Quiet, family-friendly enclave on Joplin's far north side
Forest Ridge is a newer neighborhood about 3 miles north of downtown Joplin at the intersection of East Zora and Main Street. The northside location makes this area convenient to parks, grocery stores, restaurants and events in Webb City, a northern Joplin suburb, as well as jobs and classes at two Joplin colleges — Ozark Christian College and Missouri Southern State University. This neighborhood developed between the mid-90s and early '00s, with a collection of smaller homes that continues to attract first-time homebuyers and anyone looking to downsize. "It's a family-oriented neighborhood, so there are lots of families taking walks, children on bikes," says Michelle Clemons, Realtor with Nexthome Somo Life. "It's a go-to area for Halloween. Lots of people participate in the Halloween events."
New Traditional homes with front yards and backyards
This neighborhood is a quiet residential enclave with New Traditional homes on manicured streets. These include two-story farmhouses with dormer windows and wide front porches, along with single-story ranch-style houses. Most homes range between 1,200 and 2,200 square feet of living space, with attached two-car garages and driveways for parking. Prices range from $150,000 to around $270,000. Front yards consist of short grass and minimal landscaping. Lots in this neighborhood are generally a quarter-acre in size and feature backyard space with enough room for an above-ground pool or a playset. This neighborhood doesn't have any sidewalks, but traffic is quiet enough for a game of basketball on the driveway or the street. "You'll see some mature trees and some yards — Forest Ridge wasn't hit by our big tornado in 2011, so none of the trees got destroyed," says Hunter Perry, owner of the Perry Team and its brokerage, Realty One Group Ovation.
The homes of Forest Ridge are grouped together in a modest development.
A large modern farmhouse offers plenty of floor space in Forest Ridge.
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Trolley rides at King Jack Park
Spacious community parks are nearby in Joplin to the south and Webb City to the northeast. Less than 2 miles south, Landreth Park is a 160-acre green space with pickleball courts, playgrounds, baseball fields, sand volleyball courts and picnic facilities. A hard-packed gravel trail loops around the park, connecting many of these facilities. Less than 4 miles northeast, King Jack Park is Webb City's main outdoor area, spanning 144 acres and offering community events, youth sports leagues and historical points of interest. Youth baseball, softball and soccer teams practice and compete at the park. A large picnic pavilion overlooks the playground, splash pad, and lake in the park's center. The Webb City Parks and Recreation Department offers a nostalgic experience with rides around the park in a restored 1920s trolley.
King Jack Park gives children and their parents a place to play.
Landreth Park offers plenty of paved trail surface for walkers and runners.
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Teens gain college experience at Missouri Southern State University
Joplin School District students start at Royal Heights Elementary, which has a positive reputation in the community, teaching kids the technology skills needed for middle and high school. They will move on to East Middle School and Joplin High School. All three public schools earn a C-plus grade from Niche. Joplin High students may take dual enrollment classes at Missouri Southern State University and utilize the campus libraries. Located three miles southeast of Forest Ridge, MSSU is Joplin's largest college, offering 140 undergraduate and graduate programs. Ozark Christian College is a private institution located 1.5 miles south, serving 614 undergraduate students through faith-based degree programs such as counseling and pastoral care, biblical justice and creative arts ministry.
The campus of Ozark Christian College fills out the south west corner of Forest Ridge.
Ozark Christian College students form life long bonds in the Forest Ridge neighborhood.
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Fried chicken and fish at Flat Creek
Forest Ridge is between shopping and dining options in Joplin and Webb City. Flat Creek is a popular Webb City haunt decked out in bicycles and Route 66 signage. It serves steak, seafood and barbecue with baked beans, coleslaw and rolls on the side, but it's known best for its fried chicken and catfish. Walmart Neighborhood Market is a Webb City stop for fresh produce and other essentials. Directly south is Joplin's foodie scene along Main Street. The Bruncheonette serves classic breakfast dishes with ingredients sourced from local farms.
The Bruncheonette is an intimate breakfast joint just south of Forest Ridge.
Walmart offers convenient grocery shopping a short drive from Forest Ridge.
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Pet-friendly Third Thursday draws a crowd in downtown Joplin
Between the two surrounding towns, there are outdoor concerts, seasonal festivals, arts offerings, attractions and farmers markets. King Jack Park celebrates different holidays with an Easter egg hunt in March and the Polar Bear Express event in December, which features light displays and a festive trolley ride around the park. Third Thursday draws thousands of visitors to Main Street in Joplin from March through October for live music, food trucks and over 100 vendors. To cap off the season, many attendees and their pets come in costume for the final Third Thursday of the year in October.
Frisco Greenway Trail connects to Webb City and Joplin
This neighborhood has a dedicated pedestrian route — a rarity in Joplin. Nearby, the Frisco Greenway Trail is a hard-packed gravel trail for walking, running and biking that spans 3.5 miles between Webb City and Joplin. Main Street connects to downtown Joplin to the south and Joplin Regional Airport, located 4.4 miles north, with nonstop flights to Chicago and Denver on United Airlines. Main also leads to Mercy GoHealth Urgent Care, 2.6 miles north, and Freeman Hospital West, which has an emergency room about 6 miles south.
Residents around Joplin and Webb City enjoy accessing the Frisco Greenway Trail.
Joplin Regional Airport is just north of the Forest Ridge neighborhood.
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Tornadoes are a reality
Joplin is part of Tornado Alley, with the peak season being from April to June. In May 2011, Joplin saw Missouri's deadliest tornado to date, killing 161 people and injuring nearly 1,000.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lisa Fletcher,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
King Jack Park
Landreth Park
Frisco Greenway Trail
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Forest Ridge
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Forest Ridge, Joplin sell after 9 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Forest Ridge, Joplin over the last 12 months is $223,200, up 13% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in the Forest Ridge Subdivision, this 3 bed, 2 bath home in Southwest Joplin offers 1,350 square feet of comfortable living. Features include cathedral ceilings, walk-in closets, and kitchen appliances. Outside, enjoy a fully fenced backyard, nice landscaping, and a quiet neighborhood feel. Just minutes from downtown, schools, shopping, and restaurants—close to everything, without the
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lisa Fletcher,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
338
Median Age
39
Population under 18
25.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$30,454
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$37,396
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.7%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
25%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15.1%
% Population in Labor Force
66.7%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
31/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
3/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
