If you find yourself drawn in by nature and America’s vast wildernesses then you’ll surely appreciate the appeal of Arkansas. Any self proclaimed hiker could not resist the call of the Ozarks, the adventurous trails and forest of this region is picturesque beyond compare.
There are some wonderful places to live in Arkansas and the cost of living here is far more affordable than a number of America’s other 49 states.
Whatever you are looking for in your next home it is safe to assume that factors like crime statistics, as we’ve mentioned cost of living, and proximity to transport routes for work all come into consideration. Other factors like availability of quality public schooling, the diversity of the community and access to health care are also likely boxes that need ticking before you up sticks and move to Arkansas.
Given that finding all of this information in one easy, digestible format can be something of a chore, we took matters into our own hands to find the best places to live in Arkansas to give you the best pick of the bunch.
We have also listened to what local people had to say about their neighbourhoods so that you know you’re getting the most rounded and authentic view of the place.
Let’s get started;
1. Bentonville
Source: brad_holt / FlickrBentonville has some of the most gorgeous mountain views and is one of the best places to live in Arkansas. With its thriving economy, families all around the United States are flocking to this city. While living in Bentonville, you’ll quickly find out that they have an excellent school system, making this an ideal for families to start and raise a family.
Its electric downtown district is filled with various shopping options and restaurants for its local residents to spend their outings. From its historical past to its cultural scene, Bentonville has everything you need without traveling to the overcrowded big city!
In addition, Bentonville is known for its strong economy, variety of entertainment and activities, and low cost of living. The unemployment rate in Bentonville is 2.9%, placing it well below the national average, while its cost of living is 1.3% lower than the rest of the United States.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Bentonville are:
- The Walmart Museum
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
- Museum of Native American History
- Orchards Park
- Amazeum
- Wishing Spring Gallery
- Bentonville Town Square
- Back Nine Golf Academy
2. Cammack Village
Source: www.jeffkayle.comCammack Village has that small-town charm that everyone wishes for a community. The community of Cammack Village is filled with tree-lined streets, charming homes, and gardens in just about every yard.
Residents living in Cammack Village love the area for its various outdoor activities, such as golfing, fishing, and outdoor dining at local eateries. Regarding amenities, you won’t need to travel far to find just what you’re looking for. Cammack Village isn’t far from Little Rock, where you can find entertainment options, museums, and local shopping.
In addition, Cammack Village is known for its various city-like amenities, low cost of living, and outstanding healthcare. The unemployment rate in Cammack Village sits at 5.7%, just below the national average. While the cost of living in this area sits 10.7% lower than the national average.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in or near Cammack Village are:
- Museum of Discovery
- Big Dam Bridge
- Old State House Museum
- Little Rock Zoo
- Rock Town Distillery
- Historic Arkansas Museum
- Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
3. Fayetteville
Source: Brandonrush / WikimediaSituated in Washington County, you’ll find the city of Fayetteville, one of Arkansas’s best places to live. With a population of ninety-two thousand, Fayetteville is also home to the University of Arkansas
With this figure being so low it’ll come as no surprise to hear that 60% of the population live in rented accommodation; plenty of choices out there! This is a relatively low-income area but the residents here are diverse and highly educated too, 22% have a master’s degree or above.
Fayetteville is known for it’s strong economy, variety of entertainment options and activities, and low cost of living. The unemployment rate in Fayetteville sits at 3.9%, placing it below the national average. While the cost of living sits at 8.2% lower than the national average, making this one of the most affordable places to live in Arkansas
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Fayetteville are:
- The Fayetteville Farmers Market
- Wilson Park
- Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks
- Self-Guided Beer Tour
- Baum Stadium
- The Clinton House Museum
- The Walton Arts Center
- Fayetteville Downtown Square & Gardens
- Lake Fayetteville
4. Centerton
Source: sevenMaps7 / shutterstockAdjacent to Bentonville to the west is Centerton, home to 10,764 people this is an offshoot of Bentonville city. Locals would likely disagree, Centerton is a place in its own right with ample amenities and facilities to serve its community. El Farolito and Jim’s Razorback Pizza are popular dining options for locals so be sure to check them out!
Centerton is a particularly good Arkansas city for families. With 14 outstanding public schools in the area, there are quality educational establishments from elementary level through to high school.
