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Moving. Simplified.
Are you mulling over moving to Arkansas?
If you’d love to live in a state with low costs of living, lots of employment opportunities, great weather, and rich art scenes, moving to Arkansas is perfect for you.
The Natural State is one of the top destinations for many families in America. Arkansas’s low housing costs, high quality of life, and lots of outdoor recreation make it one of the best places to live in America.
If you’d like to enjoy some of the best of southern hospitality and a laid-back attitude, moving to Arkansas could be all you need.
If you’re considering moving to Arkansas and wondering if the state is right for you or not, this guide contains all the information you need to know about the Natural State to make the right decision.
A quick look at the population and other demographics of Arkansas.
Why are people moving to Arkansas? Every year, thousands of people move to Arkansas for various reasons.
Since you’re considering moving to Arkansas, here are the top ten reasons why so many people are making that decision:
The median house cost in Arkansas is $128,800 which is about 8.7% below the national average. However, the home prices have gone up by 19% over the last year and a house can be a good investment. Even the home rentals are lower than the national average and you can rent a studio apartment for $537while a 1-bedroom home would cost you $586 a month. The average home rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $991an a 4-bedroom apartment is $1,167
Arkansas has a cost of living 14% less than the national average. Grocery, housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare – everything costs here less. The state also has one of the lowest tax systems in the country.
Arkansas as a whole is more like a small town where people put a lot of value in personal relationships. Don’t be surprised when you walk into your local sushi restaurant, the staff knows you by name
Arkansas is home to two distinct mountain ranges: the Ouachitas and the Ozarks. And both the ranges have amazing mountains to hike, trail, bike, or rock climb.
Some of the beautiful mountains in Arkansas are:
When speaking about rivers in Arkansas, our attention goes to the glorious Arkansas River, the mighty Mississippi, and even the Illinois River. However, the state has many more waters worth exploring and capturing on film.
Here’s a list of majestic rivers in Arkansas
Arkansas’s lakes are a beautiful beacon for those who enjoy the outdoors. Whether one is into fishing, paddling, boating, or other water adventures, the waters of The Natural State are a stunning sight to behold.
Here is the list of best lakes in Arkansas
The best way to explore the beauty of the state is to take the hiking trails spread across the state. There are almost 300 miles of hiking trails in Arkansas through mountain terrain and alongside rivers and streams.
Here’s the list of top-rated hiking trails in Arkansas
Arkansas gets into a vibrant mood once the sun goes down, especially in the larger cities. There is live music of all sorts, dance clubs, theatrical performances, or just perfect spots to share a drink with friends.
Arkansas has a vibrant history which it takes pride in displaying through museums and art galleries. The state also has a robust street art culture.
Some of the best museums and art galleries in Arkansas to explore are:
The Nature State has abundant options to refresh your spirit with adventure. From diverse terrain spanning the scenic mountains of the northwest to the lush Mississippi River Delta in the east, Arkansas has got unlimited options to keep you busy outdoors.
Here are some of the activities to keep you busy outside in Arkansas
Mulling over the pros and cons of moving to Arkansas can make it easier for you to figure out if living in the Natural State is right for you or not.
To get started, we’ve made a list of the pros and cons of living in the state since you’re considering moving to Arkansas:
Where are the best places to live in Arkansas? The Natural State is home to several beautiful cities, towns, and neighborhoods.
Moving to Arkansas could mean living in any of these beautiful neighborhoods. Here’s a list of the ten best places to live in the state if you’re moving to Arkansas:
| Rank | City | Population | Unemployment Rate | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bentonville | 49,467 | 2.3% | $232,600 |
| 2 | Maumelle | 18,142 | 3.3% | $223,800 |
| 3 | Centerton | 14,203 | 2.0% | $185,400 |
| 4 | White Hall | 5,078 | 2.1% | $161,100 |
| 5 | Lowell | 9,175 | 1.0% | $157,600 |
| 6 | Cabot | 26,217 | 3.1% | $154,000 |
| 7 | Sherwood | 31,004 | 2.8% | $154,800 |
| 8 | Bryant | 20,231 | 2.5% | $165,400 |
| 9 | Greenwood | 9,387 | 5.1% | $136,000 |
| 10 | Mountain Home | 12,393 | 4.4% | $126,100 |
Arkansas’s cost of living is rated 79.0. The United States average is rated 100. That means the cost of living in Arkansas is lower than the United States average.
The low cost of living in the state is one of the key perks of moving to Arkansas.
| Cost of Living | Arkansas | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 79 | 100 |
| Grocery | 92.7 | 100 |
| Health | 86.5 | 100 |
| Housing | 55.7 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $128,800 | $231,200 |
| Utilities | 95.6 | 100 |
| Transportation | 81.6 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 93.9 | 100 |
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Start My Quote NowWhat’s the best housing option if you’re moving to Arkansas?
Buying a home or renting are both good housing options for anyone moving to Arkansas. The state’s median home cost is $128,800. Over the last ten years, home value in the state has increased by 19.1%. The value of homes in Arkansas is currently up by 5.3%.
