$186,042Average Value$158Average Price per Sq Ft25Homes For Sale
Quiet streets and leafy parks surround a lively downtown in Lamar
Lamar’s historic town square is anchored by a brick courthouse built in 1856 and surrounded by rows of old storefronts. With plenty of local shops, eateries and events, it’s a central gathering place for the town’s 4,300 residents. “The square is pretty quiet during the week, but it fills up when there’s an event, and there are a lot of local events,” says Pauletta Orahood of the Barton County Historical Society, a longtime city resident. Outside the downtown district, walkable, leafy streets are dotted with early- and mid-20th century homes, community parks and local monuments and memorials. “It’s a friendly town. Not too big, not too small. And it’s full of history,” Orahood says. “Wyatt Earp started his law career here. President Harry Truman was born here. We had three military admirals who were born here. For a small town, it’s really something.”
Lamar, Missouri, is a small, quiet town in Barton County.
A brick courthouse anchors the town square in Lamar.
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Older homes with large lots near downtown
Lamar is laid out on a traditional, flat street grid lined with sidewalks, mature trees and lots with generous setbacks. Ranch-style homes, cottages and Craftsman houses can all be found here, most of which date back at least 50 years. Some older homes may need fixing up, while others have been well maintained and upgraded. Lots are typically large, offering plenty of privacy and space for gardens. Large farm properties, newer homes and rural homes are found farther out from the town center. Prices range from around $100,000 to $320,000, depending on size, age and condition.
Similarly styled bungalows line a residential street in Lamar.
A Victorian home in Lamar features a well-manicured yard and a white picket fence.
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Historic theaters and hometown favorites for dining out
The city has more than a few shopping and dining destinations, so residents won’t have to travel for the essentials. Tractor’s BBQ and Grill is a local favorite for smoked meats, sandwiches, sides and fixings, while El Caballo De Oro offers up Mexican staples like tacos, burritos and enchiladas. Those searching for something sweet can make a pitstop at Daylight Donuts or pick up coffee and pastries from The Grind Coffee Shop. Worden’s Meat offers a wide selection of meats, from beef and bacon to brats, chicken sausage and pork chops. There are two historical movie theaters in town — the Plaza Theater, built in 1934, and the Barco Drive-In, a rural drive-in theater built in 1950. Groceries and everyday essentials are available at Walmart and Dollar General.
Daylight Donuts is a popular stop for a sweet treat.
Residents in Lamar head to the Barco Drive-In Theatre for a movie night.
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Truman Day and Fallfest honor Lamar’s famous residents
Annual events celebrate holidays and history. “We have Wyatt Earp Fallfest in October. He was the town constable before he headed west. And there’s Truman Day in May when we celebrate Truman’s birthday,” Orahood says. Among the largest events is the Lamar Free Fair, billed as the state’s largest, which takes place in the town square every August. It brings out thousands of visitors for carnival rides, parades and a livestock show.
City parks offer lakes, trails, playgrounds and ball fields
Parks are a major perk for Lamar locals, with two lakes and plenty of green space. The largest is Lamar City Park, a sprawling park surrounding a popular fishing lake with walking trails, playgrounds, a dog park, picnic areas and baseball diamonds. Wyatt Earp Park sits near the center of town, across the street from the courthouse, and hosts local events like the annual Christmas Parade and Christmas lighting. Thiebaud Auditorium is right up the street, a public event venue that holds holiday events, pageants, banquets and reunions.
Residents fish and boat at Lamar City Lake.
Residents relax and unwind at Wyatt Earp Park.
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High school football brings the community together on game nights
Young students start at East Primary School, which serves kindergarten through second grade, West Elementary School, which serves third through fifth grade, and Lamar Middle School. All three schools earn B-minus ratings from Niche. The last four years can be spent at Lamar High School, which gets a C-plus. The high school’s championship-winning football team brings the community together for home games. The team has won the state championship more than 15 times, most recently in 2023 and 2024. “We’ve got some great schools. The football team has a pretty big following here,” Orahood says.
Lamar Middle School students attend grades 6th through 8th.
The Lamar High School football team is a source of community pride.
