Duke offers an easygoing, rural pace with wide skies, rolling timber, and gravel lanes that end at the Big Piney River—prime territory for paddling, angling, and quiet weekends outdoors. Its setting in Phelps County puts you within a reasonable drive of employers, shopping, and healthcare in Rolla, while access to training, contracting, and civilian opportunities at Fort Leonard Wood expands local career options. Public lands and waterways nearby, including sections of the Mark Twain National Forest, make it simple to trade screen time for trail miles.
Families will find a network of nearby schools, with Rolla Public Schools offering a full slate of academics, arts, and athletics supported by community partnerships and STEM opportunities through Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla. Explore curriculum, calendars, and enrollment resources at Rolla Public Schools. To the south and southeast, community life in Waynesville and across Pulaski County adds farmers markets, youth sports, and seasonal festivals to the calendar.
Housing in Duke runs the gamut from wooded acreage and river-adjacent cabins to updated ranch homes on quiet roads. Buyers value the space and privacy; sellers appreciate steady interest from those seeking more land without giving up proximity to town. Whether you’re planning a move to the area or preparing to list, Agent Pronto can connect you with a top local real estate agent who knows Duke’s back roads, schools, and market dynamics.