Expert Advice For Moving to Arkansas

Arkansas, or the Natural State, is a place of Southern beauty and charm bordered by six other states (Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma). From famous musicians to civil rights pioneers, the state is the birthplace of folks like Johnny Cash, Bill Clinton, Al Green, Ne-Yo, Evanescence, Scottie Pippen, and Ozell Sutton. It is also the third cheapest state to live in, in America, to boot!

Mulling over a move to Arkansas? We’ve created this handy AR moving guide on the following topics:

1. Things to Consider Before Moving to Arkansas
2. Top Places to Live Here in the Southern State
3. Comprehensive Interstate Moving Checklist
4. Low-Cost, Quality Great Guys Moving Services

Our goal is to help you make the best choice. When ready, Great Guys Moving can supply you with free moving quotes from affordable Arkansas movers in a few minutes!

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Living in Arkansas: What to Know Before Moving to Arkansas

Moving to the Natural State? If so, you should consider a few facts before heading to America’s 29th largest state by size (53,179 square miles) and the 33rd largest state by population (3.01 million).

Pros and Cons of Living in Arkansas

Pros: 

• Low cost of living: According to a ranking of the cheapest states to live in America by CNBC, Arkansas lands at the #3 spot. It scores 48 out of 50 points (A+ grade). Not too shabby!
• Cheap housing: Not to be outdone, the cost of homeownership isn’t too bad either. It currently ranks as the #2 best state to buy, with the second-lowest listing price in the US.
• Tax benefits: The state has the tenth lowest property tax in the nation (at an effective rate of just 0.63%). Also, active-duty members of the armed forces are exempt from income tax.
• Natural beauty: From the Ozarks and the Ouachita Mountains to the waterfalls, lakes, rivers, rolling hills, and more, Arkansas is home to breathtaking scenery and endless outdoor recreation.
• Small town atmosphere: Whether you’re living in the state capital of Little Rock or the small town of Cave Springs, people here value a homey feel and are typically a close-knit bunch.
• Mouthwatering food: From Arkansas barbecue to pork tenderloin sandwiches, the state has some of the best down-home cooking around. Little Rock, in particular, is a foodie’s paradise.
• Southern charm: From Southern hospitality to polite manners – you’ll hear a lot of folks say “ma’am” and “sir” – Arkansans take great pride in being polite, proper, and welcoming.

Cons:

• High sales tax: It isn’t all roses in Arkansas. For starters, the state sales tax rate is one of the highest in the country. Combined sales and local taxes can reach as high as 11.5%. Yeesh!
• Lack of amenities: Now, the state is chock-full of beautiful nature, but it has a lot of room for improvement when it comes to amenities like major shopping centers and the like.
• Mosquitoes: There’s a running joke that mosquitoes should become the official state bird. The thing is, you won’t be laughing when these little, disease-packed pests attack.
• Venomous snakes: While we’re on the topic of pests, we need to mention the deadly snakes in the state. Rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads can be found all over the place.
• Obese folks: Unfortunately, all this delicious down-home country cooking comes with a price. According to obesity data, the state ranks #6 in obesity, with an adult obesity rate of 36.2%.
• Wacky laws: Every state’s got them, and Arkansas isn’t any different. For example, it’s illegal to yell at kids at a drive-in restaurant. Also, you can’t honk your horn at a sandwich shop after 9 PM.

Is Arkansas a Good Place to Live?

Arkansas is a beautiful state and a wonderful place to live with its many parks and wilderness areas and low cost of living. Arkansas boasts outdoor activities that span a variety of terrain from mountains to rivers and hot springs. Even if you’re living in the metro area of Little Rock, you’re never too far from breathtaking scenery and small-town hospitality. Plus, it has a low cost of living with the second-lowest listing prices of houses in the entire United States.

What’s Arkansas Famous For?

