If you are looking for a peaceful living with an abundance of natural beauty, Arkansas may be one of the best choices for you. The state is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities and the slower pace of life.
However, no place is perfect, and Arkansas is no exception. Despite its rural appeal, Arkansas lacks some amazing urban amenities like art, entertainment, and limited public transport.
Shifting to a new place requires prior consideration of many things. Arkansas is a rural state and offers natural beauty. However, it is also prone to natural disasters like floods and tornadoes due to the minimal number of facilities in the area. To solve your dilemma, we have put together some facts about Arkansas. You can read this blog to know if Arkansas is a good place to live.
Pros of Living in Arkansas
Following are some attractive pros of living in Aransas.
A Friendly Neighborhood
The best part about Arkansas is the friendly people living here. Unlike big cities where everyone is too busy in their lives, Arkansas believes in community. During a death in the neighborhood or anytime, you need a helping hand, you can rely on your neighbors. So, whether you plan to move here alone or with family, you can experience the joy of giving spirit from your neighborhood.
Stunning Views
Many people move to Arkansas to enjoy the beautiful views it offers. If you dream of living in the midst of nature, Arkansas is the place to be. It has beautiful mountain ranges like the Ozarks and Ouachita. You can find hidden gems with rivers throughout this town, so it is a haven for outdoor activities. Arkansas is the best if you love fishing, boating, or swimming in fresh, clean waters. Moreover, you can enjoy a private outing due to the underdeveloped surroundings.
Affordable Living
Arkansas is famous for its low cost of living as it is the second cheapest location in the US. The expenses are approximately 14% less than the entire nation, according to the cost of living index. The property tax here is only 0.63%, as per the Zillow report. Arkansas allows you to extend your dollar more, as it's cheaper for food, groceries, and transportation.
Additionally, you can shop from local markets that sell fresh produce and locally sourced ingredients. All these benefits make Arkansas a good choice for living a quality lifestyle with increased buying capacity.
Mild Climate Condition
Arkansas has good news if you are tired of shoveling snow during the winter. Here, you will experience a mild climate, making your daily activities more manageable. Arkansas is a perfect place to live if you don't enjoy extreme winters. This climate is perfect if you get allergies and are prone to rashes due to extreme weather. Summers in Arkansas are not too hot, so you can step out and enjoy your favorite activities.
Low utility bills
If you decide to live in Arkansas, the utility bills will not be a problem. The utility bills here are much cheaper than the average U.S. bill. According to the official Arkansas report, the electricity bill in Arkansas is approximately 12.88 cents. This is much less than cities like Baltimore and New York, which pay approximately 18.2 cents per kilowatt hour. Unlike big cities with rising bills, Arkansas allows you to save money on utilities with a low-maintenance infrastructure.
Arkansas has an abundance of sunlight and favorable climate conditions throughout the year. This is why most residents prefer the BLUETTI AC300 + B300 | Home Battery Backup. It offers amazing solar power, is highly reliable during power outages, and supports multiple home equipment. The best part of these solar battery backups is that they help reduce utility bills and help you become energy-independent.
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Amazing Southern Food
Arkansas put its heart into its food offerings, which are made from locally sourced and fresh ingredients. If you are a barbeque lover, Arkansans offer a variety of slow-grilled pork, which is their specialty. Arkansas values tradition and presents a wide variety of time-honored recipes loved by people of all ages. This state's culinary excellence will offer you a hearty meal every morning with grits, fried chicken, cookies, and baked bread.
Cultural Heritage
Arkansas offers an important cultural heritage as it is home to Native American tribes like Caddo and Quapaw. With a historical legacy of the Civil War, Arkansas provides a window to the nation's history through sites like Pea Ridge National Military Park. Living here can have a musical influence on you by celebrating local festivities like the King Biscuit Blues Festival. Additionally, the Department of Arkansas Heritage operates four museums, which attract locals and tourists alike.
Cons of Living in Arkansas
Now, let's understand why living in Arkansas may not be best for you.
Prone to Natural Calamities
Arkansas is known for attracting tornadoes every year, which can reach almost 40 annually. Spring and fall are peak tornado seasons, and weather alerts are normal for residents. This means that without a proper plan and emergency strategies, people can experience severe damage. Some damages are so severe that locals take a few years to recover.
People unaware of these situations may be at a disadvantage and struggle to adapt to such a troublesome geography. Nature is at its most violent in Arkansas, with various areas coming under the “tornado alley.”
Few Major Cities
Arkansas is predominantly a rural state. A few locations, such as Little Rock, Fort Smith in the Northwest, and Fayetteville, are a one-hour drive to good amenities. However, Arkansas may disappoint you if you prefer things delivered to you and want nearby markets for your daily supplies.
It may not be easy for everyone to drive for an hour to get the things they want or to dine in a good restaurant, which requires two hours of travel. If you plan to move here and can visit markets and nightlife once a week, then maybe you can work it out.
Less Education Infrastructure
A real brain drain is happening in Arkansas's education facilities. Arkansas is a disappointment if you have kids or are planning a family. There is a major lack of resources for providing quality education to young minds in schools, as poverty is a major concern here.
According to an official study, Arkansas is so low in education that it is America's 4th least educated state. This leads to lost potential and dead-end career opportunities for children living here. Most families are struggling due to funds and prioritize survival over education.
Healthcare System Needs Upgrade
Localities in Arkansas suffer due to the limited availability of medical professionals and emergency aids. The US News and World Report places Arkansas's healthcare system at no.47. Rural areas needing urgent medical facilities cannot get them due to the weak economic backbone.
Heart disease and diabetes are more widespread in rural areas, where there is the highest population, approximately 44%. Many patients in dire need of medical treatment will willingly avoid them due to a lack of medical insurance.
Severe Lack of Public Safety
Arkansas is not a completely dangerous state; however, some safety concerns are frequently ignored. The crime rate in this place is shockingly high, which includes theft and violence. The USA FBI statistics claim that there are 550 accidents per 100,000 people. This is not great news for people wanting to experience a laid-back lifestyle.
Living in Arkansas would mean watching your back while going to the market with a wallet full of cash. Due to this crime wave, you must be vigilant and aware of your belongings.
Challenging Job Market
There is a major lack of job opportunities in various fields in Arkansas. As it is a rural area, high-earning jobs like IT may not be available here. Due to this reason, there is a very limited job market, leading to poverty and low-quality infrastructure. Arkansas is a disappointment if you have a quality education and want to explore lucrative opportunities.
The rural market is scarce compared to the huge potential of urban cities like New York and LA. Passionate residents willing to raise income are leaving Arkansas for a successful career. As of now, specialized skills are not appreciated in Arkansas.
Seasonal Allergies
Arkansas has a wide variety of flora, which may be an attraction for some people. However, for people who are prone to allergies, this is not an ideal location. Due to the thick air, which contains weeds and pollen, it is common to develop sensitivity. This can cause runny and itchy noses, red eyes, and constant sneezes during the spring season. This may make it uncomfortable to keep consuming over-the-counter medication if you need a carefree and healthy lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Arkansas has amazing pros and some cons, just like other states. Prioritize what matters most to you and then compare it with your lifestyles and needs. If you decide to move here, make sure to plan everything to make an informed decision. We hope this article helped you to understand if Arkansas is a good place to live.
