Although Branson may be on your radar as a top entertainment destination, you might be surprised to learn that it is also a wonderful place to put down roots and raise a family. According to current Branson neighborhood information, residents enjoy high-quality schools, an exceptional real estate market, comparably low property taxes, and the chance to enjoy quiet community life as well as world-class entertainment venues. The small town atmosphere of this beautiful Missouri city appeals to residents of virtually all ages and backgrounds.
Just over 11,000 people call Branson home year-round (source). This picturesque city sits amid the Ozark Mountains and three separate lakes, so outdoor activities abound. The climate features four distinct seasons, each offering its own pleasures to visitors and residents alike. The average precipitation is around 42 inches annually, and the area receives approximately 18 inches of snow in the average winter (source). Tourist revenue helps keep Branson property taxes reasonable, and the cost of living in the area is below the national average.
Popular Residential Neighborhoods in Branson
The neighborhoods of Branson include:
- Gretna
- City Center
- Table Rock
- Long Beach/Mildred
- Indian Point
Gretna Neighborhood
Gretna is a suburb of Branson proper. It features single-family homes as well as rental units. This area dates to the 1970s, and the homes were mainly built during and after that era, creating an eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary (source).
The 1,530-acre Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area in Gretna offers hiking, fishing, boating, and photography opportunities. To the south, the Branson Theater District provides year-round entertainment, and the Titanic Museum, housed in a building designed to resemble the giant ship, offers historic insight.
Branson neighborhood information quotes the median home price in Gretna to be approximately $189,000 (source). The district Branson Public Schools serves the neighborhood with several highly regarded schools.
Table Rock Neighborhood
Located southwest of Gretna, the Table Rock neighborhood features lakeside and lake-view homes. Table Rock Lake is a Branson landmark, and its 800+ miles of shoreline and clean, clear waters draw huge numbers of water sports enthusiasts to the area. If you like to fish or wakeboard, you will love this area. In addition, Table Rock State Park offers hiking trails, camping, mountain biking, and a marina.
The median real estate price in the Table Rock neighborhood is around $180,000 (source). High-rise condos, single-family homes, and town homes are available for purchase, and you can find affordable apartments for rent as well. The district Branson Public Schools serves the neighborhood with excellence in education.
Branson City Center Neighborhood
This urban neighborhood exudes a suburban vibe that is both comfortable and inviting, making it far different than the urban centers in larger towns. Nearly half of the residential properties in Branson’s city center were built after 2000, so newer homes with more contemporary profiles make it a desirable place to call home (source).
Located northeast of Gretna, with Lake Taneycomo marking the area’s eastern border, the city center hosts the Promised Land Zoo (which features live shows and a foot safari), the Branson Tourism Center (where you can go for show and event information), and plenty of locations for gourmet dining and shopping. In addition, the Boston Ferry Conservation Area provides a small wilderness pocket where residents can hike, bird watch, or take in seasonal wildflowers.
The median real estate price is approximately $189,000 in the city center, making it one of the more upscale areas around, according to Branson neighborhood information (source). Options in real estate include single-family homes ranging from one to four bedrooms as well as some apartment rentals. Resident students attend Branson Public Schools or private institutions.
Long Beach and Mildred Neighborhoods
The Long Beach and Mildred regions of Branson offer some breathing space if you would prefer to avoid the city’s vibrant nightlife (source). Situated to the southeast of the city center and bordered to the east, north, and west by Lake Taneycomo, Long Beach and Mildred offer lots of lakeshore recreation, with Rockaway and Edgewater beaches nearby.
Rockaway Beach is a resort hamlet founded in 1917. Restaurants, shopping, trout fishing, and boating are some of Rockaway’s most popular activities. It also hosts the Annual Hydroplane Race. Shadow Rock Park offers camping and the annual Harvest Moon Festival and Car Show.
Rural properties, small and medium single-family homes, and mobile homes are the most common types of housing in the Long Beach and Mildred neighborhoods. Many of the residences in the area were established between 1970 and 1999, and the median cost of real estate is approximately $120,000 (source).
Indian Point Neighborhood
Indian Point lies to the north of Table Rock, but it is also perched on the shores of Table Rock Lake. Nearby, the world’s largest theme park, Silver Dollar City, draws tourists from around the world. A large U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground provides 76 campsites as well as a marina and boat launch.
Excellent local restaurants balance the absence of major retailers in Indian Point. The neighborhood is located within Reeds Springs School District and fewer than 30 minutes from the nationally acclaimed, tuition-free College of the Ozarks. Missouri State University is within an hour’s drive.
The residential community is made up of a comparatively small but dedicated group of people who enjoy the fun, vacation-time atmosphere of the area. Between 500 and 600 people live in Indian Point, and the median home price is around $177,000 (source).
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As a vibrant vacation destination and a region offering a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, Branson continues to grow, with many new condos, homes, and apartment buildings under construction. The rural atmosphere of many neighborhoods, the comparatively low cost of living, and the high-quality school system are amongst the factors that make Branson a great place for your family to grow.
