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Best Places To Live in Arkansas

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Best Places To Live in Arkansas

Arkansas — aka "The Natural State" — not only offers beautiful scenery, it also has plenty of job opportunities and fun things to do. And, it's one of the most affordable places to live in the country.

By Livability on November 7, 2023

Nestled in the southern region of the country, Arkansas is known for its abundance of natural landscapes, diverse economy and rich cultural heritage. There are 75 counties in the state, and they vary greatly. Some are located in the fertile delta farmlands along the Mississippi River, while others are tucked up against the Ozarks. The diversity in landscape contributes to the state’s diverse economy, with major industries that run the gamut from agriculture and manufacturing to health care and tourism. Poultry production and rice farming are major players in the state economy, but tourism has can gained an increasing foothold as well. Arkansas also tends to boast a lower cost of living than other states, particularly when it comes to the housing market. Throw in the state’s countless parks, trails and waterways and you can see why so many people believe Arkansas is a great place to live.

Bentonville

A drone shot of the famous water tower in Bentonville, AR. Bentonville is a great place to live in Arkansas.
iStock/Larry Fleury
A drone shot of the famous water tower in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Why is Bentonville a great city to live in Arkansas? 

Strike up a conversation with the locals and many will tell you that Bentonville, Arkansas, recently transformed from a sleepy Southern town to a vibrant center of activity, culture and entertainment. The small-town charm and Southern hospitality draw people in, and it doesn’t hurt that the job market is growing and the outdoor recreation is top-notch. 

Bentonville is often recognized as the headquarters of Walmart. While not everyone works for this major employer, the corporation’s presence has led to a host of employment opportunities in technology, logistics and retail. Paired with the comparatively low cost of living and higher quality of life, this charming Arkansas town is understandably attracting attention from families and professionals who want to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. 

Is Bentonville a good place to live?

If you want to live somewhere with a stable economy and thriving job market, you’ll probably enjoy life in Bentonville, Arkansas. The reputable school district, small-town charm and proximity to higher education institutions in nearby cities make it particularly appealing to young families. There are also several family-friendly activities in the city, such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Compton Gardens and the interactive exhibits at Amazeum. The innumerable outdoor recreational opportunities, such as biking, hiking and running, also make Bentonville a good place to live for anyone wanting to spend more time nature. 

Read more about living in Bentonville, AR.

Fayetteville

An elevated view of Fayetteville, Arkansas, in the fall. Fayetteville is a best place to live in Arkansas.
iStock/DenisTangneyJr
An elevated view of Fayetteville, Arkansas, in the fall.

Why Fayetteville is a great place to live in Arkansas

Many people consider Fayetteville, Arkansas, a great place, and it won’t take long to understand why. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and the majestic Ozark Mountains, this small town is bursting with green space and outdoor recreational activities. This is where you can peruse lush parks, enjoy a morning run along the trails and explore nature to your heart’s content. Once you’ve had your fill of fresh air, you can return to the city to soak up the eclectic mix of art galleries theaters and live performances. 

Fayetteville is no stranger to accolades. It regularly ranks among the best places to live thanks to its reasonable cost of living and balance of city amenities and small-town charm. Several festivals and events are held in the city throughout the year, including Bikes, Blues & BBQ, and the Fayetteville Roots Festival. Because it’s home to the University of Arkansas, the city is also a great place to get an education, build a career or launch a business.

What is Fayetteville known for? 

Fayetteville is often associated with the University of Arkansas and its beloved Razorbacks football team. The city is full of loyal fans who are passionate about Saturdays in the South, and you can often find tailgating parties leading up to the big games. Because the university is a major research institution, it’s also helped establish a culture of economic development within the city.

Read more about living in Fayetteville, AR.

Fort Smith

A look at downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Getty Images/Canva Pro/DenisTangneyJr
A look at downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Why Fort Smith is a great city in Arkansas

The folks who live in Fort Smith, Arkansas love to boast about their hometown. It began as a military post in the early 1800s, and it developed quite the reputation as a frontier town full of gunslingers and fearless pioneers. Visitors and residents alike enjoy learning more about this Wild West history at the city’s various museums and historical sites and often draw a good deal of inspiration from the resilience of the town’s earliest people. 

Fast forward to today and you can still find that hardworking and imaginative spirit alive and well in Fort Smith. The warm and welcoming community embraces its cultural heritage with pride, celebrating its unique blend of influences with art galleries, theaters, festivals and cultural events all year round. The cost of living is remarkably low compared to other cities and the family-friendly atmosphere makes it a good place to raise a family. With a growing job market in industries such as manufacturing, health care and retail, this charming northwestern city is undeniably attractive to young professionals, families and fans of history, art and culture. The area is also rich in outdoor recreation, with two national forests as well as plentiful lakes and rivers.

Is Fort Smith affordable? 

The cost of living in Fort Smith is lower than the national average, and the housing market ranges from apartments and single family homes to rental properties. You can expect to enjoy lower transportation costs, utility fees and grocery bills here, and the reasonably low state income tax rate means you get to keep more of your paycheck than you might in other comparable states.

Read more about living in Fort Smith, AR.

Hot Springs

Hot Springs, Arkansas, from above at sunset. Hot Springs is a best place to live in Arkansas.
iStock/Sean Pavone
Hot Springs, Arkansas, from above at sunset.

Why Hot Springs is a great city to live in Arkansas

Do you think you might want to move to Hot Springs, Arkansas? People consider this a great city to live in because of its natural thermal springs, historic charm, cultural attractions and reasonable cost of living. It also happens to be a spectacularly popular retirement destination, due in part to the warm climate, outdoor recreation and abundance of affordable opportunities to indulge in a leisurely and peaceful lifestyle. 