If you’re considering renting a home after moving to Arkansas, you’re not alone. Renters account for 28.5% of the state’s population. Also, 2.8% of homes and apartments in Arkansas are open to renting. Here’s the average cost of renting various homes or apartments in the state since you’re considering moving to Arkansas:
If you're moving to Arkansas, getting a new job could be a key part of your plans.
So, we’ve collated key stats about the Natural State’s job performance. Here’s a quick summary of the Arkansas job market:
| Employment Information | Arkansas | United States |
|---|---|---|
| The income per Cap | $24,426 | $31,177 |
| Household Income | $43,813 | $57,652 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.8 | 6.0 |
| Recent Job Growth | -3.40% | -6.18% |
| Future Job Growth | 29.83% | 33.51% |
There’s no one-size-fits-all payment structure in the Natural State. However, to give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to Arkansas, here are key stats of the state’s average pay:
Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in Arkansans, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.
If you’re considering a new career after moving to Arkansas, you’d most likely be interested in the top career options in the state. Check out this list of the top ten career options in the Natural State since you’re considering moving to Arkansas:
| Rank | Job Title | AVERAGE SALARY | ENTRY LEVEL SALARY | # OF PEOPLE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists | $248,380 | $130,440 | 170 |
| 2 | Family Medicine Physicians | $218,870 | $59,870 | 1,310 |
| 3 | Obstetricians And Gynecologists | $203,050 | $97,150 | 80 |
| 4 | Pediatricians, General | $201,280 | $83,370 | 100 |
| 5 | Nurse Anesthetists | $182,960 | $87,880 | 360 |
| 6 | Psychiatrists | $180,820 | $53,230 | 160 |
| 7 | Physicians, All Other; And Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $174,440 | $53,760 | 3,170 |
| 8 | Dentists, General | $168,420 | $79,670 | 830 |
| 9 | Dentists, All Other Specialists | $159,960 | $105,370 | 30 |
| 10 | Marketing Managers | $152,410 | $73,360 | 1,320 |
Some of the largest industries in the U.S. are present in Arkansas. Moving to Arkansas could mean getting a chance to be a part of these industries. Here are the largest industries in the Natural State since you’re considering moving to Arkansas:
Arkansas economy is powered by several large companies in various industries. Moving to Arkansas could mean working for any of these companies. We’ve made a list of the top 10 largest companies by employees in the Natural State since you’re considering moving to Arkansas:
| Rank | Company | City | Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walmart | Bentonville | 2,200,000 |
| 2 | Tyson Foods | Springdale | 122,000 |
| 3 | Dillard’s | Little Rock | 40,000 |
| 4 | J.B. Hunt Transport Services | Lowell | 22,190 |
| 5 | Action | Barling | 22,077 |
| 6 | ArcBest | Fort Smith | 13,000 |
| 7 | Windstream Holdings | Little Rock | 11,870 |
| 8 | The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | Little Rock | 9,670 |
| 9 | Optus | Jonesboro | 8,000 |
| 10 | Tyson Chicken | Springdale | 7,800 |
Similar to several other states in the U.S., you can get some cities in Arkansas to offer higher pay than others. Moving to any of these cities often means getting higher salaries and income regardless of your job. Since you’re considering moving to Arkansas, here are the top ten highest paying cities in the state:
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conway | $64,251 | $5,354 | $1,236 | $30.89 |
| Bentonville | $64,172 | $5,348 | $1,234 | $30.85 |
| Rogers | $63,969 | $5,331 | $1,230 | $30.75 |
| North Little Rock | $57,966 | $4,830 | $1,115 | $27.87 |
| Little Rock | $57,574 | $4,798 | $1,107 | $27.68 |
| Fayetteville | $57,176 | $4,765 | $1,100 | $27.49 |
| Jonesboro | $56,647 | $4,721 | $1,089 | $27.23 |
| Springdale | $56,409 | $4,701 | $1,085 | $27.12 |
| Hot Springs | $56,201 | $4,683 | $1,081 | $27.02 |
| Fort Smith | $51,679 | $4,307 | $994 | $24.85 |
None of the cities in Arkansas have local income taxes.
Since you’re considering moving to Arkansas, check out this simple breakdown of the state’s tax rates:
What are the most exciting things you can do if you’re moving to Arkansas?
The Natural State is known for several amazing activities and beautiful attractions. We’ve made a list of the best things you can do in the state since you’re moving to Arkansas:
Little Rock Central High School was the epicenter of confrontation that later paved way for the fundamental change in American history when African Americans gained the right to study along with white students.
The 1,200-mile Dam Bridge crossing the Arkansas River from Little Rock to North Little Rock is the longest pedestrian bridge in North America. Opened in 2006, this is a hot cycling spot and all vehicles are banned from using the bridge.
The 460-acre Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge homes more than 100 animals, including big cats, lions, leopards, lingers, black bears, and more. The refuge is operated on a non-profit basis and also offers educational tours.
