Relocation - Branson, Missouri



Relocation

Folks have been relocating to the Ozarks since the frontier days, and for much the same reasons as they do today: peace, quiet, solitude, the “we mind our own business” attitude of the natives, and of course the clear rivers, springs, and “cheap land” to settle on and build one’s own castle—or cabin.

Cherokees on the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma, attracted by the game and remoteness, frequently disappeared to settle in out-of-the-way hollows. Outlaws from Jesse James to Ma Barker and Pretty Boy Floyd found the Ozarks attractive for some of the same reasons “hippies” found (and revitalized) Eureka Springs during the 1960s.

The more recent retirees and the comeheres of the past three decades have made the Ozarks a growing place while some counties in southern Arkansas and northern Missouri have actually lost population. People in other areas will continue to vote with their feet as long as they think there is something attractive about the Ozarks. Some folks come for the “old” reasons that attracted the outlaw types and early settlers. But more and more, the area is attractive because of increasing job opportunities, low taxes, good medical care, and the entertainment and recreation possibilities. These have made the Ozarks attractive to retirees and the young “still-working” group.

One interesting recent phenomenon has been the influx of a Hispanic minority. The most significant increases from 1990 to 2000 occurred in McDonald County (from 121 to 2,030—an increase of 1,577 percent), Barry County (from 152 to 1,713—an increase of 1,027 percent), Jasper County (from 797 to 3,615—an increase of 353 percent), and Lawrence County (from 211 to 1,195—an increase of 466 percent).

“Those counties have all attracted Hispanic workers as a result of major meat-processing plants located in the county. Hispanic workers have migrated to those counties to take employment in the processing plants,” says Daryl Hobbs, professor emeritus of rural sociology, Office of Social and Economic Data Analysis, University of Missouri Outreach and Extension.

An exception was Taney County, in which the Hispanic population increased from 194 in 1990 to 962 in 2000, a 396 percent change. The increase has accelerated. The attraction in Taney County has been the tremendous employment growth associated with the Branson entertainment industry. The growth in general has caused the local school system to have to scramble to find kindergarten and early-grade teachers, and the Hispanic migration has increased the number of non-English-speaking students in the early grades.

The retired set has always found the Ozarks attractive, but increasingly so as retirees are “more active” during their retirement years and are living longer. And they have different reasons for relocation: we know of some retirees who have decided to settle within “60 miles of Springfield” (to be close to medical care) or “40 miles of Branson” (for the entertainment) and then began casing out the acreages and small burgs until they found their dream location.

If you’re a retiree planning to relocate, you may want to check out the Health Care and Retirement chapters in addition to this one. If you’re a “young” relocator, take a closer look at the Education and Child Care chapter. And both types will be interested in the Real Estate section of this chapter.

1. Cozy Cove Condominium Community

City: Branson, MO
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (417) 335-2644
Address: 341 Loganberry Rd.

Description: On the banks of Bee Creek at its confluence with Lake Taneycomo is the gated condominium community of Cozy Cove. Cozily situated on 35 acres in the Bee Creek valley beneath Oak Bluff, the development consists of 58 two- and three-bedroom units. It’s north of Branson’s city limits just off US 65 and is only minutes from Branson Junior High School, downtown Branson, and MO 248. The development has county water and its own community sewage system. Streets are paved and curbed. Amenities include a boat dock with access to Lake Taneycomo, a swimming pool, and a 12-acre private park at the mouth of the creek. Units range from $75,000 to $100,000. Access to Cozy Cove is the first right (Loganberry Road) off Bee Creek Road before you cross the creek.


2. Lakewood Estates

City: Branson, MO
Category: Relocation
Address: 700 Parnell Dr.

3. Pointe Royale Village And Country Club

City: Branson, MO
Category: Relocation

4. Branson Creek

City: Branson, MO
Category: Relocation
Address: 100 Branson Creek Blvd.

5. Emerald Pointe

City: Branson, MO
Category: Relocation

6. Saddlebrooke

City: Branson, MO
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (417) 443-6500
Address: 15111 US 65 South

Description: Saddlebrooke is a master-planned community located on US 65 14 miles north of Branson, just on the Christian County line. Not only does it have its own zip code, it has paved roads, underground utilities, swimming pool, tennis courts, four parks, full equine stable, hiking and biking trails, and 15 miles of streams and creeks. Large building sites ranging from one to three acres are available, with lot prices starting at $39,900. New homes in the development start at $289,900. Coming into Branson from the north, you can’t miss the rustic log-cabin rest stop, information center, and Saddlebrooke sales center.

