Greatest Place to Reside in Arkansas

When individuals consider Arkansas, they may image a bunch of backwoods hillbillies plunking banjos, using in pickup vans, and ingesting moonshine. However the fact is, Arkansas is a contemporary and complicated state that’s quick changing into a middle of tradition and trade within the South. Add to that every one the state’s pure magnificence and it’s no marvel persons are flocking to the Pure State in droves.

In the event you clicked this text, chances are high you’re taking a look at Arkansas as a attainable place to name residence. And why wouldn’t you? There are many nice cities that provide all of the comforts of the fashionable world with miles and miles of gorgeous inexperienced surroundings.

So, let’s breathe in a few of that recent Ozark Mountain air and dive into our record of the most effective locations to reside in Arkansas.

Greatest Locations to Reside in Arkansas for Households
Greatest Locations to Reside in Arkansas for Younger Adults
Greatest Locations to Reside in Arkansas for Retirees

The Nature of the Pure State

Arkansas has been known as a hidden gem and considered one of America’s best-kept secrets and techniques. However Arkansas’ latest inhabitants progress is proof that persons are beginning to catch on (one area of the state is including 36 individuals a day!).¹ They’re ditching their preconceived notions of what they suppose life in Arkansas is like and embracing the Pure State’s rising job market and tight-knit communities.

Let’s speak about what makes Arkansas an important place to reside, beginning with the primary rule of actual property: location, location, location. Arkansas has an important geographic place—centrally positioned in coronary heart of the South. Meaning you’re by no means too removed from factors of curiosity in neighboring states. In different phrases, Arkansas was made for highway journeys (which is a giant assist since Arkansas doesn’t have any giant worldwide airports).

Then there’s all of the pure magnificence Arkansas has to supply. This state is a dream for the outdoorsy kind—it’s lined in mountains, forests, caves, lakes and rivers. There are two nationwide forests, one nationwide park, and 52 state parks that provide loads of enjoyable outside actions for the entire household. There’s even a spot known as Crater of Diamonds State Park, the place you may seek for (you guessed it) actual diamonds. Speak about hidden gems!

The local weather in Arkansas can also be fairly good. Arkansans expertise all 4 seasons with delicate winters (in comparison with locations additional north) and scorching, humid summers. However one of many few local weather drawbacks is the tornadoes. Arkansas is a part of Twister Alley, and it sees a mean of about 38 tornadoes yearly.² So simply be sure to’re ready and have a plan.

On a extra optimistic observe, tornadoes would possibly find yourself being your solely fear as a result of Arkansas is among the many states with the bottom price of residing. We’re speaking low median residence costs and lease, low gasoline costs and low taxes. Arkansas can also be extraordinarily enterprise pleasant—free from numerous the purple tape small enterprise house owners need to undergo so as to arrange store elsewhere.

With all of the inexperienced on the mountains and the additional inexperienced in your pocket, what’s to not love about Arkansas?

The Greatest Locations to Reside in Arkansas

Earlier than we stroll by way of our record of the most effective locations to reside in Arkansas, let’s get one factor straight: All “finest locations” lists are subjective, together with this one. Whereas we did use some knowledge (inhabitants, residence and lease costs, and many others.), that is purely our opinion, and the most effective place for you’ll in the end rely in your private likes and dislikes. For instance, some individuals love busy metropolis life, whereas others choose a extra laid-back place within the suburbs or nation.

However what’s nice about Arkansas is that there are such a lot of choices to select from. Rural, city, suburban and all the pieces in between—Arkansas has all of it.

And so as to add a little bit extra authenticity to our record, we consulted a number of pleasant former Arkansans who graciously gave us perception based mostly on their very own private experiences.

All proper—let’s get to it!

