Owensville offers rural living and community support
Owensville is a small city in the northern Ozarks, about midway between Saint Louis and Jefferson City . Its location makes it a popular haven for those looking to escape big-city life. “People can still commute to work but raise their family in a country setting,” says Diane Thomas, a Realtor with Re/Max Exclusive Properties who has lived in Owensville for more than 45 years. “Many families purchase second homes here and turn them into cherished retreats.” In addition to its rural appeal, Owensville has a strong sense of community, with youth sports, vintage car cruises and church picnics bringing residents together.
Year-round activities, and the Gasconade County Fair is the big event
A full calendar of events provides locals with many opportunities to build connections. During summer, churches throughout the county host ice cream socials and picnics that are open to all. Classic car owners often meet up for Sunday cruises, and demolition derbies and tractor pulls take place at the fairgrounds throughout the year.
One of the city’s largest gatherings is the Gasconade County Fair, which draws visitors from around the region each summer. It features livestock shows, carnival rides and live music — past headliners have included Grammy-winning performers such as Diamond Rio and Kenny Rogers.
Varied home and neighborhood styles in Owensville
The residential landscape varies throughout the community. Sidewalks line the wide streets near Buschmann Park, and early-to-mid 1900s residences often have large, grassy yards and private driveways. Farther north, curving streets pass Memorial Park, and midcentury Cape Cods and ranch-style houses rest under tall sugar maple and black walnut trees. On the outskirts of the city, there are some planned developments and rural properties.
Compact bungalows, Cape Cods and manufactured homes sometimes sell in the $60,000 to $130,000 range, but the majority of sales run from around $130,000 to $290,000. Newer, custom-built residences on multiacre lots typically go between $420,000 and $640,000. Some areas are prone to flooding, and lenders may require flood insurance.
Owensville public schools share a campus
Owensville’s three public schools share a campus on the northern edge of the city. Owensville Elementary School, Owensville Middle School and Owensville High School all earn B-minus ratings from Niche. The high school offers several vocational programs, such as horticulture and personal finance. High schoolers can also participate in extracurriculars, including golf, dance and wrestling. Some families send their kids to Immanuel Lutheran School in Rosebud, which serves students in preschool through eighth grade.
Recreation includes bowling, theater and Ozarks adventures
While Owensville has several green spaces, its centerpiece is Memorial Park, which spans more than 100 acres. The park features a nine-hole golf course, playgrounds and a seasonal aquatic center. The Owensville Athletic Association uses its two ball fields for youth softball and baseball leagues. Buschmann and Luster parks — both about 2 acres in size — offer playgrounds, athletic courts and picnic areas.
Owensville also has a variety of other recreation opportunities. Locals can see plays at the Owensville Community Theatre or join a bowling league at Thunder Alley. Kids can take dance, movement and gymnastics classes through Mid America Acro & Tumbling Team. For nature lovers, the city serves as a base for exploring the Ozarks. “Just going for a drive is beautiful — the roads meander through the hills and you just never know what’s around the corner,” Thomas says. At Canaan Conservation Area, less than 10 miles away, there are nearly 1,500 acres of space that are open to activities including hunting, horseback riding and camping.
Walking between shops and restaurants on First Street
Owensville’s downtown district is along First Street, where wide awnings shade brick storefronts and sidewalks. There, locals can browse the selections in Yester Year Antiques & Collectables, grab a slice of homemade pie at First Street Eats or sit down for a family meal at Dos Primos Mexican Restaurant. The city also has a Cash Saver grocery store and a Walmart Supercenter.
Thomas says that one of her favorite area restaurants is The Rustic Garden in the neighboring city of Bland. “They have the best home-cooked meals — you won’t get anything bad there,” she says. Rosebud, less than 10 miles away, is another nearby destination. “It’s a phenomenal little town that’s full of little antique and whatnot shops,” Thomas says. “It reminds me of Mayberry from ‘The Andy Griffith Show.’”
State routes connect drivers to Rolla and St. Louis
OATS Transit provides limited bus transportation, but the community is relatively car dependent. State routes 19 and 28 are the main thoroughfares. Jefferson City is approximately 50 miles northwest, and St. Louis is about 80 miles east. Emergency care is available at Hermann Area District Hospital in Hermann, around 30 miles north, and the St. Louis Lambert International Airport is roughly 85 miles northeast.