7. Branson Best Realty, Inc.

City: Branson, MO
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (417) 339-1770
Address: 1033 West Main St.

Description: This is one of the newest offices in the area, but not new in the business. Shawn and Don Boushehri bring their combined ten-plus years of experience working with two of the largest corporations to this family-run business, where they emphasize personal customer service. Lisa Boushehri is broker and, along with three sales associates, personally answers phones from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. They specialize in condo sales, as well as residential and commercial properties.

8. Branson Hometown Realty

City: Branson, MO
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (417) 230-0567
Address: 499 Coffee Rd.

Description: Rex Asselin got off the water and into land. This third-generation Branson resident and his parents created the Sammy Lane Pirate Cruise, and Asselin was Captain Rex for a number of years. His grandparents and Don Gardner helped bring golf to the Ozarks in the development of the Holiday Hills Golf Course in 1938. Vintage photographs of his ancestors and interesting things they did or witnessed decorate the office walls. Co-owner of Branson Hometown Realty with Rex is Pamela Ledbetter, a fifth-generation native. Thus the agency’s motto is “Our hometown heritage is your advantage.” The company, founded in 1989, handles both commercial and residential listings. Branson Hometown Realty is active in developing Meadow Brooke Ranches, just northeast of Branson near Walnut Shade.

9. Branson Realty

City: Branson, MO
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (417) 337-3141
Address: 205 W Atlantic St.

Description: Richard T. Hall is the owner of Branson Realty, the oldest real estate company in Branson, in business since 1948. Hall and his staff deal in both residential and commercial property, with the bulk of their listings being commercial.

10. Carol Jones Realtors

City: Branson, MO
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (417) 338-2022
Address: 45 Notch Shopping Lane

Description: Carol Jones, which has its headquarters in Springfield, also has offices in Branson and Branson West. It is one of the older established companies in the area, specializing in both residential and commercial properties. More than 30 sales associates work out of the Branson area offices. Carol Jones has had great success because of a multimedia approach to advertising, including newspapers, direct mail, distinctive signs, magazines, the Internet, and a TV program, Homebuyer’s Guide. The company even makes copies of the program to mail to potential customers moving into the area.

11. Era Table Rock Realty

City: Branson, MO
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (417) 334-3138
Address: 2101 MO 248

Description: The original Table Rock Realty was formed in 1950 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers needed to purchase land for the new Table Rock Lake. The office was in downtown Branson until 1996, when the firm moved to its present location on MO 248. Jim Asbury is the broker-owner, with an additional twelve sales associates. The firm mostly services Stone and Taney Counties, but it is also licensed to serve outside of its home area.

12. Gerken & Associates Realtors

City: Branson, MO
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (417) 334-1892
Address: 1157 MO 76 West

Description: Owner-broker Duane Gerken served as president of the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors in 1985, and in 1998 he was installed as president of the Missouri Association of Realtors. He’s been active in the real estate scene for three decades, and he helped start the Tri-Lakes Board’s multiple-listing service. Kay Gerken is following in her husband’s footsteps and was inducted as the Missouri Association of Realtors President for 2004. Both manage the firm, whose staff of six has a solid community reputation. Gerken & Associates deals with all facets of local property—residential and commercial.

13. Re/Max Associated Brokers

City: Branson, MO
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (417) 334-1374, (800) 220-2302
Address: 109 North Sixth St.

Description: Since the company’s inception in 1988, owner Kelly Grisham, with a staff of 12 sales associates, has consistently ranked in the top three in Branson in number of transactions and dollar volume sold. RE/MAX lists and sells not only residential property but also lots, acreages, condominiums, commercial development, motel/resorts, and business properties.

14. Re/Max Town And Lake Realty

City: Branson, MO
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (417) 739-3636
Address: 14788 MO 13 Branson West

Description: Owner-broker Tammy Cooper specializes in lake properties as well and has quickly become one of the top-selling agents in the Branson area. Property management for rentals is another service Notch Realty offers investors and potential tenants.

15. Round The Clock Realty, Inc.

City: Branson, MO
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (417) 334-1980
Address: 138 Wintergreen Rd.

Description: Round the Clock has lived up to its name by working around the clock for its clients. Its unusual name and sign have been associated with the Branson area for more than 20 years. Owner Don Horner and the staff of 10 salespeople have earned a reputation for success, honesty, integrity, and hard work. Round the Clock deals in both residential and commercial property.
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