• Gorgeous Lakes: Arkansas has some of the most beautiful lakes in the country. In fact, it has well over half a million acres of lakes.
• Hot Springs: Hot Springs National Park in Hot Springs, AR pays homage to the hot springs that put Arkansas on the map. These springs are known for their restorative properties, and bathhouses became a popular tourist destination for visitors starting in the 1800s.
• Mountains: The Ozark and Ouachita Mountain ranges provide miles of hiking trails and outdoor recreation.
• The Fiddle: In 1985, the fiddle was declared the state instrument. Arkansas is famous for the lively dance music in big gatherings where the fiddle is the main instrument.
• William J. Clinton Library and Museum: Arkansas is home to the presidential library of the 42nd president of the United States.
• Crater of Diamonds State Park: In Pike County, you’ll find the only diamond-bearing site accessible to the public. It’s over 900 hectares with about 35 acres of plowed fields.

Tax Rates

• Property Tax: 0.63%. The effective real-estate tax rate is #10 lowest in the US.
• Sales Tax: Base state sales tax rate: 6.5%. Combined with local taxes: 6.5–11.5%.
• Income Tax: 1–6.9%. There are seven tax brackets based on income level.

Housing Market

To Rent or Buy? Overall, it is a cheaper option to rent rather than buy a home in Arkansas. The median monthly mortgage is $1,039, while the median monthly rent is $709. That is a difference of $330 per month or nearly $4,000 annually. Regardless, homeownership is still extremely affordable.

• Median Home Value: $129,800
• Median Rental Expense: $576 (1BR), $728 (2BR)

Cheapest Places to Live in Arkansas:

1. De Queen
2. Pocahontas
3. Greenwood
4. Wynne
5. Trumann
6. White Hall
7. Forrest City
8. Blytheville
9. Marion
10. El Dorado

Cost of Living

According to the Cost of Living in Arkansas by BestPlaces, Arkansas has a cost of living index of 79. This index is much lower than the national average of 100.

Using EPI’s Family Budget Calculator, we can compare the average monthly expenses in three Arkansas cities. We’ll use a family of four (2 adults + 2 kids) for these examples.

Bentonville/Benton County (Northwestern Arkansas):

1. Housing = $774
2. Food = $736
3. Childcare = $1,102
4. Transportation = $1,193
5. Healthcare = $951
6. Other necessities = $609
7. Taxes = $760
8. Grand total = $6,125 per month or $73,497 per year

Little Rock Metro Area (Central Arkansas):

1. Housing = $811
2. Food = $761
3. Childcare = $1,094
4. Transportation = $1,158
5. Healthcare = $993
6. Other necessities = $634
7. Taxes = $786
8. Grand total = $6,238 per month or $74,859 per year

Hot Springs Metro Area (Southern Arkansas):

1. Housing = $771
2. Food = $713
3. Childcare = $1,039
4. Transportation = $1,173
5. Healthcare = $937
6. Other necessities = $599
7. Taxes = $718
8. Grand total = $5,950 per month or $71,403 per year

Weather & Natural Disasters

Arkansas has a humid subtropical climate, which typically results in a milder climate with hot summers, but that isn’t the whole picture. The climate classification is indeed correct, but it does not speak to the two other conditions found in the state: four distinct (yet mild) seasons and weather extremes.

There are two main topographic factors affecting weather in Arkansas: its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico to the south and its closeness to the plains in the west. Because of the state’s physical makeup, this leads to hot & humid summers, milder & drier winters, and destructive storms.

Climate Statistics:

1. Average rainfall: 51 inches
2. Average snowfall: 4 inches
3. Sunshine: 217 sunny days
4. Summer high: 91°F (July)
5. Winter low: 28°F (January)

Arkansas faces several natural disaster risks, including floods and high winds. It pays to prepare for the top threats in the state. For more info, check out the Natural Disaster Recovery in Arkansas page.

Natural Disaster – Threats & Risks:

1. Flooding
2. High Winds
3. Drought
4. Tornadoes
5. Hurricanes
6. Winter / Summer Storms
7. Earthquakes

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Economy & Job Market

According to Economy Rankings by US News & World Report, Arkansas is currently ranked #43 in America. This score is based on three subcategories: the business environment (#37), employment (#41), and growth (#34). Its GDP is approximately $122.7 billion, and the median income is $25,316.

