This Town in the Ozark Mountains Is One of the Best Places to Buy a Lake House in the U.S.

It is an entertainment hub and heaven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to three lakes.

With a range of spectacular landscapes spanning four states, the Ozark Mountains are home to idyllic little towns, picturesque vistas, and many rivers and lakes, offering thousands of miles of pristine shoreline, which has welcomed generations of vacationing Americans over the centuries. And one of those dreamy towns is Branson in southwest Missouri.

With access to three lakes, the destination was ranked among the best in the country to buy an investment home by vacation rental company Evolve.

"With an abundance of family-friendly activities and several hundred miles of shoreline, Branson, Missouri is a great option for investors, especially first-time buyers looking for an affordable destination," Louis Olds, director of real estate at Evolve, told Travel + Leisure.

So, how affordable exactly is Branson? The median listing price is a little over $232,000, with investors looking at $19,440 in average yearly income, according to Evolve.

And while lakefront homes here come with steeper prices — upwards of $600,000 — Olds explained that vacation rental properties are in very high demand so owners can boost their annual earnings to offset initial costs.

Branson's claim to fame when it comes to lake vacations is Table Rock Lake, a human-made lake with more than 750 miles of scenic tree-lined shores, lending itself to all kinds of water sports (including diving), sunbathing, and camping. The smaller Bull Shoals Lake and Lake Taneycomo, both located a short 20-minute drive from downtown Branson, transform the area into a true water adventure paradise set against the lush Ozarks.

But the real reason why Branson is so popular with families is that it offers an array of activities geared toward all ages and interests. Those seeking a rush of adrenaline should head straight to its adventure parks, which include the famous Silver Dollar City (its hair-raising Time Traveler roller coaster drops you from a 90-degree angle), Shepherd's Adventure Park, the indoor Fritz's Adventure, and Bigfoot Fun Park. Museums, including the World's Largest Toy Museum Complex, will keep family busy, while those seeking live entertainment should check out Dolly Parton's Stampede, a dinner show with 32 horses and thrilling stunts.

"Every year, millions of people travel from all over the world to visit the Ozarks. And they all need a place to stay," Charlie Gerken, broker and partner at the Branson-based Gerken & Associates real estate firm, told T+L. "In the last couple of years, we’ve had several new master-planned, vacation rental communities developed. Most of these new locations overlook Table Rock Lake yet sit close to all the wonderful amenities Branson has to offer. These new vacation rental locations include Chateau Mountain, Branson Cove, Crown View Estates, and Wilderness Mountain."

Gerken recommends hiring an experienced Branson realtor to help you identify the best vacation rental opportunities in the area. Pay special attention to the community's homeowner association (HOA).

"Make sure the HOA is in good standing, with no lawsuits, special assessments, and plenty of money in reserves. Put together a good team, do your due diligence, and the odds of obtaining a successful income-producing property in Branson are good," he added.

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