10 Best Places To Live In Arkansas

There are many reasons to move to Arkansas. The state is full of natural beauty, experiences warm weather and offers a lot of charming small towns to pick from. Arkansas ranges from the gorgeous Ozark Mountains in the north and west of the state, to rice fields near the Mississippi River in the east. If you’re looking to move, these are the best places to live in Arkansas.

Should You Move To Arkansas?

If you’re not from the area, before buying a house and moving to Arkansas, it’s helpful to understand the state. A large portion of Arkansas is rural, with many parts of the state covered in forest. The state also has its own unique culture, politics and economics that you should look into. Here are some major facets you should consider when deciding where to live in Arkansas:

• Cost of living: An area’s cost of living determines how far your money will go. In an area with a low cost of living, things like utility bills, groceries and entertainment will be less expensive.
• Crime rate: Neighborhood safety levels are important factors to know, especially if you have children. Looking up crime statistics and talking to people in the area will give you a good picture of the crime rate.
• Affordability: While cost of living measures how expensive things are in the area, affordability factors in area income. A place can have a low cost of living but be unaffordable due to limited pay.
• Career opportunities: Are there places to work and grow a career? Will there be work available in your current field, or will you need to switch careers? These are questions to ask before moving.
• Culture: Culture ties an area together. Entertainment, language, cuisine and values – all of these are things that can attract or repel people from moving to a location.

10 Best Places To Live In Arkansas

We weighed the best places to live in Arkansas on stats like crime rates, unemployment rates, costs and well-being. You can read our full methodology after the list. Here are the 10 best places to live in Arkansas.

1. Cave Springs, AR

• Population: 5,495
• Median household income: $133,981
• Median monthly rental price: $1,595
• Housing cost to income ratio: 16.9
• Home affordability index: 1.28

Another top choice in Northwest Arkansas, Cave Springs ties with Lowell on the well-being index. Located southwest of Lowell, Cave Springs is a quicker jaunt to Fayetteville, giving you easy access to Arkansas’ second biggest city. But, with its tranquil setting, you’ll find yourself removed from the bustle of busier towns in the area. In fact, a major highlight in Cave Springs is the Illinois River Watershed Sanctuary, which offers great hikes, events and a view of the cave spring the town is named after.

If you’re interested, check out homes for sale in Cave Springs and Cave Springs housing market trends.

2. Lowell, AR

• Population: 9,839
• Median household income: $78,359
• Median monthly rental price: $879
• Housing cost to income ratio: 21.1
• Home affordability index: 1.24

Located in Northwest Arkansas, Lowell is a growing town with much to offer. From scenic views to traditional barbecue, there’s a lot to love about this charming small town. Lowell has quick access to the White River to the east and is close to larger Arkansas cities, like Fayetteville to the south and Bentonville to the north. It has the second lowest unemployment rate in the state and ranks number one on Sharecare’s well-being index. These make it our top place to live in Arkansas.

Curious about Lowell? Check out homes for sale in Lowell and Lowell housing market trends.

3. Bella Vista, AR

• Population: 30,104
• Median household income: $71,258
• Median monthly rental price: $959
• Housing cost to income ratio: 20.9
• Home affordability index: 1.03

Northwest Arkansas is one of the fastest growing areas in the country, so it should be no surprise that Bella Vista ranks high on this list. Located north of Bentonville on the Arkansas/Missouri border, Bella Vista has the second lowest property crime rate in the state and ties with Lowell and Cave Springs for well-being. Its location on the Springfield Plateau in the Ozark Mountains makes it a prime spot for outdoor recreation. And people are flocking here for it.

See why so many are moving to Bella Vista. Check out homes for sale in Bella Vista and Bella Vista housing market trends.

4. White Hall, AR

• Population: 5,581
• Median household income: $79,808
• Median monthly rental price: $934
• Housing cost to income ratio: 19.0
• Home affordability index: 1.81

Number four on our list, White Hall, is located in the center of the state, about a 30-minute drive south on I-530 from Little Rock. With the second lowest violent crime in the state, White Hall is a quiet haven that’s an easy commute to the state’s biggest city. In White Hall, the majority of the economy is agricultural, with rice, poultry and cotton being grown and processed in the area. The nearby Arkansas river offers water and wildlife recreation in the warmer months.

See what makes White Hall a great place to live in Arkansas. Check out homes for sale in White Hall and White Hall housing market trends.