Top Industries:

1. Aerospace & Defense
2. Food & Beverage
3. Healthcare
4. Retail
5. Metals
6. Paper & Timber Products
7. Technology
8. Transportation Equipment
9. Distribution & Logistics
10. Corporate & Shared Services

Top Employers:

1. Walmart (Headquartered in Bentonville, 2.3 million employees)
2. Tyson Foods (Springdale, 114,000 employees)
3. Dillard’s (Little Rock, 30,800 employees)
4. Sam’s Club (Bentonville, nearly 28,000 employees)
5. J.B. Hunt Transport Services (Lowell, 22,000+ employees)
6. ArcBest (Fort Smith, 13,000 employees)
7. Windstream (Little Rock, nearly 12,000 employees)
8. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (Little Rock, nearly 12,000 employees)
9. Chuy’s (Rogers, 8,200 employees)
10. Murphy USA (El Dorado, 6,600 employees)
11. George’s (Springdale, 6,200+ employees)
12. Lofton Staffing (Little Rock, 5,800 employees)
13. Arvest Bank (Bentonville, 5,700+ employees)
14. Harps Food Stores (Springdale, 4,700+ employees)
15. Simmons Foods (Siloam Springs, 4,500+ employees)
16. State of Arkansas (Little Rock, 3,700+ employees)
17. Arkansas Department of Transportation (Little Rock, nearly 3,700 employees)
18. OK Foods (Fort Smith, 3,600 employees)
19. Acxiom (Conway, nearly 3,300 employees)
20. K-MAC Enterprises Inc. (Fort Smith, 3,000 employees)

Looking for work in Arkansas? Here are some helpful resources:

1. Arkansas.gov page: Find a Job – Arkansas.gov
2. Job search: Indeed, LinkedIn, CollegeRecruiter, CareerBuilder
3. Resume help: Monster, TopResume, ResumeRobin

Traffic and Transportation

Looking back, Arkansas had some of the first paved roads in America. It was also one of the first participants in the interstate highway system. These days there are a handful of transportation options available, helping to get around and enjoy the natural beauty of the Southern state.

Major Forms of Transportation:

1. Highways & Roads
2. Air (including Clinton National Airport)
3. Car Rental
4. Rail (Amtrack, Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway)
5. Bus & Streetcar Network (Little Rock)
6. Public Bus Systems
7. Coach (Greyhound)
8. Personal vehicles
9. Taxi and Limo Services
10. Carpool / Vanpool
11. Ridesharing (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

Primary Interstate Highways:

• Interstate 30: Traveling through Arkadelphia, Benton, Hope, and Little Rock, I-30 goes for a length of 143 miles. It runs from the Texas state line in the west to I-40 in Little Rock in central Arkansas.
• Interstate 40: This is the longest interstate highway in the state. At more than 458 miles long, I-40 travels through Conway, Russellville, and Van Buren. It ends at Hernando de Soto Bridge.
• Interstate 49: Made up of two main sections, I-49 runs for a total of over 109 miles. The Southern segment goes from LA state line to Texarkana, while the Northern segment runs from Alma to Bella Vista.
• Interstate 55: At approximately 72 miles in length, I-55 is the shortest interstate highway in Arkansas. It travels north-south from the Missouri state line to the Tennessee state line.

According to Best and Worst States to Drive In by WalletHub, Arkansas comes in at #8 in the nation. This ranking is based on four subcategories: cost of ownership & maintenance (#8), traffic & infrastructure (#5), safety (#39), and access to vehicles & maintenance (#33).

Things to Do

Looking for fun in Arkansas? Here are the best attractions and destinations.

Tourist Destinations:

The Natural State is home to rich American culture and natural attractions.

• Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site: In 1957, the school was the location of one of the most crucial moments for civil rights. It is now a historic site and an active learning space.
• Garvan Woodland Gardens: As the botanical gardens of the University of Arkansas, it is home to the unique natural environment of southwestern Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains region.
• Museum of Native American History: Visitors get to explore the lives of America’s First Peoples through the Paleo, Archaic, Woodland, Mississippian, Pre-Historic, and Columbian periods.
• Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge: This nearly 460-acre refuge in the Ozark Mountains is home to many big cats, including lions, tigers, ligers, cougars, servals, leopards, and bobcats.
• Fordyce Bathhouse: Formerly operating between 1915 and 1962, this luxurious bathhouse was the most popular in the Hot Springs area. Check out the splendor via a self-guided tour.

