Why I Moved Back to Joplin, MO, to Plant Roots
While Dawn Jones moved away from her hometown of Joplin, MO, a few times in her life, something always drew her back. Now, she, her husband, Austin, and their daughter are planting roots here for good.
Jones’ most recent move to Joplin, MO, was in 2020. Dawn and Austin were looking to start his chiropractic business, and while they could have chosen anywhere in the country, they settled on Joplin – partly because of their familiarity with the community. Though Jones has seen Joplin experience its share of ups and downs throughout the years, she feels it’s a great place to call home.
Jones works as a recreational supervisor for Joplin Parks and Recreation and has an affinity for the city’s outdoor amenities, like its parks, aquatic options and scenic trails. Plus, she runs the Spencer Jones Foundation in memory of her son who passed away in 2022. Jones considers herself lucky to be living in the neighborhood she dreamt of living in when she was growing up. Ahead, learn more about Jones and why she chose to move back to Joplin, MO.
What economic factors, including affordability, do you appreciate about Joplin?
Joplin is really affordable when you look at the rate of income and cost of living. Housing prices have gone up since COVID, but compared to surrounding states, we’re doing OK. The cost of living here makes life a little easier. We still have to work hard, but we have a better chance of having things that we want in Joplin that might feel out of reach in other communities.
What’s your favorite park to visit in Joplin?
We walk the trails a lot at Wildcat Park by the creek, and it’s pretty and shaded and handicap accessible. The parks in Joplin have been more handicap-friendly and are trying to be more inclusive, which I really love.
What is your favorite community event in Joplin?
We enjoy the events being put on by the city, such as the Third Thursday events from the Downtown Joplin Alliance. There are a lot more city events now than I remember having while growing up in Joplin.
What would you tell someone who is thinking of moving to Joplin?
You get that small-town feel while still being fairly close to bigger cities. I think Joplin is big enough to have pretty cool amenities, and we are a great hub. We are a little over an hour away from Springfield, Missouri, and Fayetteville, Arkansas.
What do you think about the Main Street revitalization going on in Joplin?
We are really enjoying the revitalization of Main Street and all of the buildings. I like seeing the modernization of existing buildings while keeping the structure historically accurate and adding modern conveniences and aesthetics as well as green aspects, such as solar.
What is a hidden fun thing to do in the Joplin area that many might not know about?
That question is hard, as I’ve lived here most of my life. One place I think people forget about is the Walter Woods Conservation Area. It’s not within city limits, but it’s 10 minutes from South Main on Dutch Elm Drive. It’s a nice, quiet place to hike, and it’s very pretty.
Can you talk about the community feel you get in Joplin?
Joplin can sometimes feel divided, but when it really matters, we all come together and support one another. I’ve seen it countless times, whether it be a natural disaster, a home fire, or losing a child. We rally together and make sure that the person/people affected know they aren’t alone. The community always seems to support each other when we need it, and I think that’s really admirable.
What does the future look like for you in Joplin?
We hope to eventually build a new home, and we will soon be empty nesters. We’d like to stay put and make Joplin our homebase. It’s a good place to call home.
This article is sponsored by Choose Joplin, which is actively supported by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Joplin.
