You’ve heard the stereotype: landlocked area equals locked out. In fact, you might even picture a bleak economy, stuck behind invisible trade barriers and desperately wishing for a coastline.
When it comes to Arkansas — a single-landlocked state — the only barrier that exists is the one you’re putting up if you think a lack of oceanfront is a drawback for exquisite living.
The Natural State has taken advantage of its lands to make its housing market the most affordable in the country while being the capital of wide-open spaces. Its economy is no slacker, as Arkansas is living proof that you don’t need a coastline to make waves in business and trade.
Still not convinced?
Let’s see the incredible reasons why moving to Arkansas might be the best decision you’ve ever made.
You Can Live Large on a Budget
Everybody loves a good bargain, even the Joneses you may be itching to keep up with.
In Arkansas, your money goes a lot further, with the living costs being like 8% below the national average.
Groceries and utilities bills cost 4% and 6% below the national average. Just when you think that’s as good as it gets, housing costs charm you with even lower costs — 22% below the national average.
You can’t consider the pros and cons of living in Arkansas without fixating on housing. By June 2024, the listed homes for sale had risen by 20%, and these homes had a median market stay of 38 days. It means more time for you to scrimp up your cents and dollars for a home.
- Average House Rent: $1,395
- Median Home Value: $269,000
For way less, you can own a home without the soul-crushing mortgage of states like California or New York.
Whether you’re eyeing a cute cottage or a spacious modern pad, Arkansas serves up options that keep your wallet happy and your stress level low.
Arkansas’ Outdoors is Wild and Wonderful
For nature enthusiasts, Arkansas is your retreat for jaw-dropping landscapes. From the majestic Ozark Mountains to the serene Hot Springs National Park, this state is an outdoor wonderland.
Hiking, kayaking, fishing, camping, perhaps all the ‘ing’ you could name, Arkansas has it. What it lacks in ocean view and coastlines, it makes up for in encompassing mountains and hot springs.
But before you hit the roads with the Arkansas moving company, here are some of the must-visit destinations that should feature in your list:
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park
- Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
- Blue Spring Heritage Center
- Arkansas Grand Canyon
- Lake Pineda
- Indian Creek Trail
The Job Market is Popping
Circling back to the landlocked environment of Arkansas, the lands are used for agricultural produce, which keeps food prices low.
But there are other industries that keep the economy thriving.
Healthcare, manufacturing, retail, education, and construction — it’s a diverse economy here. Major companies like Walmart and Tyson Foods call Arkansas home and are always on the lookout for fresh talent while keeping the unemployment rate below the national average.
Even though the median household income is lower than the national average, because of the low living costs, your paycheck will stretch further than a rubber band.
So, if you’re wondering, why move to Arkansas?
Just know that Arkansas has a net migration of 0.7%, higher than the national average. Take this as your reason. All the people moving here saw a better future for their careers.
- Population: 3,011,524
- Median Household Income: $56,335
- Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
- Poverty Rate: 16.8%
Arkansas Education: Nurturing Brilliance
Education is a big deal in Arkansas, and the state’s nailing it.
The Natural State is home to some seriously impressive universities, like the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where Razorback pride runs deep.
Plus, the public schools here are solid, with many earning gold stars for their dedication to student success. The student-teacher ratio is 13:1, as opposed to the national 15:1.
Additionally, over 300 school districts cater to the education of about 493,000 students. 42% of these students had mastered reading by 4th Grade, indicating high-quality education.
If education is a top priority for you or your kiddos, Arkansas offers quality learning without the sky-high price tags of other states.
Some of the best schools in Arkansas include:
- Haas Hall Bentonville School
- Haas Hall Academy School
- Root Elementary School
- Evening Star Elementary School
- Janie Darr Elementary School
You Can Taste the South with Arkansas’ Delectable Cuisine
Moving to Arkansas is saying yes to soul food you never knew you needed.
Arkansas has a food scene that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. From down-home Southern comfort dishes to chic farm-to-table restaurants, every palate gets the craving it deserves.
You haven’t lived until you’ve tried Arkansas classics like fried catfish, mouthwatering barbecue, and anything with local pecans.
Other nice delicacies to try include cheese dip, chocolate gravy, Arkansas possum pie, Arkansas delta tamales, and Cavender’s Greek seasoning.
Escape the Extremes with Arkansas Climate
It’s said that everything that has an advantage has a disadvantage. Hold your horses; There’s no Arkansas whammy in sight.
However, the list of pros and cons of Arkansas living is that the absence of a coastline means there’s no worry about hurricanes and tsunamis. You can expect a mild, humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, giving you the best of all worlds.
Summers are warm, with an average daily high temperature above 84° but not scorching.
Winters are cozy and last about three months, from November to February. The chill, though, is enough to break out your favorite sweaters, with an average low of 36° and a high of 53°.
Arts and Culture
Arkansas isn’t just about nature. It’s also a cultural hotspot, too.
Cities like Bentonville and Little Rock have world-class museums, galleries, and theaters. You don’t want to miss the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville — a jaw-dropping combination of art and nature that will inspire you.
Other culturally and historically relevant places that can dazzle you in Arkansas include:
- Museum of Discovery
- Old State House Museum
- The Galaxy Connection
- Fordyce Bathhouse
- The Old Mill
- Peel Museum and Botanical Garden
The Leisure Lifestyle
Life in Arkansas moves at a refreshingly relaxed pace, and it’s all about enjoying the little things.
But if you’re hooked on public transportation, you might need to take a few steps back. Most areas are car-friendly, so having your own wheels is a must.
Sure, the average commute time is 22.4 minutes, less than the national average of 26 minutes. But if you thrive in a fast-paced, big-city environment, you might need to adjust to the slower, more laid-back vibe here.
In a Nutshell — Moving to Arkansas
The minuscule differences, like the absence of an ocean view and the need for personal transportation, are insignificant compared to everything Arkansas has to offer.
Moving to Arkansas is easily a welcome to stunning natural beauty, affordable living, and great education. When you weigh the pros against the minor cons, it’s clear that Arkansas is a total winner.
Remember: the Natural State is a breath of fresh air that’s ready to let you in on all its best-kept secrets as soon as you step foot on its borders.
Also Read: How to Move with Kids – Moving Tips for Families