Food & Drink:

Arkansas is home to some delicious eats (including BBQ)! Here are the top picks:

• Top All-You-Can-Eat: Abe’s Old Feed House (Benton)
• Top Bar: White Water Tavern (Little Rock)
• Top Beer: BDCS, Ozark Beer Company (Rogers)
• Top Brunch: At the Corner (Little Rock)
• Top Burger: Big Orange (Little Rock)
• Top Dive Bar: White Water Tavern (Little Rock)
• Top Chocolate Shop: Kyya Chocolate (Springdale)
• Top Coffee Shop: Kollective Coffee + Tea (Hot Springs)
• Top Donuts: Mark’s Do-Nut Shop (North Little Rock)
• Top Food Truck: Andouille (Fayetteville)

State Parks:

Want to explore Arkansas’ natural beauty? Consider these popular state parks:

• Moro Bay State Park: The park has some of the best cabins in the entire state. Located in Jersey.
• Petit Jean State Park: Enjoy the natural beauty of Petit Jean Mountain in Morrilton.
• Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Serves as a center for recreation, education, and preservation.
• Mount Magazine State Park: At 2,753 feet tall, this Paris attraction is the tallest mountain in the state.
• DeGray Lake Resort State Park: Found along the shore of DeGray Lake, this Bismarck destination features a lodge and conference center, camping options, an 18-hole golf course, and everything from horseback riding to hiking.

Museums:

There are many great museums in the state. Here’s our top 5 selection:

• Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: This museum commemorates the American spirit.
• Museum of Native American History: Get a glimpse of life for our nation’s first inhabitants.
• Scott Family Amazeum: Explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math).
• Esse Purse Museum & Store: This Little Rock attraction is one of only three museums in the world dedicated to women’s handbags.
• Mid-America Science Museum: This museum in Piney, AR, houses cool interactive exhibits and science experiments.

Cool & Unusual:

Looking for something off the beaten path in Arkansas? Check out:

• Thorncrown Chapel: The glass-enclosed, futuristic sylvan church constructed in the Ozark Mountains is a true wonder of modern architecture. Located in Eureka Springs.
• Crater of Diamonds State Park: The Murfreesboro mine is one of a kind. Why? Visitors get to keep what they find. Follow in the footsteps of John Wesley Huddleston.
• The Gurdon Light: Sometimes orange, sometimes white-blue, this strange light phenomenon could be what’s called a piezoelectric effect. In any case, it’s trippy. See for yourself with a trip to Gurdon.
• The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa: Previously occupied by a fake doctor that promised to cure cancer, this hotel in Eureka Springs is now a popular destination for ghost tours.
• Rush Ghost Town: The history of Arkansas’ once-booming zinc industry is preserved in this historically protected ghost town along the Buffalo National River.

Schools and Universities

Ranked #42 among states with the best schools by USA Today, Arkansas ranks #17 for its high school graduation rate at 87%. As for higher education, the state is home to several fine colleges and universities, including Hendrix College (a top national liberal arts college) and the University of Arkansas.

Top AR Colleges:

1. University of Arkansas (Fayetteville)
2. Hendrix College (Conway)
3. Harding University (Searcy)
4. Ouachita Baptist University (Arkadelphia)
5. Williams Baptist University (Walnut Ridge)
6. Arkansas State University (State University)
7. University of Arkansas – Little Rock (Little Rock)
8. University of Central Arkansas (Conway)
9. Central Baptist College (Conway)
10. Arkansas Tech University (Russellville)

Top AR Public School Districts:

1. Bentonville Public Schools (Bentonville)
2. Greenwood School District (Greenwood)
3. Fayetteville School District (Fayetteville)
4. Northwest Arkansas Classical Academy (Bentonville)
5. Lakeside School District (Hot Springs) (Hot Springs)
6. Greenbrier School District (Greenbrier)
7. Benton School District (Benton)
8. Bryant School District (Bryant)
9. Pottsville School District (Pottsville)
10. EStem High Charter School District (Little Rock)

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How to Become an Arkansas Resident

If you live in Arkansas, it’s a good idea to become an official resident of the state. It offers several perks, including tax benefits and in-state tuition savings. Here are ten steps to help establish residency:

1. Establish domicile (buy a home or sign a long-term lease)
2. Change mailing address to state (and forward mail to it)
3. Update info with utility providers or use providers in AR
4. Change address with the IRS
5. Obtain an Arkansas driver’s license
6. Title and register vehicle(s) in the state
7. Register to vote (and be sure to vote)
8. File state taxes in Arkansas
9. Open new bank account(s)
10. Register pet(s) in the state

To qualify for in-state tuition, in general, you must establish domicile in Arkansas and reside in the state for a certain period (usually, at least six months). Please refer to the specific requirements of each institution. Colleges and universities use their own set of criteria to determine eligibility.

