Monett, Missouri, is a small city known for its rich history and ongoing progress. Originally founded as a railroad town in 1870, Monett earned the nickname “Strawberry Capital of the Midwest” due to its thriving fruit farming industry. Today, Monett's motto, “Pride and Progress,” is reflected in its designation as an “Opportunity Zone” in 2018, which has spurred growth in manufacturing, food processing, financial services, retail, and education sectors. The city has more jobs than homes, prompting local leaders to plan new subdivisions to accommodate potential residents. Monett features a variety of home styles, including midcentury ranch-style homes, cottages, and newer subdivisions. The Monett Area YMCA offers attractions like a rock climbing wall, sports courts, and aquatic centers. South Park, the largest city park, includes a fishing pond, playgrounds, and rose gardens, and is adjacent to Windmill Ridge Golf Course. The Monett R-1 School District is highly rated, with a new middle school opened in 2023. Downtown Monett boasts a diverse dining scene with Mexican, Cajun, American, and Asian restaurants, along with coffee shops and Briar House Brewing Company. Monett is 40 miles southeast of Joplin and 50 miles southwest of Springfield, with Joplin Regional Airport and Springfield-Branson National Airport providing air travel options. The city experiences a humid Ozark climate with hot summers and cold winters, and has a lower crime rate compared to the national average.
