Get to Know Northwest Arkansas

Are you looking for a city that offers everything you need for a well-rounded life without breaking the bank? A place with a growing job market, quality healthcare, good schools, lots of recreation, and an affordable price tag? Look no further than Northwest Arkansas. This part of “the Natural State” is thriving for all the reasons listed above, and it’s also one of the most affordable places to live in the country. Find a juxtaposition of Fortune 500 companies and miles of pristine wilderness. It’s affordable, with a full slate of ways to have fun, from art museums to BBQ festivals. Take a closer look at the benefits of

The Region

Benton and Washington Counties form the dynamic core of Northwest Arkansas. Madison County and its charming small towns often join the mix. Four of the state’s ten largest cities are within these counties, some of Arkansas’ fastest growing.

Nicknamed “the 479” after its area code, Northwest Arkansas covers 3,213 square miles and has around 576,000 residents. All that space gives the region a low density of 174 persons per square mile.

The Cities of Northwest Arkansas

The central location of these top cities within Northwest Arkansas is part of their appeal. They are close to the region’s many attractions, from top employers to the Ozarks. The four top cities are:

Fayetteville

Arkansas’ third-largest city deserves attention, and it’s getting it. US News and World Report ranked it the 10th best place to live in the nation for 2023-2024. The highest marks went to the incredible value of what you get by living in Fayetteville. First, there’s a cost of living 10% below the US average and a strong job market. Home to the University of Arkansas, the general vibe is youthful and lively. Collegiate sports and related events are just part of it. World-class arts and entertainment, numerous local parks, and friendly people add to its energy. Fayetteville residents get a blend of small-town style living with big-city perks. 

Bentonville

Famous as the birthplace of Walmart, Bentonville is a bustling hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. Walmart is the economic engine, but it’s not the only reason to come to Bentonville. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art draws visitors from around the world. Its collection and the extending creative community make the town a cultural epicenter for all of Arkansas. Independent shops and restaurants pack Bentonville’s charming downtown area. Plus, residents have excellent schools for their kids. The town promotes outdoor recreational access, with 22 parks and recreational facilities. Bentonville is Arkansas’ 9th largest city.

Rogers

Rogers hasn’t lost its small-town charm despite a rapidly growing population that propelled it to become Arkansas’ sixth-largest city. Its relaxed vibes and the affordable price tag for the amenities attract people. The live music at the Walmart AMP, walkable downtown, craft breweries, and park programs help create a thriving community. Hiking, biking, and fishing are easy to get to because Rogers is close to Beaver Lake and the Ozark National Forest. 

Springdale

As the fourth-largest city in Arkansas, Springdale’s dynamic community is growing fast. One year, it was the nation’s sixth-fastest-growing city under 100,000 persons. Home to Tyson Foods, it’s an essential agri-producer for the country. However, its thriving job market is growing across industries. Culturally, it embraces its multicultural identity as it has a flourishing Latin community. Life is lived abundantly through festivals and activities. See it everywhere, from the Minor League Baseball stadium, the Razorback Greenway, and the annual rodeo. Enjoy all the recreation available in the Ozarks, and stop by its fantastic Nature Center. Springdale also has some of Arkansas’ top-rated schools.

Small Towns

In addition to these larger towns, the Northwest is sprinkled with small towns of a few thousand to a few hundred residents. These more rural locations are no less charming and some are your best jumping-off point for access to the Ozarks. If small-town living appeals to you, then check out Eureka Springs, Siloam Springs, Prairie Grove, Centerton, and Pea Ridge.

Why Northwest Arkansas?

The metropolitan region is among the cheapest to live in and the nation’s fastest-growing. Its amenities and high quality of life helped it rank as US News and World Report’s tenth-best place to live in the US. Here’s why:

Beautiful Great Outdoors

The scenic Ozark Mountains form the backdrop of living in Northwest Arkansas. Rolling hills, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls beckon the outdoor enthusiast. Explore countless hiking trails that wind through the mountains to stunning panoramic views. Those same hills and valleys lure cycling enthusiasts who use the diverse and rugged terrain. 

Waters shaped the landscape, and they continue today. Stretching across 28,000 acres in the Ozarks, Beaver Lake is a top getaway destination. Towering bluffs and rustic wooded shores surround a crystal clear lake prized for fishing and boating. But to get a true sense of the scale and beauty of the Ozarks, float the Buffalo River, America’s first National River. Its undammed waters wind through the rugged landscapes with multiple access points for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing.

Truly, this is a picturesque corner of our country and Arkansas.

Top Cycling Destination

Nationally-ranked mountain bike trails helped win over the USA Cycling’s National Mountain Bike Team. It’s their home as they train for the Olympics. Cycling is a serious part of the culture here, both on flat roads and in the hills. The Razorback Greenway stretches 40 miles across the region, showcasing its flowing creeks and connecting communities. Meanwhile, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is 300 acres just for mountain bikes. Little Sugar’s expansive trail system has a 28-mile scenic outdoor cycling route.

Adventures Outside

Perhaps you prefer adventure on two feet and at a slower pace. The Ozark Trail winds 230 miles through the wilderness, luring backcountry campers for a multi-day trip into the forests. Not up for 230 miles? Hobbs State Park has a 54-mile trail system covering primitive camping and horseback riding. Smaller other trails and camping are available at multiple state and local nature parks. 

