Moving to a new state can be exciting yet overwhelming to accomplish. The thought of starting fresh in a new environment, exploring new opportunities, and embarking on a new chapter in life is filled with anticipation and trepidation.
However, finding an ideal place to settle down can be daunting, especially if unfamiliar with the stage geography and diverse communities.
When relocating to Arkansas, a state known for its natural beauty and friendly communities, it becomes even more crucial to identify the best places to live. This knowledge is necessary for the process of moving to be riddled with uncertainties and stress. Keep reading to learn more.
The Best Cities in Arkansas
Arkansas, or the Natural State, is home to numerous vibrant cities that blend rich history, stunning natural beauty, and many modern amenities, from picturesque towns, particularly in the mountains, to bustling urban centers.
Arkansas has something to offer every type of resident. Some of the best cities in the state include Fayetteville, Little Rock, Bella Vista, and more. Each offers a perfect blend of history and modernity, cultural attractions, natural beauty, and thriving art scenes.
Bella Vista
Population: 30,000
Median income: $74,972
Median Home Price: $200K
Bella Vista is a charming city in Arkansas. It is known for its scenic beauty and large retirement community, attracting retirees across the state. It offers a range of housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes, and condos.
The city boasts a variety of recreational options as well as a great shopping district with a variety of employers. The city is also known for hosting some world-class healthcare facilities providing comprehensive medical services to the community.
If this is one of the most important things to you when considering where to live, Bella Vista real estate should be near the top of your list. This is especially true if you are looking for somewhere with a slightly lower-than-average population size.
Bentonville
Population: 55,000
Median income: $45,592
Median Home Price: $275K
Bentonville is another great city to live in northwest Arkansas, United States. It has a growing real estate market, making it a desirable city with many housing options. The Bentonville real estate market caters to a diverse demographic, including young professionals, families, and individuals hoping to work in the major corporations that are based in the area offering plenty of job opportunities.
Some of the significant employers in the area include Tyson Foods and Walmart. This family-friendly city is also home to a few renowned museums featuring American artwork collections. Bentonville boasts low crime rates, medical facilities, and an amazing school district. There are also a variety of beautiful parks with nature trails, shopping centers, lots of restaurants, and entertainment options.
Bryant
Population: 21,000
Median income: $76,000
Median Home Price: $181K
Bryant is another beautiful city in Arkansas, located right in the center of the state. This area is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and a strong sense of community. It is an attractive option for individuals and families seeking affordable housing in a suburban setting. Bryant offers a variety of amenities, including an array of parks and recreational facilities for outdoor enthusiasts.
There are also shopping centers, restaurants, and more, ensuring residents have all the necessary goods and services. It is relatively close to Little Rock, offering residents many employment opportunities in this larger Metropolitan area. It is also conveniently located on major transportation routes, such as large highways, making it easy to commute to larger cities.
Centerton
Population: 21,000
Median income: $90,000
Median Home Price: $205K
Centerton is a growing city in Arkansas just west of Bentonville. It is known for its affordable cost of housing a wide variety of parks, green spaces, and nearby art museums. The area offers diverse employment opportunities, including work with JB Hunt transport services.
The beautiful town is a great place to live if you’re looking for a suburban lifestyle with a growing population and lots of amenities and community events. It offers large and small homes well suited to young and established families. Centerton may not be the best-known city on the list, but after you visit, it is sure to be one of your top choices for places to move to in the state of Arkansas.
Fayetteville
Population: 99,000
Median income: $52,000
Median Home Price: $255K
Fayetteville is another great city to live in Arkansas. It is the county seat of Washington County, situated close to the Oklahoma and Missouri borders. The adorable town has a young and lively population of students, young professionals, and families. You can choose from more modern subdivisions, apartments, or even historic beautiful houses within the city.
There are many different amenities, including shopping centers and entertainment venues. The city is also known for its cultural events, such as the First Thursday Art Walk, which happens weekly.
This is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in the city, especially considering how close it is to many other cities featured on this list. If you’re looking for the vibe of a medium-sized city but with the friendly community of a smaller town, Fayetteville may be the right place for you.
