Most of the fastest-growing jobs are in the healthcare industry, which further limits some of the opportunities. Home States & Countries Living In Arkansas: 25 Pros and Cons (You Must know). Country cooking can be a positive attribute to consider when moving to Arkansas. But if you want to do something out of the ordinary or something super fun you might have to travel a little. Sports in Arkansas, especially team sports like American Football and Baseball draw huge support within the state. Arkansas has always been a state that focuses on its rural culture and roots. 7. The cost of living in Fort Smith might surprise you. Violent crime is somewhat common in Arkansas, and it is a trend that is continuing to climb. 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. The music, apothecaries, markets and art are very diverse. Very affordable. Whether you are an artist or a consumer, you will find exactly what you are looking for in Fort Smith, Arkansas. F Fort Smith Crime Total crime is 105% higher than Arkansas. Natural gas, oil, crushed stone, bromine, and vanadium is commercially mined in Arkansas. With Sanelos years of experience providing moving services to both local and international travellers, you know you are in great hands. Larry Wesley Pearce. 178 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. It also boasts a low cost of living, competitive property prices, mild weather, and a wide range of retirement communities. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. Please. The current unemployment rate in the United States sits at 6%, but in Fort Smith, it hovers around 4.6%. Answer (1 of 5): This is a big question. It might not be a coastal state, but locals take full advantage of all of the water that is at their disposal. The schools are terrible. You can go camping, swimming, cycling, or dig for diamonds. Home prices arent what they used to be. Fort Smith leans more into suburban life, making it one of the best places to live in Arkansas. According to a national scientific poll, Fort Smith, Arkansas, is one of the United States unhappiest communities. Fort Smith. Fort Smith, AR 72903. 6. Happiness rating is 52 out of 100 52 Yes, the quality of life in Fort Smith is quite good. And a rainbow. Fort Smith, Arkansas. Answer (1 of 4): It sucks, this town is full of people that want to be the police and the police are running a muck causing problems. If you already have a little cash stashed away, then you can enjoy a high quality of life here. Sponsored Mortgage Options for Fort Smith. If youre used to northern cities that wear a lot of layers, the hot climate might need some getting used to. 1. During the last twelve months, the appreciation rate for Fort Smith homes comes in at 3.3%, and the 5 year appreciation rates were 3.3%. Suppose youre concerned about keeping your home, your household, and yourself safe. The national average for housing cost in the US is around 290,000 USD, while it is only 130,000 USD in Fort Smith. Small town charm or bigger city vibe. Manners are a way of life when living in Arkansas. So is Baseball. The city can be found on the ArkansasOklahoma border, so you can expect a little intermingling of the five counties that make up the particular area. Drive north to Branson, if country music is your thing. Or do you still want to be close to the downtown where the nightlife is alive? The folk music of the Ozark has left a deep impact on the genre, leading to the formation of Rockabilly and Bluegrass. 10. Moving is a stressful and often confusing thing to go through. Youre also very close to several big cities if you need to take a break from the state for a little bit. I am a current high school resident in Fort Smith Arkansas. 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. 4. There are events on a regular basis, lots of options for eating, and many activities for adults and children. 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. , and youll understand why retirees often choose Arkansas. Until a few years ago, the mascot & theme for Southside was The Rebels., & the girls drill team is the Dixie Belles. Overall just an average experience. 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. Even driving to Tulsa gives you better shopping; heading to Little Rock is a big disappointment, except for the Clinton Presidential Museum. Hot Springs. Since almost everyone born here stays here, the two high schools sports teams are a defining culture for the entire town. If youre considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. If youre thinking about a move in the future, then there are several pros and cons of living in Arkansas that are worth considering. 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. Learn about the pros and cons of independent living. 