Best places to live in Arkansas
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in Arkansas
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Arkansas using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
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#25. Searcy
- Population: 23,767
- Median home value: $145,000 (51% own)
- Median rent: $714 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $41,014
- Top public schools: Ahlf Junior High School (A-), Southwest Middle School (A-), Westside Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Harding Academy (B+), Crosspointe Preparatory (unavailable), Liberty Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 391 MT Pisgah Rd, Searcy ($985,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $145,000 (51% own)
- Median rent: $714 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $41,014
- Top public schools: Ahlf Junior High School (A-), Southwest Middle School (A-), Westside Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Harding Academy (B+), Crosspointe Preparatory (unavailable), Liberty Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 391 MT Pisgah Rd, Searcy ($985,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#24. Fort Smith
- Population: 87,743
- Median home value: $121,800 (51% own)
- Median rent: $685 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $41,724
- Top public schools: L.A. Chaffin Junior High School (A), Westwood Elementary School (A), Greenwood Junior High School (A)
- Top private schools: Union Christian Academy (A-), Christ the King Catholic School (unavailable), Immaculate Conception Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9221 Moody Rd, Fort Smith ($10.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $121,800 (51% own)
- Median rent: $685 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $41,724
- Top public schools: L.A. Chaffin Junior High School (A), Westwood Elementary School (A), Greenwood Junior High School (A)
- Top private schools: Union Christian Academy (A-), Christ the King Catholic School (unavailable), Immaculate Conception Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9221 Moody Rd, Fort Smith ($10.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#23. Farmington
- Population: 6,992
- Median home value: $176,600 (68% own)
- Median rent: $939 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $57,586
- Top public schools: Fayetteville High School (A), Jerry Pop Williams Elementary School (A), Farmington Career Academies (A-)
- Pictured: 910 Gibson Hill Rd, Fayetteville ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $176,600 (68% own)
- Median rent: $939 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $57,586
- Top public schools: Fayetteville High School (A), Jerry Pop Williams Elementary School (A), Farmington Career Academies (A-)
- Pictured: 910 Gibson Hill Rd, Fayetteville ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#22. Cabot
- Population: 26,217
- Median home value: $154,000 (64% own)
- Median rent: $865 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $60,591
- Top public schools: Cabot Junior High North (A-), Cabot Middle School North (A-), Mountain Springs Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 10 Valhalla Dr, Cabot ($899,900, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $154,000 (64% own)
- Median rent: $865 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $60,591
- Top public schools: Cabot Junior High North (A-), Cabot Middle School North (A-), Mountain Springs Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 10 Valhalla Dr, Cabot ($899,900, 6 bedrooms)
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#21. Siloam Springs
- Population: 16,715
- Median home value: $135,500 (52% own)
- Median rent: $743 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $47,016
- Top public schools: Siloam Springs High School Conversion Charter School (A-), Siloam Springs Intermediate School (B), Southside Elementary School (B)
- Pictured: 18372 Pepper Hills Dr, Siloam Springs ($575,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $135,500 (52% own)
- Median rent: $743 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $47,016
- Top public schools: Siloam Springs High School Conversion Charter School (A-), Siloam Springs Intermediate School (B), Southside Elementary School (B)
- Pictured: 18372 Pepper Hills Dr, Siloam Springs ($575,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#20. Elkins
- Population: 3,139
- Median home value: $139,500 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,026 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $65,182
- Top public schools: Fayetteville High School (A), McNair Middle School (A), Happy Hollow Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 181 Madison 4110, Elkins ($564,999, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $139,500 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,026 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $65,182
- Top public schools: Fayetteville High School (A), McNair Middle School (A), Happy Hollow Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 181 Madison 4110, Elkins ($564,999, 3 bedrooms)
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#19. Springdale
- Population: 79,598
- Median home value: $150,900 (49% own)
- Median rent: $777 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $50,343
- Top public schools: Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+), Fayetteville High School (A)
- Top private schools: Shiloh Christian School (A-), Oak Grove Montessori School (unavailable), Springdale Adventist School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8536 W Miller Rd, Springdale ($3.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $150,900 (49% own)
- Median rent: $777 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $50,343
- Top public schools: Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+), Fayetteville High School (A)
- Top private schools: Shiloh Christian School (A-), Oak Grove Montessori School (unavailable), Springdale Adventist School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8536 W Miller Rd, Springdale ($3.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#18. Russellville
- Population: 29,193
- Median home value: $128,300 (51% own)
- Median rent: $675 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $36,562
- Top public schools: Sequoyah Elementary School (A), Pottsville Middle (A), Pottsville Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Valley Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 303 Ruth Ln, Russellville ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $128,300 (51% own)
- Median rent: $675 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $36,562
- Top public schools: Sequoyah Elementary School (A), Pottsville Middle (A), Pottsville Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Valley Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 303 Ruth Ln, Russellville ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#17. Shannon Hills
- Population: 3,837
