Retirement in the South Shore Area

The South Shore area is home to retired persons of all ages from many areas of the country. The low cost of living, low crime rate, and mild, four season climate make this a haven for those who seek a slower pace but who aren't ready to give up their chosen activities. Many retirees reside in lakeside homes; others choose a riverside view for their golden years or the convenience of in-town living. There are activities galore for those of retirement age with a wide variety of interests. 

With two large lakes in the South Shore area, Bull Shoals Lake and Lake Norfork, as well as the White River and its tributary, the North Fork, there are water sports to fit any active lifestyle. The nation's first official national river, the Buffalo National River is within an hour's drive of almost anyplace in the area, and its attractions are many and varied for the nature lover.  

Housing

The Area Agency on Aging (Northwest Arkansas) can be contacted at 870-741-1144 at Harrison, 870-425-9811 at Mountain Home, 870-453-7000 at Flippin. Their service area includes Boone, Baxter, Marion, Carroll, Madison, Newton, Searcy and Washington counties. The Area Agency on Aging (White River) is 870-612-3000 in Batesville. They serve Izard, Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Jackson, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren, White & Woodruff Counties.

The South Shore area has several Senior Centers. Norfork Senior Center can be reached at 870-499-7171, and the Van Matre Senior Center in Mountain Home is at 870-424-3054. The Izard County Senior Citizen Center's phone number in Melbourne is 870-368-4420, and Boone County's Senior Activity Center is at 870-741-1505. Marion County Senior Citizens Center at Flippin can be reached at 870-453-8488.

Many senior citizens volunteer their time for good causes in the area. The Humane Society (Mountain Home - 870-425-9221) always needs volunteers, as do the hospital auxiliary groups (Mountain Home - 870-508-1000, Harrison - 870-365-2000, and Calico Rock - 870-297-3726).

See Clubs, Organizations and Senior Citizens Service Organizations listed in the NATCO Yellow Pages.

United Community Resource Council

A local group of social service providers has constructed a resource to help people who need specialized help contact those that can provide it. 

The United Community Resource Council is composed of 24 area organizations working to bring together a wide variety of services for residents of north central Arkansas. Their Web site, www.TwinLakesCommunity.org, was created to provide a comprehensive, accurate Web site, linking area, state and federal resources. 

This site is especially useful for school counselors, teachers, ministers, volunteers, social workers, nurses, physicians, employers, neighbors, family members, friends and those in need of assistance.