11. To-do list of what to pack, what to give away, and what to sell, Documents such as Passport & Visa(for those coming outside the US), Work Permit, IDs, Copyright 2023 Sanelo. The housing costs are highly impressive here - $1, 37,000, which is much lower than the national median cost of $231,200. Not a fan of sitting in traffic? See All 10 Private Schools Near Fort Smith, Selecting a category below will take you to another page. Also, a few disadvantages when considering "The Natural State". When this happens, a part-time job could help. The project started in 2015 and has become a great attraction for the city, ranging from abstract to urban graffiti. When determining what cities are good for your personality, life situation, and personal preferences, there are many factors to consider including climate, cost of living, community, job opportunities, population makeup, activities, and things to do. The cost of living is good, but there is very little to do. Since 2014, there have been issues of Chikungunya reported because of the Aedes mosquito in the state. You can go to local Native American casinos, where seemingly EVERYONE smokes. (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 Arkansas offers a below-average educational system for families. Fort Smith is a melting pot and that is something special. The poverty rate is quite high, with one out of every 5.5 residents not meeting income standards. Seniorly can help you understand common terms for this type of . I have been living in Fort Smith my whole life, which isn't very long, but long enough for me to know that it is an okay city with minimum opportunities. Youll also find that healthcare costs and transportation needs tend to be a little cheaper as well. Through the middle of the town, there is a road that divides the rich from the poor. Cash Assistance and Social Services. Poor quality of education. Additionally, Arkansass residents are some of the unhappiest in the United States. The governor of the state and the city of Little Rock decided to close their high schools instead of eliminating segregation. The roads are incredibly damaged in areas, but there is access to I-540 easily. You can mine your own diamonds in Arkansas. Based on the proximity of local amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, librairies, etc., Fort Smith has received a higher than average score for its local amenities. Cost of Living North America United States Fort Smith . Risk of severe weather. The Arkansas Department of Transportation oversees one of the most extensive networks of roads and highways in the United States. 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. The University of Arkansas Medical Sciences is frequently ranked as one of the best facilities in the country. On the Southside, you have the majority White side of town. Dont Leave Things To Chance, Prepare A Moving List, Conclusion On Moving To Fort Smith, Arkansas, Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Fort Smith, Arkansas. Because of this, Arkansas residents search for the best-rated hospitals in their area before seeking treatment. Many of the factors that play into this ranking include poverty, healthcare access, and mental wellbeing. Despite the seemingly small scale, Fort Smith can still provide the amenities needed for modern life. You can usually avoid chain stores and restaurants in the state. Everything is cheaper here, from your bag of groceries to your electric bill. Furthermore, the residential property tax rate in this area is 1.40 %. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 10 Reasons Why You Should Never, Ever Move To Arkansas. Arkansas has effectively modernized itself with a diversified and robust economy. Downtown areas throughout Arkansas are filled with mom-and-pop shops that offer everyone a chance to support the local economy. Fort Smith crime rates are 105% higher than the Arkansas average. Though Arkansas doesnt always come to mind when you imagine beautiful scenery and jaw-dropping natural wonders, it probably should! Fort Collins' cost of living is 118.3 compared to the national average of 100. Rental Size. With a low cost of living, high ratings in education, and low housing prices, Fort Smith is one of the best places to live in the state. Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. Housing costs will be your biggest saver, as groceries, utilities, and medical care services will cost the same as national averages. Morada Fort Smith is an Independent Living community located at 8420 Phoenix Avenue in Fort Smith, AR. Because of this, Arkansas residents search for the best-rated hospitals in their area before seeking treatment. Fort Smith is a town in Arkansas with a population of 89,116. With an average one way commute time of 16 minutes, getting to work is faster than the national average of 26 minutes. The name of the state comes from the Osage language, representing a diverse geography and group of people that stretch from the Ozarks to the Ouachita Mountains. 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. Arkansas offers plenty of planned retirement communities, but quite a few organic ones have cropped up along the way. Most people choose to retire in specific countries because they wish to reduce their cost of living and, at the same time, maintain a high quality of life. In some areas, sales tax rates are as high as 10%. Of course, the weather also plays a large role in retirement decisions. First, look at a map of Arkansas. President Eisenhower famously sent 1,000 active-duty troops from the 101st Airborne Division to escort minority students as they entered school in 1957 as integration took place. States that feature a low cost of living tend to be a little easier on retirees bank accounts. 