c.1920 Adorable Brick Cottage with Detached Garage in Missouri For Sale By Owner Under $100K

OHU50K Notes    $99,500

Good things come in small packages, like this adorable brick cottage for sale by owner in Missouri.

Zillow Comments

Adorable brick cottage! ??? This freshly remodeled 1-bed, 1-bath home is as cute as a button. Featuring a detached garage and a fully fenced yard, it’s perfect for simple, low-maintenance living. Updates include brand-new flooring, range, hot water tank, attic R-30 insulation, and a new A/C unit. Efficient, charming, and move-in ready—this cozy little all-brick beauty is ready to welcome you home.

• 1 bed
• 1 bath
• 670 sqft
• 6,229 sqft lot
• Build date 1920

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Pros of Living in Joplin, MO

1. Low Cost of Living

   • The cost of living in Joplin is about 10% below the national average.

   • Housing is relatively affordable: Homes.com reports a median single-family home price around $195,000, which is quite reasonable.

2. Strong Community and Local Culture

   • There’s a real sense of community, with local traditions and involvement. Livability highlights events like Porchfest (residents host musicians on their porches) and a year-round “Empire Market” with local vendors.

   • The city is rebuilding and revitalizing after past challenges, blending historic architecture (Victorian homes, old Route 66) with new development.

3. Outdoor Recreation

   • Because it’s in Southwest Missouri / the Ozarks region, there are good opportunities for outdoor activities — hiking, biking, nature areas (e.g., Wildcat Glade) are mentioned as local favorites.

   • The Frisco Greenway Trail is one example: nice for walking, biking, and getting outside.

4. Strategic Location & Connectivity

   • Joplin sits at a crossroads (Route 66, near Interstate 44), making it relatively accessible by road.

   • There’s a regional airport (Joplin Regional Airport) with some direct flights.

5. Educational Institutions

   • The city has a school district and also a higher education presence (e.g., Missouri Southern State University in or near Joplin) for local educational opportunities.

   • According to some sources, the school graduation rate is reasonably good.

6. Resilience & Reinvestment

   • Since the devastating 2011 tornado, Joplin has made substantial investments in rebuilding.

   • There are grants and programs (e.g., for homeowners) to rehabilitate older homes.

Cons / Challenges of Living in Joplin, MO

1. Crime Concerns

   • Crime is a significant issue: HomeSnacks reports Joplin’s crime rate is 120%+ above the national average.

   • According to Citytistics, crime is one of the major “cons” for Joplin.

   • From Reddit:

     “Crime and drugs seem to be a huge issue … I never felt safe being outside after dark …”
     “We have a lot of drugs, meth specifically …”

2. Lower Median Income / Poverty

   • According to LocalObserverDaily, the median household income is about $45,091, which is well below the national median.

   • Also, a pretty high poverty rate (LocalObserverDaily reports ~18.3%) which could contribute to socioeconomic challenges.

   • Public commentary also raises concerns about homelessness.

3. Limited Public Transportation

   • According to AreaVibes, public transit options are limited; many amenities may require driving.

   • According to Homes.com, Joplin paused its trolley service (though it’s said to resume), which suggests limited or inconsistent public transit.

   • As with much of Missouri, besides the main urban centers, owning a car is almost necessary.

4. Severe Weather / Tornado Risk

   • Joplin is in Tornado Alley, so there’s a non-trivial risk of tornadoes.

   • The 2011 EF-5 tornado is a reminder: the city has worked on building code improvements, but risk remains.

5. Limited Nightlife / Entertainment

   • According to some local commentary, the nightlife is limited: “few bars or clubs … the town kind of closes up early.”

   • From Reddit:

     “The town kind of closes up early … really diverse food offerings … but not a super late-night bar scene.”

6. Economic / Job Growth Limits

   • While there are jobs (healthcare, education, manufacturing), some sources indicate limited high-paying opportunities. ThinkRealState calls out “limited job opportunities.”

   • According to LocalObserverDaily, unemployment and income challenge is present.

7. Homelessness & Social Issues

   • There are documented concerns around homelessness. A report on homelessness in Joplin suggests it’s a growing challenge.

   • From Reddit:

     “Joplin’s homeless problem … seems to be getting out of control … there is an increase in people … rougher …” 
     “They are very closed off … a lot of homeless from St. Louis and Kansas City … get bused here …”

8. Some Reputation / Social Climate Issues

   • On Reddit, some users mention negative social dynamics:

     “I have never been surrounded by so many … closed-minded … meth-heads.”

   • Others note that while certain neighborhoods are fine, there is real variation — some areas are safer or more welcoming than others.

Who Joplin Might Be a Good Fit For — And Who Might Struggle

Good fit if you:

• Prioritize affordability and want to stretch your dollar.

• Value a strong local community and small-to-mid-sized city feel.

• Like outdoor activities (hiking, biking, nature) and want some access to natural beauty.

• Want access to a regional hub without big city congestion (but still want some amenities).

• Are okay with risk of severe weather (or are comfortable planning for it).

• Are okay driving (or using limited public transit).

Might struggle if you:

• Are very concerned about safety or crime.

• Rely on public transportation (or don’t want to own a car).

• Want a robust nightlife / big-city entertainment scene.

• Need very high-paying jobs or are in a profession that there aren’t many opportunities for locally.

• Are very averse to extreme weather risk, especially tornadoes.

• Need very strong social support systems or are worried about homelessness / social instability.

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