The City of Ozark offers an old-fashioned setting between Branson and Springfield
Ozark is the third-largest city in the Springfield, Missouri metro area, growing from a population of around 10,000 in 2000 to about 21,000 in 2024, with more growth forecast into the 2030s, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, partly due to its central location. “Plenty of residents in Ozark commute to Springfield and Branson for work,” says Parker Stone, Realtor with Keller Williams Tri-Lakes for more than 10 years. “You’ve got Bass Pro Shops and O’Reilly Auto Parks in Springfield and a huge entertainment industry in Branson.” Stone says the two neighboring cities are also key weekend travel destinations for city residents.
Despite the growth of Ozark, Stone points out that the lack of significant industry in Ozark is part of its appeal. “Our largest employers are service-oriented, not industrial. Ozark is a bedroom community for Springfield and Branson, allowing it to retain much of its rural and roomy suburban character. We’re a scenic and peaceful old-fashioned town, and our residents and leaders work hard to preserve that feeling.”
Ozark is a growing city south and east of Springfield.
The downtown square of Ozark in Christian County.
Bingham is home to the corporate headquarters of O'Reilly Auto Parts.
Situated between Springfield and Branson, Ozark is a bedroom community.
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Housing prices are below national figures, and inventory offers plenty of variety
The median home price of $348,000 is 19% lower than the national median. Historic downtown Ozark homes were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Buyers can find renovated bungalows, cottages, and farmhouses for about $150,000 to $350,000. Midcentury homes, including ranch-style and split-level homes, can be found on lots of varying sizes, with prices ranging from $200,000 to $700,000, depending on the size and renovations. New homes in growing subdivisions offer single-story and two-story New Traditional homes from about $200,000 to $300,000.
Mid-century, ranch style home come in a variety of sizes in Ozark.
A stately Dutch Colonial Revival home in a residential area of Christian County.
Ozark's growth is centered around housing additions with new construction homes.
Custom homes on large lots populate areas just outside of Ozark.
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Riverfront parks offer recreation and year-round events
Finley River Park is a destination for local events. With three large open-air pavilions, residents enjoy rodeos, the annual Hot Air Balloon Glow, 5K races, movie nights in summer, and the annual Festival of Lights. The park also offers riverside and bridge-top fishing spots. Neal Grubaugh Park offers a city pool alongside the 18-hole Grubaugh Park Disc Golf Course. The park also welcomes visitors to hike, visit a shooting range and camp steps from Finley River Park.
Finley River Park is one of Ozark's largest parks.
Neal Grubaugh Park is located in central Ozark.
Grubaugh Park has a highly-rated disc golf course.
Grubaugh Park is home to the Ozark Municipal Pool.
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Ozark R-VI District schools are highly rated and innovative
Ozark’s R-VI School District is graded A-minus by Niche and receives A grades for its academics, teachers, administration and activities/clubs. B-plus-graded Ozark High is rated the No. 2 public high school in Christian County. It offers several innovative pathways for students with particular interests, including health sciences, arts and communications, business and technology, and industrial and engineering.
Located 18 miles north in Springfield, Missouri State University is the state’s second-largest school by enrollment. Private liberal arts universities in Springfield include Drury University and Evangel University in midtown.
Ozark High School students have access to an array of clubs and activities.
Missouri State University students enjoy campus just outside Robberson.
Drury University is the focal point of the Midtown Springfield neighborhood.
The campus of Evangel University sits in the heart of the Cooper Park neighborhood.
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Downtown Ozark offers event venues, shops and restaurants near the Finley River
Ozark Square is a historic block facing the Ozark Courthouse with shops and restaurants, including GW Coffee House and Hazel’s Flowers. Enchanted Parlor, a mini mall with clothing, antiques and gifts, is a short walk from Spring Creek Tea Room. The Ozark Mill Restaurant at Finley Farms faces the Finley River with large windows offering panoramic views. Finley River Art Gallery exhibits and sells works of local and regional artists. Big brand retailers and grocery stores are less than 3 miles southwest of downtown Ozark along Business Route 65.
