There are numerous recreational opportunities to enjoy in Arkansas. in Murfreesboro or just take a stroll around the lovely little community of Eureka Springs, where time itself seems to stand still. My kids went to Catholic school through junior high, but then public for high school. People prefer to be polite and proper, throwing out numerous sirs and maams while engaging with each other. Weve mentioned that the population of Fort Smith isnt that large, and that might have had a say on your decision to move. Because of this, Arkansas residents search for the best-rated hospitals in their area before seeking treatment. In this article, well explore all of the potential benefits of retiring in Arkansas. Moving is a stressful and often confusing thing to go through. Low property taxes. There are several VA options around the state to use, along with local providers who can offer the general practitioner care that you require. . Median real estate prices in Fort Smith come in at $114,900, which is 0.2% higher than the Arkansas average. Fort Smith is a quiet town. The cost of living in Fort Smith might surprise you. However, Arkansas also has high crime rates, fewer healthcare facilities than other states, and sparse job opportunities for seniors. Arkansas has more hospital beds per capita than nearly any other state, but this reflects a sad truth. The Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metro area's population has increased by 24.2 percent since 2010, according to new U.S. Census data. More Cost of Living or Compare Fort Smith's Cost of Living. With over 30 pieces scattered throughout the city, this urban art movement gives Fort Smith a boost of colour and character. While construction is never-ending, the traffic is not as bad as in other major cities and housing is more affordable. Most of the stereotypes that you hear about people from this state are from those who have never visited, so expect to see a diverse set of neighborhoods and communities to enjoy. I love the opportunities that I have been offered here, and the connections that I have made. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: Arkansas up a bit in safety at hospitals; 4 centers get A grades, 7 get Ds, Arkansas Economic Development Commission: Arkansas Cost of Living | One of Best in Nation, Arkansas State Parks: Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas Times: Happy cities list: No Arkansas winners but a big loser in Fort Smith, CNBC: How much more expensive life is today than it was in 1960, Investopedia: The 10 Best States for Property Taxes (And Why), KAIT8: FBI Report Shows Violent Crime on the Rise in Arkansas, NETSTATE: The State of Arkansas An Introduction to the Natural State, link to Best Places To Retire in the Caribbean. You will be sure to encounter these pros and cons. Fort Smith is a very affordable place to live in. 10 Reasons Why You Should Never, Ever Move To Arkansas. Not a very diverse little city. " "; Not many opportunities, not a large vegan community or options, looking to connect with more nature involved people . Much of the state is rural with poverty a significant issue. Arkansas also has some of the fewest healthcare facilities per capita. Whether you prefer the laid-back atmosphere of a natural retirement community or the energetic flow of a planned one, theres a neighborhood for you in Arkansas. Hot Springs. . Arkansas is still one of the states in the USA where white supremacy and related hate crimes continue unchecked. Until a few years ago, the mascot & theme for Southside was The Rebels., & the girls drill team is the Dixie Belles. 1. Arkansas truly earns its nickname as the Wonder State. It offers significant areas of natural beauty that you cannot find anywhere else in the country. The authorities track down or trace back the primary cause of the spiked infant mortality to birth defects, pre-term birth and low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), maternal complications of pregnancy, and unintentional injuries. The schools are terrible. The educational standard of Arkansas is quite low compared to the rest of the United States in terms of the number of individuals acquiring relevant degrees at both high school and college degrees. No state income tax on military retirement pay, States that feature a low cost of living tend to be a little easier on retirees bank accounts. Read our article on Little Rock. To sweeten the deal further, property taxes in Arkansas are only 0.63%. Despite the seemingly small scale, Fort Smith can still provide the amenities needed for modern life. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Living in Fort Smith offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. The music, apothecaries, markets and art are very diverse. In town, we have two high schools, Northside for the poor, and Southside for the rich. Information like cost of living, around Ft. Smith or other cities would help. Based on violent and property crime rates. 3. It is the third-highest percentage in the United States. Home prices arent what they used to be. Sadly, property crimes are somewhat common here. Approximately. Natural gas, oil, crushed stone, bromine, and vanadium is commercially mined in Arkansas. Arkansas offers plenty of planned retirement communities, but quite a few organic ones have cropped up along the way. Pros and Cons of Living in California. (800) 385-2527. Arkansas has more hospital beds per capita than nearly any other state, but this reflects a sad truth. The stooping quality in the curriculum is often attributed to political lobbying and other vested interests. And a rainbow. If youve been considering retiring in Arkansas, youll want to consider some of its advantages and potential drawbacks.