Fort Smith
Population: 89,000
Median income: $48,000
Median Home Price: $137K
Consider living in Fort Smith because it is a medium-sized city with historical ties to the Old West. It is popular with various residents, including families, professionals, and retirees. This Arkansas city is close to the Oklahoma border.
There is also a range of housing options to consider across quiet communities in Fort Smith, from medium-price to low-priced homes, providing options for everyone. Various historic sites in the area and world-class medical institutions provide Health Care to the community. One of the significant employers in the area is Baldor Electric Company.
Hot Springs
Population: 38,000
Median income: $42,700
Median Home Price: $130K
Hot Springs is a beautiful city in Arkansas with a median home price of around $130K, making it one of the most affordable cities in the state. The city is known for its proximity to Hot Springs National Park, which offers many recreational activities and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.
Hot Springs also has a distinctive small-town feel and a friendly vibe that attracts many visitors, retirees, and residents looking for a charming and relaxed lifestyle.
The real estate market in Hot Springs is attractive, offering various historic fixer-uppers, lakeside properties, and modern homes and apartment complexes. The area’s major employers include the Hot Springs School District and the National Park Community College.
Jonesboro
Population: 80,000
Median income: $48,000
Median Home Price: $169K
Jonesboro in Craighead County is in the northeastern tip of the state, not far from the Tennessee border and Memphis. The city is medium-sized and is known for its single-family homes, apartments, and townhomes.
Jonesboro has some great shopping centers and entertainment venues as well. There are also a few different large healthcare facilities in the area serving residents’ medical needs and providing many jobs for the area.
The city also has a range of museums, art galleries, theaters, and an abundance of activities like camping, trails, fishing, and more for outdoor lovers.
Little Rock
Population: 200,000
Median income: $56,000
Median Home Price: $180K
Little Rock, the capital city of Arkansas, is the state’s largest city. It’s centrally located along the Arkansas River. It’s well-recorded hospitals and universities and recreational opportunities.
The city is also a college town, home to the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University. Little Rock’s growing technology sector attracts many startups and tech companies.
If you visit the city, you’ll also notice its distinct culture influenced by its history and Southern heritage. The city boasts numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues, including the Arkansas Arts Center.
The city is also home to a diverse range of residents, from young families to professionals looking for affordable housing options and job opportunities that the city offers.
Lowell
Population: 113,000
Median income: $62,000
Median Home Price: $415K
Lowell, AR, is a historic city in Benton County. It is known for its convenient location near some larger cities in the state, including Rogers and Springdale. It offers a mix of suburban and rural Landscapes and small-town and community-oriented environments.
It’s a smaller city close to many popular attractions in the Northwest region, including the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art, the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, and the broader Ozark Mountains, which offer hiking, fishing, and camping.
Some of the major employers in the area include Tyson Foods, Walmart, and the University of Arkansas. The Lowell real estate market has grown in recent years, reflecting the overall influx of residents to the northwest region of Arkansas. Home prices and rental rates vary depending on the location, size, and offered amenities.
Rogers
Population: 71,000
Median income: $65,500
Median Home Price: $321K
Rogers is yet another of the best cities in the state. It is known for being part of the larger metropolitan area of northwest Arkansas, including other cities like Springdale, Bentonville, and Fayetteville. It’s home to the Walmart corporate headquarters, which plays a significant role in the city’s growth and economy.
It is also known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, with many nearby lakes, beautiful parks, and typical trails. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is also located nearby, with a renowned art collection showcasing various American artwork. You might also be interested in the Rogers Historical Museum, which features information about the city’s past and local heritage.
Siloam Springs
Population: 17,500
Median income: $52,000
Median Home Price: $295K
Siloam Springs is in Benton County, Arkansas, and is known as a mountain town with a small-town atmosphere and a strong sense of community. The Siloam Springs real estate market includes a mix of new developments and more expensive historic homes, with the medium home price slightly lower than the national average for some areas. The city is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including rivers and the nearby National forest.