Moving to Arkansas DMV

Acquiring a new driver’s license:

After moving to the state, new residents have 30 days to get an AR driver’s license.

Steps to getting a new license (if you have a valid out-of-state license):

1. Establish your Arkansas residency
2. Visit a local Revenue Office
3. Provide proof: identification, social security number, date of birth, legal US presence, change of name (if applicable). Present primary and secondary doc or two primary docs from the official list.
4. If the current license is not expired, the driver exam is not required
5. Surrender valid out-of-state driver’s license
6. Pass the eyesight exam
7. Have photo taken
8. Pay applicable fees

*Starting October 2020, REAL ID DL or ID will be required to board a commercial flight or enter any federal building in Arkansas.

Vehicle registration:

New AR residents must register an out-of-state vehicle within 30 days.

In March of 2018, Governor Hutchinson announced that residents could now skip visiting a Revenue Office and register their vehicles online. You can register your car at mydmv.arkansas.gov. You will need: 1) primary document (out-of-state title) 2) insurance card 3) federal odometer statement.

You may also need the following: 1) personal property tax number 2) lien contract/security agreement 3) current year county tax assessment 4) proof of paid tax receipt.

To qualify to vote, you must:

1. Be a citizen of the United States
2. An official resident of Arkansas
3. 18 years or older on election day
4. Not barred due to a felony conviction
5. Not be found mentally incompetent by the court

Citizens may register by mail or in person at one of the following locations: county clerk’s office, State Revenue Office, public library, public assistance agency, disability agency, military recruitment office, or voter registration drive. The state permits early voting and absentee voting. However, it does not currently offer online voter registration. Voters in Arkansas must present photo ID at the polls.

NOTE: A felon’s voting rights are restored when he or she has completed the sentence (including parole and probation). Also, an AR felon whose sentence has been discharged or pardoned may register to vote.

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Best Places to Live in Arkansas

Bentonville

Population: 49,000
Median Home Value: $251,200
Region: Northern Arkansas

Northwestern Arkansas is a hoppin’ region these days, and one of the top places to live is Bentonville. Located smack dab in the middle of Benton County, it is the ninth-largest city in Arkansas with a population of under 50,000. Here, 54% of residents are homeowners, and the public schools are ranked high.

Along with being the headquarters for Walmart, Bentonville is considered the #1 best suburb in the state. It offers many perks: reasonable cost of living, friendly community, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 18 parks, and 20+ miles of hiking and biking trails. These benefits were more than enough to land Bentonville at #1 on the list of best places to live in Arkansas in 2019 by HomeSnacks.

Top public schools serving Bentonville, AR include Fulbright Junior High School, Bright Field Middle School, Ruth Barker Middle School, Bentonville High School, and Willowbrook Elementary School. As for private schooling, there is Thaden School and Bentonville Adventist School. The city is also home to NorthWest Arkansas Community College.

Looking for a fine place to live in northwestern Arkansas? How about arguably the best suburb in the whole state? Bentonville is a sure bet!

Cave Springs

Population: 3,300
Median Home Value: $294,300
Region: Northern Arkansas

Moving on over, we make our way to Cave Springs. Situated in the northwestern tip of Benton County, the small town of 3,300 is considered to be the #1 best suburb to buy a house not only in Arkansas but the whole country. An impressive 91% of residents own their homes, and the public schools are exceptional.

What makes Cave Springs such a great place? It boils down to a combination of things: stellar schools, the attractive housing market, a median age of 36 years, and a median household income of over $103,000. Add a splash of friendly community and good ol’ Southern charm (along with access to other parts of Northwest Arkansas and outdoor fun in the Ozarks), and you can see why residents love living here!

