11 The Ozarks Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life
When asked what qualifies as an Ozark town with a slower pace of life, there are two criteria that often come to mind. One is a calm atmosphere and the other is how safe it is. Smaller towns tend to fit both, since people in a less populated place tend to know each other and any news, good or bad, often flies through most of the community. While that might be annoying to some, it is often that degree of communication that helps keep crime to a minimum. Nobody wants to be the criminal everyone knows about, or the one known for chaotic and noisy behavior, hence why smaller towns are usually more peaceful. Let's look at a few towns in the Ozarks that appear to be dedicated to peacefulness and traditions.
Van Buren, Missouri
The 2020 Census shows Van Buren at 747 residents, and the Census Bureau's 2024 estimate puts it at about 775. This town has gone through quite a transformation considering it was once a booming logging town and is now focused instead on nature conservation. The activities Van Buren has to offer stem from its location right on the Current River. Its residents live like the river runs, peacefully. Riverfront gatherings at the Riverside Amphitheater and RV Park as well as a bit of river floating are as energetic as it gets in this relaxing escape.
Eminence, Missouri
Eminence is another small Ozark town that enjoys a slower pace of life. It is the county seat in Shannon County and has an estimated 2026 population of 536 residents. Instead of just one river, this town has two. It sits on the Jacks Fork River, a few miles upstream from where it joins the Current River. One of its claims to fame is that the area is known as a great place to spot wild horses. And, like Van Buren, nearly all activities are river motivated. There are, however, a couple of other natural attractions to enjoy, namely the springs and caves. The rural town with its low population provides a slow pace that is hard to beat.
Ava, Missouri
While a bit higher population than the previous two, its 2,894 people, as counted in the 2020 Census, enjoy a quiet and traditional lifestyle in Ava. It is surrounded by forested hills with numerous hiking trails and ridge overlooks. Outdoor activities may be a big part of this town, but it also has a thriving art scene, and visitors are encouraged to visit the Ava Art Guild & Gallery to view works from regional artists. The Douglas County Museum is a great place to learn more about the culture and history of this quaint, relaxed Ozark town. Ava is another town that City-Data's crime index rates below the national average.
Jasper, Arkansas
If the idea of a slower pace of life includes a town with nearly zero development and surrounded by mountain wilderness, Jasper, Arkansas is an ideal choice. Wildlife is so common that this town has been dubbed the "Elk Capital of Arkansas." Fishing in the Little Buffalo River that flows through Jasper is a popular leisure activity in this slow-paced town of just over 500 residents. Shopping at the various local shops is also a common thing for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Calico Rock, Arkansas
Sometimes it is embracing historic features that keeps a town dedicated to having a slower pace of life. Calico Rock is that sort of place. In fact, enjoying a visit to Calico Rock Ghost Town or enjoying the historic downtown makes it abundantly clear. With Ozark National Forest access and White River trout fishing as popular activities, this small town's roughly 900 residents know how to take life at a relaxing pace.
Birch Tree, Missouri
Birch Tree is another one of those towns that has few people and is quiet and isolated. Its 2026 estimated population sits at 565 people. As a low-population town, it also tends to see little crime. To give an idea about how much this town has remained the same, consider that in 1890, the town's population was just over 500 people and today it is nearly the same. Since Birch Tree is nicely situated near Mark Twain National Forest and the Current River, it is the perfect place for outdoor lovers seeking a slower pace of life.
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
It isn't just Arkansas and Missouri that have the distinction of having towns in the Ozarks with a slower pace of life. Parts of Oklahoma are also at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and have a few smaller towns as well. Tahlequah is a perfect example. It has a higher population than others on this list, but even at the July 1, 2025 estimate of 17,508 residents, it is far from being crowded. Add in a crime index that City-Data rates below the national average, and it is understandable this town qualifies as a low-population, low-crime option for those desiring a slower pace of life. An interesting tidbit about Tahlequah is that the book and movie "Where the Red Fern Grows" are set in the area. Outdoor adventures are among the most popular things to do in this town.
Cave Springs, Arkansas
Located on the Springfield Plateau of the Ozarks, Cave Springs, Arkansas is both a small community and one with very low reported crime. Per the US Census, the July 2025 population estimate is 6,701 residents. City-Data's crime index places it well below the national average. The name gives it away if you're wondering what makes Cave Springs memorable. A 57-acre preserve was established to protect its cave, spring, and Partners Lake.
Battlefield, Missouri
Battlefield sits in the Springfield Plateau which is part of the Ozarks. It has a suburban-rural atmosphere with just over 6,000 residents. City-Data's crime index also rates it below the national average. The usual activities in this town include outdoor recreation and historical exploration. Given its name, it is no surprise that one of the things to do is take a historical tour of Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, which is a Civil War site.
Hollister, Missouri
Ask the residents in Hollister how they'd describe their town and words like friendly, togetherness, and welcoming are likely to be used. The population is climbing as people find this town's slower pace of life an ideal place to call home. It currently rests at about 4,700 residents. Add in a crime index that City-Data rates well below the national average, and it is easy to see why Hollister belongs on this list. There are several historic sites and museums to pass the time. A favorite is the State Highway 165 Scenic Overlook that provides an amazing view of the Ozark Mountains. Fishing, paddleboarding, or kayaking at Table Rock Lake is a nice way to spend a day.
Bull Shoals, Arkansas
Bull Shoals' population in the 2020 census sat at about 2,000 residents. However, as of 2026, it has dropped to an estimated 1,900 people. City-Data's crime index rates it well below the national average. Spending time at Bull Shoals Lake, a 45,000-acre reservoir, provides rest and relaxation.
The Slower Pace of Life
The Ozarks is widely known for its amazing landscapes, but it is also a region where its people embrace time-honored traditions. The sprinkling of small-population towns throughout the region offers the small-town calm, natural beauty, and sense of community that is the authentic Ozarks slower pace of life experience. Head to any of these towns if you are craving a gently moving, deliberate lifestyle full of history and outdoor adventures.
