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The 20 Best Places to Live in Arkansas

Arkansas

The southern U.S. state of Arkansas borders the Mississippi River and is known for its abundant wilderness areas and parks. It is a fantastic place for people who enjoy outdoor activities, and this is what attracts many people to live in this state. However, there are some areas that are better places to live than others. Factors that people take into consideration when they are deciding where they would like to live include the crime rates, public schools, outdoor spaces, cost of living, amenities, and various other factors. Depending on the needs of individuals, some of these factors hold greater importance than others. This means that some areas will appeal to certain groups of people more than others, according to that they consider as desirable features. Considering all the factors that contribute to the liveability of a location, the following are the best places to live in Arkansas in 2019.

20. Searcy

Searcy makes it onto the list of the top 20 best places to live in Arkansas by Niche. This town in White County has a population of almost 24 thousand residents and it has a suburban feel. The area attracts families because the public schools are highly rated. The crime rates are very low, so it is one of the safest places to live in this state. There are virtually no downsides to living in this location as there are plenty of jobs, the cost of living is reasonable, it is a diverse area, and there are plenty of amenities and leisure options.

19. Downtown

There are many positives to choosing Downtown as a place to live. It is a diverse area that has excellent public schools, low crime rates, great job opportunities, and good commutability. It is also popular because of its vibrant nightlife and the many leisure activities that are available for residents to enjoy in their free time. The downsides to this location are the expensive housing and the high cost of living. However, this is often the price that you will pay to live in such a desirable area. Despite the high cost, this neighborhood can offer a high standard of living.

18. Little Flock

A quiet and safe place to live, Little Flock is a smaller community of under three thousand residents that is located just northeast of Bentonville. It is popular amongst first-time buyers as the house prices are low and offer good value for money. The cost of living in this area is also reasonable, so it appeals to a diverse range of people regardless of their household income. There are some pretty outdoor spaces in this area, so it is aesthetically appealing.

17. Residential Downtown

For those who want to live somewhere suburban that still has an urban feel, Residential Downtown is a popular option. This neighborhood is in Little Rock and has a population of just over six thousand. Although most people living in this area rent their properties, reasonable house prices make owning your own home in this area an achievable dream. There are plenty of amenities for residents, including shops, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Several demographics are attracted to Residential Downtown as there are many positive aspects of life in this neighborhood. These include great public schools, a diverse community, good job opportunities, vibrant nightlife, and commutability. Furthermore, the cost of living is reasonable and there are plenty of leisure activities to enjoy in this neighborhood.

16. Rogers

Located in Benton County, Rogers is a diverse and interesting city that is a great place to choose for your home for many reasons. A combination of good schools, good housing, and a diverse community are just some of this location’s features that attract new residents. There are plenty of job opportunities in the area without needing to commute to a different location. Due to the leisure options and outdoor spaces in the area, it will appeal to people who enjoy an active lifestyle.

15. Reservoir

Reservoir is a neighborhood in the Little Rock area of Arkansas. There is a suburban vibe to the area thanks to the restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and parks. The downside to this neighborhood is that there are few highly rated schools in the area, so it is better suited to those without children. The area’s positives include the virtually non-existent crime rates, the low cost of living, the diverse housing options, and the health and fitness facilities in the area.

14. Midtown

Midtown is another neighborhood in the Little Rock area of Arkansas. Unlike many of the other locations in this list, this is not usually the first choice amongst families because of the lack of highly rated schools. However, there are many positives to this neighborhood that are enticing to other groups of people, such as young professionals. It is a diverse community with a wide range of job opportunities, great commutability, low crime rates, and excellent leisure options.

13. West Markham

West Markham is a small and pleasant neighborhood in Little Rock that is considered one of the best places to live in Arkansas for many reasons. It is particularly well-suited to young professionals because of the employment opportunities, the commutability, and the vibrant nightlife. It is also good for people with an active lifestyle because of the outdoor activities and the health and fitness facilities in the neighborhood. Families might also find this a nice place to live because the school options are good.

12. Lowell

This small town in Benton County has a population of under nine thousand people and a sparse suburban feel. The high levels of safety and the superb public schools in the area are just two of the reasons why people are attracted to living in this location. Other positive elements of this town are the low cost of living, the diverse community, and the range of housing options on the market. It is also excellent in terms of employment opportunities.

