Yes, Arkansas can be a great place to live, especially if you value affordable living, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life.
Arkansas offers real benefits, like housing that costs less than the national average and one of the lowest property tax rates in the country. You also get easy access to nature with the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, the Buffalo River, and dozens of lakes.
If you enjoy a slower pace, tight-knit communities, and mild winters, living in Arkansas might feel like the right fit. Still, not everything here is picture-perfect.
Public schools rank below the national average, some rural areas have limited access to healthcare, and cities like Little Rock face higher crime rates. The state also sits in Tornado Alley, and humid summers can be tough for some.
So, is Arkansas a good place to live? It depends on what you value in your daily life, career, and community.
What You’ll Learn
What makes Arkansas appealing
What makes it challenging
What to know about the state
Overview
Yes, Arkansas can be a great place to live, especially if you value affordable living, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life, however some may find challenges in the education system or higher crime rates in certain cities. The decision depends on what an individual values in their daily life, career, and community.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Cost of Living
Arkansas offers significantly lower housing costs and property taxes compared to the national average, along with reduced expenses for utilities and groceries.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities
The state boasts abundant natural attractions, including mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Lifestyle and Community
Many areas provide a relaxed lifestyle and tight-knit communities, offering a slower pace and friendly atmosphere.
Job Opportunities
While some areas have limited job markets, cities like Northwest Arkansas are experiencing growth in various sectors.
Potential Drawbacks
Certain cities face higher crime rates, the education system ranks below the national average, and some areas have limited healthcare access.
Weather Considerations
Arkansas is prone to extreme weather, including tornadoes, storms, and humid summers, as well as potential ice storms in the north.
Other Notable Aspects
Unique Features
Arkansas has unique attractions like a public diamond mine, oddly named towns, and a rich river system, offering distinctive experiences.
Why It Matters Before You Move
Choosing where to live isn’t just about a zip code. It’s also about your whole way of life. And moving to Arkansas can offer real value, but it’s not the right fit for everyone.
If you’re thinking about living in Arkansas, you’re likely doing more than just chasing lower bills or scenic views. You’re planning for your future. That means looking beyond the surface, past the pretty mountain towns and cheaper homes, and asking deeper questions.
Will the schools fit your kids’ needs? Will you feel safe in your neighborhood? Can you find good healthcare nearby? Will your job allow you to stay long-term, or will you need to move again in a few years?
These aren’t small questions. And skipping them could leave you stuck in a place that doesn’t match your needs. That’s why this guide goes beyond general pros and cons. It gives you a full picture of what life in Arkansas is really like, so you can make the best decision for yourself and your family.
The Pros of Living in Arkansas
1. Low Cost of Living
One of the biggest reasons people choose Arkansas is its low cost of living. Housing prices are between 25% and 30% below the national average.The property taxes are also among the lowest in the country:0.61% on average compared to the national average of 1.07%.
Utilities, groceries, and medical expenses also tend to run lower than in northern states or high-cost southern states like Florida or Georgia. For retirees, there’s no income tax on Social Security benefits, and many areas offer generous homestead exemptions to reduce property taxes even more.
2. Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities
Living Arkansas boasts unmatched scenery. The Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, the Arkansas River Valley, and the Buffalo River are surrounded by lush forests, caves, cliffs, and more than 600,000 acres of lakes and streams. This natural beauty draws hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts all year long.
If you enjoy fishing, boating, or simply being near water, you’ll love the numerous lakes across the state. You can also soak in the mineral waters of Hot Springs, visit scenic drives in the mountains, or explore the protected lands along the Mississippi River. Arkansas truly lives up to its nickname: the Natural State.
3. Relaxed Lifestyle and Small-Town Charm
Many who move here come for a relaxed lifestyle. Whether it’s the slower pace in rural areas or the small town charm of places like Conway or Mountain Home, Arkansas gives people room to breathe. You’ll deal with less traffic, fewer crowds, and more personal space.
Rural communities tend to be close-knit and neighborly. People value friendliness, faith, and helping one another. It’s a shift from the fast pace of city life that some folks in other states find refreshing.
4. Job Opportunities in Growing Cities
Although limited job opportunities still exist in some parts of the state, job markets are growing fast in places like Northwest Arkansas, home to Tyson Foods, Walmart, and dozens of suppliers and start-ups. Cities like Fayetteville and Rogers now offer roles in healthcare, tech, retail, logistics, and remote work.
Many small businesses are also expanding in these areas, providing more chances for growth. And with lower overhead, it’s easier to launch your own company here than in many other states.
5. Appeal for Retirees and Families
For older adults, Arkansas means low taxes, warm winters, and affordable homes in places like Hot Springs Village and Bella Vista. Both towns offer golf courses, clinics, and quiet neighborhoods.
For families, areas like Bentonville and Conway are growing fast and offer strong school district options. In fact, some schools in Bentonville are ranked among the best school districts in the state. And while public transportation is limited statewide, these urban centers offer better infrastructure and road access.
