Quality of Life at Lake of the Ozarks

The Lake of the Ozarks region has all of the essential ingredients necessary to provide a high quality of life for its citizens. One of the most significant attributes for the region is its natural scenic beauty along the 1150 miles of Lake Shoreline. Located in south central Missouri the Lake of the Ozarks is one of the largest manmade lakes in the world and is surrounded by the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

Healthcare

Lake Regional Health System provides comprehensive health care services to the residents and visitors of the lake region. The 116-bed hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission and is a two-time recipient of the Missouri Quality Award. Services include a state-designated Level III trauma center, comprehensive cardiac and orthopedic care, nationally accredited cancer care and a wound healing center. Lake Regional Health System also operates primary care, urgent care, specialty and rehab therapy clinics, retail pharmacies and home health services throughout the lake area.

Education

Four high schools are conveniently located in the lake area, and the graduating senior classes have ACT scores that are consistently above the state and national averages. Two out of three graduates advance on to college. The area has two technical career centers, a four-year liberal arts college extension campus and a satellite community college. These educational institutions work closely with community businesses to provide needed training for the area's work force.

High Schools

Cost of Living

The Lake of the Ozarks Region has a great competitive advantage in cost of living. In 2004 (2nd qtr) the state of Missouri had the 11th lowest cost of living index in the United States at 92.7. A further breakdown shows Missouri ranking in the United States as follows: Utilities 3rd lowest; Transportation cost (gasoline) 7th lowest; Health Care 16th lowest; Housing and Grocery 18th lowest. The composite index for the Lake of the Ozarks Region is below the Missouri State average.

Housing

The Lake of the Ozarks Region offers an endless variety of housing options. There are numerous apartment complexes, condo developments and houses both on and off the lakefront. Housing is priced to match all income levels, and development of new housing in all categories continues at a brisk pace. The Lake of the Ozarks Region is experiencing a population explosion at a rate of +30%, and developers are starting new projects every month.

Low Crime / Clean Air & Water

The region is very fortunate to have excellent police forces in the counties and cities in our area. Because we are in a rural area, our crime levels are substantially lower in all categories compared to urban areas.

Living in central Missouri, we are also fortunate to have very clean air and water for our citizens.