Batesville

Based in 1821, Batesville is among the oldest cities in Arkansas. It was as soon as an essential jumping-off level for settlers within the Ozark area in addition to a transport port alongside the White River to the south of town. Although its frontier days are lengthy over, town celebrates its previous with three historic districts. Batesville is now an financial hub for the north central a part of the state, with booming industries like manufacturing, well being care and meals processing.³

Batesville holds plenty of neighborhood occasions all 12 months lengthy. Through the summer season, Lyon Faculty hosts the annual Arkansas Scottish Competition with highland video games, meals and tons of bagpipers. However wintertime brings town’s most well-known occasion: White River Wonderland. Annually, the neighborhood comes collectively at Riverside Park, alongside the banks of the White River, to construct an enormous Christmas lights show that’s fully free to stroll by way of. So it’s no marvel Batesville is called the Christmas Capital of Arkansas.

^{*Metro space inhabitants numbers embody town collectively with the encompassing city and suburban areas.
**Median month-to-month lease quantity relies on a complete of all residence sorts.
***Unemployment price is for all of Independence County.}

Fort Smith

“The place the New South meets the Previous West” is the motto for Fort Smith—a metropolis with numerous essential historical past inside its borders. Because the identify suggests, Fort Smith was the positioning of a strategic army base, positioned on the Arkansas River with Oklahoma on the alternative shore. Within the early 1800s, it was one of many first outposts of regulation and order within the wild west—catchin’ outlaws and makin’ peace with the native Native American tribes. The city was constructed across the fort and is now the third-largest metropolis in the complete state!¹⁰ At the moment, Fort Smith’s most important industries are manufacturing, meals processing, well being care and retail.¹¹

Town has embraced its pioneer heritage, and plenty of of Fort Smith’s annual occasions revolve round that historical past—from the Previous Fort Days Rodeo to the Peacemaker Competition. A number of museums are devoted to town’s law-and-order legacy, like the brand new United States Marshals Museum. The army nonetheless has a presence close to Fort Smith however not within the fort itself (which is now a nationwide historic website you may go to). The Arkansas Military Nationwide Guard operates the Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Coaching Middle, and the Arkansas Air Nationwide Guard’s 188th Wing relies close to Fort Smith Regional Airport.

^{*Metro space inhabitants numbers embody town collectively with the encompassing city and suburban areas.
**Median month-to-month lease quantity relies on a complete of all residence sorts.
***Unemployment price is for all of Sebastian County.}

Sizzling Springs

Bathhouses, skilled baseball and mob bosses (oh my!). They’re all a part of the historical past of Sizzling Springs. This resort city’s most important attraction is Sizzling Springs Nationwide Park, the oldest and one of many smallest nationwide park within the U.S. Individuals have been coming to loosen up and bathe within the therapeutic waters of the realm’s 47 thermal springs for over a century. Main League Baseball established the apply of spring coaching in Sizzling Springs, and gangsters like Al Capone used the realm as a haven for bootlegging and unlawful playing.

The eight historic buildings of Bathhouse Row anchor a downtown space with plenty of retailers, public artwork and eating places (and two of the buildings are nonetheless working bathhouses!). And you may take and drink all of the pure spring water you may presumably deal with . . . without spending a dime!

Along with tourism, Sizzling Springs’ prime industries embody well being care, retail and authorities companies.¹⁸ And apart from the nationwide park and the pure springs, there are many enjoyable methods to loosen up in and across the metropolis. Magic Springs Theme and Water Park presents each moist and dry thrills. Oaklawn Racing On line casino Resort is residence to the most important horse-racing collection within the South (in addition to authorized playing). And native festivals and occasions embody the Operating of the Tubs (an precise bathtub race) and the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

^{*Metro space inhabitants numbers embody town collectively with the encompassing city and suburban areas.
**Median month-to-month lease quantity relies on a complete of all residence sorts.}