Yes, housing prices are steeper here, with a median listing price of $330,000. But you get what you pay for in one of the best suburbs in Arkansas. If you’re coming from a more expensive market – San Francisco or NYC, for example – these prices are actually amazingly affordable for what you get.

Top public schools serving Cave Springs, AR include Fulbright Junior High School, Bright Field Middle School, Bentonville High School, Central Park at Morning Star, and R.E. Baker Elementary School.

Are you looking to buy a home and raise a family? Want your kids to attend some of the best schools in Arkansas? Look no further than Cave Springs.

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Fayetteville

Population: 85,000
Median Home Value: $217,000
Region: Northern Arkansas

Fayetteville, the third-largest city in Arkansas, is the county seat of Washington County (just south of Benton County). About 62% of residents rent their homes, and public schools are highly rated.

When folks think of Northwest Arkansas (NWA), they typically think of a place like Fayetteville. It is home to the University of Arkansas, and the city consistently ranks as a Top 10 college town. It also offers several other awesome perks: high diversity, highly educated population, thriving business, outdoor recreation in the Ozark Mountains, 70+ parks, three lakes, 40 miles of trails, the list goes on.

Top public schools in the area are Haas Hall Academy, Fayetteville High School, McNair Middle School, Vandergriff Elementary School, and Root Elementary School. For private school education, you may want to check out Fayetteville Christian School, The New School, St. Joseph Catholic School, Montessori School, and Prism Education Center. In addition to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville is also home to Blue Cliff College – Fayetteville, and Paul Mitchell the School – Fayetteville AR.

Looking for small-town charm coupled with a booming business environment, top college experience, or both? From students to professionals to families, Fayetteville is an outstanding city to call home.

Rogers

Population: 66,000
Median Home Value: $204,200
Region: Northern Arkansas

Considered one of the top suburbs of Arkansas, Rogers is a city of 66,000 located in Benton County. 58% of residents are homeowners, and the public schools are ranked high.

As part of the Northwest Arkansas metro area (one of the most rapidly growing areas in the US), Rogers is a family-friendly, diverse place that offers highly rated schools and housing. Once primarily known for agriculture, the city has greatly grown with the boom in NWA. Despite this, it still retains its undeniable rural charm, providing both big-city amenities, quiet neighborhoods, and countryside beauty.

Fun fact: The first Walmart store was opened in the city back in 1962.

Top public schools serving Rogers, AR include Fulbright Junior High School, Bright Field Middle School, Ruth Baker Middle School, Bentonville High School, and Arkansas Arts Academy High School. As for private education, there is Providence Classical Christian Academy, St. Vincent de Paul School, and First Baptist Christian School & Shining Stars Preschool. The city is also home to Bryan University – Rogers.

Whether you’re a professional or family person, Rogers offers the perfect mix of a solid economy, easy commuting, outdoor adventures in the Ozarks, and an ideal place to raise kids.

Cammack Village

Population: 900
Median Home Value: $224,800
Region: Central / Southern Arkansas

We now make our way to Cammack Village. As a suburb of Little Rock, the small village of less than 1,000 is nestled literally in the middle of Pulaski County and the state of Arkansas. Approximately 69% of residents own their homes, and public schools are highly rated.

Ranked #2 among the 15 best places to live in Arkansas by The Crazy Tourist, Cammack Village holds a special place in the hearts of its residents. Clean, safe, and laid back, the village is a breath of fresh air away from the noise of the city. It also has a median age of 31 and a median household income of almost $72,000. Oh, and if you need to commute, Little Rock is only about 10 minutes away by vehicle.

Are you raising a family or planning for the future? If so, check out these top public schools serving Cammack Village, AR: Central High School, Parkview Magnet High School, Forest Park Elementary School, Williams Magnet Elementary School, and Jefferson Elementary School.

Looking for the quintessential small village experience, tucked away from congestion but close enough to easily commute to Little Rock and other parts of the state? This charming, highly desirable village is one of the safest and friendliest places to live in all of Arkansas.

Little Rock

Population: 199,000
Median Home Value: $151,500
Region: Central / Southern Arkansas

Little Rock, both the capital and most populated city in Arkansas, is the county seat of Pulaski County. 56% of residents are homeowners, and the public schools are considered average.

