Arkansas is unsurprisingly attractive to locals and visitors with a low cost of living and abundant natural beauty. Known as the Natural State, Arkansas is home to 52 state parks, the majestic Ozark Mountains, and the protected Buffalo National River. Here, there are superb restaurants, leading retailers, top schools, and businesses growing their workforce.
Arkansas has the right city for you whether you love connecting with nature or enjoying all the conveniences of city living. If you’re looking for some relocation inspiration, consider one of these eight top Arkansas cities:
1. Bentonville
2. Fayetteville
3. Bella Vista
4. Little Rock
5. Hillcrest
6. Hot Springs
7. Jasper
8. Rector
Bentonville, Benton County
Located at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Bentonville is a natural paradise that’s on the up. Walmart’s headquarters, the renowned Bentonville school district, and Northwest Health anchor the city’s growing economy. Additionally, Crystal Bridges, The Momentary, and numerous public artworks are helping Bentonville cement its reputation as an emerging cultural hub.
Prominent chefs Matthew Cooper of RopeSwing and Matthew McClure of The Hive represent the new breed of Bentonville cuisine. At the same time, traditional restaurants serve classic Southern fare made with ingredients sourced from local farms and markets. Hikers and mountain biking enthusiasts will appreciate the 50+ miles of Bentonville’s scenic trails.
Fayetteville, Washington County
Fayetteville, 28 miles south of Bentonville, is another one of the most appealing mountain towns in Arkansas. It’s nestled in the Ozarks, so you can count on plenty of fun outdoors as you hike or bike the trails and explore the state parks. That said, Fayetteville also has a cosmopolitan side, making it one of the best places to live in northwest Arkansas for culture vultures.
Enjoy a meal and drinks at Dickson Street’s restaurants and bars, then walk to Walton Arts Center for a show. TheatreSquared —the region’s only professional regional theater staging shows all year round — is also just off Dickson.
Bella Vista, Benton County
Arkansas is an excellent place to retire as it doesn’t tax Social Security, railroad benefits, or military pensions. There are also no inheritance or estate taxes here. Still, one area in Arkansas is more retiree-friendly than the rest. In 1965, Bella Vista, designed by Cooper Communities, became a recreational retirement community. To this day, it remains one of the best places to retire in Arkansas.
Residents get to enjoy their golden years their way, with independence and recreational opportunities aplenty. The community has three pools, six golf courses, seven lakes, eight tennis courts, and more than 40 miles of hiking and biking trails. Northwest Arkansas’ attractions are also a short drive away.
Little Rock, Pulaski County
Granted, Little Rock is a predictable option. But for convenience and choice, it’s hard to beat the state capital. Living in Little Rock puts you close to award-winning restaurants, buzzing bars, quality stores, leading hospitals, and everything you might need. There are also plenty of local businesses hiring at any given time and a wide variety of quality education options for students of all ages, from elementary school to university level.
No matter what your palate craves, you’ll find restaurants to tempt your taste buds. Little Rock might be a capital city, but you’ll still find a strong sense of community here.
Hillcrest, Pulaski County
Hillcrest is a Little Rock neighborhood, but we felt it deserved its own entry. While it’s close to downtown Little Rock amenities, Hillcrest has a family-friendly character all its own. The neighborhood became a fan-favorite for the first-rate education options in the Hillcrest School District and high-quality yet affordable homes. There’s no need to venture downtown, as there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and parks within this suburban community.
Hot Springs, Garland County
Tourists flock to Hot Springs for its famous thermal springs, theme parks, lakes, and festivals. Another big draw is horse racing at Oaklawn Park, home of the Arkansas Derby.
Still, this centrally located city nestled among the Ouachita Mountains also makes a great home base. You don’t need to travel far to enjoy the great outdoors. Hot Springs National Park is conveniently located in the middle of the downtown district. Check out the bathhouses, the Grand Promenade, and the display spring at the back of the visitor’s center. For more outdoor fun, stroll around Garvan Woodland Gardens or explore Ouachita State Forest or Lake Catherine State Park.
Jasper, Newton County
To escape city living, consider moving to Jasper. This small town in Arkansas isn’t as sleepy as it once was, although it still retains that warm community feel that many people look for when setting down roots. Local cafes and restaurants aren’t flashy, but their traditional meals — juicy steaks and quality burgers — always hit the spot. Spend your weekends exploring the beautiful Boxley Valley.
What’s more, as one of the best small towns in Arkansas, Jasper has limited property options. Monitor rental listings carefully and jump on vacant properties quickly to avoid missing out.
Rector, Clay County
For budget-friendly living, choose Rector. With a cost-of-living index of 78, 22% less than the national average, it is one of the cheapest places to live in Arkansas. Properties priced 59% less than the national average, making Rector even more affordable than many places on this list. You won’t just save money here, as the crime rate is 56% lower than the state average, plus the Labor Day Picnic is always great fun.
Like Jasper, Rector is small, so you’ll have to quickly act when you spot vacant properties here. The good ones never stay on the market too long.
If you’ve decided living in Arkansas is right for you, head to Zumper. Browse our listings for the latest rental properties in top places to live in Arkansas. Visit our website or download the Zumper app to apply for Arkansas rentals while you’re on the go.
Related content