Jonesboro

Means up within the northeast nook of Arkansas is Jonesboro—the fifth-largest metropolis within the state.²⁵ Based in 1859, this neighborhood has an extended historical past with agriculture however has not too long ago develop into a middle for different industries like well being care, banking and meals processing. Huge corporations like Put up, Unilever, Frito-Lay and Butterball all have services in Jonesboro.²⁶

Jonesboro can also be a university city—residence to Arkansas State College. College students and residents love the ASU Pink Wolves and prove to see them play NCAA Solar Belt Convention soccer, baseball and basketball. However there’s extra to Jonesboro than school sports activities. Town has a bustling downtown civic middle known as The Discussion board with eating places and retailers which might be actually common with each longtime residents and school college students. The Arkansas State College Museum and Crowley’s Ridge Nature Middle spotlight the realm’s previous and current. And outside areas like Lake Frierson State Park assist of us within the space join with Arkansas’ pure wonders.

^{*Metro space inhabitants numbers embody town collectively with the encompassing city and suburban areas.
**Median month-to-month lease quantity relies on a complete of all residence sorts.}

Little Rock

Based over 200 years in the past, the capital metropolis of Little Rock was named for a rocky outcropping alongside the Arkansas River that folks used as a landmark on their solution to the close by Ouachita Mountains. It was a central location to these early settlers, and it nonetheless is for Arkansans in the present day—each actually and figuratively. Not solely is it the capital (the house of state authorities), however it’s smack-dab in the course of the state—making journey to any a part of Arkansas comparatively simple. Little Rock additionally has the most important inhabitants in Arkansas and prides itself on having all of the facilities of a giant metropolis with out the hefty price ticket.

Little Rock is a hub for arts and tradition within the state as properly. The primary gathering place is the River Market District—an outdated industrial park transformed right into a bunch of classy retailers, eating places, craft beer pubs and museums. The Robinson Middle is the place to see headline acts, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, touring Broadway reveals and extra. Each the Little Rock Zoo and the Clinton Presidential Middle are huge points of interest too.

^{*Metro space inhabitants numbers embody town collectively with the encompassing city and suburban areas.
**Median month-to-month lease quantity relies on the price of a two-bedroom residence.}

Texarkana

Speak about a spot with a cut up character! Or possibly it’s the most effective of each worlds? Regardless, Texarkana is a novel place. It’s truly two cities with the identical identify and with the border of Arkansas and Texas between them. The identify itself is definitely a combo of Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana (though that final one is about half-hour south of town). Texarkana’s submit workplace and federal courthouse (one constructing) is actually on the border and serves each cities! And right here’s the good factor about Texarkana: In the event you’re a resident on the Arkansas aspect and work in Texarkana, you don’t pay Arkansas state earnings taxes!³⁹ You may thank no-state-income-tax Texas for that. Yeehaw!

Texarkana was based in 1873 when agriculture was its main trade. At the moment, the most important employer within the area is the Pink River Military Depot on the Texas aspect.⁴⁰ Different industries based mostly there embody manufacturing, well being care and transportation logistics.⁴¹

Texarkana additionally has heaps to supply throughout off-work hours. One of many newer cease downtown is the Rail Yard—a purchasing and leisure district with plenty of enjoyable flavors positive to fulfill anybody’s tastes (to not point out that folk can deliver their alcoholic drinks with them when strolling by way of the district). The 4 States Auto Museum and the Vacation Springs Water Park are additionally huge attracts to the realm.

^{*Metro space inhabitants numbers embody town collectively with the encompassing city and suburban areas.
**Median month-to-month lease quantity relies on a complete of all residence sorts.}

Northwest Arkansas

One of many fastest-growing elements of Arkansas is definitely not only one metropolis however a whole area. Northwest Arkansas (NWA) is changing into a powerhouse in expertise, tradition, retail, creativity and extra within the South. It’s anchored by 4 main cities: Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville.

