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Yes, Arkansas can be a good place to retire. Many retirees are drawn to its scenic mountains, calm lakes, and relaxed pace of life. The Natural State offers affordable living, friendly communities, and a strong sense of small-town charm that appeals to those seeking comfort over crowds.
Still, choosing Arkansas isn’t about picking the biggest or busiest city. It’s also about finding a community that fits your lifestyle, budget, and priorities.
This article explores both sides of the decision. You’ll learn the pros and cons of living in Arkansas to help you understand whether it’s a natural choice to settle in the Natural State.
What You’ll Learn
The benefits of retiring in Arkansas
The challenges of being a retiree in the Natural State
The frequently asked questions people ask about retiring in Arkansas
Summary
Pros of Retiring in Arkansas
Affordable Cost of Living
The cost of living in Arkansas is almost 11 percent lower than the rest of the country. This makes the Natural State an affordable option for many retirees. There are many reasons that contribute to the affordability of Arkansas.
Arkansans pay less for certain cost factors than the rest of the nation. For example, in housing. The median home price in Arkansas is around $218,000. This is almost 50 percent lower than the national average. Rent, groceries, electricity, and healthcare are also less expensive compared to the rest of the country.
The table below shows how retiring in Arkansas costs compared to the national average:
A lower cost of living means:
More flexibility: Lower everyday costs mean you can enjoy other things like travel.
Less pressure: Because you spend less, you may feel less compelled to keep working part-time or tap into your retirement savings early.
Tax-Friendly Retirement
Living in Arkansas means you won’t owe state income tax on your Social Security benefits. You’ll also get a deduction of up to $6,000 on other retirement income, such as pensions or 401(k) withdrawals. Homeowners aged 65 up and older can freeze their property’s assessed value for tax purposes.
The effective property tax rates in Arkansas are also among the lowest in the country. Some counties have a lower rate than New Jersey (2.33 percent):
Pulaski County: Effective property tax rate of 0.81 percent. Includes cities like Little Rock.
Sebastian County: Effective property tax rate of 0.68 percent. Includes cities like Fort Smith.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities
Arkansas offers plenty of outdoor options to enjoy. The Ozark Mountains offer scenic hills and trails. At Hot Springs National Park, you can hike and soak in historic hot springs. The Buffalo National River flows through 135 miles of wilderness for camping and hiking.
Arkansas state parks also offer other activities you can enjoy:
Lake Dardanelle State Park: Join a guided kayak tour.
Bull Shoals-White River State Park: Try trout fishing.
Peaceful Environment
Many communities provide a leisurely pace. These often mix scenic surroundings, friendly neighbours, and cost-effective living. Some Arkansas locales that stand out for their peaceful living include:
Mountain Home: It sits between beautiful lakes in the Ozarks. The city’s cost of living is lower than the U.S. average.
Bella Vista: With many lakes, trails, and golf courses, it offers active yet peaceful living.
Cultural and Historical Attractions
The Natural State also contains numerous ways to explore the state’s culture and history.
For example, museums such as the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock feature extensive visual and performing arts collections. Meanwhile, historical institutions such as the Historic Arkansas Museum offer insight into local heritage with preserved buildings and artifacts.
Structures are not the only ways you can experience the state’s deep culture. Some concerts in Arkansas offer interactive experiences, like:
King Biscuit Blues Festival: This long-running blues festival takes place in Helena. Its roots trace back to the historic “King Biscuit Time” radio show that helped define blues music in the Delta region.
Arkansas Folklife Festival: Held annually in Little Rock, this festival celebrates Arkansas’s varied cultural traditions through music, dance, craft, food, and storytelling.
Cons of Retiring in Arkansas
Limited Healthcare Options
Access to healthcare services can be difficult in many rural parts of the state. In fact, according to the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, the number of primary care physicians in the state’s rural counties is around eight per 10,000 individuals. This is a far cry from the estimated 36 physicians who practice in urban areas.
Dealing with this may involve:
Using telehealth services when possible: By scheduling online visits, you can get care without leaving your home.
Knowing your local community health centers and clinics: You can find one using online directories.
Limited Cultural Activities
The scale and variety of cultural events in smaller cities and towns across Arkansas tend to be more modest than in large metro areas. For example, while you’ll find art shows, concerts, and festivals, they may occur less frequently and with fewer options per year.
