Retirement

The National Tour Association and the American Bus Association have rated Branson among their top tour destinations for the last 15 years. Since most motor-coach travelers are older than 55, it is clear that people in this age bracket consider Branson one of their favorite places to visit.

It is also fast becoming one of their favorite places to live. In the last few years, Branson has been rated by publications such as Money and Where to Retire as one of the best retirement cities in the United States. Recent population figures reflect the growing interest in the tri-lakes area. In the decade 1990–2000, towns in Stone and Taney Counties registered population increases from 15 percent to 129 percent. And growth since the last census has continued. Robin Amoker, professor of sociology at Missouri State University, projects a half million new Ozarkers by 2020, with most of the growth being in Stone, Taney, Christian, and Webster Counties. “Increasingly, the growth will be fueled by retirees looking for the ‘good life,’” says Amoker.

The percentage of people older than 60 in Stone County is estimated at more than 65 percent, and the average age in Taney County is 45. Big-name stars, entertainment, golf courses, and outlet malls may lure visitors here, but it’s the scenery, climate, fishing, availability of health care, and good old-fashioned Ozark Mountain hospitality that lure retirees.

Local county governments have done their share to attract older residents. The Stone County Senior Services Fund is a five-cent-per-$100 assessed valuation tax on real estate, which was passed in 1992 for the sole purpose of providing services to citizens older than sixty. The goal is to help people stay at home and out of nursing homes. Most of the revenue goes to the Stone County Council on Aging, the agency responsible for delivering meals to home-bound seniors and providing them with housekeeping services. In addition to providing money to the Stone County Council on Aging, the service fund helps support the Ozarks Lake Country Senior Center in Kimberling City and the Crane Senior Citizens Center.

The list of natural amenities in Ozark Mountain Country rivals that of other major retirement areas across the United States. We have four distinct seasons here, unlike Florida and Texas, and the winters are much milder than in the New England states. From your retirement condo overlooking one of the area’s three lakes, you can watch the leaves turn in mid-October, the snow fall in January, the flowers bloom in late April, and the grandkids water-ski in July. Trout fishing on Lake Taneycomo outdoes any in the Midwest. With a golf course practically on every corner, retired golfers can spend their days tearing up the greens and their nights taking in free music shows. That’s right, free shows. Each year, when the theaters open in March and April, some offer what are called area-appreciation shows. Residents of Stone and Taney Counties get in for free. A donation is sometimes requested, often a contribution of a local charity, and seats are usually based on availability. The entertainers like local residents to see their shows so they can make recommendations to tourists during the year. Some of the theaters even offer area-appreciation shows at the beginning of the Christmas season as well.

The undeniable hubs of activity for seniors are the community centers in Branson, Forsyth, and Kimberling City. These centers are partially funded by the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging and serve lunch each weekday for a donation of $3. Home-bound seniors can have lunch delivered. The centers offer a variety of activities ranging from bridge games to tennis matches. Many of the area fraternal organizations and clubs meet at the centers.

One thing the tri-lakes area is not short on is clubs. Each week the Branson Tri-Lakes Daily News publishes a listing of club meetings and reports. We have a club for just about every interest imaginable, from amateur ham radio operators to Rose O’Neill fans.

Condominium developments, time-shares, apartments, and housing developments all seem to attract retirees. Many retirees choose to live near Kimberling City, Forsyth, or Reeds Spring instead of inside the Branson city limits, due to the shortage of housing in Branson as well as the shortage of available residentially zoned property. Besides, only a few neighborhoods in Branson can boast a view of the lake.

Many part-time residents enjoy campground living during the summer and fall. Branson has a number of campgrounds, RV parks, and mobile home parks that attract retirees. (For more information see the Campgrounds and RV Parks chapter.)

After you’ve seen all the shows and visited all the antiques shops, you may be looking for something a little more meaningful to do with your time. Consider volunteering at one of the many area libraries, senior centers, home health agencies, charities, or adult basic education centers. If you need help finding your niche, call RSVP in Springfield at (417) 862-3595. They should be able to put you to work right away.

Whether you choose to spend your time enjoying the quiet beauty of the Ozark hills from your assisted-living facility or volunteering to work on the Christmas parade, the tri-lakes area is a retiree-friendly place. After all, almost eight million people a year come here, and many of them choose to stay.