Thanks to the Ozarks’ rugged nature, those who love a good rock face have plenty of it. Find sport climbs in Horseshoe Canyon, or camp and climb at Sam’s Throne. The local cities have three climbing gyms to hone skills when you can’t climb outside. 

Remember the waters we mentioned? You can choose between whitewater kayaking on the Upper Buffalo River or a leisurely float on the downstream waters. Northwest Arkansas also has two whitewater parks for high-adventure rafting. 

Thriving Economy

Corporate giants like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt Transport support Northwest Arkansas’ robust job market. While they may be the leading employers, they are not the only brands impacting here. The low cost of doing business and the strong transportation infrastructure make Arkansas attractive to companies of all sizes. 

The job growth here is real, as Forbes ranked it tenth. The Wall Street Journal also cited the region as the 13th-best labor market. From 2017 to 2022, it outpaced Arkansas’ job market growth by double.

Find diverse job opportunities across various industries. Over 120,000 people worked in trade and transportation, education, and healthcare. Professional and business services and manufacturing were the following top employing sectors. 

The region fosters a culture of entrepreneurship aligned with Arkansas’ intent to grow its economy. An annual summit brings together venture capitalists, investors, and new businesses.

Cultural Amenities

The diverse and active cultural scene in Northwest Arkansas may surprise you. The truth is that the region is highly creative and diverse. It celebrates this through some of its premier cultural attractions.

Crystal Bridges is a world-renowned art museum with a stunning collection spanning five centuries of American art. Alice Walton founded the museum. It is a striking architectural marvel on 120 acres of well-maintained woodlands. The permanent collection features masterpieces by iconic artists such as Norman Rockwell, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Andy Warhol. Its rotating exhibitions highlight contemporary and underrepresented voices in American art.

The Walton Arts Center is the premier performing arts venue in Northwest Arkansas. It’s not one, but two multiple performance spaces: a 1,200-seat auditorium and an outdoor amphitheater. The center’s schedule of live performances covers Broadway shows, concerts, dance recitals, and theatrical productions. Equally renowned for performances is TheatreSquare in Fayetteville. This nationally acclaimed regional theater company produces bold and innovative theatrical works.

These are just three of the leading cultural attractions. Find even more small art galleries, live music venues, and historic museums across the towns. And then there are the festivals and holiday events, which are too numerous to list. Some standouts:

• Fayetteville Roots Festival, celebrating the intersection of music, food, and community
• Bentonville Film Festival, highlighting diverse voices in cinema
• Rodeo of the Ozarks, an award-winning annual event since 1944
• Blues, Bikes, and Brews, a motorcycle rally attended by over 400,000 people

Top Performing Education

Living in Northwest Arkansas allows families to access top-ranked public schools and renowned universities. Eight public high schools landed among the nation’s top 10% and are listed as the state’s best-performing schools. Fayetteville and Rogers’ high schools landed in the nation’s top 100.

These schools not only provide a rigorous education, but they include specialized learning tracks. Northwest Arkansas Classical Academy, Arkansas Arts Academy, and Rogers New Technology High are examples of schools that appeal to students with diverse learning interests.

The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville drives research and innovation. Cutting-edge programs in computer science, engineering, and agriculture attract students. The university’s research initiatives and partnerships with industry leaders contribute to local technological advancements and economic development.

UA-Fayette is the largest university, with over 32,000 students. However, more education and training are available at John Brown University and Northwest Arkansas Community College.

Affordable Living

Despite its economic prosperity, Northwest Arkansas maintains a relatively low cost of living. Affordable housing options, healthcare, and essentials contribute to its budget-friendly pricing. Even though its a more expensive place to live by Arkansas standards, overall prices still run under national averages.

Because it’s a large area, the specific cost of living depends on where you land in the metro. Here’s a sample of what you may expect.

Community Atmosphere

Again and again, Northwest Arkansas newcomers talk about how friendly the people are. All the communities foster a strong sense of hospitality. It’s a place where people will wave and say hello passing in the street. Through neighborhood block parties and local events, there are plenty of ways to get involved and feel a sense of belonging.

Food and Dining

Northwest Arkansas has you covered if you like a fresh brew or a farm-to-table café. Dive into a food scene that makes the most of seasonal ingredients, local traditions, and global spins. The restaurants include James Beard-nominated chefs, one of the state’s best bakeries, and award-winning food halls. Plus, the Ozarks are wine country, so you can try local vintners and sample the terroir. 

Northwest Arkansas puts its food scene on show with its culinary-oriented essentials. Frost Fest celebrates the Ozarks’ craft beer scene and the winter season. BITE NWA is a night-market-styled event that celebrates local restaurants. Food enthusiasts can check out the tastes of local casual diners and upscale establishments.

Convenient Location

Within a few hours’ drive of major cities like Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Kansas City, Northwest Arkansas makes it easy to get around. A tranquil, nature-filled environment surrounds the towns, but the region ties into middle America’s transportation hubs. That means even more museums, live music, and airport access.

Living in Northwest Arkansas

Is this the perfect place for you to call home? It does have a bit of everything: a low price tag, lots of outdoor fun, quality schools, and a growing economy. Make your move to Northwest Arkansas. Let a local agent help you hone in on the right community to call home.