11. Centerton

Located just to the west of Bentonville, Centerton is an offshoot of the city and has a population of almost 112 thousand people. The area has ample amenities and facilities for its diverse community, including many dining options and all the shops you would need for a convenient life. There are 14 outstanding public schools in the area, so many families find this a desirable place to live. House prices are lower than many comparable locations, and this is another reason why people choose to live in this area.

10. Fayetteville

One of the prettiest and historically interesting places to live is Fayetteville. Says Livability. This city is home to the University of Arkansas and it is located on the outskirts of the Boston Mountains in Northwest Arkansas. There are no less than 60 buildings in this city included on the National Register of Historic Places. This city offers an excellent standard of living in a diverse community with plenty of things to see and do during your leisure time.

9. Walnut Valley

Walnut Creek is a mid-sized neighborhood of Little Rock in Pulaski County with a population of around nine thousand. The feel of this neighborhood is a mix of urban and suburban life. It is considered a nice place for families to live due to exceptional public schools, outdoor activities, and low crime rates. Commuting from this location is also easy and there are plenty of jobs in the area, so it also appeals to young professionals.

8. Johnson

The downside of living in this sparse suburban town is that it is not the most commutable location. However, there are many other factors that make this one of the best places to live in Arkansas. There are many job opportunities without the need to commute, the community is diverse, there are outstanding schools, and there are amenities and outdoor spaces that will appeal to families. Houses are significantly cheaper than the national average, so it is an affordable option for those who do not have a high income. As this town is located between the cities of Fayetteville and Springdale, it's an easy 5 minute drive to Interstate 49.  Some of the biggest news about our City is the development of Johnson Square which is set to bring huge change to its residents.

7. Rock Creek

This Little Rock neighborhood has many appealing features that attract different demographics, hence the diversity of the community. There are good housing options in this affordable community, and the standard of living is high. It is considered an exceptionally safe place to live due to low crime rates. This location has a great nightlife and lots of outdoor activities for residents to enjoy.

6. River Mountain

With a population of almost 28 thousand, this is one of the larger neighborhoods in Little Rock in Pulaski County. There is a dense suburban feel to this neighborhood, and it is known for its parks and restaurants. It is a good area for both families and for young professionals as it is an affordable and diverse place to live that has features that will appeal to families and plenty of job opportunities. The area is good in terms of leisure options as there are both outdoor activities to enjoy and a great vibe at night.

5. Cave Springs

With a population of less than two thousand, Cave Springs is a tiny city in Benton County. The small size of this town gives it a rural feel that appeals to people who want a quieter life and those who want to live in an area that offers an outdoor lifestyle. This location is highly rated in terms of housing, schools, safety, and job opportunities. It is a relatively diverse area with a reasonable cost of living.

4. Heights

A neighborhood in Little Rock, this location has a population of almost nine thousand people. The area has a feel that is a mix of urban and suburban life. There are plenty of parks, bars, shops, and restaurants in this area, and it is known for its lively night life. It is a diverse community in which to live, and it is considered a very safe area. The public schools are excellent, and the housing market offers a wide range of different options. The cost of living is about average compared to similar places in Arkansas, and residents have plenty of job opportunities in the local area.

3. Bentonville

The Crazy Tourist ranks Bentonville as one of the top places to live in Arkansas. One of the most appealing features is the cost of living, which is much lower than in many areas of the state. However, this is not the only reason to consider living in this area. It is also a safe area that has excellent public schools, and diverse housing options.

2. Capital View

Capital View is a neighborhood of Little Rock that has a population of just over four thousand. There is a dense suburban feel to this area, which attracts many young professionals as they are drawn to the bars, parks, and restaurants. Yong professionals are not the only group that is attracted to this place, as the excellent schools and low crime rates make this an appealing place in which to live for families. Other positive attributes of this location include the reasonable cost of living, the job opportunities, the commutability, and the diversity of the housing market.

1. Hillcrest

According to Niche, Hillcrest is the best place to live in Arkansas. This is a neighborhood that is highly rated in every factor that people consider when they are deciding where to live. It has excellent hosing options and the cost of living is reasonable. Families moving to the area will find excellent schools and many activities suitable for family life in the area. There is hardly any crime, and the area is diverse with plenty of job opportunities.

Liz Flynn

Written by Liz Flynn

Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. Although she spends most of her time writing, she also enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, watching films, cooking, dining out, reading, motorsports, gaming, and walking along the beach next to her house with her dog.

Read more posts by Liz Flynn

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