A divided area at the time, Carthage, Missouri, was the epicenter of the first official Civil War battle. It saw multiple battles during the American Civil War and was all but burned to the ground. Its rebuilding during the 19th and 20th centuries would leave the small city with many historic sites amidst fanciful architecture and intriguing contributions to the nation’s history. In the first half of the 20th century, it gained fame as a stop along the Route 66. Today, the city leans into its unique position, meshing American history and Missouri’s tourism efforts. “It’s got hometown charm, a lot of historic homes, and a great museum for the Battle of Carthage,” says Keri Ralston, Real Estate Agent with Carthage-based RealPro. “There’s always something happening to help benefit and better the community.” Though the city’s permanent population is roughly 15,500, working at major employers including Leggett and Platt, H.E. Williams, Inc. and Otts Foods, festivals in the area can often bring more than enough attendees to see the city nearly double in size for weekends at a time.
Downtown Carthage is undergoing a revitalization, with renovations and new businesses.
Boots Court Motel is one of the oldest operating motels on Route 66, and built in 1939.
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A collection of historic Victorian homes
Home styles in Carthage often reflect the variety of settings. The city is known for elaborate Victorian homes, many sitting on small lots in a rural town center. These are surrounded by larger colonial revivals, modern farmhouses and ranch-style homes on grassy tree-lined lots. Large homes on an acre or more of land can sell as high as $529,000, while homes on smaller lots near downtown Carthage can sell as low as $85,000. The median home price in 2024 was $218,450, up 9% from the previous year.
Carthage has a surprisingly large number of Victorian homes.
Ranch homes are common in many neighborhoods throughout Carthage.
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Carthage R-IX School District
The Carthage R-IX School District earns an overall B-plus on Niche. The district has one preschool, six primary schools and four secondary schools, including the Carthage Technical Center. With just over 5,000 students, the district maintains a 13:1 student-teacher ratio and an average graduation rate of 90%. For private or post-high school education, students must head to Joplin.
Mark Twain Elementary School in Carthage has a B+ rating on Niche.
Carthage Technical Center offers a variety of educational opportunities in the trades.
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The Battle of Carthage State Historic Site
Eight parks throughout the city cover more than 170 acres of green space. The city’s most historic park lies at the intersection of East Chestnut and South River Streets. The Battle of Carthage State Historic Site was the site of the first official engagement of the American Civil War. Other parks in the city hold standard amenities like playgrounds, pools and picnic areas, and the park system hosts various events like concerts, car shows and rodeos.
The Carter Spring Trail runs through the Battle of Carthage State Historic Site.
Carter Park offers a variety of areas for play and adventure.
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Shopping and dining off Route 66
Just off the famous Route 66, downtown Carthage is home to the Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum, an art museum, a local stage for community gatherings and more. A collection of local shops and restaurants include Asian, Mexican and American cuisine, tattoo parlors, antique shops and local grocery stores. National grocery chain options include Walmart and ALDI just south of Fairview Avenue.
Visit the Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum to learn about the history of Carthage.
The Woodshed is located on the square and is a local favorite.
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Marian Days and the Maple Leaf Festival
October’s Maple Leaf Festival is an annual highlight, a week-long celebration of maple trees and their colorful fall foliage. The festival features a carnival, a parade, live music and local food vendors. At the end of summer, Marian Days is an essential pilgrimage for Vietnamese American Catholics, as tens of thousands from across the globe flock to the area in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Other major events in the city include Carthage Stampede, a two-day rodeo event held at Carthage Municipal Park, and other smaller community events.
The Precious Moments Chapel is a unique experience.
The Carthage Municipal Park is a great place to enjoy being outdoors while the kids play.
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Having a car is essential
Carthage has no public transportation options, and many of the city’s streets lack sidewalks, so residents rely on personal vehicles. The famous U.S. Route 66 runs through the city's north end and intersects with Interstate 49, which runs along the city’s western edge. The interstate puts Springfield, Missouri, roughly 58 miles east of Carthage. “You’re not far from having a good time,” Ralston says. “You only have to drive a couple of hours to do something fun.” Joplin Regional Airport, offering select commercial flights, lies 14 miles west of the city, but residents must head 160 miles north to the Kansas City International Airport for international flights. Emergency health services are available at Mercy Hospital Carthage, on Dr. Russell Smith Way. However, the closest certified trauma center is the Level II Trauma Center at Mercy Hospital Joplin, 21 miles southwest.
Lower risk of crime but moderate wildfire risk
According to FBI crime data, Carthage’s property and violent crimes have been slowly declining since 2020, and both rates are typically below national averages. Environmental data from First Street indicates that almost all properties in Carthage are at risk of being affected by wildfires within the next 30 years.
Written By
Konrad Solberg
Photography Contributed By
Michael Denison
Video By
Samantha Houtchens
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nicholas Sanders,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Carthage, MO sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Carthage, MO over the last 12 months is $235,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Timeless elegance oozes from this stunning, well-built residence in one of Carthage's most sought-after neighborhoods, Breckenwood. Boasting over 5,000 square feet of refined living space, designed for both everyday living and grand entertaining, the home features multiple spacious living areas, floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interiors with natural light, and beautiful maple wood floors
A Sprawling Breckenwood Estate! Welcome to 2012 Beau Drive, an exquisite residence offering unparalleled luxury and craftsmanship. This custom-built one owner home features approx. 6,045 sq. ft with 5 large bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 3 half baths and a 3 car garage. This home is nestled on 1.27 acres at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac and offers instant curb appeal upon arrival. Enter through the
Welcome to your dream homestead! This beautiful home sitting on 5 acres is perfect for hobby farmers, homesteaders, or anyone looking to enjoy country living with modern conveniences.Built in 2021, this home features maintenance-free vinyl siding for easy upkeep. Thoughtfully designed as two complete living spaces, it offers two bedrooms and two full baths on the main floor, with two additional
Check out this garage-lover's dream at 1310 Regan Ave, Carthage MO. Need space to spread out? This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers 1220 sq ft of living space & an incredible 5.5 car garage that sets it apart! Whether you're a car enthusiast, craftsman, or just need room for tools, toys, and weekend projects, this garage is a rare find! Inside, the home features a functional layout with room to
Discover this stunning home nestled in a highly sought-after Carthage neighborhood, offering a picturesque setting and exceptional features. Spanning nearly 2,500 square feet, this beautifully maintained residence boasts a luxurious main floor primary suite, two spacious bedrooms upstairs, and elegant vinyl plank flooring throughout the main level. The home features two inviting living areas, a
Deer Run Crossing is a 68 unit income based family complex located in beautiful Carthage, MO. It is located near Wal-Mart, King Cash Saver, a hospital, a pharmacy and many other retail stores and restaurants. The city of Carthage also provides many benefits for its residents, including Meals on Wheels, a Senior Center, Alliance of SWMO and a YMCA. Deer Run is a great property that features 2
Discover your perfect home in this charming 2-bedroom, 2-bath duplex! Featuring a beautiful open kitchen and fantastic flooring throughout! This space combines comfort and style. Enjoy the convenience of a storage shed nested in a backyard equipped with privacy fencing! This duplex is perfect for relaxing and entertaining. A must-see! Call to schedule a showing. Application must be filled out
indi Real Estate, Ryan FlanaganKELLER WILLIAMS REALTY ELEVATE
2 bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage Executive Duplexes located right by the Carthage Golf Course would be a perfect place to call home. These units come with all major appliances, including washer and dryer. Pets 30lbs and under full grown are allowed with some fees.
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