Situated in the picturesque and hospitable setting of southwest Missouri, Joplin has easy access to a number of lakes, rivers, and vacation spots. Located at the strategic crossroads of the four-state region, it serves as a trade, educational, health, and cultural center for residents of Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma, as well as Missouri. Several large cities are within convenient driving distance, including Tulsa, Oklahoma (100 miles); Kansas City, Missouri (150 miles); and Springfield, Missouri (65 miles).

Within the city of Joplin are two fine hospitals with a wide range of healthcare professionals. A daily newspaper and three local television stations, along with a number of radio stations, keep residents well informed. Excellent cable television services are also available. A shopping mall and an active downtown area draw shoppers from throughout the four-state region. Restaurants are abundant and cover a wide range of cuisines.

Several outstanding institutions of higher education are available to residents. Missouri Southern State University, located in Joplin, offers one of the best educational values of any college or university in the country. Crowder College, located in Neosho, 20 miles south of Joplin, provides career, community service, and vocational training courses to students seeking to advance. Pittsburg State University, located in Pittsburg, Kansas, 25 miles away, provides graduate programs in a number of different fields of study. With its diverse yet mild climate, attractive parks, and many cultural opportunities, Joplin offers a quality lifestyle in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.