As the capital of the Natural State, Little Rock is the central hub of the state government, business, and culture. It sits along the Arkansas River, which also makes it a major shipping center. The city’s central location offers numerous outdoor activities, from boating to hiking. Along with government jobs, there are plenty of opportunities in sectors like retail and healthcare. It is also home to top spots like the Museum of Discovery, neighborhoods like Quapaw Quarter, and the River Market District.

As with all major cities, Little Rock does have its downsides. Chief among them are the lower scores in both public education and crime rates. There is definitely room for improvement.

The area’s best public schools are eStem Elementary Public Charter, Central High School, eStem Middle Public Charter, Lisa Academy West Middle School, and Robert L. Davis Elementary School, while top private schools include Pulaski Academy, The Episcopal Collegiate School, Little Rock Christian Academy, Catholic High School for Boys, and Mount St. Mary Academy. Top colleges in Little Rock include Baptist Health College – Little Rock, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Philander Smith College, and Arkansas Beauty School – Little Rock.

Top neighborhoods in Little Rock are Quapaw Quarter, Hillcrest, Capital View, Heights, River Mountain, and Rock Creek.

Are you looking for the most bustling city in the state, minus the overcrowding of a much larger metropolis? Little Rock stands as the solid choice in Central Arkansas.

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Hot Springs

Population: 37,000
Median Home Value: $149,200
Region: Central / Southern Arkansas

Situated in Garland County, among the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs is a top tourist destination. Around 55% of residents own their homes, and the public schools are above average.

As a resort city, Hot Springs attracts many tourists every year. The top attractions: Hot Springs National Park, Hots Springs Music Festival, Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo, and the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival. It is also the former home of President Bill Clinton. Though it is a top place to retire, it is also very popular with young professionals and growing families. Many people move here due to the city’s affordability, outdoor splendor, and convenient proximity to everything you need.

Top public schools in Hot Springs are Lakeside Intermediate School, Lakeside High School, Lakeside Middle School, Park Magnet School, and Lake Hamilton Interm. School. The area’s best private schools include Gospel Light Christian School, St. John Elementary School, St. Luke’s Episcopal Day School, and Hot Springs Adventist School. Hot Springs is also home to National Park Community College and Hot Springs Beauty College.

If you like outdoor living and activities – this goes for retirees, professionals, family, and everyone between – then you’ll love the natural wonder and beautiful scenery of Hot Springs, AR.

White Hall

Population: 5,200
Median Home Value: $94,000
Region: Central / Southern Arkansas

We end our list with White Hall. Situated in Washington Township, Jefferson County, the small town is part of the Pine Bluff Metropolitan Statistical Area. About 72% of residents are homeowners, and the public schools rate above average.

Recently dubbed “The Happiest Place in the Natural State,” White Hall lands at #5 on the list of 10 best places to live in Arkansas for 2020 by HomeSnacks. It also made the list of the ten cheapest places to live in Arkansas in 2020. Along with its exceptional affordability, the town is also family-friendly and one of the safest places in the state. From White Hall City Park to Founder’s Day to Crenshaw Springs Water Park (and many outdoor activities), White Hall is a great town to put down your roots.

Are you looking to raise a family in White Hall, AR? If so, check out these top public schools serving the area: White Hall Junior High School, Moody Elementary School, Taylor Elementary School, Gandy Elementary School, and White Hall High School.

In search of a great small town filled with welcoming folks and a family-friendly, close-knit atmosphere? You just found it in White Hall.

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How to Move to Arkansas

Looking to relocate soon? Follow this interstate moving guide for a smooth Arkansas transition.

