Merriam Woods & Rockaway Beach

Welcome to Merriam Woods & Rockaway Beach, MO – Scenic Ozark Living Near Lake Taneycomo

Located just north of Rockaway Beach and Lake Taneycomo in Taney County, Merriam Woods and Rockaway Beach offer an attractive combination of affordability, outdoors lifestyle, and easy access to Branson’s resort-style amenities .

Community & Lifestyle

• Merriam Woods (City population ~2,006 as of 2020) provides a semi-rural, wooded vibe with steady residential growth and family-oriented neighborhoods .
• Rockaway Beach (City population ~829 in 2020) lies along the north shore of Lake Taneycomo and the White River, offering lake access, fishing, and scenic tranquility within minutes of Branson.

Demographics & Community Highlights

Merriam Woods:

• ~2,203 residents in 2023, median age 34, with strong owner-occupancy (~83.7%) and long-term residency—96% live in the same home as the year before .
• Median household income approx. $50,000, with about 14% identifying as Hispanic, and white-collar jobs account for ~74% of workforce .

Rockaway Beach:

• Median age ~45, average household size ~2.24, roughly 44% married couples, ~30% seniors over 65 .
• Predominantly White (~96%), with modest cultural diversity and mixed income levels. Many households include mobile and seasonal homes—rental and second-home markets are active .

Housing Market Snapshot (Mid‑2025)

Merriam Woods:

• Median listing price ~$203,700 (June 2025), at ~$126/sq ft, up ~5% YoY .
• Median sale price ~$199,900 (May 2025); homes sell in ~347–415 days, indicating a slow-paced but stable market with rising demand (up from 10 to 20 units sold in a year) .

Rockaway Beach:

• Median listing price ~$204,450 (June 2025), ~$157/sq ft, up ~7.9% YoY; listings hover around 19 active homes .
• Zillow home value index averages $176,799, up modestly (+0.2% over prior year) .
• Redfin reports a median sale price of $270K, jumping ~8% YoY, with limited but varied inventory including lakefront cottages and investment properties .

Why These Communities Stand Out

• Affordable Ozark Lifestyle: Split-acre lots, modest homes, and rental-friendly properties make both markets accessible—Merriam Woods around $200K and Rockaway Beach with moderate pricing despite lakeside appeal.
• Stability with Upside: Merriam Woods has high homeownership and low turnover; Rockaway Beach shows slight appreciation and rising buyer interest—especially for waterfront dwellings.
• Lake Access & Nature: Both communities border Lake Taneycomo and the White River—perfect for boating, fishing, and scenic living within easy reach of Branson’s attractions.
• Investor & Lifestyle Appeal: Investors favor seasonal renters in Rockaway Beach; Merriam Woods draws long-term residents and first-time buyers with family‑focused growth.

Summary: Merriam Woods and Rockaway Beach offer complementary real estate opportunities: Merriam Woods delivers a growing, family-friendly community at approachable prices, while Rockaway Beach provides lakeside lifestyle, seasonal demand, and modest appreciation in a scenic setting. Both are ideal for investors, families, retirees, or first‑time buyers seeking affordability with access to Branson’s vibrant attractions.