The median home value here in Centerton is more than reasonable too, below the national average. With the average household earning over $50,000 a year, this is far from an aspirational neighbourhood.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Centerton are:
- Centerton Farmers Market
- The Walmart Museum
- Daisy Airgun Museum
- Rogers Aquatics Center
- Rogers Little Theater
5. Little Flock
Source: www.zillow.comWith a population of only around three thousand residents, Little Flock is one of the smaller towns in Arkansas. While living in Little Flock, you’ll quickly discover how warm, welcoming, and loving its residents are to its locals and newcomers. With its variety of shopping and food options, Little Flock has something for everyone.
With its excellent public school system, worry about education is one of the last things you’ll need to worry about in Little Flock. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll enjoy its various activities, such as camping, fishing, hiking, and exploring its beautiful parks with gorgeous scenery.
In addition, with Little Rock having a booming economy and low cost of living, you’ll be impressed with the unemployment rates and low cost of living compared to the rest of the United States. The unemployment rate in Little Flock sits at 3.4%, which is lower than the national average, while its cost of living hovers right below the national average, making this an affordable area for families and retirees.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Little Flock are:
- War Eagle Cavern
- The Railyard Bike Park
- Orchard Park
- Great Day Skate Place
- Skylight Cinema Movie Theater
- Horsebarn Park
6. Johnson
Source: Brandonrush / WikimediaIf you’re looking for a small town that will give you a cozy and peaceful atmosphere, Johnson should be at the top of your list. With a population of three thousand residents, this is a community where everyone knows everyone and they look out for one another.
Residents living in Johnson love socializing with one another and taking advantage of the various outdoor activities such as biking, biking, camping, and fishing. John is known for its booming economy, variety of activities, and low cost of living.
In addition, the unemployment rate in Johnson is 3.5%, well below the national average, while the cost of living stands at 10% lower than the national average. The low cost of living makes this one of most desirable places for families.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in or near Johnson are:
- Ozark National Forest
- Clarksville Aquatic Center
- Lake Dardanelle
- Petit Jean State Park
- Lee Creek Hiking Trails
- Walton Arts Center
7. Cave Springs
Source: Wawan eko yulianto / WikimediaCave Springs is a town with around five thousand residents and is considered one of the best places to live in Arkansas. It’s known for its abundant wildlife and mild weather, making it ideal for people of all ages to live.
Cave Spring has an excellent public school system, which is a strong selling point for families when looking to buy a home here. With its gorgeous scenery and amount of amenities, it’s rare that you’d ever want to leave.
Cave Springs has a strong economy, with its unemployment rate sitting at 3.4%. In addition, the cost of living sits at 3.8% higher than the national average, however, it’s still more affordable than many parts of the country.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in or near Cave Springs are:
- Cave Springs City Park
- The Walmart Museum
- War Eagle Cavern
- Fast Lane Entertainment Bowling Alley
- Horsebarn Park
- Wildwood Park
8. Rogers
Source: RaksyBH / shutterstockRogers is one of the larger cities in the state, with a population of around sixty-eight thousand residents. While living in Rogers, you’ll get to enjoy entertainment at the Pinnacle Hills Promenade and shopping at The Walmart Amphitheater.
Residents living in Rogers enjoy its gorgeous landscapes and historical landmarks such as the Daisy Airgun Museum and Lake Atalanta. With its thriving economy, stunning landscapes, variety of amenities, and low cost of living, it’s no wonder families from all over the country are moving here.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Rogers are:
- Rogers Historical Museum
- Daisy Airgun Museum
- Museum of Native American History
- Amazeum
- 21c Museum
9. Conway
Source: OpenSkyMedia / FlickrThe city of Conway with its sixty-three thousand residents is located in central Arkansas, and is one of the best places to live in Arkansas. Conway is filled with many attractions, so if you think you’ll be bored in this city, think again.
Residents living in Conway take advantage of its recreational opportunities, such as taking a stroll in Cadron Settlement Park. With its booming economy, low cost of living, and long list of attractions, many families are choosing to call Conway home.
In addition, the unemployment rate in Conway sits 4.2%, just below the national average, while the cost of living is a whopping 20% lower than the national average. Endless recreational activities and affordability, what more could you ask for?
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Conway are:
- Thunder Road Grand Prix
- Cadron Settlement Park
- Beaverfork Lake Park
- Whole Hog Café
- The Hogwild Family Fun Center
10. Bella Vista
Source: Michael J. Munster / shutterstockBella Vista was originally marked out as a summer town for those who wished to reconnect with nature in Arkansas. Now a popular spot for retirees there is a thriving aging community here who have created a welcoming and homely atmosphere.
