The Ozarks are a beautiful and unique region located in the heart of America. Stretching across the states of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, the Ozarks are known for their natural beauty, rolling hills, lush forests, and crystal-clear streams and rivers. The Ozarks have a rich history, dating back thousands of years when indigenous peoples first settled in the region. Later, French and Spanish explorers arrived, followed by American pioneers who were drawn to the area's abundant natural resources, including timber, minerals, and fertile land. Today, the Ozarks are a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities ranging from hiking and biking to fishing, hunting, and camping, as well as canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. The region's many state parks, national forests, and wildlife areas offer visitors the chance to experience the beauty of the Ozarks up close. One of the most popular destinations in the Ozarks is the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which includes the Current and Jacks Fork rivers. These clear, spring-fed streams are perfect for floating, fishing, and swimming, and are surrounded by scenic bluffs, forests, and wildlife. Another must-see destination in the Ozarks is the Mark Twain National Forest, which covers over 1.5 million acres in southern Missouri. The forest boasts miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and camping areas, as well as numerous lakes and streams for fishing and boating. In addition to its natural beauty, the Ozarks are also home to a rich cultural heritage. The region has a long and colorful history, with many small towns and communities that have preserved their unique character and traditions. Visitors can explore historic sites, museums, and cultural events, and experience the warm hospitality of the Ozarks' friendly residents. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, or just a relaxing getaway, the Ozarks have something for everyone. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and welcoming communities, the Ozarks are truly a gem in the heart of America.

I get asked occasionally why I chose the name Wild Hills for my real estate company. And, I totally get it. On the surface it seems like Wade Real Estate or Integrity Homes might have a better marketing reach, and certainly are better descriptive names. However, I wanted something that spoke deeper, and somehow simultaneously more broad and more specific at the same time.  I am in love with this region. I have been blessed to visit all over the United States and into Mexico and Canada, and I love traveling. There are some amazing places, and the allure of what's around the corner or over the next hill have always called to my soul. but, I am always ready to come home to the Ozark Mountains. Anytime I am drawn to a different area and think to myself, "I could live here," I find there are a few things it always has in common with our area, but I think we have the best balance! 1. Hills (or mountains) North Carolina, Colorado, and Tennessee all have pieces of my heart and hopefully maybe someday future homes of Wild Hills offices! There is something special, and almost magical about the hills. The rich histories and stories of the settlers and pioneers that first tackled these rugged areas is quite inspiring, and quite wild. However, the Ozarks, and especially Missouri, has such an amazing and eclectic geographical thumbprint. Hills, plains, highlands, and lowlands with caves, springs, rivers, forests, and grasslands. It is beautiful, but also incredibly useful. 2. Water When I first got into real estate, I was always a little puzzled when people would ask me about water. And not just springs, ponds, or lakes on a property, but whether or not you could access drinking water, where it came from, and if it dried up. Our region is so special to have an abundance of water. Not only on the surface with all the springs and rivers, but also underground with an abundance of accessible water via wells. Water is the building block of life, and we have it in spades. 3. Sustainability This might be where I get a bit of the "wild" from. Being born and raised in this area, we are a people of high independence and self sufficiency. We take pride in it! Having the potential to live off of the land via farming, agriculture, hunting, and fishing is something not easily taken for granted in the Ozarks. You might be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't do some if not most of their own maintenance, building, and possibly a bit of inventing. Although some are better than others. It's a region of entrepreneurs and business owners, farmers and ranchers, and hunters and trappers.  So, why Wild Hills? Well, I love the Wild nature of where we live. While most of us live average lives in normal surroundings, the history of this area is that of adventure, freedom, and self sufficiency. I think that line of thinking has passed down through the generations, even if we don't use it in life or death situations. We still carry an adventurous lifestyle and an incredible sense of self sufficiency and freedom. We are a region of close knit relationships and family, whether by blood, or by choice. And the Hills comes from this sense of longevity and stability. The hills have been here a long time, and they've seen it all. From the Native Americans who settled here thousands of years ago until now. They've seen the good and the bad, and definitely some ugly, but here they are. Still a source of strength, independence, and loyalty.  On a personal note, it represents who I want to be as a person! The hills are noble and ancient. Loyal. They’ve always been and they’ll always be. Stable and serene. But with that, I like a little adventure and exploration. A little wilderness, and a bit of the unknown!