It offers a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and camping. It also has a Charming downtown area with local shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The city is also home to a private Christian University that contributes to the cultural and educational fabric of the community. It also has a diverse income bracket and economy, from poultry workers to retail, healthcare, and education.
Texarkana
Population: 36,000
Median income: $46,800
Median Home Price: $319K
Texarkana is a unique city that straddles the border between Texas and Arkansas. It is a regional hub of commerce, health care, and transportation. The Texarkana real estate market has a range of options, from suburban neighborhoods to more rural properties, with the median home price in the area slightly below the national average, making it an affordable place for residents to live within Arkansas.
It has a great downtown area with many shops and venues, including historic theaters, parks, and lakes. The city also has a strong healthcare sector with multiple hospitals and medical facilities serving the community.
FAQs: Best Places to Live in Arkansas
Here are some commonly asked questions about various topics related to the best cities to live in Arkansas.
What are the pros and cons of living in Arkansas?
The pros when living in Arkansas include its natural beauty, friendly communities, modest cost of living, and variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. However, some cons exist, including limited job opportunities in certain areas, lower average incomes, and occasional extreme weather events.
Are there nice places to live in Arkansas?
There are many nice places to live in Arkansas, including Little Rock, Rogers, Hot Springs, Bentonville, and Fayetteville. These offer a mix of cultural amenities, natural attractions, and family-friendly communities.
Is Arkansas affordable to live in?
Arkansas is generally considered to be an affordable state to live in. Housing, transportation, and everyday expenses are lower than the national average. This makes it a desirable option for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle.
What salary is needed to live comfortably in Arkansas?
To live comfortably in Arkansas will depend entirely on what comfortable means to you. But, a modern income can provide a comfortable standard of living in most areas of the state.
Does Arkansas get snow?
Yes, Arkansas does receive snowfall, particularly in the northern part of the state during the winter months. However, the amount of snow can vary from year to year.
Are Arkansas taxes high?
Arkansas is not considered to have an exceptionally high overall tax rate compared to other states. The state income tax range ranges from 0.9% to 6.6%, and the sales tax rate varies from county to county.
What part of Arkansas has the best climate?
The northwest region of Arkansas, including cities like Fayetteville, is known for having a mild and pleasant climate, with comfortable temperatures and distinct seasons. This region often receives less extreme weather than other parts of the state.
What is the best city to raise a family in Arkansas?
Fayetteville, Arkansas, is often regarded as one of the best cities to raise a family within the state. It offers some of the best public schools in the state, families for the amenities, a strong sense of community, and a range of recreational opportunities for young families.
What is the quality of life in Arkansas?
The quality of life in Arkansas can depend on the specific location you live in. Overall, Arkansas is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation options, friendly communities, and significantly lower cost of living. However, factors such as access to healthcare, educational opportunities, and job availability can also influence the quality of life in different areas.
What city in Arkansas is paying you to move there?
In the Northwest part of Arkansas, a few cities offer what is known as “Life Works Here” programs that provide financial incentives for remote workers to relocate. Through this program, eligible participants can receive a certain amount of cash to support their move and living expenses.
Is it cheaper to live in Texas or Arkansas?
Generally, Arkansas is considered to have a lower cost of living compared to Texas. Housing, transportation, and everyday expenses tend to be more affordable in Arkansas, although it’s essential to consider specific cities and regions within each state for a more accurate comparison.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Arkansas offers a diverse range of cities and communities catering to various interests in lifestyles. Whether looking for a bustling urban center with cultural attractions, a charming town in the mountains, or a family from a community with excellent schools, Arkansas has something to offer everyone.
From Fayetteville and Little Rock to Bentonville and Hot Springs, each city showcases its unique charming character, making them some of Arkansas’s best places to live.
If you’re considering moving to Arkansas, take the time to explore the real estate in its top cities by performing custom home searches with eXp. You can also sign up for weekly updates to be on top of new listings becoming available in your preferred areas.
If you’re ready to explore the possibilities of living in Arkansas, contact a local eXp real estate agent today to find and purchase your dream home in any city of this dynamic and enchanting state.
