Baldor Electric Company, ArcBest Corporation, and OK Foods are also major employers in the Manufacturing, Processing, and Logistics industries. 5. If youre thinking about a move in the future, then there are several pros and cons of living in Arkansas that are worth considering. Shopping is affordable. A high school education is a basic . Some, even originating from the 1930s, like its signature Ferris Wheel. Overall its not a bad town, just not the best. A lot of commercial freight is commuted through Arkansas not only via freight trains but also using the ferry in the Missouri River and Arkansas River. You can also use one of the four airports in the state for commercial flights. Arkansas has a comparatively low cost of living, most notably within the healthcare, transportation, and housing industries. You can enjoy quiet moments in the Ozarks, fish in crystal-clear creeks, or enjoy a leisurely afternoon floating on a lake. About an hour south of the capital lies a once-unknown town called Hot Springs. As you near retirement age, you may have your eye on several potential retirement destinations. One of the leading reasons for high cardiovascular ailment and related deaths other than smoking is the problem of obesity. Still, if most of these benefits tickle your fancy, Arkansas could be the ideal retirement state for you! Amtrak provides service by running The Texas Eagle which connects the stations of Walnut Ridge, Little Rock, Malvern, Arkadelphia, and Texarkana. Even driving to Tulsa gives you better shopping; heading to Little Rock is a big disappointment, except for the Clinton Presidential Museum. Moving is a stressful and often confusing thing to go through. The housing cost is a major factor in deciding the state's livability. If you are considering a move to Fort Myers and would like to look at available homes in the area, visit my website at https://www.homesearchinswflorida.com Fort Smith is a quiet town. Arkansas offers plenty of planned retirement communities, but quite a few organic ones have cropped up along the way. Some of the links below are affiliate links, so we may receive a commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Morada Fort Smith is located at 8420 Phoenix Avenue, and offers active living services for older adults. Fort Smith is a very affordable place to live in. There arent any professional teams from the Big 5 sports operating in Arkansas because of its population density. Living in Fort Smith offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Provides auto-suggestions when entering text, Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. But I saw it as a sign that something had to change in my life. Get approval in minutes. But with the course of time, Arkansas has effectively modernized and adapted itself with a diversified and robust economy. Since almost everyone born here stays here, the two high schools sports teams are a defining culture for the entire town. It's diverse and affordable. It is the third-highest percentage in the United States. Its the perfect place for people who want to leave the fast pace of the overly urban world and settle down in a smaller community with their family. Violent crime is somewhat common in Arkansas, and it is a trend that is continuing to climb. With an average house price of just $109,000, living within . Bring out your inner kid and just jump around. We've got it all here - great people, beautiful scenery and plenty to do. Nice weather & plentiful outdoor activities. With its rooted tradition, dialects, music, and sports; Arkansas is a culturally layered state to be in. Fort Smith is a quiet town. Youll be glad to know that the market isnt just limited to food products. High crime rates. 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. You can find metropolitan centers like Little Rock offering modern amenities, but a majority of the state continues to be wilderness. In some areas, sales tax rates are as high as 10%. Fort Smith is in Sebastian County and is one of the best places to live in Arkansas. 2. These include Ozark Mountains, Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas River Valley, Gulf Coastal Plain, Crowleys Ridge, and the Arkansas Delta. With a population of almost 90,000, Fort Smith has a population density of about 537.83 per square kilometre. Methodist Nursing Home of Fort Smith is a senior living provider in Fort Smith, Arkansas that offers residents Nursing . If you plan on spending much of your retirement out on the water, you might become good friends with the Buffalo River. Fort Smith is a town in Arkansas with a population of 89,116. We know how difficult it can be when you are new in town and how moving can be exhausting. Additionally, Arkansas has one of the lowest overall resident happiness ratings of any state. Not a fan of sitting in traffic? Fort Smith crime rates are 105% higher than the Arkansas average. Poor quality of education. 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. Arkansas has effectively modernized itself with a diversified and robust economy. Housing over 40,000 artefacts and exhibits that tell the story of the city. To sweeten the deal further, property taxes in Arkansas are only 0.63%. The cost of living in Fort Smith might surprise you. Did you know that it is illegal in the state to sound your vehicles horn at a sandwich shop after 9 pm? When this happens, a part-time job could help. Fort Smith leans more into suburban life, making it one of the best places to live in Arkansas. Approximately. Compare this to New Jerseys 2.2% property tax, and youll understand why retirees often choose Arkansas. Hot Springs. Housing costs will be your biggest saver, as groceries, utilities, and medical care services will cost the same as national averages. In town, we have two high schools, Northside for the poor, and Southside for the rich. Arkansas enjoys a relatively mild, temperate. It's almost movie-like. The average one-bedroom apartment cost is approximately $646 per month. The state can be roughly divided into two halves, the north-western highlands, and