Today, we're going to be talking about the pros and cons of living in Arkansas. I've been living here for more than a few years now, and I've really grown to love it. But, no place is perfect, so I'm going to give you a balanced look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of living in the Natural State. Not only living in the state but being a homeowner in Arkansas.
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Cons: Lets start out with the bad news:
Humidity: Arkansas can be very humid in the summer, especially in the central and southern parts of the state. If you're not used to the heat, it can be a bit of a shock. We have people who have moved here from Florida who say its not near as bad here, but its definitely different than a dry heat. Its best to have a dehumidifier in your home, especially if you are not living in it regularly, like a vacation home or nightly rental. I've definitely seen some homes which have paid the price of not doing so.
Storms: Parts of Arkansas are located in Tornado Alley, so it's important to be prepared for severe weather. However, the state has made significant investments in tornado warning systems and shelters in recent years. We have sirens in several of our communities and shelters open at many churches and town halls when severe weather is threatening. There have been tornadoes in Jonesboro and Little Rock, but none in the areas I service since I've lived here. There are hailstorms fairly commonly--we had one in 2022 in Cherokee Village which resulted in almost everyone getting their roofs replaced.
Lack of major cities: Arkansas has only a few major cities, so if you're looking for a big-city lifestyle, you may be disappointed. Little Rock probably qualifies, and Fayetteville and Fort Smith in Northwest Arkansas are pretty close, but our neck of the woods is a few hours from those. Nearby us there are a number of smaller cities and towns offering a variety of amenities and attractions. I think our location is great--about an hour in any direction Jonesboro, Batesville, west plains MO, Mtn Home) you can get shopping, larger groceries like Aldis and more robust night life. So, if you don't need those more than once a week, a month or couple times a year, and hour is not too far.
PROS: And now on to the GOOD news:
Low cost of living: Arkansas is one of the most affordable states in the country to live in. The housing market is especially attractive, with median home prices well below the national average. $295000 is our average sales price in the tri-county area, with over 200 homes for sale as of today, with about an average of 90 days on the market. You can get home for as little as $20,000 for a manufactured home or has high as $5 million for riverfront property with multiple homes, so there is probably something for everyone. It's easier to buy more house with less money.
Natural beauty: Arkansas is home to some of the most stunning natural scenery in the country, including the Ozark Mountains, the Ouachita Mountains, and the Arkansas River Valley. There are also numerous lakes and rivers throughout the state with clear, clean water, perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. it's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can easily feel like you are in the middle of nowhere when you are in the middle of town. All of our surrounding towns have multiple undeveloped lots which allows for privacy and quiet enjoyment of your home site.
Friendly people: Arkansans are known for their warm hospitality. You're sure to feel welcome here, no matter where you come from. The small-town charm adds to the appeal, making it an ideal place for a quiet, serene life. The neighbors are neighborly and willing to help out when you are in need. We have a very giving spirit in this community and people really come together when any one is having a difficult time, whether it is cancer, death in the family or major injury. Your neighborhood can be as small as your street or as large as our town!
Strong job market: Arkansas is home to a number of large companies Walmart, Tyson Foods. There are plenty of job opportunities locally to switch to when you move to the area. We had an Emerson plant open here a few years ago and our school system is a large employer. White River Health has our satellite emergency room as well as many other clinics in the building, so many nursing staff needed there as well as at Ash Flat nursing home and Eagle Crest for our elderly population. Many partial retirees enjoy doing contract work like landscaping, lawn maintenance, handyman work, and cleaning for owners and nightly rentals, so those are popular careers.
Crime rate: Overall our area has a low crime rate, approximately equal to the national average. I don't feel the need to lock my car when I go places and feel safe to walk after dark. The most common crime in Arkansas is package theft followed by property crime, like burglary. Cherokee Village was listed in the top 20 safest cities in Arkansas for 2023 by Safewise. It helps the residents take pride in our community.
Tips for living in Arkansas:
* **If you're not used to the humidity, dress lightly and stay hydrated in the summer. This also helps keep mosquitoes and ticks at bay.
* **Be prepared for severe weather, especially in the spring and fall. Know where your storm shelter is and have an emergency kit.
* **If you have children, do your research to find the best school district for your family. There are several options with open enrollment.
* **Don't be afraid to explore the state's smaller cities and towns. You might be surprised at what you find!
Who should live in Arkansas?
Arkansas is a great place to live for people who are looking for a low cost of living, natural beauty, friendly people, and a strong job market. It's also a good option for people who are looking for a more relaxed lifestyle - everything is just more laid back here!
Who should not live in Arkansas?
Arkansas may not be the best choice for people who are sensitive to the heat and humidity, who are not storm chasers, or who are used to living in a large city. I still encourage you to come and visit before you mark us off your list!
So, there you have it. The pros and cons of living in Arkansas. If you're considering moving to the Natural State, I encourage you to do your research and weigh the good and the bad carefully. Feel free to reach out to me to get more details on any of the pros or cons I mentioned today as well as other questions about our area. Arkansas is a great option for someone looking to slow down their pace of life and stop and smell the roses for a while! And if you're looking for the best place to retire, be sure to check out my other video on the best warm places. Thanks for spending time with me today. Have a blessed day!