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Driving is essential for errands, commuting and medical care
Lamar’s residential streets, especially those closest to the town square, are walkable and bikeable. The city doesn’t have public transportation, however, so residents will need a car for errands and commuting. Interstate 49 runs along the city’s western edge, offering a route to Joplin, about 40 miles south, while Pittsburg, Kansas, is about 28 miles west. Mercy Hospital Pittsburg, about 30 miles away, is the nearest medical center. The Joplin Regional Airport is 35 miles away.
Written By
Daniel Berti
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Maurice Boone
Video By
Maurice Boone
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Lamar, MO sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Lamar, MO over the last 12 months is $159,700, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This unique property offers not only lots of room but also several updates, including a new roof (2023), HVAC system (2020) energy-efficient double-pane windows (2015), wiring and plumbing (2004). Once a duplex, the layout now provides several flexible living spaces! It could easily be used as a 4 or 5 bedroom home or converted back to duplex. Check out the floor plan! Ideally located in the
This 10 +/- acre tract has both visibility and convenience wrapped into one spot. The northbound and southbound entrance and exit ramps provide future business owners the perfect location for a high-visibility, easily accessible location along Interstate 49. Traffic counts from MoDot give a daily average on I-49 of over 7,000 vehicles, which are full of potential clients for your business.
Access, exposure, and opportunity, all combined makes this property an entrepreneur’s dream come true. The large 50’x108’ building with a 12’ front porch provides major curb appeal. The oversized sign helps capture the attention of over 7,000 motorists traveling the interstate daily. With on and off ramps conveniently located out front, you are sure to gain the business of
Metal shop building on approx. 2.76 acres near Lamar, MO. Includes a 3,000 sq ft shop with 14' sidewalls, three 12' bay doors, half fully insulated, and a 10,000 lb hydraulic lift (included). Would be a great mechanic or fabrication shop! Also features a block building and single wide trailer that needs TLC. Great setup for service, storage, or light industrial use with room to grow.Land
Located just 7 miles north of Lamar and less than 2 miles from Interstate 49, this 18.68-acre Amish homestead offers a rare opportunity for self-sufficient country living in a convenient and accessible location. Built in 2018, the spacious 5,114 square foot home (4,320 finished with 794 square feet of unfinished basement) was thoughtfully constructed for comfortable off-grid living. The home
Randall D LandwehrUnited Country Farm & Home Sales
If you have been seeking a cozy home in a small town, look no further. With recent updates and renovations, it's the perfect place to retire, retreat, and relax in a small town setting. Walking in the back door, you are greeted by an enclosed porch with abundant sunshine and protection from the weather, providing year-round comfort. Once inside the house, you will find an updated kitchen with an
This cozy 3 bed, 2.5 bath 1,800 square foot home sits on a spacious 8 +/-acres just off the highway. With big mature shade trees in the front yard and acres of open pasture in the back, it is a perfect fit for anyone looking for a homestead. The back pasture has a nice-sized pond perfect for watering livestock and fishing just out your back door. A 34’x36’ barn provides adequate room
This peaceful & secluded retreat at the edge of the Ozarks features a modern country home built with the kind of attention that sets it apart. A wet weather creek feeds a private 1.5 million gallon USDA engineered pond on 13.28 acres of native prairie and woodland with a 100 year old hand dug well. Deer, wild turkeys, songbirds, fish & other wildlife rise with the early morning mist by shaded
Clean, neat, tidy bungalow has large kitchen (+pantry), living room and den on large lot with detached garage and concrete block utility/storage shed. Home has had updates to wiring and plumbing. Utility room and bath have wall heaters for added comfort. What is currently utilized as dining room is third bedroom with closet. Seller was told second closet in that room has been stubbed for a second
Neat, clean and ready for a new owner. 22'x8' covered front porch and spacious covered patio to rear. Multiple car storage options. Lovingly maintained home on corner lot two blocks from Lamar city park. This large corner lot with mature shade trees has plenty of room for gardening and can easily be your own private oasis. A gem that won't last long.
This 80± acre property is located in Barton County, Missouri, approximately 2 miles east of Lamar. The tract consists primarily of improved grassland with highly productive Parsons silt loam soils, along with additional soil types present, making it well suited for livestock production, farming, or long term agricultural use. The terrain is flat to gently rolling and is predominantly open, with a
Spacious home featuring beautiful hardwood floors and a large open living area with plenty of natural light. The inviting layout provides a comfortable flow throughout the home, making it perfect for everyday living or entertaining. Conveniently located and full of potential, this property is ready for its next owner to make it their own.
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