The Cons of Living in Arkansas
While Arkansas has strong appeal, it’s not the right fit for everyone. Here’s what you should know before packing your bags.
1. Crime Rates in Certain Cities
Some parts of Arkansas struggle with crime. In Little Rock and Pine Bluff, both violent crime and property crime rates are well above the national average. For example, Little Rock has a crime index of just 1 out of 100 (100 being safest). This means it is safer than 1% of U.S. cities.
That said, smaller cities like Centerton, Maumelle, and Siloam Springs often rank among the safest places to live in Arkansas, so safety varies by location.
2. Struggling Education System
The Arkansas education ranking remains near the bottom nationally. Many rural areas lack school funding, updated materials, and teachers. In fact, Arkansas ranks 41st out of 50 states for public education performance.
If you’re raising kids, you’ll want to look closely at school district quality. Cities like Bentonville and Fayetteville offer better options, while rural communities often face larger class sizes and lower test scores.
3. Healthcare Access Gaps
Access to care is better in major cities, but many rural areas lack nearby hospitals or specialists. Arkansas ranks 48th in health outcomes, with many residents needing to travel long distances for checkups or emergency care.
This creates real challenges for older residents and families with ongoing health needs.
4. Extreme Weather Risks
Arkansas is part of Tornado Alley, especially in the central and northeast Arkansas regions. Storms and heavy rain are common in spring and summer. Humidity often pushes summer temperatures into the 90s or above, making for hot, sticky weather.
Winters are usually mild, but northern Arkansas can still see snow and ice storms that cause power outages or road closures. Flooding can happen in river valleys, especially near the Red River and Mississippi River.
5. Limited Transportation and Internet in Rural Areas
While larger cities have decent roads, public transportation is limited across the state. If you don’t drive, getting around can be difficult outside of urban areas. Some rural communities also lack reliable internet, which limits access to remote work, telehealth, and education.
That can lead to real problems if you're trying to work from home or rely on digital services in daily life.
What to Know About Arkansas
There’s more to Arkansas than low prices and pretty views. Living here means stepping into a place full of personality, history, and local surprises. Here are some of the most interesting things to know about the Natural State.
It Has Some of the Funniest City Names in the Country - Arkansas is home to towns like Toad Suck, Smackover, and Flippin. Locals embrace the humor, and visitors never forget them. If you enjoy a little character in your small town life, you’ll find it here.
You Can Dig for Real Diamonds - It is the only state in the country with a public diamond mine. At Crater of Diamonds State Park, anyone can dig and keep whatever they find. More than 35,000 diamonds have been discovered there since it opened. It’s one of many outdoor activities that make living in Arkansas both affordable and unique.
The State Has a Long River System - Arkansas borders two of the most important rivers in the country: the Mississippi River and the Red River. The state is also crossed by the Arkansas River. These river valleys have shaped everything from farming to festivals and offer scenic views across much of the state. Boating, fishing, and wildlife watching are part of everyday life in many communities.
It’s a Landlocked State with Lakes Everywhere - Even though it’s a landlocked state, Arkansas is full of water. It has numerous lakes tucked in the Ouachita Mountains and Ozark Mountains. From Lake Ouachita to Greers Ferry Lake, water access is a big part of recreation and relaxation here.
Music and Handcrafts Are Local Staples - From old-time fiddling to hand-carved instruments, many towns host events focused on traditional skills and sounds. Places like Mountain View are known for folk music and handmade goods that pass from one generation to the next.
Milk is the Official State Drink - You read that right:milk is Arkansas’s official beverage. It’s a nod to its farming roots and long-standing focus on agriculture. While other states have flashy food scenes, Arkansas keeps things simple and honest.
Ready to Move? Let’s Make It Easy
If you’ve decided that Arkansas might be the right fit, whether for the space, the savings, or the slower pace, make sure your move starts off smoothly.
At AmeriFreight Car Shipping, we help you get your vehicle to your new home without stress. Whether you’re headed to Little Rock, Northwest Arkansas, or a quiet rural area, we’ll match you with carriers experienced in handling moves to the Natural State.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Arkansas paying $10,000 to move there?
Not statewide, but some cities like West Memphis offer up to $10,000 to remote workers through local incentive programs.
Are Californians moving to Arkansas?
Yes, many are relocating for the low cost of living, less traffic, and more space, especially since remote work has made it easier.
Does Arkansas get snow?
Yes, but it's light and varies by region. Northern Arkansas sees snow more often, while southern areas get mostly rain or ice.
What is the funny city name in Arkansas?
Toad Suck is one of the most well-known and oddly named towns in the state,and yes, it’s a real place.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, real estate prices, commute times, and community features are subject to change. We recommend consulting with licensed Arkansas-based real estate professionals, local government sources, or community organizations before making any housing or relocation decisions.