Visitors to Ozark will find an array of shopping and dining options in Christian County.
National chains are convenient shopping options in Ozark.
The Spring Creek Tea Room is a popular lunch spot in Ozark.
The Ozark Mill restaurant sits on the banks of the Finley River in Ozark.
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Low crime rates, but flooding and tornadoes present minor risk
Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, the city of Ozark experiences a relatively temperate climate with four distinct but mild seasons. The city may see occasional snowfall in winter, but accumulations are minimal. The city has a minor risk of flooding and tornadoes. The most recent tornado to hit Christian County on March 14, 2024, touched down on Riverdale Road, about 4 miles southwest of downtown Ozark. Minimal property damage and no loss of life were reported. Rates of reported violent crimes and property crimes have been lower than the national and state average since 2020 in Ozark.
Ozark is 18 miles from Springfield and 90 miles from Bentonville
Ozark is located along a business loop of U.S. Route 65, intersecting with Missouri Route 14. While the city is surrounded by farmland, its proximity to several Midwest cities is an asset. Fortune 500’s No. 1 ranked Walmart is headquartered in Bentonville, 90 miles southwest. Kansas City is 180 miles north via Missouri State Route 13, while St. Louis is about 225 miles northeast via Interstate 44. Springfield-Branson National Airport, 30 miles north of Ozark, offers direct flights to 13 destinations. The Ozarks Transportation Organization coordinates the region’s investment of federal, state and local funds for public transportation. They have identified road improvements, new bike lanes and increased public transport as goals for the immediate future.
Ozark residents enjoy convenient access to US Highway 65 and Missouri Highway 14.
Nixa residents head north to Kansas City on Missouri Route 13.
Residents in Young-Lilley are located near the Springfield-Branson National Airport.
US Highway 65 runs north and south through Ozark.
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Events in Ozark bring visitors from across Missouri
Craft beer fans enjoy the Sertoma Oktoberfest, which features live music, beer samplings and hot dog and pie-eating competitions. Races and arts and crafts booths welcome kids and adults. The Annual Ozark Craft Fair has been held every October since 1974 and brings more than 350 vendors. The Ozark Mountain Sports Complex is the largest event space in the city and hosts local and regional baseball tournaments in its stadium. The annual lights spectacular, Jingle Holiday, welcomes visitors with ice skating, snow tubing, a holiday lights maze, an outdoor piano bar, and local arts and crafts.
Written By
Sarah Albiston
Photography Contributed By
Kenyon Gerbrandt
Video By
Matt Pangman
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On average, homes in Ozark, MO sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Ozark, MO over the last 12 months is $395,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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This gated Equestrian Estate is perfectly situated on 25 picturesque acres just minutes from Highway 65. Lush, green fields framed by acres of white vinyl fencing, mature hardwoods, and stunning views of the Ozark Hills create a serene, park-like setting.Horse enthusiasts will be thrilled by the well equipped horse barn complete with a cedar tack room, individual paddocks off each stall and a
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Beautiful like new home located in Ozark. This home features: 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and 2 car garage. You will love the open floor plan. The large kitchen has stainless steel appliances, gas stove, granite countertops, island with bar seating, tile backsplash, soft close cabinet doors and drawers and dining area. Large walk-in pantry with room for a desk to make an office. The open living
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Now Leasing! River Ranch is Ozark, MO newest luxury living community. We offer 1, 2, and 3 bedroom options, modern amenities, and located near plenty of retail and shopping. Contact us today to schedule a private tour!
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Welcome to Ozark South Apartments – Where Comfort Meets ConvenienceDiscover the perfect blend of modern living and small-town charm at Ozark South Apartments. Conveniently located just off the Sparta exit and minutes from Walmart, our newly renovated two bedroom two bathroom apartments offer thoughtful layouts, stylish finishes, and everything you need to feel right at home.Each
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