Posted in Arkansas
August 08, 2015
You’ll Feel Safe Living In These 13 Arkansas Towns
Arkansas has had its share of towns that have made headlines because of their dangerous qualities, but that shouldn’t let potential Natural State residents shy away from looking at properties here or moving to our beloved state. These towns have been listed as the safest in Arkansas, and the quality of education and overall living in general is factored in when looking at these wonderful places to raise your family or spend the rest of your days relaxing.
One of the fastest-growing Arkansas cities (the population is over 56,000), Rogers rivals Bentonville as one of the nicest places to live in northwest Arkansas. The Rogers School District continues to perform well and is one of the state's bragging points, earning a 7 out of 10 score on GreatSchool's city rankings.
Known for its excellent network of local volunteer services, Magnolia (located in the southern part of the state with a population under 12,000 residents) also places education in high esteem, being the home of Southern Arkansas University.
The city of Bentonville, Arkansas was founded in 1837 with a population of only 30 and incorporated in 1873 with a population of 500. Today, Bentonville is home to about 34,000 residents and remains a safe and welcoming environment for tourists looking to see the Walmart Museum or visit the Crystal Bridges Museum.
Located in Union County in the southern central portion of the state, El Dorado's population is close to 19,000 residents, making it one of the larger towns in this part of Arkansas. A highly education focused town, El Dorado is a good place to bring up the kids with more than 400 teachers and administrators working to meet the needs of all students. Over 50 percent of El Dorado's teachers and administrators hold advanced degrees.
Located in Washington County with a population of less than 4,500, Prairie Grove has a small town vibe that attracts families yet isn't far from the big-town amenities that are popping up all over northwest Arkansas.
With a population of approximately 16,000, Siloam Springs still maintains its quirky small town charm with a diverse number of shops and restaurants for tourists and locals to safely enjoy. As for education, the town is home to John Brown University and the Siloam Springs School District has earned overall high marks (7 out of 10) on the GreatSchools ranking system.
Widely known as a tourist town, the small population of Eureka Springs (approximately 2,100 residents) is a friendly populace as well. Arkansas residents with an open mind and small-town spirit will feel very comfortable in this picturesque Victorian town.
Mena, located in the western part of the state in Polk County, has a population under 6,000 residents and is home to picturesque fall colors, outdoor destinations that attract tourists from all over, antique shops, and a friendly hometown feeling.
Situated in the heart of the Ozark Mountains in Boone County, Harrison is known as a as a lodging, dining and entertainment center for visitors to the Buffalo National River. Residents of Harrison are very genial and welcoming to tourists and new residents.
Located in Baxter County, the small town of Cotter only has a population of little over a thousand residents. Despite its small town status and comfortable north-central Arkansas location, Cotter is still strongly connected to travel as it's located near two separate commercial airports, Ozark Regional Airport and Flippin Municipal Airport. Students attend Cotter School District, including Cotter High School and Amanda Gist Elementary School.
One of the Natural State's smallest yet most culturally important towns, Jasper still has a population under 500, leaving all of the big town worries out of sight and out of mind. Get to know all of your new neighbors at the historic Ozark Cafe!
Located in Baxter County, not much is heard about Norfork and the residents (population under 600) like it just fine that way! One of the oldest settlements in northern Arkansas, Norfork is small yet big on education. Norfork High School was nationally recognized as a Silver Medalist and ranked No. 18 in Arkansas and No. 1,863 in the nation in the Best High Schools Report 2012 developed by U.S. News & World Report.
Fairfield Bay remains one of Arkansas's gems and a hot spot for retirees looking for a less costly location to spend their leisure days. Also known as a resort town, Fairfield Bay is great for families to get out and enjoy Arkansas without worries!
Do you feel secure in your neighborhood, Arkansas residents? I’m out near the Pulaski/Saline county line in southwest Little Rock, and I admit, I’d much prefer residence in Eureka Springs or Rogers with the amount of criminal incidents occurring in my area. Sound off in the comments and tell us which towns we left off our list that you would like to see featured.
