I like Lake of the Ozarks too, so I have decided to buy a place there this year. Prices are pretty darn good too. I'll have to invite some of you guys down who have about the same number of bad habits as I have.

I had actually looked at a couple places as well...prices are pretty great right now!!

I do have some pretty bad habits though, mornings are always rough for me down there.

Are we fantasizing or are we for real?

My wife and I discuss this a lot because our plan is to retire on a lake but there are so many factors that come into play.

1. How far away are we willing to live from our children and grandchildren?
   
2. Is there good healthcare within an appropriate distance from where we want to move?
   
3. Will we be moving amongst people we can relate to?
   
4. Is the Lake known for good fishing?
   
5. Can we have privacy and some seclusion while also being able to have a social life within a reasonable driving distance?
   
6. What type of nature experience will we find in the areas surrounding the lake?
   

These are just a few of the items I can think of off the top of my head. There is much to consider when you really start to work toward a decision. We have it narrowed down to three states and a handful of lakes.

Minnatonka would be nice for the multi species aspect, but If I was picking somewhere to live, I would pick Lake Tahoe.

Are we fantasizing or are we for real?

Both! With all the things you listed in consideration, where would you want to live?

Both! With all the things you listed in consideration, where would you want to live?

So, right now, because all of our kids live in the Kansas City area, we prefer to not be more than three or four hours from them. That would probably dictate that we remain in Missouri or Northern Arkansas. However, we might consider Texas if the kids are doing well at that time as Dallas is only an eight to nine hour drive and a quick flight. (Yeah Baby.) This list is still in development.

Lakes in Missouri:

Table Rock - Meets all criteria.

Stockton Lake - Awesome for seclusion, for natural beauty, and for many of the items listed but good healthcare is 50 miles away in Springfield Missouri. That might be close enough.

Truman Lake - Closest to our kids but excellent healthcare is probably only available in Kansas City.

Lake Ozark - Probably out as a place to live. Seclusion is not available on Lake Ozark because development has been allowed on all of the lakefront. Meets all other criteria.

Lakes in Northern Arkansas:

Norfork Lake

Bull Shoals Lake

Beaver Lake

Lakes in Texas:

Lake Fork

As the sign of Hwy 87 says Welcome Toledo Bend Reservoir “The Bass Fishing Capitol of the World”

Catt said it all! I live on toledo bend, there not a prayer that goes by that i dont give thanks to be able to live on the lake that ushered in the sport of pro bass fishing

LOZ and a 40 ft. bass boat.

LOZ and a 40 ft. bass boat.

You only need a 40 ft bass boat on the weekends and holidays. The week days are nice if you can fish those days. It's hard to get that 40 footer between the docks too!

Luckily my parents own two . One on Port Bay on Lake Ontario and one up North in Canada (Big Gull Lake).

If I play my cards right I am hoping to have one of those later in life