Why You Should Consider Moving to Northwest Arkansas

Scenic cliff overlooking the Ozark mountains in Arkansas.

Northwest Arkansas is gaining attention, and with good reason. In fact, Fayetteville is considered one of the top 10 best places to live by U.S. News and World Report. If you’re considering relocating to Northwest Arkansas, know that it’s an amazing option. Here’s why.

Affordable Living

Moving to Northwest Arkansas is a great move for your wallet — depending on the city you settle down in, the cost of living is anywhere from 9% to 15% lower than the national average. The median home price in Northwest Arkansas is $385,000, which is relatively affordable when compared to that of other cities: Nashville’s median home price is $450,000, Seattle’s is $800,000, and San Francisco comes in at a whopping $1.3 million.

Strong Job Market

Relocating to Northwest Arkansas could help you find a job, as it’s home to many companies and job opportunities. Walmart, J.B. Hunt, and Tyson are all headquartered there, and the University of Arkansas and the Fayetteville School District are the area’s largest employers. The unemployment rate in Fayetteville is 4.7% — which is a little more than half the national average.

Outdoor Lifestyle

Northwest Arkansas is nestled in the Ozark Mountains, providing incredible views and hiking trails. But it’s not just for walking — the area is actually known as the mountain biking capital of the U.S. Beaver Lake and Lake Ann are ideal for swimming, fishing, and water sports, and rock climbing is popular in Devil’s Den. If you love an active lifestyle, moving to Northwest Arkansas may be right for you.

Bustling College Town

Fayetteville is home to the University of Arkansas, which makes it a great place to be if you enjoy college sports. Razorbacks fans love attending football games and heading to Dickinson Street right off campus for a bite. The area is also full of breweries and bars, and you can even visit the nation’s no. 1 farmer’s market year-round. By relocating to Northwest Arkansas, you can take advantage of all the arts, eats, and activities that a college town has to offer.