The museum in Bentonville displays artifacts from across the Americas covering over 14,000 years of history. It focuses on the broader history of Native Americans as a whole, rather than any specific tribe.
One of the most photographed points in Arkansans, Hawksbill Crag is a popular trailing destination and the best place to be sun-kissed.
The 364-mile Bayou Bartholomew between Arkansas and Louisiana is the longest bayou in the world. Naturally created about 2,000 years back, the bayou is home to about 117 species of fish and 35 species of mussels. For adventure lovers, this bayou is a hot kayaking destination.
Waterfalls are common but Arkansas has something rare in-store – underground waterfalls. There are more than 100 underground waterfalls in Arkansas but only a few are accessible to the public.
The Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs is called the most haunted hotel in the US and offers a ghost tour for a fee. Multiple paranormal activities are reported in the hotel and it has also been featured in many movies.
Situated in downtown Little Rock, Clinton Presidential Center has a replica of the Oval Office, which offers a first-hand look into the life and work of the 42nd President of the United States William Jefferson Clinton.
The Walmart Museum at Bentonville offers a tour of the history of Walmart and its achievements.
The amusement park at Hot Springs has over 80 attractions including roller coasters and thrill rides. Open daily, the theme park is a favorite destination for children in Arkansas.
Assembled by an Arkansas collector of gas station signs, the vintage Texaco gas station is one of the most photographed in the state. Tourists and natives flock here to take snaps with the gestation in the backdrop.
Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Arkansans.
If crime is one of your key concerns before making up your mind about moving to Arkansas, this section contains key information about the state’s crime rates. This will make it easier for you to make an informed decision about moving to Arkansas.
If you’re moving to Arkansas, chances are that you’ll be interested in living in the safest cities in the state. We’ve made a list of the 10 safest cities in the cities to make your house hunting easier if you’re moving to Arkansas:
| Rank | City | Population | Violent Crimes Per 100k | Property Crimes Per 100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cave Springs, AR | 5,580 | 53 | 358 |
| 2 | Greenbrier, AR | 5,660 | 176 | 282 |
| 3 | Bella Vista, AR | 28,931 | 169 | 649 |
| 4 | White Hall, AR | 5,014 | 99 | 1,376 |
| 5 | Greenwood, AR | 9,436 | 243 | 381 |
| 6 | Bentonville, AR | 53,434 | 222 | 1,373 |
| 7 | Walnut Ridge, AR | 5,019 | 219 | 1,374 |
| 8 | Maumelle, AR | 18,223 | 153 | 1,651 |
| 9 | Centerton, AR | 16,542 | 320 | 840 |
| 10 | Magnolia, AR | 11,440 | 122 | 2,578 |
Moving to Arkansas means you’ll most likely get the chance to attend some of the best schools in the United States.
Genoa Central Elementary School
Genoa Central School District, Public, K-4 | 442 students, Rating: 10/10
Greenbrier Wooster Elementary
Greenbrier School District, Public, K-5 | 383 students, Rating: 10/10
Willowbrook Elementary School
Bentonville School District, Public, K-4 | 747 students, Rating: 10/10
Greenbrier Springhill Elementary School
Greenbrier School District, Public, K-5 | 450 students, Rating: 10/10
Center Valley Elementary School
Russellville School District, Public, PK-4 | 380 students, Rating: 10/10
Vilonia Junior High School
Vilonia School District, Public, 9 | 269 students, Rating: 10/10
Taylor High School
Emerson-Taylor School District, Public, 7-12 | 171 students, Rating: 10/10
Ruth Doyle Intermediate School
Conway School District, Public, 5-7 | 610 students, Rating: 10/10
Haas Hall Academy
Haas Hall Academy, Charter, 7-12 | 466 students, Rating: 10/10
Bismarck Middle School
Bismarck School District, Public, 5-8 | 317 students, Rating: 10/10
Bismarck High School
Bismarck School District, Public, 9-12 | 305 students, Rating: 10/10
Valley Springs High School
Valley Springs School District, Public, 9-12 & Ungraded | 254 students, Rating: 10/10
Vilonia Junior High School
Vilonia School District, Public, 9 | 269 students, Rating: 10/10
Taylor High School
Emerson-Taylor School District, Public, 7-12 | 171 students, Rating: 10/10
Haas Hall Academy
Haas Hall Academy, Charter, 7-12 | 466 students, Rating: 10/10
Rank 1. University of Arkansas-Main Campus - Fayetteville, AR
Rank 2. Hendrix College - Conway, AR
Rank 3. Lyon College - Batesville, AR
Rank 4. Ouachita Baptist University - Arkadelphia, AR
Rank 5. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock - Little Rock, AR
Rank 6. Arkansas State University - Jonesboro, AR
Rank 7. Henderson State University - Arkadelphia, AR
Rank 8. Southern Arkansas University - Magnolia, AR
Rank 9. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff - Pine Bluff, AR
Rank 10. Central Baptist College - Conway, AR
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