Is Mountain Grove, Missouri Right for You?

Mountain Grove is a beautiful small town, that straddles both Wright and Texas Counties in Missouri.  It is split by 4 lane 60 Highway that connects Springfield on the west side of the state to Poplar Bluff on the east. It is a little over an hour east of Springfield for the major amenities and 45 minutes northwest of West Plains. Mountain Grove has a population of around 4,300 people in the city limits, with a strong community. It has beautiful countryside all around the city limits.

Weather

Wright County averages 43 inches of precipitation in a year.  Annual mean snowfall is 12 inches per the National Climate Data Center.  Most snows are a dusting to a couple of inches with occasionally larger snows. It is very rare that we see snows more than 10 inches, and the snow that we do get, doesn’t last long.  The last frost is around late April with first frost in Mid-October, nearly a 180 day growing season.  Temperatures don't often reach above 100 and into the single digits, but some years we do have a week-long stretch in the lower teens and upper 90’s.

The Outdoor Lifestyle

For those who enjoy an active and outdoor lifestyle, the area offers plenty of opportunities including hunting, fishing, floating, farming, hiking, and 4wheeling, horseback riding, golf, etc.

Areas north and south is home to state conservation ground, National Forest, creeks, and rivers that offer endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and hunting. Austin Lake, a 22 acre public lake is just northwest of town perfect for picnics or fishing while larger lakes that span MO and AR are within an hour or 2 from town.  Norfok Lake in Tecumseh is 1 hour away, Bull Shoals Lake at Isabella or Theodosia is 1 hour, 15 min away. The poular Lake of the Ozarks is an hour and 45 min away.  The Current River and Jacks Fork River, surrounded by the National Scenic Riverways near Eminence, and are 1 hour away.  Bryant Creek and the North Fork Rivers are poupluar fishing and flowating rivers south of town while the Gasconade is north at Hartville.

There are huge blocks of Conservation Ground and National Forest with thousands of acres of public use within 30 min to an hour from town. Hunt or Hike, it's yours to use.

Agriculture is a big part of the lifestyle and culture. Many farms run cow-calf operations and hay while very few plant crops.  While there are many large privately owned farms, many operate on small hobby farm levels and have a few head of cattle, goats, sheep, ducks, and chickens and grow gardens each year.

Mountain Grove has 2 golf option: the Randel-Hinkle golf course managed by the city and the Wedgwood Country Club a short drive out of town with many others in nearby towns.

Housing

Another advantage of living around Mountain Grove is the affordability of housing. The cost of living in Wright County is lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those looking to purchase a home. The area offers a range of housing options, from charming historic homes to modern new builds. Additionally, the area's rural setting offers plenty of land for those interested in building their custom dream home or running your ranch, farm, or starting a homestead.

Schools

Mountain Grove has a great public school system, as well as private school and homeschool groups. The public school offers many different sports and clubs. The private school offers sports as well, and there are options to play sports within the homeschool groups. Mountain Grove also has a few daycare options for your Littles! 

Banks

There are quite a few banks in Mountain Grove, from local community banks to bigger chain banks as well. Here are a few: Community First Banking Co, First Home Savings Bank, Stockmens, Town and Country Bank, Legacy Bank and Trust and OakStar Bank. 

Groceries

There is a Walmart located right off 60 for easy access, as well as Country Mart just down the road. There is also a healthfood store downtown that locals enjoy for vitamins, bulk food, and healthier food options. 

Shopping

There are several privately owned boutiques and antique stores in town that have everything from clothing to decor to furniture.  Larger chain stores can be found in Springfield or West Plains an hour away. There is also a Dollar General and Dollar Tree. 

Feed and Hardware Stores

There are a few hardware stores as well as feed stores in Mountain Grove. ACE Farm and Home, Mountain Grove Building Supply, CHS Home Center, and Richard Brothers Farm Supply, all in very accessible locations in town. 

Restaurants

There is a wide variety of restaurants in Mountain Grove, from family-owned home cooking cafes and steaks houses to chained restaurants like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Sonic and more. Locals really enjoy the breakfast cafes in the morning and bars/steakhouses at night. There are several options for Mexican Food in town and in neighboring towns, Chinese, American and a few food trucks that make their appearances.

Coffee shops

There are a few coffee shops in Mountain Grove. 

The American Cup is a local family owned coffee shop, where locals enjoy sitting inside and catching up with friends. There is also a drive in coffee shop, Mr. B's, with specialty coffee drinks and more. 

Festivals and Entertainment

Mountain Grove has several parades and festivals throughout the year located on the Grove square. The heritage festival is a local favorite, usually sometime in late August or September. There is also a fair once a year at the tri-county fairgrounds, as well as rodeos and truck pulls throughout the summer. For entertainment, Mountain Grove has a bowling ally, movie theater and games located in fun city. There is a public pool in town, and many creeks and rivers surrounding the city that family and friends like to spend there summer days at. 

Overall, Mountain Grove is a great town in Wright County to raise a family or retire!