Nevada is a small, rural Midwest city with a history and a quiet lifestyle
Nevada is a rural city of 8,000 in southwest Missouri. The county seat of Vernon County, Nevada, overcame a tumultuous time during the Civil War when anti-Union guerrilla fighters known as bushwhackers fought federal forces that eventually burned the city down. Nevada rebuilt itself alongside the burgeoning railroad industry in the post-war period. Railroads still run through the town, which is also fueled by manufacturing, health care, education and retail industries. Top employers include 3M, Nevada Regional Medical Center and the ADM Biodiesel Plant. Today, Nevada offers a quiet lifestyle with plenty of places to gather for events and activities, including a quaint downtown, several parks and community centers. "It's a very easy place to live. There aren't a lot of restrictions or zoning constraints. Nevada is a typical small Midwest town where you can be a mile out of town and have a farm or have chickens and enjoy farm life with the convenience of town right there," Dana Buttorff, a Realtor with United Country American Heartland, says.
Nevada is a bustling border town that abounds with amenities.
Downtown Nevada is generally a quiet and laid back area.
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Median single-family home price less than half national median
The median single-family home price of $160,000 is far less than half the national median.
"This is the last frontier for affordable housing," Buttorff says. "You can have a 2-bedroom home for $70,000 that you could live in while you do your updates. The city's early ties to the south are reflected in a lot of southern architecture."
Ranch style homes with brick finishes are popular in Nevada.
Unique architecture brings variety to homes found in Nevada.
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Nevada Regional Technical Center teaches trades to high schoolers, adult learners
Nevada R-V School District serves almost 2,400 students and receives a C-plus from Niche. Nevada Regional Technical Center provides instruction in various trades to adults and high schoolers. St. Mary Elementary is a private Catholic school that serves pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and is not currently graded by Niche. Cottey College, an all-women's independent liberal arts and sciences college, is also in the city.
The Nevada Regional Technology Center offers vocational training for Nevada students.
Cottey College was established in Nevada in 1884.
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Frank E. Peters Municipal Golf Course features relaxing natural setting
Nevada has several parks, a community center and a YMCA. Parks, including Leonard Hester Park, Marmaduke Park, Izaak Walton Park and the adjacent Walton Skate Park, are clustered in the northern part of the city. Lakes and ponds are throughout the city and popular for fishing. The Frank E. Peters Municipal Golf Course is south of the city.
The City of Nevada Golf Course is a public course with a putting green and driving range.
The Nevada Community Center is a gathering place for residents.
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History, shopping and dining in Downtown Nevada
Two historic buildings, the only structures unscathed during the fire, accent downtown. Vernon County Courthouse, a Romanesque Revival-style building, sits in the county square steps away from The Bushwhacker Jail, a Federal-style structure. Businesses and restaurants occupy the storefronts in the blocks surrounding the square and along Austin Boulevard, also home to boutiques, consignment shops, and furniture stores. The Walmart Supercenter is two miles east of downtown.
The distinctive Vernon County Courthouse juts above the trees in downtown Nevada.
Nevada residents grab a coffee or light lunch at Precision Coffee in downtown.
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Bushwhacker Days brings residents together for summer fun
Bushwhacker Days has commemorated the area's bushwhacking history—Vernon County was known for supplying the largest number of the pro-Confederate guerrilla fighters—for over six decades. It takes place at the Vernon County Courthouse, and the town square includes parades, live music, reenactments, and children's activities.
Nevada reverberates with live music during the Bushwhacker Days Festival.
The original Bushwhacker Jail remains as a historical landmark in downtown Nevada.
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Interstate 49 goes north to Kansas City and south to Joplin
Nevada is a car-dependent city with several nearby major highways. Interstate 49 runs north and south, offering a straight shot into downtown Kansas City 95 miles north and Joplin 65 miles south. U.S. Highway 54 takes travelers east, connecting to Route 13 to Springfield, 95 miles southeast. Air travelers must commute to those cities, with Kansas City International Airport offering the largest selection of flights.
Important to know
Vernon County experiences tornadoes about every two years, the last one occurring in 2003. Ice storms, severe thunderstorms and flooding are also common. Several areas in Nevada are more prone to flooding, including along Willow Branch, leading from Katy Allen Lake to Postlethwaite Park and the area surrounding Radio Springs Parkmore. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Criminal Justice Information Services, violent crime increased slightly from 2022 to 2023. During the same period, property crime was up in several categories but down in arson and larceny.
Written By
Lia Jones
Photography Contributed By
Kenyon Gerbrandt
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 Nevada, MO sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Nevada, MO over the last 12 months is $155,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
UPCOMING AUCTION, DATE TBA! Discover a smart investment or ideal starter home in Nevada, MO. This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom, 996 square foot residence comes complete with a secure privacy fenced backyard, a practical carport, and an impressive detached 20x58 building located on a corner lot. These features add significant value and versatility.
Mark your calendars for July! This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home, presenting a renovation opportunity and sold as-is on the auction block, features central heat and air, plus a mix of carpet and hardwood throughout, and a valuable detached shop.
5.4 Acres at the end of a country road, just waiting for the right people to make a life here. NO Restrictions NO HOA, just peace and quite! An Amazing 4 bedroom, & a giant beautiful master bath and additional 11/2 baths to boot! The rooms are so big and comfortable. The kitchen is perfect, with its beautiful special made cabinets. Big picture windows that invite you to drink your morning coffee
You will love this value in this price range! Home features a wrap cement front porch, a fully privacy fenced back yard with a back patio setting, a storage shed in the back, and a detached 2 car garage. That's before you even go into the home. Two bath set up includes a master suite with tub/shower combo. Spacious eat in kitchen features a beautiful butcher block counter, and lots of storage
This property has great curb appeal, features a corner lot, and looks like home! It features a perfectly maintained interior. There is an open living/dining area to the kitchen, and a separated hearth great room, that leads to the well manicured back patio. There are 2 bedrooms on the main level with a bathroom with offers a walk-in shower. The upstairs has two spacious bedrooms, (both 18
Welcome to Ash Place, located in the city of Nevada, Missouri. Ash Place is a Senior Community with an abundance of apartment and community amenities. We are located near grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, restaurants and doctor’s offices. The surrounding community provides modern conveniences designed to complement your lifestyle. To learn more about our apartment community please contact us.
Available September 1st: A beautifully newly remodeled 2-bedroom, 1-bath home ready for its next tenant! Enjoy modern updates throughout. For just $995/month, this fantastic rental also includes trash service AND lawn care, making your life easy. Don't miss out on this move-in ready opportunity! This is a no pet and no smoking rental.
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