New Madrid has endured as a river town for nearly 250 years
New Madrid is one of the oldest cities on the Mississippi River, founded in 1780 as a Spanish trading post. Known as the “Father of Rivers,” the Mississippi offers both boating and employment – the New Madrid Power Plant generates hundreds of jobs as well as the city’s electricity. “They’ve lost their large aluminum plant in the last few years, but New Madrid does have other employers like rice mills, grain elevators and a few power plants that are coming on board,” says Don Lancaster, owner of Heartland Town & Country Real Estate. “It also offers a large school system and Interstate access to the north and south.” Over the centuries, New Madrid has contended with earthquakes, floods and industrial decline, but nearly 2,800 people still call the riverside city home. A small downtown area tells the story of New Madrid’s historical ebbs and flows.
A small retail scene includes diverse restaurants
“Downtown has some historic buildings, including a large courthouse, which we think is historic because of its size and shape,” Lancaster says. “We also have a large museum – we’re noted for the 1811 earthquake.” While many vintage storefronts have become vacant, dining options are still diverse. M&M Deli specializes in brunch foods, including breakfast sandwiches and burgers. Along Route 62, El Bracero Mexican Restaurant serves Mexican classics like fajitas and chimichangas in a colorfully painted setting. Pro Pizza 2 offers the traditional sit-down pizzeria experience while also having a section for arcade games. Grocery options include Dollar General, Family Dollar and Price Cutter.
Ranch-style homes sell for competitive prices
New Madrid’s streetscapes are full of ranch-style homes, sidewalks and rows of trees. Single-story properties from the 1960s to the 1980s sell from $70,000 to $150,000, while a few built from the 1990s to the 2000s go for $190,000 to $320,000. New Madrid’s median sale price of $89,137 makes it less expensive than other Missouri Bootheel communities like Kennett, where the median is $115,000.
New Madrid offers both riverfront and inland recreation
The Mississippi River Walk spans New Madrid’s waterfront, offering sweeping views of the Kentucky Bend, the Madrid Bar island and occasional river traffic. A cannon emplacement serves as a reminder of New Madrid’s strategic importance during the Civil War. The River Walk boat launch is the starting point for many outdoor adventures. “I’ve been to the river walk several times – I’d fish and hunt there,” Lancaster says. The New Madrid Dam Fishing Area, located on St. John’s Bayou, offers calmer waters for angling. Hunter Field hosts the occasional minor league baseball game. Close to downtown, the New Madrid Skate Park includes space for skateboarding, basketball and playground sessions. The New Madrid Country Club offers a nine-hole course in addition to a swimming pool and clubhouse.
New Madrid's high school offers several leadership programs
Students can start at New Madrid Elementary School before attending Central Middle School and Central High School, all of which receive C ratings from Niche. Central High offers extracurriculars like Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America and SkillsUSA, each of which offer service projects and career development opportunities.
The Interstate highway links New Madrid with larger cities
Interstate 55 connects New Madrid with regional shopping hubs like Sikeston, 20 miles away. The bigger Cape Girardeau is 50 miles away. New Madrid Medical Center serves as the local hospital.
Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
