and caving
Lake of the Ozarks is the premier recreation destination in the region, with a surface area of nearly 55,000 acres that people can use for swimming, boating and fishing. There are several fishing tournaments and boat races held throughout the year. Public beaches dot the shoreline, as do four cave systems. “I’ve been to each of them around the lake multiple times and truly enjoyed it every time I go out there,” Koenigsman says. Jacob’s Cave is the closest one, about 13 miles away. Locals also go hiking at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, with more than 10 trails.
There is also plenty of recreation within the city. The Hillbilly Fairgrounds feature a playground, a walking trail, a soccer field and a disc golf course. Indian Rock Golf Club features a semi-private 18-hole course. “I really enjoy playing golf out there,” Koenigsman says. “Their signature hole, a par three, has a huge granite rock that is gorgeous as a backdrop.”
Local businesses encourage a slower pace of life for residents
Laurie is filled with local eateries, ranging from Carmelita’s Mexican Restaurant to Vinny’s, which serves American fare. “If a restaurant has been around for more than a year, then it must be good,” Koenigsman says. “If people don’t get good service and good food, then they don’t go back.” Residents can get their groceries from the Town & County Supermarket. The closest Walmart is about 20 miles away. “Walmart is not around the corner,” Koenigsman says. “These are all mom-and-pop stores, so they don’t stay open until midnight. The convenience of a city is not here. It’s a little bit of a wake-up call, but at the same time, having a slower pace is one of the wonderful things about this area. You slow down, you enjoy nature, you enjoy neighbors and tend to enjoy life.”
Fairgrounds host the fall fair and Enchanted Village of Lights
The Hillbilly Fair is an annual event held every fall. Live music plays all weekend, and there are carnival rides, a car show and a petting zoo. Vendors sell food, drink and crafts. During the winter, the fairgrounds transform into the Enchanted Village of Lights, the largest drive-through Christmas display in Central Missouri. There is also a walkable portion with food, carriage rides and hot cocoa.
Ranch-style homes are on rolling hills filled with trees
Rolling hills of oak and pine trees fill Laurie, where homes from the mid-20th and early 21st centuries are spaced out on large lots of land. Some properties near the city center, and some of those in Indian Rock Estates, are closer together. Ranch styles and bilevels make up most of the market. Many of the younger houses feature two-car garages. Prices generally range from $150,000 to $350,000 depending on size and condition, although homes in the Indian Rock Estates community near the golf course can cost up to $400,000.
According to First Street, Laurie has a moderate risk from floods and a major risk from wildfires.
Students attend Morgan County schools
As part of the Morgan County R-II School District, students attend Versailles Elementary, Middle and High Schools. The elementary and high schools receive a B-minus from Niche, while the middle school is rated C-plus. The high school offers career and technical education through Career Clusters like agriculture and hospitality. Lake West Christian Academy is a private school in the area that earns a B.
Cars and boats are the main modes of transportation
Most residents rely on two forms of transportation: car and boat. “I’ve got friends that, by car, it takes me five minutes to get to their house,” Koenigsman says. “By boat, it takes me two and a half hours.” Ultimately, he says, it depends on where people are going. Highway 5 is the main drag of Laurie. The closest emergency room is about 25 miles away, at Lake Regional Hospital. Springfield-Branson National Airport is about a 100-mile drive.
