Arkansas is a beautiful state with plenty of friendly small towns and the big-city hustle and bustle. If you’re looking for the perfect place to call home in Arkansas, check out our list of the top 10 best cities in Arkansas.
10. Searcy
What makes Searcy, Arkansas, such a special place to live? Well, for starters, it’s a beautiful city with a rich history. Founded in 1838, Searcy is the oldest city in Arkansas and is home to many historical landmarks such as the White County Courthouse. Searcy is well-known for its vibrant arts scene, including the Searcy Art Gallery and the annual White County Fair. And, of course, no discussion of Searcy would be complete without mentioning its outstanding schools. With a student-to-teacher ratio of just 11:1, Searcy is one of the best places in Arkansas to get a quality education. So, whether you’re looking for a historic city with plenty of character or a great place to raise a family, Searcy should be at the top of your list.
9. Fort Smith
Fort Smith is well-known for its rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful scenery. Situated on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border, Fort Smith was once a bustling frontier town. Today, it retains its Old West charm while offering all the features of a modern city. From art galleries to lively nightlife, there’s something for everyone in Fort Smith. The city is also home to the state’s most popular tourist attraction, Fort Smith National Historic Site. Here, visitors can learn about the city’s unique history and see original frontier buildings. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Fort Smith is one of the most desirable places to live in Arkansas.
8. Jonesboro
Jonesboro, Arkansas, has an excellent reputation because of its many amenities and close-knit community. The city has everything you need, from grocery stores, thriving nightlife, and restaurants to schools and parks. And despite being the fifth-largest city in the state, Jonesboro still feels like a small town. Everyone knows each other, and there’s a real sense of community pride. The city is also home to Arkansas State University, which gives the town a college-town feel. Jonesboro is also a great place to raise a family. It is inexpensive, and there are plenty of things to do. Plus, the schools are excellent. If you’re looking for a city that has it all, Jonesboro is the perfect place to call home.
7. Conway
Conway, Arkansas, referred to as “The City of Colleges,” is a great city to visit or reside in because it has a low cost of living, a variety of housing options, and a good selection of schools. The city’s median home price is just $131,900, making it one of the most affordable cities in the state. Conway also offers a wide range of housing options, from apartments and condos to single-family homes and historic properties. And families will appreciate the city’s robust public school system, which includes eight elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school. Conway is also home to two private schools and several higher education institutions, including the University of Central Arkansas. With its affordable housing, quality schools, and low cost of living, Conway is an ideal place to call home.
6. Bentonville
Although it is the ninth-largest city in Arkansas, Bentonville is often considered one of the best places to live in the state. The city has a variety of amenities, including excellent schools, a thriving economy, and a vibrant cultural scene. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the city’s proximity to the Ozark Mountains, while history lovers will enjoy investigating the 120-acre Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. With its many charms, it’s no wonder Bentonville is consistently ranked as one of the top cities to live in Arkansas.
5. Hot Springs
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a sight to see. First off, the city is found in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains, providing stunning views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The city is also home to several hot springs, perfect for relaxing in after a long day. Then, Hot Springs has several parks and hiking trails for outdoor adventurers and enthusiasts. Another exciting part about the city is that it has a thriving arts and culture scene, with some phenomenal museums and galleries. Finally, the city is just a short drive from Little Rock, making it easy to access all the amenities the capital city offers. Overall, Hot Springs is an ideal place to live for anyone who wants to enjoy all that Arkansas has to offer.
4. Rogers
Rogers, Arkansas, is a breath-taking city to live in for numerous reasons. First, it is in the heart of the Ozarks, making it a beautiful place to call home. The Ozarks are full of hiking, camping opportunities, and stunning scenery. In addition, Rogers is a short drive from some of the best lakes in the state, including Beaver Lake and Table Rock Lake. Whether you’re seeking a place to enjoy the outdoors or simply want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Rogers is a perfect choice. In addition to its natural beauty, Rogers is also a thriving city with plenty to offer residents. There are numerous restaurants and shops downtown and various cultural attractions. From art galleries to museums, there’s something for everyone in Rogers. If you’re looking for an Arkansas city with it all, look no further than Rogers.
3. Springdale
Springdale, Arkansas, is a lively city; it boasts a low cost of living, diverse recreational activities, and friendly people. Springdale’s cost of living is nearly 10% below the national average, making it another affordable place to live in the state. The city offers residents a wide range of recreational activities, from hiking and biking trails to fishing and camping. Then, for baseball fans, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals play at Arvest Ballpark just outside the city. Springdale is also home to several parks, including Shiloh Park and Tanyard Creek Park. In addition to its many amenities, Springdale is known for its friendly people. The city was recently ranked as the second most friendly city in Arkansas by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. With all it has to offer, it’s no wonder Springdale is an excellent place to live in Arkansas.
2. Fayetteville
Fayetteville is one of the top cities to live in the state of Arkansas. It is located in the Ozark Mountains, offering residents access to hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Fayetteville also earned its nickname, “Athens of the Ozarks,” because it is home to the University of Arkansas and other excellent schools. The city is very affordable and has abundant dining and shopping options. On top of that, Fayetteville has a fantastic art and culture scene, with numerous museums and galleries. For those who are avid festivalgoers, Fayetteville hosts several, including the Bikes, Blues, and Barbecue Festival. All these elements make Fayetteville an attractive option for those looking for a place to call home.
1. Little Rock
Little Rock is the capital of Arkansas and the most populous city in the state, with over 200,000 residents. The city is located on the Arkansas River in the central part of the state and has a humid subtropical climate. Little Rock has a low cost of living, a variety of job opportunities, a robust public school system, and many things to do. The cost of living in Little Rock is about 4% lower than the national average, and the median home price is $144,000. The city also has many job opportunities because it is home to large companies such as Dillard’s, Windstream Communications, and Acxiom. The public school system in Little Rock is excellent, with some of the best schools in the state. It is also home to several colleges and universities, such as the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Pulaski Technical College. Little Rock has many things to do, including museums, art galleries, restaurants, parks, and sports teams.