While Hot Springs offers a range of attractions, events, and activities for people of all interests, you can’t talk about the city without discussing its rich heritage in health and wellness. For centuries, people have been drawn to the area’s natural thermal springs for medicinal and spiritual healing. The Native American tribes of the region used the springs prior to the arrival of European explorers, but it wasn’t until the early 1800s that Hot Springs became a marketed destination for health and healing. 

What is Hot Springs known for? 

Aside from its undeniable natural resources, present-day Hot Springs is a popular tourist destination. Downtown is wrought with historic charm and cultural attractions, and the surrounding scenery invites residents and tourists alike to explore the majestic Ouachita Mountains, hike the trails, and, of course, bathe in the mysterious thermal waters. Despite being a popular spot for tourism, the cost of living in Hot Springs is surprisingly low, enticing visitors to linger a little longer than they might have originally planned!

Read more about living in Hot Springs, AR.

Jonesboro

Craighead County Courthouse in the Western District of Jonesboro, Arkansas.
Getty Images/Canva Pro/Bob Weston
Craighead County Courthouse in the Western District of Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Why Jonesboro is a great place to live in Arkansas

One of the greatest draws to Jonesboro, Arkansas is its low cost of living. Compared to larger cities, budget categories like housing, groceries, gasoline and other necessities are lower than the national average, which means residents can be less worried about breaking the bank and more focused on enjoying what the community has to offer. The city is home to Arkansas State University (ASU), which plays a major role in the variety of events and activities available, as well as the ever-growing list of job opportunities available to students, young graduates and locals. Major industries include agriculture and agribusiness, manufacturing, health care and medical services, and, of course, education. 

People around the country are catching on to the rich natural beauty available in Arkansas, and the same is true for Jonesboro. Hiking, cycling, fishing and boating are popular pastimes, as well as community attendance at a multitude of annual festivals and live theatrical performances. Jonesboro also offers a variety of family-friendly specific activities, including playgrounds and hiking trails at Craighead Forest Park, interactive exhibits at ASU museum, and the pools, slides and splash pads at Jonesboro Aquatic Center, handily making Jonesboro one of the best places to live in Arkansas. 

Is Jonesboro a good place to live? 

Jonesboro might be a good fit for you if you’re hoping to live somewhere with a lower cost of living, top-notch health care services, a small town atmosphere and opportunities to engage in higher education. The outdoor recreation appeals to nature lovers, and the low crime rate and quality school system makes it an attractive relocation destination for young families looking to settle down and invest in their local community.

Read more about living in Jonesboro, AR.

Little Rock

The city skyline overlooks the river in Little Rock, Arkansas.
iStock/Sean Pavone
The city skyline overlooks the river in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Why Little Rock is a great city in Arkansas

Located along the scenic Arkansas River and boasting a rich history in the Civil Rights Movement, Little Rock, Arkansas, is garnering attention for more than its status as the state capital. The city is home to numerous museums, art galleries and cultural attractions, such as the Arkansas Arts Center, the Historic Arkansas Museum and the Museum of Discovery. Its location along the riverfront also provides an attractive backdrop for outdoor recreation activities, such as running and cycling, as well as the local festivals and events put on by the city throughout the year. 

Southern hospitality runs deep in Little Rock. Visitors often comment on the welcoming atmosphere of the city, as well as its diverse food scene. You can find everything from Southern comfort food to Creole and modern twists on the old classics. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet meal at a sit-down restaurant, a local coffee from a window seat, or just need a quiet bite from a food truck before hopping along to the next stop on your itinerary, you can find something that caters to everyone’s taste buds. 

What is the job market like in Little Rock, Arkansas?

The top industries and employers in Little Rock include health care and medical services, research and education, public services, financial services, and manufacturing and technology. Whether you’re seeking employment in aerospace, food processing, accounting or nursing, you are likely to find a position available here. The city serves as the economic hub of the state, which makes it an appealing option for anyone looking to build their career in an environment that provides reasonable economic stability and job security.

Read more about living in Little Rock, AR.

Rogers

The historic downtown district in Rogers, Arkansas.
Getty Images/Canva Pro/Michael Warren
The historic downtown district in Rogers, Arkansas.

Why is Rogers a great place to live in Arkansas? 

Are you considering a move to Rogers, Arkansas? Many people consider this northwestern city an excellent place to live because of its economic opportunities, quality school district and diverse cultural amenities. The significant boom in business growth and development has attracted numerous major employers, such as Walmart, Tyson Foods and J.B. Hunt. Each one established headquarters in the area, which has improved job security and boosted the variety of local dining establishments and entertainment and leisure activities. 

Surrounded by the humbling Ozark Mountains, Rogers offers ample opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. You can spend your summers participating in water sports at the nearby Beaver Lake, or participate in popular pastimes like hiking, biking and fishing. If you’d rather stick closer to the city, you can easily fill your weekends with a variety of family-friendly community events and activities put on throughout the year.

Is it expensive to live in Rogers? 

When compared to many larger cities, Rogers is an affordable place to live. The cost of living has increased, however, in part because of the economic growth and development in the city and surrounding region. The local real estate market has seen increased housing prices but remains lower than the national average. Utility bills, transportation and groceries all hover around the national average.

Read more about living in Rogers, AR.

Interested in Moving to Arkansas?

Narrowing down the best places to live in Arkansas doesn’t have be difficult. We have more resources for moving to Arkansas as well as other best places to live in the Southeast. Whether you want small town charm or big city living, we can help you decide where to move and discover the best places to live in the U.S.

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