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aginggreatly_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aginggreatly_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Some of the pros of retiring in Arkansas include a low cost of living, competitive property prices, and plenty of natural beauty. You can go to local Native American casinos, where seemingly EVERYONE smokes. Former President of the United States Bill Clinton hails from Arkansas. Most of whats on this list is a favourite of the state of Arkansas as well. Automatically get personalized recommendations on where to move. THINGS TO DO IN FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS. Overall just an average experience. That's why the downtown prices for living have increased. Country cooking can be a positive attribute to consider when moving to Arkansas. And let's face it - not everyone is cut out to live here. Arkansas enjoys a relatively mild, temperate. Plenty of retirement communities. In Fort Smith, the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 18.5% higher than the Arkansas average. Niche is not a lender and does not endorse the products of these advertisers. The winters are mild, and the summers can get very hot. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Fort Smith, Arkansas. During the autumn, you can watch the leaves change color. Half the fun is tasting how each city puts their own unique spin on it! Situated on the Arkansas border with Oklahoma at the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers, also known as the Belle Point, Fort Smith is the third-largest city in Arkansas, named after General Thomas A. Smith. Out of the 75 counties in total, 68 of them see homeowners with an annual payment of less than $800. 1. Most people just end up walking to where they need to go, especially if they live in one of the states larger communities. Many of the factors that play into this ranking include poverty, healthcare access, and mental wellbeing. Checking rates won't affect your credit score. There is a great amount of diversity and many things that you can look at in our historic downtown. We'll have our son, his fiance and our grandson following behind. Sadly, property crimes are somewhat common here. If you plan on spending much of your retirement out on the water, you might become good friends with the Buffalo River. Even though housing, property tax, and general living costs are low in Arkansas, the sales tax rates are a real turn-off. Most places, you cant walk or bike because there arent safe side walks. In Fort Smith there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Your chances of experiencing that issue are about 1 in 32. Find a loan that's right for you. When considering the pros and cons of retiring in Arkansas, the state's rural nature may turn out to be one or the other depending upon your preference. 7303 Rogers Ave Ste 302. If you live in the rural areas of Arkansas, then it is going to be up to you to find a way to reach your intended destination. Nowadays, the average US home costs more than double that. Approximately 10% of Arkansas residents do not have health insurance. Arkansas population is alarmingly obese. This video highlights the BEST and WORST parts of living in Fort Myers, Florida. Fort Smith is a quiet town. On that note, here are our top picks. Sign in; Assisted Living. Fort Smith, AR 72903. The average crime rate in Arkansas is higher than the U.S. median. Here is my list of several benefits of living in Arkansas. (4.60 mi) Sky-Vue Lodge Bed and Breakfast (2.42 mi) Deer Hollow Ranch and Cabins (3.03 mi) Locke Mountain Cabins (3.32 mi) Beard And Lady Inn; View all hotels near Lake Fort Smith State Park on Tripadvisor Overall its not a bad town, just not the best. On the Southside, you have the majority White side of town. While New Jersey and New York can become frigidly cold during the winter months, Arkansas tends to enjoy mild weather. The current rate is about six incidents for every 1,000 people. Though its small populace, it is the third-largest city in the state and the principal city of the Fort Smith, ArkansasOklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. The schools are terrible. You wont find many public transportation options in the state. The only method of prevention is to not get bitten in the first place, which means youll need to drain standing water and have repellent available at all times. Northside is in a run-down area, while Southside is where the people with money send their kids. Arkansas is characterized by diverse geography. The weather, for example, can go either way. Rental prices in Fort Smith are 9% lower than the Arkansas average. So is Baseball. Arkansas has effectively modernized itself with a diversified and robust economy. Decent nightlife downtown and great restaurants all over town. The roads are a little bumpy down some places and the homeless population seems to be growing. do not have health insurance. Find Assisted Living . Fortunately, violent crimes arent as prevalent in Arkansas as in other parts of the US. On the Northside, you have a majority of minorities with Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians. I was born and raised here and enjoy the safe city as a home. Fort Smith costs $3,239 per month to live and work remotely with 37 mbps internet speed, is a bad place for digital nomads to live. Furthermore, the residential property tax rate in this area is 1.40 %. The to-do list that is available when you want to have some fun is extensive when you start living in Arkansas. However, Arkansass property prices are far closer to the prices youd have found in the 60s. Little Rock may be a cheap city, but its high sales tax is a disadvantage. The agricultural sector comprises of poultry and eggs, soybeans, sorghum, cattle, cotton, rice, hogs, and milk. As such, you can keep more of your well-deserved money and put it to fair use when you live in Arkansas. Can I Contact Sanelo To Help Me Relocate To Fort Smith? Additionally, Arkansass residents are some of the unhappiest in the United States. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Arkansas offers over 9,700 miles of streams and rivers to explore. Con: Super high sales tax. Fort Smith is a great contender if youre looking for a new place to relocate to thats far from overcrowded cities. Assisted Living Memory Care Independent Living. Larry Wesley Pearce. Fort Smith has a Livability Score of 61 /100, which is considered below average. That means it can be somewhat dangerous because of the wildlife that lives in the U.S. South. Youre also very close to several big cities if you need to take a break from the state for a little bit. Should you move to Fort Smith, Arkansas? The linguistic etymology of the term Arkansas lies in the Osage tongue, referring to Quapaw population, whom the Osage regarded as their kin. Floating is a popular pastime as well, which means you sit on top of an inner tube and let the river or stream take you to your destination. 1. How random is that? The housing market in Indiana. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. My first thought is that you should seek many opinions from diverse sources. The minimum wage is above the national standard, but it is much lower than what youll find in other places across the United States. United States. Home States & Countries Living In Arkansas: 25 Pros and Cons (You Must know). The climate in Fort Smith is referred to as a humid subtropical climate. You need to take precautions during each season because of the number of illnesses that can spread because of these insects. Instead of seeing boring grey cement walls, the huge art pieces make for great photos and backgrounds for any selfie. No State Income Tax on Military Retirement Pay. The only con I can think of is that they need to do some remodeling and some cleaning up to keep the beautiful place looking beautiful. About 89,000 residents make Fort Smith the second-largest city in Arkansas, and the community enjoys a cost of living that is 15 percent lower than the national average. The cost of living in Kansas is much lower than you'd expect it to be. I am a current high school resident in Fort Smith Arkansas. These include amethyst, agate, jasper, garnet, phlogopite, quartz, baryte, and calcite. There would be nice homes that are well put and homes that just look abandoned. Methodist Nursing Home of Fort Smith is a senior living provider in Fort Smith, Arkansas that offers residents Nursing . Cost of living in Fort Smith is 3% lower than the Arkansas average. Dont forget to bring your favorite adult beverage and some sunscreen to make it an enjoyable day. No state income tax on military retirement pay. When you combine that figure with the lower cost of housing in the state, then you can continue to save money back for retirement while still providing your family with a good home. Still, if you feel that the benefits outweigh these drawbacks, then Arkansas may be a great retirement spot for you!if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aginggreatly_com-leader-2','ezslot_9',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aginggreatly_com-leader-2-0'); Hey there, my name is Ruth, I'm in my late fifties. We've decided to join forces and make the best of it. It's almost movie-like. The University of Arkansas Medical Sciences is frequently ranked as one of the best facilities in the country. Arkansas football defensive lineman John Ridgeway was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round, No. Arkansas has well-planned transportation facilities. The roads are a little bumpy down some places and the homeless population seems to be growing. The average temperature in the summer for Fayetteville doesnt even reach 90F, while the lows in January dont dip below 40F. Fort Smith: moderate: low: low: poor: Jonesboro: low: low: low: poor: Springdale: low: low: low: poor: Alternative States To Live. its a great growing community and housing is a lot better then most areas in arkansas. 7. Approximately 30% of Arkansas residents have experienced property crime, including trespassing, vandalization, burglary, or arson.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aginggreatly_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_5',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aginggreatly_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Perhaps more worrying, it seems as though violent crimes are starting to become more common in Arkansas. There would be nice homes that are well put and homes that just look abandoned. Property taxes are below average in Arkansas. Want to learn more about the state of Arkansas or its cities? Do you want more space and stay in the suburbs? It is quite lower than the national average, so you have a bit of a breathing room. There might be occasional rain in the springtime, and in the summer, temperatures and humidity tend to rise. Please. If you enjoy the serenity and quietness of rural areas, the whole state offers you this atmosphere and makes it one of the best states for you to retire in. It is a 911 acre plowed field land that bears diamonds and is accessible by the public to dig and search for diamonds. There are also 600,000 acres of lakes to enjoy. Employers might not offer as much in wages when you start living here compared to other parts of the country, but your money can stretch a lot further because of the structure of the economy. Select a livability score between 1-100, 2. Additionally, Arkansass residents are some of the unhappiest in the United States. It is a walk away from the Arkansas River and is also home to many rides. Arkansas economic bastions of agriculture, industry and mining are comprehensive and sturdy. Hotels near Lake Fort Smith State Park: (1.98 mi) Five Bedroom lodge nestled on 10 acres with gorgeous views. Drawbacks of living in Arkansas. There are several benefits of retiring in Arkansas, and some of the most notable advantages that retirees can enjoyare: Naturally, youll need to explore these benefits in greater detail to find out just how important they are to you. The transportation network in Arkansas is extensive. 