Joplin is a Midwestern city located in the southwest corner of the state, Joplin is a Midwestern city with a population of over 50,000 people. Joplin has plenty of parks, cultural attractions, and restaurants to keep you busy, and it’s just a short drive from the mountains or Tulsa, Oklahoma. So, what’re the pros and cons of living in Joplin, Missouri?
The advantages of living in Joplin, Missouri, include an Affordable place to live, a location, plenty of outdoor activities to do, food, and a welcoming and friendly community. On the other hand, living in Joplin has its downsides: lack of nightlife, public transportation, lower median income, and tornado season is a major concern.
Let’s go into a little more detail about the pros and cons of living in Joplin, Missouri, and see if moving to Joplin is worth it.
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Living in Joplin, Missouri PROS
1. Affordable place to live
Joplin, Missouri, is a great place to call home. Not only is it affordable, but it also offers a high quality of life.
The cost of living in Joplin is well below the national average, and housing costs are especially reasonable.
There are plenty of amenities available in Joplin, including a variety of shops and restaurants.
The city also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with several museums and galleries.
And, for those who enjoy the outdoors, Joplin is located in the Ozarks, offering beautiful scenery and plenty of opportunities for hiking and camping.
With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Joplin is an attractive option for those looking for an affordable place to live.
2. Location
Joplin, Missouri, is located in the southwest corner of the state, and it enjoys a temperate climate.
The city is situated on Interstate 44 and is within easy driving distance of several large cities, including Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield.
Joplin is also home to several colleges and universities, making it an excellent place for students to live and learn.
In addition to its convenient location and excellent educational opportunities, Joplin is also a safe and friendly city with a low cost of living.
3. Plenty of outdoor activities to do
Joplin, Missouri, is a great place to live if you love spending time outdoors.
The city has plenty of parks and trails for hiking, biking, and walking, and there are also several lakes and rivers nearby for fishing, swimming, and canoeing.
In addition, Joplin is home to several parks, including McClelland Park and the small Garvin park.
McClelland Park offers visitors a chance to picnic, camping, and bird watching, while Garvin park is a great place to bring your child to enjoy the playground.
4. Food
Joplin, Missouri, is known for its great food. The city offers a variety of cuisines, ranging from American to Italian.
There are also several restaurants that offer vegetarian options. So in addition to being delicious, the food in Joplin is also very affordable.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a sit-down meal, you’re sure to find something to your taste in Joplin.
So if you’re ever in the area, check out some of the great restaurants the city has to offer.
5. Welcoming and friendly community
Joplin is also known for its welcoming and friendly community.
Residents are quick to help visitors find their way around town, and there are always plenty of activities and events to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a place to call home or just visiting for a few days, Joplin is sure to make you feel right at home.
Living in Joplin, Missouri CONS
1. Lack of nightlife
Joplin, Missouri, is a city with a lot to offer its residents.
There are plenty of things to do during the day, but the city can feel quite sleepy when the sun goes down.
For many people, this is not a major issue.
However, Joplin can be pretty disappointing for those who enjoy going out on the town at night.
There are few bars or clubs, and most restaurants close early.
As a result, many night owls drive to neighboring cities in search of evening entertainment.
2. Transportation
Joplin, Missouri, is a city which has lacks transportation.
The citizens have to use their vehicles to get around the city or use the city’s public transportation, which is not very reliable.
This can be frustrating for those who do not have their own mode of transportation or for those who cannot afford to use public transportation.
The city needs to invest in a better transportation system so that its citizens can get around more easily.
3. Lower median income
The median household income in Joplin is $45,449, which is significantly lower than the median income for the state of Missouri ($57,409) and the national median income ($64,994).
The cost of living in Joplin is also relatively low. However, this does not mean that Joplin is an affordable city for everyone.
The poverty rate in Joplin is 20.6%, which is higher than both the state and national poverty rates.
4. Tornado Alley
Joplin, Missouri, is located in the heart of Tornado Alley, making it susceptible to severe weather conditions.
In May 2011, the city was struck by an EF5 tornado that caused extensive damage and killed 161 people.
However, Joplin is not the only city at risk for tornadoes.
Other cities located in Tornado Alley, such as Oklahoma City and Wichita, are also vulnerable to these dangerous storms.
Tornadoes can occur anytime and anywhere across the United States, but they are most common in the Midwest during the spring and summer months.
When a tornado is forming, it is important to take shelter immediately and stay away from windows.
If you are caught outside during a tornado, lie flat in a ditch or culvert and cover your head with your hands. By being aware of the dangers of tornadoes, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
5. Limited job opportunities
Joplin is known for its tornado outbreak of 2011, which caused significant damage to the city.
While Joplin has recovered from the tornado, the city still faces challenges.
One of the biggest challenges is the lack of job opportunities. Joplin has a high unemployment rate.
The lack of jobs has impacted the city’s economy and has made it difficult for residents to find stable employment.
While there are some job opportunities in Joplin, they are often low-paying and do not provide enough hours to support a family.
As a result, many residents are forced to leave the city in search of better opportunities.
Is Joplin, Missouri, a great place to live?
Joplin, Missouri, is a great place to live for many reasons.
The city has a low cost of living, plenty of things to do, and is located in a beautiful part of the country. However, there are also some drawbacks to living in Joplin.
The city has a lack of nightlife and limited job opportunities. Additionally, the city is located in Tornado Alley, which puts residents at risk for severe weather conditions.
Despite these drawbacks, Joplin is still a great place to live for those who are looking for an affordable city with plenty of outdoor activities to do.
