If you are that close, take a couple days off, grab a hotel for a night and explore the area.

I’m from not too far from where you are originally and Nixa/Ozark/SW SGF are all their own things but not the same and maybe for diff reasons to me than you. Carthage is not WC is not CJ is not Neosho. But people all live in each for diff reasons. It seems like you have time on your side…that’s good…esp in a soon to be falling RE market. There are even some smaller school districts with maps that put you close to 65 Highway such as Strafford or Fair Grove. I will say which side of Branson is a total thing. The 65 side/East can take some good time to get from Hollister to Kimberling City/Hwy 13 side of things if you pick the less convenient option of location. Half my job in the past was to drive and I’ve seen most every community and road between KS and West Plains.

You have time but should spend that with some weekend trips to familiarize yourself with the local situation at each option.