Situated in Bentonville, this Ozark mountain town is one of the best places to live in Arkansas. Bella Vista has a population of nearly thirty thousand residents and has many outdoor areas to explore such as hiking trails and Beaver Lake.
With rivers and lakes around every corner, Bella Vista really is deserving of its name. Although with a strong aging community you may think that families would not be at home here. Far from it, Bella Vista has some of the best public schools in the state.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Bella Vista are:
- Bella Vista Museum
- Tanyard Creek Nature Trail
- Veterans Wall of Honor
- Bella Vista Discover Art Festival
11. Maumelle
Source: maumelle-ar.purzuit.comMaumelle is a suburb of Little Rock but being home to 17,600 people it is really a place all of its own. This is our most expensive area to date but compared to other areas of America, Arkansas really is very reasonably priced.
Homes here in Maumelle cost around the national average. There are some more flashy properties available should a larger, more stately home be in order. Overall though, value for money in Maumelle is good.
This area is becoming an evermore popular area with millennials, on par with Little Flock in that respect. Local people love the Super Walmart and the multiple diners and restaurants that are dotted around the town.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Maumelle are:
- Lake Maumelle
- Lake Willastein Park
- Smoke Shack BBQ
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park
- Allsopp Park
- U.S. Pizza Company
- Wild River Country
- Little Rock Zoo
12. Lowell
Source: sevenMaps7 / shutterstockLowell is another of our best places to live in Arkansas to be found in Benton County. There is a deep history associated with this area dating back to the 1840s, it was the first settlement along the Old Wire Road and was destroyed during the Civil War.
Now home to over eight thousand residents, there is a rural feel to the area in that there is little to do of a night time. This quiet community would rather be tucked up in their own homes than lairing it up in town.
Home prices here are on par with the rest of Arkansas, cheaper in fact than many areas we have highlighted so far.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Lowell are:
- The Grove
- Bentonville Whiskey Festival
- Arkansas Derby
- Ozark Axe House
- Dogwood Canyon
13. Siloam Springs
Source: RaksyBH / shutterstockWith an artsy and hipster kinda downtown and a strong Christian community due to the private university, there is a diverse population of around sixteen thousand residents who call Siloam Springs home.
Median rent here is something to write home about for sure, placing below the national average. The residents of Siloam Springs are a hardworking bunch who bring home around $50,000 on average each year.
There is very little to find fault with in Siloam Springs, it neither performs, nor excels in comparison to other areas of Arkansas. Quiet, charming and functional.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Siloam Springs are:
- Natural Falls State Park
- Siloam Springs Kayak Park
- Siloam Springs Farmers Market
- Wild Wilderness Drive thru Safari
- Creekside Taproom
- City Lake
14. Little Rock
Source: amadeustx / shutterstockYou seldom find the state capital missing out on a place in the top fifteen best places to live and Arkansas’ Little Rock is no exception. With houses and jobs in no short supply, there is a prosperous community of 196,000 people who call Little Rock home; making it our most densely populated place on our list so far.
There is a wide variety of properties available to invest in in Little Rock. For an affordable cost, you could be the proud owner of a humble, cost 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom family home. Or should you have seven figures of cash then you could invest in a grand 5-bedroom inner city mansion with 4-bathrooms.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Little Rock are:
- Museum of Discovery
- Big Dam Bridge
- Rock Town Distillery
- Little Rock Zoo
- Pinnacle Mountain
15. Bryant
Source: metrolittlerockguide.comAlthough a suburb of Little Rock, home to over nineteen thousand residents, Bryant is a town all of its own and has a community all of its own too. Locals jest that everyone here is interconnected in some way.
Bryant is the second safest suburb in Arkansas according to the findings of niche.com. Crime levels here are incredibly low, albeit the occasional theft or burglary that occurs, as to be expected with any inner city area.
For Arkansas this is a reasonably affluent neighbourhood, the average household earns $60,000 a year. That said, Bryant is by no means exclusive. Both parents will work and children attend public school. Locals say Bryant is safe, clean and an all round great area to live. Cheers to that!
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Bryant are:
- The Royal Theater
- Outlets of Little Rock
- Painted Tree Marketplace
- Riverfront Park
- Old State House Museum
- River Market District