Progress is all around Monett, with new housing expected to follow
Early settlers in Monett chased the sweet life by investing in fruit farming. Monett was known as the “Strawberry Capital of the Midwest” in the early 20th century, and it welcomed fruit growers to its rich farmlands for decades. Founded in 1870 as a railroad town, its motto is “Pride and Progress,” and the city shows off both in numerous ways. In 2018, the city was declared an “Opportunity Zone,” providing tax incentives to new businesses and invigorating the community. Its leading industries include manufacturing, food processing, financial services, retail and education.
“All that growth is great,” says Alyssa Vaughn, a Realtor with A-List Properties Premier for more than 10 years, “but our biggest need right now is for new housing. Monett has more jobs than homes and we don’t want to lose those potential residents. But our city leaders and local investors are working on this, and within the next few years, we should see new subdivisions coming online.” As if echoing the city’s motto, Vaughn says, “I believe that progress will be made.”
The Monett city slogan is "Pride and Progress".
The railroad continues to play an important part of the Monett lifestyle.
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Rapid growth has brought stable employment to Monett
Growth is visible in all corners of Monett. The Cox Monett Hospital opened in 2021. Life 360 recently opened a new 100,000-square-foot community center with a jobs program, nutrition services for kids and parenting programs. Tyson Foods also is one of the top employers.
Cox Health operates a hospital on the east edge of Monett.
Tyson Food is one of Monett's largest employers.
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Demand is high for new housing
The median home price in Monett is $225,000, well under the national figure. Fixer-uppers range from about $30,000 to $100,000. Midcentury ranch-style homes and cottages have recently sold from about $125,000 to $150,000, while new homes in newer subdivisions have sold from $250,000 to $300,000. Homes at the top of the market sell for nearly $600,000. “We have a good mix of housing styles here in Monett, but we need more of all of them,” says Vaughn.
Some older homes in Monett have been renovated and updated.
Newly constructed homes are coming on market in Monett.
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A new YMCA, revitalized city parks and a county full of historic caves
The recently built Monett Area YMCA offers dynamic attractions, including a rock climbing wall, sports courts, and a kids’ zone. The aquatic center has indoor and outdoor pools with splash pads and water slides. South Park is the city’s largest, with a stocked fishing pond and playgrounds encircled by rose gardens. It is adjacent to Windmill Ridge Golf Course, a public, 18-hole course. Monett is surrounded by miles of historic caves and natural springs, including Greer Spring and Roaring River Spring.
Residents in Monett enjoy access to the Regional YMCA.
Windmill Ridge Golf Course is conveniently located in the heart of Monett.
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A new middle school inside a highly rated district
The Monett R-1 School District serves about 2,300 students in the city. The district is graded A-minus by Niche. It receives high grades for its teachers and for its college preparation programs. The new Monett Middle School opened in 2023 bringing all city middle school students together in one building. Crowder Community College is 30 miles southwest in Neosho and is known for its veterinary science, nursing and solar technology programs.
The newly constructed Monett Middle School is home to the Cubs.
Residents of Neosho have access to college and vocational training opportunities at Crowder College.
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Downtown Monett Historic District shows off ongoing revitalization
Traditionally known for its Mexican and Latino cantinas, Monett's dining scene has boomed recently, with Cajun bistros, American steakhouses and Asian restaurants. More than 10 coffee shops and pizza joints are found downtown. Briar House Brewing Company is the city’s first of its kind and offers outdoor seating and recent interior renovations to a century-old brick building. Monett Main Street, active as a business-promotional organization since 2012, helps support antique shops, boutiques and consignment venues.
Downtown Monett is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Great Dave's Coffee Company serves up fresh coffee and sandwiches to the lunch crowd in Monett.
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Two commercial airports serve Monett and surrounding counties
Monett is in the Ozark Mountains of southwest Missouri, 40 miles southeast of Joplin and 50 miles southwest of Springfield. Car travel is the primary form of transportation but shuttle bus companies operate in the city. U.S. Route 60 is the primary east-west highway. Joplin Regional Airport is 50 miles west and offers non-stop flights to Chicago and Denver. Springfield-Branson National Airport is 45 miles northeast with more options.
A humid Ozark climate brings occasional tornadoes
While Monett has a statistically minor risk of tornadoes according to First Street Technologies, an EF-1 tornado touched down on May 8, 2024 causing damage to homes, outbuildings and cars. No loss of life was reported. Ozark summers are hot and muggy, while winters are cold and often snowy, but with normally minimal accumulations. Since 2020, reported rates of violent and property crimes in Monett have been mostly lower than the national and state average, according to FBI data.
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