I’ve been coming to ‘the lake’ for almost 50 yrs now. My folks bought an old fishing camp cabin when I was a kid. Family sold that in ‘92 after dad died. DW and I bought our place 15+ yrs ago. Since ER I’ve been able to spend much more time here, still consider myself semi-native but no longer a part-timer. The area has changed drastically and in some ways hasn’t changed a bit in all that time.
Health services are fine for minor things but depending on where you are it can be a ways to the closest provider. Specialists are in KC or St Louis. Local news covers the periodic drug busts, car wrecks, and drownings (1-2 a year primarily alcohol related). A couple of sensational stories in last 3-5 years but I rarely hear of any ‘street crime’.
I’m not aware of any public tennis courts but there are many public and private golf courses. I’m told several are highly rated. Of course, I’m on the west (quiet) side of the lake and don’t have either as a hobby so I may not be the best source for that info.
Weather can be an issue. It can heat up and get muggy as early as late May and hang on till Early September. Full four seasons though and it can change on a dime. This last week has been fabulous with highs in the low 80’s and dropping to low 60’s at night. Another week or two of 90-95 is expected but it’ll be cold by January and we’ll complain about that after a while too. But I’ve also been out in the boat in 50 degree sunshine in January, you just never know.
Lots of development of the business area in and around Osage Beach, a couple of new bridges, and population increases have been the significant changes that come to mind. As MRG said, it can get crowded. We now have both a Lowe’s and a big new Menards though.
Lots of condos have been built in addition to the thousands of SFHs. Condos and big boats are among the things I do not care for. When I was a kid I had a 12 ft John boat with a 5 horse outboard. I’d go all over and even on the main channel depending on the wind. Now, I won’t get the 22 ft ski boat out on the crazy weekends. Too many fools with too much money in their boats. It’s big business though. I just wait them out. Nothing better than to see the boat traffic drop off on Sunday afternoon when the weekenders head back to the city.
I’ve also seen the general health of the lake improve. There have been a few areas that had high bacteria readings from runoff or too many geese in a cove in recent years but starting with Truman dam (‘79), increased water patrol/DNR oversight (90’s?) and now sewer systems replacing the old septic systems it is much safer and cleaner than say mid 80’s till late ‘00’s.
People are friendly but can be guarded until you’ve been accepted. It’s primarily rural, conservative, and living off the tourists/part-timers. Don’t get me wrong, lots of nice folks. Oh, and it gets reeeally quiet once the weather turns in the fall and hunting season finishes up. Eagles usually show up in December and there are a couple of nesting pairs in the area now. Another sign of improved lake health I hope.
Like I said, I’m not as familiar with the east side but PM me if you have any specific questions.