5. West Fork, AR

• Population: 2,331
• Median household income: $58,250
• Median monthly rental price: $1,008
• Housing cost to income ratio: 20.1
• Home affordability index: 1.27

Located on the western edge of Arkansas, West Fork is about 25 miles from the Oklahoma/Arkansas border. With a population of 2,331, it’s the smallest town on this list. But, don’t let its small size fool you. It’s less than a 20-minute drive from Fayetteville. That means it’s a great town to commute from, allowing you to venture into the city and easily retreat back to the countryside. On top of that, it has the second lowest unemployment in the state. Plus, it’s also close to the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, making a weeknight or weekend hike convenient.

See what West Fork has to offer. Check out homes for sale in West Fork and West Fork housing market trends. 

6. Vilonia, AR

• Population: 4,288
• Median household income: $70,565
• Median monthly rental price: $787
• Housing cost to income ratio: 19.6
• Home affordability index: 1.33

Vilonia is a small town located just under an hour north of Little Rock and just east of the city of Conway. Its location makes it a good commuter town in Arkansas’ most populated metropolitan area. Plus, it’s not far from outdoor recreation at places like Lake Conway.

Check out homes for sale in Vilonia and Vilonia housing market trends. 

7. Bentonville, AR

• Population: 54,164
• Median household income: $84,340
• Median monthly rental price: $978
• Housing cost to income ratio: 24.1
• Home affordability index: 0.94

Bentonville is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Located in Northwest Arkansas, Bentonville ties for top in the state for well-being. Bentonville is the headquarters of Walmart, which brings in a lot of business, as well as people to the city. Bentonville offers plenty of culture, with art and children’s museums, a historic district, as well as an extensive park and trail system. If you’re looking for a great city to live in in Arkansas, Bentonville should be on your list.

Curious about Bentonville? Check out homes for sale in Bentonville and Bentonville housing market trends. 

8. Greenbrier, AR

• Population: 5,707
• Median household income: $49,420
• Median monthly rental price: $795
• Housing cost to income ratio: 27.1
• Home affordability index: 0.97

Less than an hour north of Little Rock, and a quick jaunt from Conway, sits Greenbrier. It’s the lowest in the state for violent crime and ties for first place in overall well-being. That makes it one of the best places in Arkansas for families. With a short drive from the Arkansas River, there’s plenty of outdoor recreation to be had.

Check out homes for sale in Greenbrier and Greenbrier housing market trends.

9. Centerton, AR

• Population: 17,792
• Median household income: $85,531
• Median monthly rental price: $1,117
• Housing cost to income ratio: 18.3
• Home affordability index: 1.23

Centerton sits just to the west of Bentonville along Highway 102. Like Bentonville, the city ranks high for well-being and has seen a lot of growth in recent years. Centerton’s proximity to nearby city amenities, like the Northwest Arkansas National Airport, as well as its low property crime rate, make it one of the best places in Arkansas for retirees.

Check out homes for sale in Centerton and Centerton housing market trends.

10. Pea Ridge, AR

• Population: 6,559
• Median household income: $97,776
• Median monthly rental price: $2,123
• Housing cost to income ratio: 14.7
• Home affordability index: 1.49

Pea Ridge shares a western border with the popular Bella Vista. This small town ties for first place in the state for well-being with other cities further up the list. Its name comes from a combination of being settled on an Ozark Mountain ridge and for the legumes grown there by Native Americans and early European settlers. Just east of town, there’s the Pea Ridge National Military Park, which holds an intact former Civil War battlefield, as well as extensive hiking and horseback trails.

Give Pea Ridge a chance. Check out homes for sale in Pea Ridge and Pea Ridge housing market trends.

4 More Popular Places To Live In Arkansas

There are plenty of great places to live in Arkansas. It’s important to choose what’s best for you and your lifestyle. While the following list of cities isn’t based on our metrics, they’re top choices for many people, as evidenced by their population. If you’re thinking about moving to Arkansas, these are likely some of the first cities you’ll check out.

1. Fayetteville, AR

• Population: 93,949
• Median household income: $47,350
• Median home sold price: $350,125
• Median monthly rental price: $837
• Housing cost to income ratio: 37.9
• Home affordability index: 0.64

Fayetteville is the biggest city in Northwest Arkansas, and the second biggest city in the state. Located deep in the Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville is home to the University of Arkansas. Football is a big thing in Fayetteville (and Arkansas as a whole), and the University of Arkansas Razorbacks are the team to root for. The city is also known for its food scene, being consistently ranked as one of the best barbecue cities in the country.