the south-eastern lowlands. There are a handful of minor league teams operating throughout the state, so having a night out with the family is affordable and fun. The housing is fine but the neighborhoods look confusing. While New Jersey and New York can become frigidly cold during the winter months, Arkansas tends to enjoy mild weather. You have access to world-class hospitals in Arkansas. In the US, Arkansas is the 29th largest state in terms of area covered and is also the 33rd state in regard to population count. You may call or email Sanelo using the info on the website, and a representative will be glad to assist you through the process and requirements. Fort Smith has a Livability Score of 61 /100, which is considered below average. Fort Smith is 25% cheaper than the rest of the country, with the most affordable metric being housing. Pros and Cons of Arkansas (Fort Smith, Fayetteville: transplants, 2015, insurance) User Name: Remember Me: Password : Please . Pick The Right Neighbourhood That Fits Your Lifestyle, 3. According to a national scientific poll, Fort Smith, Arkansas, is one of the United States. And a rainbow. Even though Walmart has its headquarters here, the emphasis on providing help to the small business owner is one of the advantages that anyone can enjoy when living here. That means your risk of becoming a victim in an incident is about 1 in 180. However, Arkansass job market isnt precisely tailored to older folks, and the general outlook for employment in the state is relatively grim. Weve mentioned that the population of Fort Smith isnt that large, and that might have had a say on your decision to move. Fort Smith is alright, though there aren't many activities to do here anymore. They have paintings all over the buildings that are kind to the eyes. Theres produce and products provided by locals. This advantage is one of the primary reasons why retirees look to this state as one of their top destinations when there isnt a need to go to work every day. But I am not you. Today it's 10C with very good air quality (5 g/m3). Furthermore, the residential property tax rate in this area is 1.40 %. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. 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. Most places, you cant walk or bike because there arent safe side walks. 1. Many families have their children obtain a license at the minimum age to make each outing a memorable experience for everyone. It has several trampolines to choose from. Fort Smith is very enriched with cultures from around the world with many different festivals for many different people. 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. If youve been considering retiring in Arkansas, youll want to consider some of its advantages and potential drawbacks. 10. If we look at the most recent Census, Fort Smith is known to have a predominantly White population. On the Southside, you have the majority White side of town. Arkansas is one of the states that chose to secede from the Union, doing so in 1861 to join the Confederate States of America. One big advantage of living in Fort Smith is the reasonable commute times to work. The cost of living is good, but there is very little to do. 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. Based on violent and property crime rates. The Arkansas Department of Transportation oversees one of the most extensive networks of roads and highways in the United States. As such, folks living in this state generally wont need to spend as much money as those living in California, Hawaii, or New York. Fortunately, violent crimes arent as prevalent in Arkansas as in other parts of the US. Housing is highly affordable here. Positions that might typically go to retirees might be held by younger individuals who cannot find work elsewhere. Go ahead and enjoy the chicken-friend approach to almost everything, but you must remember to have it in moderation so that you dont become another statistic in this category. The average crime rate in Arkansas is higher than the U.S. median. Well also discuss the drawbacks of living out your golden years in. It might look like Our Kansas, but it is really Are Can Saw. Once you get past that first trial, youll find that Southern hospitality is the real deal here. It has pretty much everything that you need within the town. Arkansas. There are many additional borrowing options available. The average cost of living in the Northwest Territories is $2,017. " "; Not many opportunities, not a large vegan community or options, looking to connect with more nature involved people . Nowadays, the average US home costs more than double that. Gorgeous natural attractions. You get to experience this advantage without a significant increase in your spending needs to take care of the basic costs of living. Of course, youll still need to handle some of the Natural States drawbacks, including high property crime. Niche may be compensated by the third party lenders and others who place ads on the website. Continue with Recommended Cookies. If you combine the Delta with the Coastal Plain, that is. The housing is fine but the neighborhoods look confusing. I now feel happier than ever and hope to inspire you to do the same, no matter how old you are. The housing market in Indiana. 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. The state even says it is illegal to raise your voice to your children when dining at a drive-in restaurant. The road transport network is extensive and Arkansas has the 13th largest state highway system in the United States. If traffic is light, then you can make it to Memphis in about two hours. Provides auto-suggestions when entering text. Much of the state is rural with poverty a significant issue. In the 1960s, the average home might have cost around $12,000 (just about $100,000 when adjusted for inflation). Fort Smith has a livability score of 62 out of 100 and is ranked #225 in Arkansas and #21,614 in the USA. Bordered by states such as Texas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Oklahoma; Arkansas is cradled by diverse and serene geography. Call (800) 569-4287 which is the HUD's interactive voice system that can help you housing counseling agency near you. The weather, for example, can go either way. Fort Smith is a melting pot and that is something special. I haven't visited downtown often but the times I have I see there are great places to eat and hangout there. No matter what your ability, age, or interest happens to be, there is something that youll love to do here. It is chronically underfunded to the point that teachers in the state struggle to make ends meet because of their low salaries. In Fort Smith, Arkansas, 51.0 % of the population owns their homes, while approximately 49.0% rent. 