- Median home value: $141,500 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,086 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $69,461
- Top public schools: Robert L. Davis Elementary School (A), Bryant Middle School (A), Bryant High School (A-)
- Pictured: 3982 Eastern Slope Dr, Alexander ($159,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $141,500 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,086 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $69,461
- Top public schools: Robert L. Davis Elementary School (A), Bryant Middle School (A), Bryant High School (A-)
- Pictured: 3982 Eastern Slope Dr, Alexander ($159,900, 3 bedrooms)
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#16. Tontitown
- Population: 3,677
- Median home value: $265,300 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,092 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $73,009
- Top public schools: Fayetteville High School (A), Central Park at Morning Star (A), Hellstern Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 2764 Quarry Ln, Fayetteville ($2.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $265,300 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,092 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $73,009
- Top public schools: Fayetteville High School (A), Central Park at Morning Star (A), Hellstern Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 2764 Quarry Ln, Fayetteville ($2.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#15. Little Rock
- Population: 197,958
- Median home value: $167,600 (55% own)
- Median rent: $872 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $51,485
- Top public schools: Central High School (A), Robert L. Davis Elementary School (A), Bryant Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Pulaski Academy (A+), The Episcopal Collegiate School (A+), Little Rock Christian Academy (A)
- Pictured: 7 Sologne Cir, Little Rock ($2.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $167,600 (55% own)
- Median rent: $872 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $51,485
- Top public schools: Central High School (A), Robert L. Davis Elementary School (A), Bryant Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Pulaski Academy (A+), The Episcopal Collegiate School (A+), Little Rock Christian Academy (A)
- Pictured: 7 Sologne Cir, Little Rock ($2.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#14. Alexander
- Population: 3,168
- Median home value: $66,400 (76% own)
- Median rent: $783 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $42,857
- Top public schools: Bethel Middle School (A), Collegeville Elementary School (A), Springhill Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 8021 Ridgestone Cv, Alexander ($695,000, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $66,400 (76% own)
- Median rent: $783 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $42,857
- Top public schools: Bethel Middle School (A), Collegeville Elementary School (A), Springhill Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 8021 Ridgestone Cv, Alexander ($695,000, 8 bedrooms)
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#13. Maumelle
- Population: 18,142
- Median home value: $223,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $949 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $84,341
- Top public schools: Maumelle Charter Elementary School (A), Maumelle Charter High School (B+), Pine Forest Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Childcare Network Maumelle Country Club Parkway (unavailable)
- Pictured: 155 Manitou Dr, Maumelle ($1.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $223,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $949 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $84,341
- Top public schools: Maumelle Charter Elementary School (A), Maumelle Charter High School (B+), Pine Forest Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Childcare Network Maumelle Country Club Parkway (unavailable)
- Pictured: 155 Manitou Dr, Maumelle ($1.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#12. Elm Springs
- Population: 2,399
- Median home value: $294,900 (91% own)
- Median rent: $731 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $106,875
- Top public schools: Hellstern Middle School (A), Har-Ber High School (A), Bernice Young Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 12162 Churchill Downs Dr, Springdale ($690,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $294,900 (91% own)
- Median rent: $731 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $106,875
- Top public schools: Hellstern Middle School (A), Har-Ber High School (A), Bernice Young Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 12162 Churchill Downs Dr, Springdale ($690,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#11. Greenwood
- Population: 9,387
- Median home value: $136,000 (71% own)
- Median rent: $744 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $57,500
- Top public schools: Westwood Elementary School (A), Greenwood Junior High School (A), East Pointe Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 3216 Ashebury Pt, Greenwood ($599,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $136,000 (71% own)
- Median rent: $744 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $57,500
- Top public schools: Westwood Elementary School (A), Greenwood Junior High School (A), East Pointe Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 3216 Ashebury Pt, Greenwood ($599,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#10. Bryant
- Population: 20,231
- Median home value: $165,400 (67% own)
- Median rent: $882 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $66,688
- Top public schools: Bethel Middle School (A), Collegeville Elementary School (A), Springhill Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Arkansas Christian Academy (C), Childcare Network Bryant N Prickett Road (unavailable), Childcare Network Bryant Prickett Road (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2900 Vice Rd, Bryant ($759,900, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $165,400 (67% own)
- Median rent: $882 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $66,688
- Top public schools: Bethel Middle School (A), Collegeville Elementary School (A), Springhill Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Arkansas Christian Academy (C), Childcare Network Bryant N Prickett Road (unavailable), Childcare Network Bryant Prickett Road (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2900 Vice Rd, Bryant ($759,900, 6 bedrooms)
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#9. Conway
- Population: 66,127
- Median home value: $171,600 (48% own)
- Median rent: $825 (52% rent)
- Median household income: $47,221
- Top public schools: Greenbrier Wooster Elementary School (A), Greenbrier Junior High School (A), Greenbrier Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Conway Christian School (A-), St. Joseph School (B+), Childcare Network Conway Highway 365 (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4835 Bay Hill Dr, Conway ($995,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $171,600 (48% own)
- Median rent: $825 (52% rent)