Check out homes for sale in Fayetteville and Fayetteville housing market trends.

2. Little Rock, AR

• Population: 202,591
• Median household income: $53,620
• Median home sold price: $258,300
• Median monthly rental price: $889
• Housing cost to income ratio: 30.2
• Home affordability index: 0.98

Arkansas’ capital and largest city, Little Rock, sits in central Arkansas along the Arkansas River. Home to the headquarters of companies like Stephens, Inc. and Dillard’s, Little Rock is an economic powerhouse of the South. The city is also home to several non-profits, such as the Clinton Foundation and Winrock International. Along with its burgeoning economy, Little Rock has a lot to offer in terms of culture, like the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, history museums and a historic district.

Check out homes for sale in Little Rock and Little Rock housing market trends.

3. Rogers, AR

• Population: 69,908
• Median household income: $65,511
• Median home sold price: $378,916
• Median monthly rental price: $937
• Housing cost to income ratio: 23.8
• Home affordability index: 0.82

Rogers is part of the cluster of blossoming cities in Northwest Arkansas. With many high-ranking schools, it’s no surprise that Rogers consistently ranks as one of the best places to raise a family, not only in Arkansas, but in the United States. Rogers’ plethora of parks, recreation spots and its two shopping malls will give you plenty of things to do. Plus, with its proximity to other growing cities in the area, there’s plenty of economic opportunity in Rogers.

Check out homes for sale in Rogers and Rogers housing market trends.

4. Springdale, AR

• Population: 84,161
• Median household income: $51,868
• Median home sold price: $280,000
• Median monthly rental price: $782
• Housing cost to income ratio: 27.5
• Home affordability index: 0.88

Springdale is one of the best places to raise a family in Arkansas as well. Adjacent to other towns on our list – like Cave Springs, Bentonville and Lowell – Springdale is a popular spot in Northwest Arkansas. In the past 30 years, Springdale has grown significantly, with the area experiencing a 133% population boom between 1990 and 2010 census years . The area continues to attract, with the University of Arkansas a short drive away and major company headquarters nearby. In terms of culture and activities, Springdale is the home of a minor league baseball team, historical museums and offers plenty of outdoor recreation.

Check out homes for sale in Springdale and Springdale housing market trends.

The Bottom Line

From growing cities to quaint, small towns, there are several great places to live in Arkansas. The state is known for its great barbecue, love of football and gorgeous outdoors. Northwest Arkansas is one of the fastest growing areas in the country, with many great places for families and retirees. That’s not to say the rest of the state should be overlooked – cities in the Little Rock area have a lot going for them, in particular. Plus, if you’re looking for a plot of land to farm, the eastern edge of the state offers fertile ground along the Mississippi River.

Planning on buying a house in Arkansas? Get started online today.

Methodology: Finding The Best Places To Live In In Arkansas

Rocket Homes^SM collected and analyzed the most recent data on twelve key local and countywide metrics to give us insight into the top cities best for living. We analyzed the 128 most populated cities in Arkansas, which have Rocket Homes listings. These cities are home to 60.7% of the state’s residents. The metrics used in this study include the violent crime rate, property crime rate, unemployment rate, google search volume, median rent, well-being index, median monthly income, median monthly housing costs, median days on market for homes, median home list price and Freddie Mac primary mortgage market survey interest rates. Some of these metrics were then used to calculate housing cost to income ratio and home affordability index. These metrics were chosen based on public data availability and topical relevance. Metrics from the U.S. Census are based on 2020 ACS 5-year estimates. In one case, county-level data was used because data is not recorded at the local level.

The housing cost to income ratio was calculated by taking the median monthly housing costs divided by the median monthly income to get the average percentage of income spent on housing costs in a household. The home affordability index was calculated using median listing price for homes in that city, interest rate from Freddie Mac primary mortgage market survey, and median yearly income. To interpret the indices, a value equal to or greater than 1 means that the average person has enough income to qualify for a mortgage in that area. The calculation assumes a down payment of 20% of the home price and a qualifying ratio of 25%. Each data category was normalized and transformed into a range of points for scoring and comparison. Cities with violent crime rates greater than or equal to 55 and property crime rates greater than or equal to 65 were removed from the ranking. Weights were then applied to each metric depending on their individual importance in the study. The weighted scores for each metric were summed to create the overall Best Places To Live Score for each city. The final scores are sorted to produce the final rankings.

Other metrics considered without weight: