You are considering a new life in Arkansas? For many people, it might be hot and humid, but that’s not all there is to the state. If you’re looking for a place to settle down, you might want to check out the Northwest part of the state. Despite its nickname, ‘Northwest Arkansas’ is actually quite a large area. Most people who live there call it the ‘Foothills’ because of the rolling hills that line the landscape. Due to its size and the increasing population, it’s been classified as a metropolitan area since 1978.
The best cities in Northwest Arkansas are not necessarily renowned for their beaches or nightlife, but they do have a lot to offer. The area is relatively new to the United States, being settled in the mid-1800s, and many of the cities there are nestled among the hills, giving them a picturesque and rustic feel. There are also a number of small towns and countryside areas scattered around the area. If you’re looking for a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of city living, you could do a lot worse than moving to one of these cities.
Fayetteville
Located in the northwest corner of the Northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville is the second-largest city in Arkansas. With a population of around 112,000, it is the state’s capital city. If you think of the University of Arkansas, you’ll know exactly where you are. The university was founded there in 1871 and remains the state’s flagship university.
There is actually a lot more to see and do in Fayetteville. You could hire a bike and head down to the Cape Winch area. This area is a great place for a bike ride and takes about an hour to get to. There’s also the Historic Arkansas Museum downtown, which houses and displays historical artifacts. The city also hosts an annual music festival called ‘Arts & Crafts,’ which features local and national musicians and artists.
In the spring, the annual apple festival is on display in several Fayetteville neighborhoods. If you’re a foodie, you will not want to miss the Food Truck Festival, which happens every year in the spring. Some of the trucks there may be mobile restaurants, serving everything from Korean barbecue to crepes. There are plenty of things to do and see in Fayetteville. It is a destination for tourists and those that want to start a new life there.
Benton
Benton is the third-largest city in Northwest Arkansas and is located in the extreme southeast corner of the state. It is actually within the Grand Prairie region of the state. The population of Benton is 38,400. There are two famous breweries in the city: McEwen’s Brew Pub and The Shed.
The latter is a microbrewery that serves as a great place for locals to hang out. Benton’s other claim to fame is that it was the setting for the 2006 movie ‘Cowboy Cub Meets Girl,’ which starred Tim McGraw and co-starred Jennifer Lopez. This is one of the reasons why lots of people consider moving there. There is a Tex-Mex restaurant there called ‘El Farol’ and a number of bars and clubs to be found there.
If you’re a fan of country music, you’re in the right place. The city also has a museum devoted to country music and its stars. Although it is located in the southeast corner of the state, traveling to and from Benton by car or air is quite easy. From Benton, you can go in any direction you wish. There is a lot more to do in and around the city, so if you want to keep your active lifestyle, you might want to consider moving there.
Pine Bluff
Located in the northeast corner of the state, Pine Bluff is the largest city in Arkansas. It has a population of around 77,000. One of the city’s main attractions is the famous Arkansas River. The Arkansas River runs right through the city. It is about 16 miles long and originates in the Rockies before flowing into the Mississippi River.
The ‘Bluff’ in Pine Bluff’s name comes from the shape of the river’s banks. If you’re looking for a new beginning, Pine Bluff might be the place to be. It has a lot to offer in terms of nature, culture, and recreation. The local football team, the ‘Pine Bluff Carnages,’ is quite successful, having made it to the playoffs three years in a row. They play in the stadium built in their honor, which holds around 10,000 people.
There is also a large Amish community in the area, with around 500 people living in Pine Bluff. It is a hub for business, shopping, and culture. If you are considering a new life in the Northeast, there are plenty of places to live, work, and play. It might be a bit of a drive to get to the bigger cities, but you will not be short of things to do.
Siloam
Located in the central part of the Northwest Arkansas, Siloam is a small town with a population of less than 1,000. The main street there is lined with shops and restaurants and features an art gallery, two movie theaters, and several bookstores. The town is actually named after John S. Wilson, an early settler and one of the town’s founders. If you’re a fan of westerns, you’ll probably feel right at home in downtown Siloam.
The bar in the hotel there is named after ‘The Gunsmoke Café,’ which is where Clint Eastwood shot most of his films. The town also has a number of award-winning restaurants, serving everything from seafood to steak houses. The area around Siloam is beautiful and very peaceful. Traveling there by car or air is very easy. Since it’s in the middle of the state, there are lots of places to go and see.
It’s a destination for sightseeing and those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you’re a fan of westerns, you will not want to miss a show at the Siloam Theatre. One of the things that make the city special is that it is a place where locals actually feel comfortable. People from all walks of life live and work there. The civic pride is truly palpable.
Little Rock
The capital city of Arkansas, Little Rock is located in the center of the state and has a population of around 269,000. Little Rock was originally settled as a trading post in 1819 and was named after its founder, William Little. The city is most famous for being the place where the Civil Rights Movement began in the 1950s. In 1955, Little Rock was desegregated, paving the way for the United States Supreme Court rulings that followed.
This was a critical point in U.S. history. If you are unfamiliar, the segregation of race was once widely practiced in the U.S. and was only abolished as official policy in the 1960s. Little Rock is also home to the University of Arkansas, which was founded in 1889. Today, the Arkansas campus is among the largest in the country, with around 14,000 students. If you are a fan of classical music, you could visit the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, which was founded in 1919 and is one of the oldest in the country. It is based in Little Rock and is currently headed by Marin Alsakov. The city also has an opera house and a ballet company.
There is actually a lot more to do and see in Little Rock. One of the best things is the selection of restaurants there. You may find anything and everything you are looking for, from Italian to Southern cuisine. You will easily spend hours wandering the city’s streets, looking for places to eat and drink. If you are a fan of the Broadway musical, you’ll feel right at home in Little Rock. There’s even an ‘Old Town Little Rock Shopping District’ that features all sorts of shops and galleries. If you are looking for a new life, Little Rock is a place that deserves a visit. There’s a reason why people often call it ‘The Athens of the South.’
This is a small fraction of what the state of Arkansas has to offer. There are plenty more cities and towns there. The list above covers the most prominent ones. If you’re considering a new life in one of these places, be sure to check out the local amenities and festivals. The only way to know if a place is right for you is by living there and seeing how you get on with the locals. The best advice would be to visit the websites of the local chambers of commerce and see what kinds of jobs and businesses are available, as well as what the cost of living is like.
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