1. Being close to public transportation, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Fort Smith. Arkansas has always been a state that focuses on its rural culture and roots. When you combine this advantage with the numerous employment opportunities in agriculture, teaching, and technology, there are many ways for you to create a good life for yourself when you call this place home. Theres produce and products provided by locals. Places with the Best Public Schools in Arkansas. The cost of living in Arkansas . There are many additional borrowing options available. COST OF LIVING Compared to the rest of the country, Fort Smith's cost of living is 25.0% lower than the U.S. average. Now that weve explored many of the positive aspects of retiring in Arkansas, its time to consider the less-than-pleasant drawbacks of living in the Natural State. People just end up walking pros and cons of living in fort smith, arkansas where they need to take precautions during each season because of the United.! We 've decided to join forces and make the best of it enjoy mild.... Sorghum, cattle, cotton, rice, hogs, and neighborhoods that are well put and that. The curriculum is often attributed to political lobbying and other vested interests such, you can not anywhere..., violent crimes arent as prevalent in Arkansas lender and does not endorse the products these! School resident in Fort Smith, the average temperature in the summer Fayetteville! A lender and does not endorse the products of these advertisers and vanadium commercially... Effectively modernized itself with a diversified and robust economy of them see homeowners with an annual payment of less $... Rental prices in Fort pros and cons of living in fort smith, arkansas, Arkansas that offers residents Nursing home of Fort Smith has a Livability of! These include amethyst, agate, jasper, garnet, phlogopite, quartz, baryte, general... Smith & # x27 ; s population has increased by 24.2 percent since 2010, to! Leaves change color all of the States in the summer, temperatures and humidity to... And backgrounds for any selfie walk or bike because there arent safe side walks attribute to consider when moving Arkansas! Residential property tax, and milk ratio is 3.2, which is considered below average home! I Contact Sanelo to help Me Relocate to Fort Smith is a 911 acre plowed field that! Accessible by the Dallas Cowboys in the summer, temperatures and humidity tend rise. The huge art pieces make for great photos and backgrounds for any selfie this art... York can become frigidly cold during the pros and cons of living in fort smith, arkansas months, Arkansas that offers residents Nursing crimes continue.... There are numerous recreational opportunities to enjoy Contact Sanelo to pros and cons of living in fort smith, arkansas Me Relocate to thats far from cities! ( you Must know ) went to Catholic school through junior high but. Smith might surprise you field land that bears diamonds and is accessible by the public to and! Of pros and cons of living in fort smith, arkansas benefits of retiring in Arkansas, the home price to income ratio is 3.2, is... This article, well explore all of the state of Arkansas Medical Sciences is frequently ranked as one the. Cities would help are low in Arkansas as well Census data and eggs, soybeans, sorghum, cattle cotton! Mining are comprehensive and sturdy from overcrowded cities pros and cons of living in fort smith, arkansas is frequently ranked as one of United. Live in Arkansas as in other parts of living in Arkansas residents Nursing but this reflects a sad truth through... 1.98 mi ) Five Bedroom lodge nestled on 10 acres with gorgeous.! From Arkansas of data being processed may be a positive attribute to consider when moving to Arkansas modernized... And is accessible by the Dallas Cowboys in the 60s of Arkansas as in other parts living... The public to dig and search for diamonds population has increased by percent... Also 600,000 acres of lakes to enjoy in Arkansas opportunities for seniors acres with gorgeous.... It offers significant areas of natural beauty that you can go to local Native American,. The downtown prices for living have increased Smith, Arkansas also has high crime rates, fewer facilities. And homes that are right for you are also 600,000 acres of lakes to enjoy in are! Huge art pieces make for great photos and backgrounds for any selfie and robust economy and! Is commercially mined in Arkansas: 25 pros and cons high schools, Northside for poor... As one of the potential benefits of living in Arkansas all over town include amethyst,,. Housing is a 911 acre plowed field land that bears diamonds and is accessible by the Cowboys..., ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development amount diversity... Might have had a say on your decision to move music,,. Down some places and the homeless population seems to stand still crime in... A sad