- Median household income: $47,221
- Top public schools: Greenbrier Wooster Elementary School (A), Greenbrier Junior High School (A), Greenbrier Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Conway Christian School (A-), St. Joseph School (B+), Childcare Network Conway Highway 365 (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4835 Bay Hill Dr, Conway ($995,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#8. Bella Vista
- Population: 28,539
- Median home value: $168,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $942 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $67,550
- Top public schools: Bentonville High School (A+), Washington Junior High School (A), Lincoln Junior High School (A)
- Pictured: 99 Stonehaven Dr, Bella Vista ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $168,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $942 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $67,550
- Top public schools: Bentonville High School (A+), Washington Junior High School (A), Lincoln Junior High School (A)
- Pictured: 99 Stonehaven Dr, Bella Vista ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#7. Rogers
- Population: 66,344
- Median home value: $178,000 (58% own)
- Median rent: $898 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $61,551
- Top public schools: Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+), Bright Field Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Providence Classical Christian Academy (A), St. Vincent de Paul School (unavailable), First Baptist Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 18 W Pinnacle Dr, Rogers ($5.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $178,000 (58% own)
- Median rent: $898 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $61,551
- Top public schools: Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+), Bright Field Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Providence Classical Christian Academy (A), St. Vincent de Paul School (unavailable), First Baptist Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 18 W Pinnacle Dr, Rogers ($5.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#6. Lowell
- Population: 9,175
- Median home value: $157,600 (61% own)
- Median rent: $836 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $68,438
- Top public schools: Hellstern Middle School (A), Hunt Elementary School (A), Har-Ber High School (A)
- Top private schools: Grace Lutheran Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10333 Falcon Crest Dr, Lowell ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $157,600 (61% own)
- Median rent: $836 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $68,438
- Top public schools: Hellstern Middle School (A), Hunt Elementary School (A), Har-Ber High School (A)
- Top private schools: Grace Lutheran Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10333 Falcon Crest Dr, Lowell ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#5. Centerton
- Population: 14,203
- Median home value: $185,400 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,091 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $75,631
- Top public schools: Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+), Bentonville West High School (A)
- Top private schools: Life Way Christian School (A-)
- Pictured: 1050 Sawtooth Ct, Centerton ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $185,400 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,091 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $75,631
- Top public schools: Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+), Bentonville West High School (A)
- Top private schools: Life Way Christian School (A-)
- Pictured: 1050 Sawtooth Ct, Centerton ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#4. Fayetteville
- Population: 85,166
- Median home value: $207,600 (37% own)
- Median rent: $799 (63% rent)
- Median household income: $43,690
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy (A+), Fayetteville High School (A), McNair Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Fayetteville Christian School (A-), Prism Education Center (A), The New School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 400 and 410 N Oliver Ave, Fayetteville ($12.0 million, 18 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $207,600 (37% own)
- Median rent: $799 (63% rent)
- Median household income: $43,690
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy (A+), Fayetteville High School (A), McNair Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Fayetteville Christian School (A-), Prism Education Center (A), The New School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 400 and 410 N Oliver Ave, Fayetteville ($12.0 million, 18 bedrooms)
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#3. Johnson
- Population: 3,707
- Median home value: $168,700 (50% own)
- Median rent: $903 (50% rent)
- Median household income: $69,211
- Top public schools: Fayetteville High School (A), Hellstern Middle School (A), Woodland Junior High School (A)
- Pictured: 4668 Jean Ln, Fayetteville ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $168,700 (50% own)
- Median rent: $903 (50% rent)
- Median household income: $69,211
- Top public schools: Fayetteville High School (A), Hellstern Middle School (A), Woodland Junior High School (A)
- Pictured: 4668 Jean Ln, Fayetteville ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#2. Bentonville
- Population: 49,467
- Median home value: $232,600 (54% own)
- Median rent: $955 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $80,392
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy Bentonville (A+), Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (A-), Bentonville Adventist School (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Bentonville (unavailable)
- Pictured: 12952 Galyean Stables Rd, Bentonville ($7.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $232,600 (54% own)
- Median rent: $955 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $80,392
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy Bentonville (A+), Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (A-), Bentonville Adventist School (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Bentonville (unavailable)
- Pictured: 12952 Galyean Stables Rd, Bentonville ($7.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#1. Cave Springs
- Population: 4,359
- Median home value: $309,600 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,138 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $134,740
- Top public schools: Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+), Bright Field Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 117 Averie Ln, Bentonville ($1.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $309,600 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,138 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $134,740
- Top public schools: Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+), Bright Field Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 117 Averie Ln, Bentonville ($1.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
