$128,096Average Value$139Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Improving homes and community ties in Emerson
Emerson is a densely built neighborhood in central Joplin where residents live close to one another on smaller lots. Situated between the town's only high school, the downtown area and green spaces, this neighborhood has recently faced absentee ownership and homes needing repair. But as fixer-upper projects draw in new residents, rising owner-occupancy could help to strengthen community ties, says Gary Mishler, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Elevate, who has sold several homes in the neighborhood. "Some neighbors want to build a community, while others just want to build a home. But in this neighborhood, a lot of people want that community connection, so you'll be able to find that."
Main Street runs north and south along Emerson's western edge.
Newly constructed homes line a residential street in Emerson.
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Bungalows ready for renovations
Older bungalows and Minimal Traditional-style homes are located close together on Emerson's residential streets. Dating between 1900 and 1910, many of these properties are getting complete remodels, according to Mishler. Typical updates include replacing windows and roofs and refinishing hardwood floors. "There is still a lot of opportunity in the area," Mishler says. "The problem for people wanting to do that work is finding the owners because there are a lot of absentee owners." On the neighborhood's south end, new bungalow-style homes replaced ones destroyed by the 2011 EF5 Joplin tornado. While front and back yard space is limited, residents enjoy outdoor time on front porches. Prices range from around $115,000 to $200,000, depending on the extent of updates.
An older bungalow reflects the history of the Emerson neighborhood.
Many homes in Emerson were constructed in the 1940s and 1950s.
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Joplin school zoning varies based on address
Students here are split between Joplin School District pipelines. Most will attend Dover Hill Elementary School, a new school that doesn't have a Niche rating, and North Middle School, which gets an overall B-minus. Students living in the neighborhood's southernmost part, between 18th and 20th Streets, can attend Irving Elementary School and South Middle School, which both get overall B-minus grades. Irving Elementary has a new preschool classroom thanks to a district initiative to increase early learning opportunities in town. Teens may walk to Joplin High School, which gets a C-plus grade.
Dover Hills Elementary is a great option for younger students.
Irving Elementary School is a popular school in the area.
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Outdoor amenities at Parr Hill Park and Campbell Parkway
The area is next to two popular green spaces, including Parr Hill Park, just east. "That started out as a fairly standard park, but the city kept adding to it over the years," Mishler says. The 2-acre area fits a splash pad, walking paths, fitness equipment, a playground and picnic pavilions. One of its popular features is Joplin's only off-leash dog park, featuring separate spaces for large and small breeds. Further east, Campbell Parkway is a passive area with walking paths that get regular use in the summertime.
Visitors to Parr Hill Park can take a paved walking trail connecting to downtown Joplin.
Visitors to Campbell Parkway enjoy the open green space for walking their dogs.
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Fred and Red's and other small businesses on Main Street
Joplin's small business scene is clustered downtown, about a mile north. But the Main Street commercial scene extends down to Emerson. A Conoco gas station and a Walgreens Pharmacy are located along the strip. Fred and Red's, a Joplin landmark since 1923, still uses the original recipe for its spaghetti chili. Emerson is at the heart of Joplin's thrifting scene, with Second Chances Resale, Trackside Treasures and Lil' Bits Thrift & Gift all selling secondhand goods nearby. The Rangeline Road shopping district is another go-to shopping area 2 miles east, home to Aldi and other grocery options.
Fred's & Red's Diner has been serving spaghetti red since 1923 in Emerson.
Emerson residents can find unique items at Trackside Treasures.
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Art, music and vendors at downtown Joplin
Downtown Joplin, at the intersection of Main Street and historic Route 66, is the backdrop for annual special events. Third Thursday, a monthly street fest, gets attention from thousands of locals and visitors throughout the region, with around 100 vendors and several live music stages. Downtown galleries and businesses showcase local art and live music at the First Thursday ArtWalk from March through December.
Enjoying live music is part of the draw to the First Thursday ArtWalk for Emerson residents.
A car show gives Emerson auto enthusiasts a chance to connect at Third Thursday.
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Main Street leads to the airport and hospitals
Locals use sidewalks to get to schools and retail spaces. Residents also depend on cars and public transportation to get outside the neighborhood. Main Street leads to several landmarks, including Joplin Regional Airport, about 7 miles north, and Mercy Hospital, about 4 miles south. Joplin's Sunshine Lamp Trolley Green Route also leads to Mercy Hospital and the Rangeline Road shopping district.
Tornado shelters at Joplin schools
Tornadoes are a possibility here, and the 2011 EF5 event remains Missouri's deadliest tornado to date, killing 161 people and damaging or destroying thousands of structures. Several Joplin schools provide community safe rooms for staff, students and residents living close by. Joplin High School's community safe room is open to most Emerson residents, particularly those who live south of 14th Street.
GreatSchools:
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Emerson Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Emerson, Joplin sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Emerson, Joplin over the last 12 months is $147,400, up 49% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Great location in the middle of Joplin, construction completed in early 2025. Split floor plan and spacious living room open to kitchen and dining. Blinds, granite countertops, LVP flooring throughout, and stainless steel appliances. Must see!
Courtney LongColdwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette-MO
Cute 2 bedroom/1 bath house was inside a fully fenced yard with a big 27x20 detached garage. HVAC and ductwork replaced in 2023. House is within walking distance to Joplin High School. Added a new back deck as well as some flooring in the second bedroom. Address IS NOT in a flood zone.
2 homes for the price of 1?! Yes, please! Located in the heart of Joplin, both properties are move-in ready and waiting for you! With amazing rental opportunity, and offering 1000 sqft of living space in 615 E 15th, with an easy floor plan that creates a bright and spacious atmosphere. 2 beds, 1 bath, great natural light, and covered front porch. 619 E 15th hosts 2 beds, 1 bath, 870 sqft is also
For lease. Not for sale. Beautiful & convenient 2 bedroom, 2 bath home with a 1 car garage. Kitchen features granite countertops, tile backsplash, soft closing cabinets and appliances. Primary bath with walk-in shower and closet. Small pet considered with refundable pet deposit and monthly fee. No smoking. No vaping. Available immediately. Apply on line at jloweassociates.com or kwelevate.org.
For Lease: New very nice completely rebuilt 3 bedroom 2 bath ground-floor apartment, centrally located near 13th & Iowa in Joplin. $1300/mo rent, $1300 security deposit. The apartment features high vaulted ceilings, all tile floors, ceiling fans, open concept floorplan, all appliances, and an In-unit laundry room. $30 app & credit fee. ALL occupants age 18+ must apply. Contact your agent for link
For Lease: New very nice completely rebuilt 3 bedroom 2 bath ground-floor apartment, centrally located near 13th & Iowa in Joplin. $1300/mo rent, $1300 security deposit. The apartment features high vaulted ceilings, all tile floors, ceiling fans, open concept floorplan, all appliances, and an In-unit laundry room. $30 app & credit fee. ALL occupants age 18+ must apply. Contact your agent for link
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
