It has easy access to a number of lakes, rivers, and vacations spots. Located at the strategic crossroads of the four-state region, it services as a trade, educational, health, and cultural center for residents of Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, as well as Missouri. A daily newspaper and three local television stations, along with a number radio stations, keep residents well informed. A recently expanded shopping mall and an active downtown area draws shoppers from throughout the four-state region.
Restaurants are abundant and cover a wide range of cusines.
Missouri Southern State College , located in Joplin, offers one of the best educational values of any college or university in the country.