• Begin early: At least 8 to 12 weeks before your moving date, it’s a wise decision to start prepping for your Arkansas move. If you have help, schedule a meeting. Share your moving plans and assign duties. Make sure everything is clear, and everyone knows their role.
• Hire moving services: To start, compare several fully licensed and insured Arkansas moving companies. Be sure to book services ASAP for the best rates and availability. Great Guys makes the whole process super easy. Enjoy savings and quality services from top-rated interstate movers.
• Notify folks: Don’t be that friend, relative, or neighbor who forgets. Do you rent? If so, give your landlord ample notice to protect your reference and deposits. Own your home? For a successful sale or search for tenants, it is worth the effort to acquire the services of a real estate pro.
• Prepare children: A move, particularly for the first time, can be rough on kids. Take the time to explain the change clearly. Use playtime or a story. Also, try to maintain their normal routines.
• Declutter your household: The process of decluttering (or purging) can save a lot of space and money. Start by taking inventory of your belongings. Next, one room at a time, sort through everything. Decide which items you want to discard or keep. Label, bag, or place in piles.
• Donate, sell, and recycle: Okay, you got everything sorted? Awesome! There are several ways to find new homes for your old stuff: donate to a local charity, sell online, throw a sale, or recycle.
• Take a trip to your new home: If doable, visiting your new town or city is a great way to see everything it has to offer: work, schools, churches, shopping, community activities, etc.
• Begin packing: About four to eight weeks before moving day, you should start packing everything. Grab plenty of boxes, tape, and other packing supplies. Need a few helping hands? Great Guys makes it easy and affordable to hire a partial-packing or full-packing service.
• Deal with utilities and services: Have current utilities disconnected (electric, water, trash, gas, etc.), preferably the day after you move out. As for new utilities and services, schedule turn on before you arrive at your new place. No electricity the first night isn’t fun.
• Book professional cleaners: Two to four weeks out, hire a cleaning crew to perform deep cleaning. This professional cleanup will help to ensure a great showing or safeguard your reference and deposit.
• Check on insurance coverage: You never know when disaster will strike. To make sure your belongings and valuables are protected, contact your insurance provider and moving company.
• Safeguard kids and pets: Moving day will be hectic, and you’ll most likely be pretty busy. Protect children and furry friends from mishaps. Hire a babysitter or book pet care for the big day.
• Service your vehicle: Driving to your new home? If so, it pays to make sure it is roadworthy. Take your car, truck, SUV, or van in for a tire rotation, oil change, A/C check, and more.
• Transfer vital records: These can range from school transcripts to medical records. While you’re at it, be sure to have enough meds and prescriptions on hand during your moving process.
• Change mailing address: Remember to do this! You can either visit a local post office or go online to the USPS site. Don’t forget to update info for online services, box subscriptions, etc.
• Celebrate move: Who says you can’t have fun during the moving process? Commemorate your upcoming move by throwing a party, planning a group activity, or hanging one-on-one.
• Create essentials box: Moving week has arrived. Most of your packing should be done by now. Take the opportunity to fill an essentials box with everything you’ll need from the first day or two at your new place. Essentials may include meds, bedding, snacks, hand tools, toys, and so on.
• Contact movers: Be sure to call up your moving company about a week before your moving date. Confirm arrival time and other important details. Ask any questions you might have, too.
• Confirm travel arrangements: Driving to Arkansas? Check your vehicle’s oil level, tire pressure, and air conditioning. Are you flying to Arkansas? Double-check flight times and luggage restrictions.
• Stay in the night before: You might be tempted to stay up all night or go out, but it isn’t worth it. Try to stay home, relax, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, and sleep well before moving day.
• Be present when movers arrive: Moving day is finally here! For clear instructions and communication, try to meet up with your moving crew. Being there in-person goes a long way.
• Offer snacks: Arkansans are known for their politeness and hospitality. If you’re inclined, provide a light snack and bottled water to your crew. They will greatly appreciate the nice gesture.
• Take the last tour: Has the moving crew cleared everything out? Great! Take this opportunity to perform a walkthrough. Look out for any overlooked items, damages, and messes.
• Enjoy the journey: With all this planning and preparation, it is easy to forget that the journey is just as important as the destination. Try to make some great memories along the way!

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Quality Moving Services from Arkansas Movers

Great Guys Moving finds you top AR moving services at low rates.

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Furniture Shipments

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Piano Transport

Need to have a piano or organ moved? Don’t leave your treasured instrument in the wrong hands. Our highly trained piano moving specialists take the greatest care to deliver it safely to its new home.

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Storage

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Packing Services

With work and life getting in the way, who has time to pack everything properly? If you’re feeling the pressure or don’t have the capability, you can always reach out to our professional packers for help.

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Whether you’re relocating an office or expanding your business, you can’t afford any undue downtime. Great Guys makes it super simple to compare and hire top-tier Arkansas commercial movers.

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Need cheap, quality Arkansas moving services? Request a free moving estimate today!

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