Country living in Newton County’s most populous city
Located 35 miles south of Joplin, Neosho is a small town in the southwestern corner of Missouri. The “City of Springs” has a rich history rooted in agriculture and natural resources. With a population of about 14,000, it’s the most populous city in Newton County and serves as the county seat. “We’ve still got a lot of country going around here,” says Becky Cobb, a Realtor with ReeceNichols and Neosho resident of more than 30 years. “We have a lot of churches and a good connection with faith and values and that hometown feel, but we also have a lot going on to keep you entertained.” Residents primarily work in medicine, hospitality, education or manufacturing, but many commute to nearby cities for work. The La-Z-Boy factory is the largest manufacturing employer in the town, while Freeman is the largest medical employer. With its proximity to the Arkansas border, Neosho is about an hour from Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Neosho has a varied topography adding to it's natural beauty.
Agricultural businesses sustain the economy and lives of residents all around Neosho.
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The Gateway to the Ozarks
Known locally as the “Gateway to the Ozarks,” greenspaces are plentiful in and around Neosho. Big Spring Park, located near downtown, features one of the city’s most iconic freshwater springs. While fishing is prohibited in this park, visitors can feed the trout and ducks, which call it home. The 2,400-acre Fort Crowder Conservation Area offers a place for hunters and anglers. Managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation, this greenspace provides various habitats for numerous species. “Between deer, turkey and fishing, there’s a lot of opportunity in that area,” Cobb says. Fort Crowder also features a shooting range, archery range and paved trails for walking and horseback riding.
The original spring at Big Spring Park is the centerpiece of the park.
Neosho gun enthusiasts enjoy the Fort Crowder Conservation Area shooting range.
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Using Interstate 49 and Highway 60 to commute
Neosho is in the deep country but still benefits from its location. At the city's edge, Interstate 49, which runs north and south, meets with Highway 60, which runs east and west. The city is about 16 miles east of the Oklahoma border, 30 miles north of the Arkansas border and 35 miles south of Joplin. “One of the benefits Neosho has is that it’s right in the middle spit for someone whose wife works in Joplin and husband works in Arkansas,” Cobb says. “We’re kind of central to a lot of things.” While it’s home to the private Neosho Hugh Robinson Airport, residents drive to nearby cities for commercial flights. Joplin Regional Airport is about 35 miles north and offers several daily commercial flights to the hub cities of Denver and Chicago.
Missouri Highway 59 and US Highway 60 are major thoroughfares in Neosho.
Joplin Regional Airport is just north of the Forest Ridge neighborhood.
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Historic downtown and big box stores on Neosho Boulevard
Shopping and dining options are spread around the city, but downtown Neosho and Neosho Boulevard are the primary districts. Downtown Neosho is packed with various mom-and-pop shops amidst 12 historic buildings, including Carnes Motor Company, the oldest continuous business in Neosho at its closing in 2010. Restaurants and offices surround the city square. Big box stores and entertainment options, such as B&B Theaters, line Neosho Boulevard, which turns into Missouri Route 49 and 59.
Ornate historic building line the Neosho downtown square.
A variety of dining options draw Neosho residents to Neosho Boulevard.
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Homes that sell in 33 days
Home style, age and lot size depend on the neighborhood. Longstanding homes with intricate details line the streets of downtown, usually sitting on about a quarter acre. Newly developed neighborhoods on the city's edge, like Fox Ridge, feature Modern Traditional homes. Mid-sized homes on the outskirts sit on sprawling lots ringed in bushes and tree lines, appealing to buyers who value privacy and seclusion. The median home price is about $250,000. Homes sell in about 33 days, compared to the U.S. average of 44 days.
A unique second empire style home sits atop a hill in Neosho.
There are a growing number of new home developments around Neosho.
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Education from pre-k through college
The Neosho School District serves approximately 5,000 students across six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. It has a B-plus rating on Niche and ranks as the 79th-best school district in the state. The city also has various private and Catholic schools.
Crowder College is a public community college with a B-plus rating. With about 1,800 students, it ranks as the state's best Community College. Nursing, Liberal Arts and Humanities and Commercial Vehicle Operation are popular programs.
Neosho Public Schools is home to the Wildcats.
Residents of Neosho have access to college and vocational training opportunities at Crowder College.
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At least 50 events every month
Neosho hosts various programs and events, with community bingo, art exhibits, support groups, and Prayer on the Square being regular offerings. “A lot of people over the years will say, ‘Oh, there’s nothing to do here’, but there is a lot to do,” Cobb says. Youth sports leagues offer healthy competition for the younger generation, while regular lunch and learns are geared towards professional development. Major annual events include Celebrate Neosho and Fall Festival, which are held in June and October, respectively.
High crime rates, high natural disaster risks
According to FBI data, Neosho reported violent and property crime rates slightly higher than the U.S. averages in 2023. The city is exposed to several types of natural disasters, including tornadoes, flooding, and severe thunderstorms. Summers are usually hot and humid, while winter highs barely drop below freezing.
Written By
Kaitlin Davis
Photography Contributed By
Kenyon Gerbrandt
Video By
James Segars
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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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 Neosho, MO sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Neosho, MO over the last 12 months is $221,350, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Location, Location! Just a mere 2 miles from I-49—your gateway to seamless commuting to both Joplin and NWA.This beautifully crafted custom home, spanning over 2,600 sq ft, radiates warmth and serenity, ready to embrace your life's most cherished moments.Step inside and feel your spirit lift as you are greeted by a majestic, wide entryway and an open-concept layout that effortlessly connects each
Charming 1925 Bungalow - 3 Bed, 1.5 Bath - 1,207 Sq Ft of Classic ComfortStep into timeless charm with this inviting three bedroom, one and a half bath bungalow. Built in 1925, this home is a perfect blend of vintage character and everyday functionality.Inside, you'll find a cozy living area with high ceilings and plenty of natural light, carpeted floors, and a welcoming atmosphere that instantly
Charming Zero-Entry Home on 0.69 Acres with Farm style Charm!Looking for country comfort with modern convenience? Are you looking for a zero-entry, with no-stairs? Check out this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering many upgrades. Semi open floor plan, hardwood flooring throughout, and granite kitchen countertops. Great neighborhood of maintained homes with no HOA's. This desirable flowing floor plan
Comfortable Duplex. Lots of green space and convenient location. 2 BR, 1 BA, Parking right outside your door for 2 cars. Washer and Dryer in your unit. 2 mini splits in the unit for climate control. Stainless Steel Appliances, Tenant pays utilities, and water is split.
For Lease- Open floor plan 2 bedroom with Granite countertops. Refrigerator and Range included. Washer and Dryer are at property for tenants convenience, landlord will not repair if they fail. Lawn care provided by owner. Subdivision of newer homes just South of Neosho. $15 per adult credit fee. Small pet considered. Available in July.
Spacious 2 bedroom 1.5 bathroom duplex located in Neosho, on Baxter Street. Conveniently located to schools, grocery stores, gas stations, with easy access to the I-49 and highway 60. The two story duplex offers spacious rooms upstairs with the convenience of a separate vanity sink in the master bedroom and walk in closet. Enjoy the beautiful kitchen and living room area or escape outside under
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