c.1905 Four Bedroom Missouri Handyman Special With Original Elements $75K

801 W 9th St, Joplin, MO 64801     $75,000

• Contact Realtor: Ariel Smith
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In 1905, William Austin Harvey (1871-1946) had this home built for his family. Austin (as he was known) was a hardware merchant. He lived in the home with his wife Thressa Kemp Harvey (1879- 1973) and their children Horace and Edwin, as well as Thressa’s mother. Around the Great Depression, the family sold the house for a much more humble home in town.

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Pros of Living in Joplin, MO

1. Affordable Cost of Living

• Joplin’s cost of living is about 10% lower than the U.S. average and around 14% below the Missouri average, especially in housing costs, utilities, and transportation. 
• Median home prices and monthly expenses tend to be appealing compared with many larger cities, which helps budgets go farther.

2. Strong Sense of Community & Local Culture

• People often describe Joplin as friendly and welcoming, with an active community vibe and local events like Porchfest and the Empire Market. 
• Revitalization efforts in downtown and local arts hubs (e.g., Spiva Center for the Arts) have contributed to a growing cultural scene.

3. Outdoor Recreation & Location

• Plenty of parks, trails, and outdoor spaces for hiking, biking, and picnicking exist in and around the city.
• Joplin’s location at major highway crossroads makes it easy to travel to nearby towns and other regions of Missouri and neighboring states.

4. Schools & Higher Education

• The Joplin School District generally performs reasonably well for a city this size, and Missouri Southern State University adds educational and economic opportunities.

5. Diverse Local Economy

• Employment is available across sectors like healthcare (e.g., Mercy & Freeman hospitals), education, retail, and manufacturing, providing a mix of job types.

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Cons of Living in Joplin, MO

1. Crime Concerns

• Crime rates — both violent and property — tend to be higher than average for cities of similar size, and safety perception varies by neighborhood. 
• Some residents on local forums mention feeling less safe after dark in certain areas, and concerns about drugs and homelessness come up in personal accounts.

2. Limited Nightlife & Entertainment

• After dark, the city can feel “sleepy” with fewer nightlife options like clubs or late-night venues — a drawback for people who enjoy a more active after-hours scene.

3. Transportation & Transit

• Like much of Missouri, public transportation options are limited, making a car necessary for most errands and commutes.

4. Economic & Income Challenges

• Median household income is lower than state and national averages, and the poverty rate is relatively high, which can impact economic vibrancy and opportunities. 
• Some residents feel jobs are concentrated in lower-paying sectors, though local employers span several fields.

5. Severe Weather Risk

• Joplin lies within Tornado Alley, and while extreme tornadoes are rare, the city’s history includes one of the deadliest tornado events in U.S. history (2011), reminding residents of weather risk.

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