Bentonville specifically is a giant supply of progress due to Walmart (whose Residence Workplace is in Bentonville) and the household of its founder, Sam Walton. Walmart has poured hundreds of thousands into the area people and a whole lot of their suppliers have moved operations to Bentonville. Different giant corporations within the area embody Tyson Meals and J.B. Hunt Transport.

The results of all this progress is a neighborhood of cities with a distinct vibe from the remainder of the state (some even examine the realm to fashionable locations like Austin, Texas). Every metropolis contributes to that vibe in its personal manner. In addition to Walmart, Bentonville has different points of interest just like the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Artwork (constructed by Sam Walton’s daughter, Alice). Fayetteville is a university city (residence to the College of Arkansas) with nightlife centered on Dickson Avenue. Rogers has one foot up to now with a historic downtown stuffed with quaint retailers. And Springdale hosts the annual Rodeo of the Ozarks.

However all this progress and exercise doesn’t imply that NWA doesn’t have its share of pure magnificence. The Ozark Mountains encompass the realm and supply residents with plenty of outside journey—together with 250 miles of the most effective mountain biking trails within the nation. Hobbs State Park is the most important park in Arkansas, providing climbing trails, tenting, looking and extra. And the 40-mile Razorback Greenway supplies a nature-filled strolling and bike path that extends by way of all 4 huge cities and past.

Different NWA space cities embody:

_{*Metro space inhabitants numbers embody town collectively with the encompassing city and suburban areas.
**Median month-to-month lease quantity relies on the price of a two-bedroom residence.}

Greatest Locations to Reside in Arkansas for Households

Small-town values, Southern hospitality and plenty of parks and inexperienced areas are simply a few of the the reason why Arkansas is a superb state for households. Arkansas public faculties have a farm-to-school program that highlights the state’s longtime connection to agriculture. College students not solely find out about how farming works however are additionally served recent farm merchandise within the faculty cafeterias.⁵⁴

Listed here are some nice Arkansas cities that households have known as residence:

• Bentonville
• Cave Springs
• Centerton
• Fayetteville
• Johnson
• Jonesboro
• Maumelle

Greatest Locations to Reside in Arkansas for Younger Adults

Are you simply beginning out in your profession and searching for a pleasant spot to land? Arkansas is the place to go. Most of the bigger cities have thriving nightlives in addition to arts and tradition scenes. And as we mentioned earlier, NWA is a booming a part of the state with cutting-edge industries and outdoorsy tradition that entice plenty of younger individuals. So listed below are some cool locations to take a look at in case you’re a younger skilled:

• Bentonville
• Cave Springs
• Fayetteville
• Little Rock
• Rogers
• Siloam Springs
• Springdale

Greatest Locations to Reside in Arkansas for Retirees

With a low price of residing, low taxes and plenty of lively grownup communities, Arkansas is a hotbed for retirees. And there are numerous perks to retiring within the Pure State. The primary $6,000 of an IRA distribution is exempt from earnings taxes for individuals 59 1/2 years and older.⁵⁵ In the event you’re age 65 and up, chances are you’ll be eligible for property tax reduction in sure areas of the state.⁵⁶ However entry to medical care will be difficult relying on which area of the state you land in. These cities are positively price trying into in case you’re reaching retirement age.

• Bella Vista
• Bentonville
• Cabot
• Sizzling Springs
• Lowell
• Maumelle
• Texarkana

Able to Transfer to Arkansas?

So, now that you simply’ve discovered life in Arkansas isn’t all banjos and moonshine, are you fascinated by getting in on all of the pure magnificence and rising indie tradition? An actual property agent could make your transition a easy one—guiding you thru the method from begin to end. And never simply any actual property agent. For a quick and simple solution to discover native Arkansas brokers, look no additional than our community of RamseyTrusted professionals.

We solely advocate brokers who know the realm and are fully devoted to serving to you discover the right place, whether or not it’s within the woods or within the concrete jungle (wherever you need!). And we belief them to deal with you the Ramsey manner—with honesty and integrity.