100 National cost of living index. And let's face it - not everyone is cut out to live here. On the Northside, you have a majority of minorities with Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians. Baldor Electric Company, ArcBest Corporation, and OK Foods are also major employers in the Manufacturing, Processing, and Logistics industries. Look Up The Pros And Cons of Fort Smith To Know Youre Making The Right Decision, 2. Youll also want to use common sense when traveling to ensure that you can remain safe. But the housing is the cheapest of all, with an astoundingly low index of 64. The housing market in Indiana. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. If youre considering relocating to Fort Smith, Arkansas, this is your sign! The minimum wage is above the national standard, but it is much lower than what youll find in other places across the United States. Arkansas also has several cave sites which had been largely used by the indigenous native population as rock-shelters, hunting, and tool-making sites. Fort smith isnt bad. Housing is highly affordable here. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Fort Smith are affordable. Places with the Best Public Schools in Arkansas. I also like all of options we have in our town to eat out at and to shop at. This video highlights the BEST and WORST parts of living in Fort Myers, Florida. As such, folks living in this state generally wont need to spend as much money as those living in California, Hawaii, or New York. One of the leading reasons for high cardiovascular ailment and related deaths other than smoking is the problem of obesity. Find a loan that's right for you. You may want to have a plan for private schooling if you are moving here with your family. Instead of seeing boring grey cement walls, the huge art pieces make for great photos and backgrounds for any selfie. 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. We lived there 5 years before people seemed to accept us at our church. Arkansas is well connected by roads, air, rails, and water. Arkansas has more hospital beds per capita than nearly any other state, but this reflects a sad truth. Living in Fort Smith offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Great college football. Additionally, Arkansas has one of the lowest overall resident happiness ratings of any state. Much of the state is rural with poverty a significant issue. View Full Report Card. Arkansas is the ideal destination for family trips, adventures, and to have a hearty life post-retirement. 1. Some of the best healthcare facilities in the United States are located in Arkansas. The road transport network is extensive and Arkansas has the 13th largest state highway system in the United States. 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. Bordered by states such as Texas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Oklahoma; Arkansas is cradled by diverse and serene geography. Compare this to New Jerseys 2.2% property tax, and youll understand why retirees often choose Arkansas. Fayetteville says that it is illegal to kill any living creature, so enjoy trying to trap the mosquitoes in a catch-and-release restaurant. The agricultural sector comprises of poultry and eggs, soybeans, sorghum, cattle, cotton, rice, hogs, and milk. In the 1960s, the average home might have. Based on the housing stock, population density, and the proximity of amenities of the area. In Fort Smith there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Its also a bit disappointing the inequality I see at the different schools in Fort Smith. The average crime rate in Arkansas is higher than the U.S. median. The best way to remedy that is to taste the local cuisine, as there is no better way to know a city than to taste the flavours that feed its people. 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. However, Arkansas also has high crime rates, fewer healthcare facilities than other states, and sparse job opportunities for seniors. That means your risk of becoming a victim in an incident is about 1 in 180. What makes Arkansas unique is that there are law enforcement institutions that will enforce the penalties on some of the unusual legislative items that are on the books. Political interference in the classroom also creates a unique set of disadvantages for families to manage. It is also listed as a Level 1 Trauma Care Center. It's diverse and affordable. The whole area is part of Hot Springs National Park and is the most touristy place in the state. 1. There are some locals who will joke that the mosquitoes in Arkansas are so large that the state should make them the official bird. Exact pricing depends on care needs and floor plans, and . Theres the Museum of History if youd like to know more about the citys history. 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. Sadly, property crimes are somewhat common here. 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