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. The easiest way to get on the good side of locals when you first move to the state is to pronounce the name correctly. 1. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. The statewide median is only 0.63%, which makes it the tenth-lowest rate in the country. The average temperature in the summer for Fayetteville doesnt even reach 90F, while the lows in January dont dip below 40F. Don't worry if you don't know, we are still here to help. In the last few years a lot of professionals moved to Dallas-Fort Worth area due to economical growth. Plenty of history and food service establishments! It's diverse and affordable. Overall just an average experience. The combination of a poor cotton market and monoculture led to economic declines that would continue until World War II. You can usually avoid chain stores and restaurants in the state. 1. With Sanelos years of experience providing moving services to both local and international travellers, you know you are in great hands. The governor of the state and the city of Little Rock decided to close their high schools instead of eliminating segregation. 6. Recent job growth is Negative. In 1903 she reopened as Miss Laura's - an upscale bordello. I wish there were more trails and nicer parks. To counter the rising epidemic of tobacco-related health issues and death in Arkansas, the State authorities have enforced the Arkansas Clean Indoor Air Act which prohibits public smoking excluding some bars, and restaurants. B+ Fort Smith Cost of Living Cost of living is 3% lower than Arkansas. Your chances of experiencing that issue are about 1 in 32. Once youre settled in, bring yourself and your family to one of these top tourist destinations, and maybe youll even make new friends along the way. Arkansas has well-planned transportation facilities. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. This video highlights the BEST and WORST parts of living in Fort Myers, Florida. There might be occasional rain in the springtime, and in the summer, temperatures and humidity tend to rise. In Fort Smith, the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 18.5% higher than the Arkansas average. Youll also want to use common sense when traveling to ensure that you can remain safe. You can mine your own diamonds in Arkansas. High sales taxes. Fort Smith is 25% cheaper than the rest of the country, with the most affordable metric being housing. Your list can be divided up like this: Writing all these down can make keeping on track easier, and an organised move is important to stop you from accidentally looking over some things. Should you move to Fort Smith, Arkansas? Fort Smith is a very affordable place to live in. - The Median Age in Rock Island is 0.8 years older than in Fort Smith. The average home in Arkansas costs between about $120,000 and $150,000. Read our article on Little Rock. It might not be a coastal state, but locals take full advantage of all of the water that is at their disposal. Fort Smith is alright, though there aren't many activities to do here anymore. This will also inform which neighbourhood youd want to live in. It is a walk away from the Arkansas River and is also home to many rides. To sweeten the deal further, property taxes in Arkansas are. Anyway, back to the point. 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. Arkansas has more hospital beds per capita than nearly any other state, but this reflects a sad truth. View Full Report Card. I Am a Self-Taught Marketer with 10 Years of Experience. In this article, well explore all of the potential benefits of retiring in Arkansas. Not a very diverse little city. Fort Smith is a very large, diverse, and unique city with plenty to do and loads of scenery. 19th century much? The cost of living might be cheaper but you also don't have renter's. Read More. Con: Super high sales tax. Violent crime is somewhat common in Arkansas, and it is a trend that is continuing to climb. The transportation network in Arkansas is extensive. Arkansas has a. , most notably within the healthcare, transportation, and housing industries. In this article, well explore all of the potential benefits of retiring in Arkansas. Please. You can expect that theres going to be a lot of space, less crowded streets, more tight-knit communities, and a laid-back atmosphere. Drive north to Branson, if country music is your thing. We lived there 5 years before people seemed to accept us at our church. Additionally, Arkansass hospitals arent the highest-quality facilities in the US. 1. There are state parks to enjoy, hot springs to soak up, and dimly lit caverns to explore in Arkansas. The average prices of utilities, transport, health care, groceries, and other goods and services are cost-friendly. Retirees that arent prepared to spend time searching for top-notch healthcare facilities could find themselves feeling frustrated and disappointed.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aginggreatly_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_7',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aginggreatly_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); While retirement can be a blessing, many retirees find themselves with a lot of free time on their hands and very few goals. 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. 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