To cope with this, you may need to:
Join local groups or clubs that host arts or music events: Some towns, like Hot Springs, have an active arts scene led by organizations such as the Low Key Arts. It hosts music festivals, film workshops, and community arts events.
Plan a monthly outing to bigger cities: This helps keep your cultural life active without relying only on the immediate town.
Extreme Weather
The Natural State sees frequent tornadoes, with major storms impacting communities. Winter ice storms also pose risks, such as power outages, travel hazards, and slower emergency response in rural areas.
Preparing for Arkansas storms may require you to:
Assemble a ready-kit and home safety plan: Make sure you have water, non-perishable food, medications, a flashlight with extra batteries, and a NOAA weather radio.
Stay alert and connected: Sign up for local weather alerts and monitor conditions, especially during tornado or ice-storm season.
Limited Job Opportunities
Opportunities can vary depending on where you live. In many rural or less-populated regions, the number and variety of jobs that fit a flexible schedule can be limited.
Handling this may involve:
Leveraging federal programs: One such program is the Senior Community Service Employment Program.
Expanding your job search to remote, seasonal, or flexible roles: Many employers in Arkansas advertise part-time jobs suited for older workers.
High State Sales Tax
The average base rate is 6.5%, ranking Arkansas as the ninth highest in the country. This, combined with local rates reaching around 9.45%, means everyday goods can cost more than expected.
Managing the state’s high sales tax may mean:
Opt for tax-free or low-tax items when possible: Prescription drugs are exempt from sales tax.
Prioritise budgeting and shopping strategies: Plan major purchases around sales tax holiday events.
Final Thoughts: Retiring in Arkansas
Moving to Arkansas offers retirees a balanced blend of affordability, natural beauty, and community connection. The state’s diverse landscape creates an inviting setting for those seeking a slower pace and a lower cost of living. Its cultural events, outdoor recreation, and welcoming atmosphere add to the appeal.
Challenges remain in certain areas, including limited healthcare access in rural regions and higher sales tax rates that can affect daily expenses.
Yet for many retirees, these factors are outweighed by the state’s overall value, mild climate, and relaxed lifestyle. Arkansas stands out as a practical and rewarding place to begin the next chapter of life.
Move Your Car to the Natural State with AmeriFreight
Before relocating to Arkansas, let AmeriFreight Auto Transport take care of your vehicle shipment. Our agents partner with licensed carriers across the country to help make your move efficient, dependable, and worry-free.
With more than 20 years of experience, AmeriFreight Auto Transport has the knowledge necessary to get your ready for the drive through the Natural State’s winding mountain roads and peaceful small towns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which small towns near Hot Springs or Fayetteville have the lowest crime rates for retirees?
If you’re considering retiring in Arkansas and want a safe small-town setting, two standout communities are worth a look.
Bella Vista: Located just north of Fayetteville, posts property crime rates well below the national average and is ranked among the safest places in the state.
Greenbrier: Located near Conway, reports violent and property crime rates under 1 per 1,000 residents, making it one of the most secure towns in Arkansas.
Are there good public transportation or senior ride services in smaller Arkansas cities like Mountain Home or Cabot?
Yes, in many smaller cities in Arkansas, such as Mountain Home, you’ll find public transit through providers like North Arkansas Transportation Service. And in towns like Cabot, there are dedicated non-emergency ride services serving seniors.
What is the availability and quality of specialist healthcare (e.g., cardiologists, rheumatologists) in rural parts of Arkansas?
In rural parts of Arkansas, access to specialist care such as cardiologists and rheumatologists is limited. Providers are fewer, and travel distances often exceed anywhere between 25 and 35 miles to reach a specialist clinic.
Are there any walkable mountain towns in the Ozarks that still have a low cost of living?
If you’re wondering where in Arkansas you can find walkable mountain towns with a low cost of living, here’s two that stand out:
Eureka Springs: Offers a compact, pedestrian-friendly historic downtown with housing costs well below the national average.
Mountain View: Known for its lively town square and local music gatherings, the city also maintains living costs about 20 percent lower than the national average.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, laws, regulations, and local conditions are subject to change without notice.
Readers should not act upon this information without seeking appropriate professional counsel, especially in financial and legal matters.