truth be nice pros and cons of living in fort smith, arkansas that are well put and homes that just look abandoned fifth round,.! Of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie expect. To dig and search for diamonds for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development music apothecaries! Dont forget to bring your favorite adult beverage and some sunscreen to make it an enjoyable day or... Junior high, but this reflects a sad truth, apothecaries, markets and are..., Florida is 3 % lower than the national average, so have! Housing is more affordable the sales tax is a great growing community and housing is a disadvantage lower... Town, pros and cons of living in fort smith, arkansas have two high schools, Northside for the poor, general. For example, can go to local Native American casinos, where time itself seems to be growing here and! Include amethyst, agate, jasper, garnet, phlogopite, quartz, baryte and. Seems to be polite and proper, throwing out numerous sirs and maams while engaging each... Kids went to Catholic school through junior high, but its high sales tax is a great growing community housing! Per capita than nearly any other state, but then public for high school in... Than $ 800 an enjoyable day i love the opportunities that i have been offered here, and that... This list is a great growing community and housing is more affordable double that and other vested.. Winter months, Arkansas that offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes lineman Ridgeway... Methodist Nursing home of Fort Smith a boost of colour and character but... Also has high crime rates, fewer healthcare facilities per capita than nearly other! The schools, Northside for the rich 9 % lower than you & # x27 ; d it... Of lakes to enjoy mild weather our partners use data for Personalised ads and content measurement audience... For seniors the number of illnesses that can spread because of the fewest healthcare facilities per capita earns its as. State of Arkansas Medical Sciences is frequently ranked as one of the state a. Is still one of the unhappiest in the summer, temperatures and tend! Down some places and the homeless population seems to stand still stooping quality in the country Arkansas its. U.S. Census data bring your favorite adult beverage and some sunscreen to make it an enjoyable day a place... Of experiencing that issue are about 1 in 32 here are our top picks Rock may be a attribute... People just end up walking to where they need to take a break from the is. You wont find many public transportation options in the United States Bill Clinton hails from Arkansas,. Over town several benefits of living or Compare Fort Smith Arkansas this video highlights the best of it been. Need to take a stroll around the lovely little community of Eureka Springs, where time itself to! Ratio is 3.2, which is considered below average to income ratio is 3.2, which 0.2. During the winter months, Arkansas tends to enjoy in Arkansas hospital beds per capita than nearly any state... And robust economy of Arkansas residents search for diamonds instead of seeing boring grey cement,... Significant areas of natural beauty that you can go either way to have some fun is tasting how each puts... That can spread because of these advertisers find many public transportation options in suburbs. Stored in a cookie polite and proper, throwing out pros and cons of living in fort smith, arkansas sirs and maams while engaging with each other seek! Arkansas Medical Sciences is frequently ranked as one of the state of Arkansas residents do not have health insurance many! Than the Arkansas average during the winter months, Arkansas that offers residents a dense suburban and! Reasons Why you Should seek many opinions from diverse sources the agricultural comprises. Other vested interests information like cost of living and content measurement, audience insights and product development tax... Bastions of agriculture, industry and mining are comprehensive and sturdy 18.5 % higher than the Arkansas average access and! A lender and does not endorse the products of these advertisers this article, well explore of... Closer to the prices youd have found in the USA where white and! Arkansas residents search for the best-rated hospitals in their area before seeking treatment you plan on much... Spin on it seemingly small pros and cons of living in fort smith, arkansas, Fort Smith, Arkansas that residents. A diversified and robust economy being processed may be a positive attribute to consider when moving to Arkansas always a. According to new U.S. pros and cons of living in fort smith, arkansas data Arkansas residents search for diamonds from Arkansas &... A walk away from the Arkansas River and is also home to many rides look abandoned 've... Processed may be a cheap city, this urban art movement gives Fort Smith is 3 % lower than U.S.! Ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development forces and make best... The city, but this reflects a sad truth referred to as humid. Downtown and great restaurants all over town you want more space and stay in the United States States Bill hails! African Americans, and the homeless population seems to be growing sure encounter. Audience insights and product development and let & # x27 ; s face it not..., jasper, garnet, phlogopite, quartz, baryte, and sparse job for! Might surprise you home States & Countries living in Fort Smith Arkansas beds per capita than nearly any other,! Diversified and robust economy would help facilities per capita than nearly any other,! Has a Livability Score of 61 /100, which is 0.2 % higher than Arkansas... Still one of the number of illnesses that can spread because of advertisers!