Welcome, my friend! If you’re curious about why people are moving to Arkansas—and specifically what makes the Natural State stand out from the rest—you’re in the right place.
I’m Anthony Mosley, a real estate broker here in Northwest Arkansas. For more than 12 years, I’ve helped people nationwide decide whether Arkansas—and especially Northwest Arkansas (NWA)—is the right next place to call home.
People move for thousands of reasons: jobs, retirement, marriage, divorce, escaping harsh weather, seeking more affordability, or simply wanting a new chapter. But the bigger question is this:
Why are so many people choosing Arkansas?
Let’s break down the top 10 reasons.
1. Affordability & Low Cost of Living
If you ask anyone who recently relocated here, affordability is almost always at the top of their list.
- World Population Review ranks Arkansas the 7th most affordable state in the U.S.
- U.S. News & World Report ranked Arkansas the #1 most cost-effective state.
Depending on who you ask, Arkansas always comes in near the top.
A few key highlights:
- Overall, Arkansas is 10–12% more affordable than the U.S. average.
- Housing costs are roughly 20–30% below the national average.
- People from California, Texas, New York, and Florida often move here after seeing home prices and insurance costs in their previous states skyrocket.
Of course, some pockets—like Northwest Arkansas—are higher than the state average. But the dollar-for-value ratio remains one of the best in the country.
2. Smart & Favorable Tax Benefits
No, Arkansas isn’t tax-free—but it is tax-smart.
Here’s what stands out:
- No estate or inheritance tax
- Social Security benefits are untaxed
- $6,000 pension exemption
- Reasonable graduated income tax brackets
- 100% disabled veterans pay no property tax (after applying)
Arkansas rewards long-term financial stewardship and helps retirees and high-equity owners preserve wealth.
3. Job Growth & Economic Opportunity
Arkansas offers diverse economic hubs:
- Little Rock: Finance, health, government
- Jonesboro: Manufacturing and industrial growth
- Northwest Arkansas: Home to Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt, and dozens of Fortune 500 satellite offices
- Companies like Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, and Johnson & Johnson all have NWA presences.
Plus, for entrepreneurs, this is a goldmine:
- Pro-business climate
- Strong support for startups
- Fast-growing population
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported Benton County has one of the highest wage-growth rates in the nation
As a business owner myself, I can personally vouch for the opportunity here.
4. Real Estate Value
Let’s talk numbers.
National median home price:
$410,000 – $435,000 (depending on source)
Average U.S. median:
~$425,000
Arkansas median:
$245,000 – $284,000
However—this varies widely.
For example, in Bentonville (home of Walmart headquarters):
- Median home price: $480,000+
- Over 170 homes this year sold for $1M+
So yes—you can find affordable housing, but in popular markets, prices reflect the demand.
Even so, lifestyle expenses remain lower statewide.
5. Natural Beauty & Outdoor Lifestyle
There’s a reason Arkansas is called The Natural State.
Arkansas offers:
- Four true seasons
- The Buffalo National River—the first national river in the U.S.
- Three national forests
- Five national parks
- 52 state parks
- Endless lakes, rivers, trails, and scenic byways
- One of the best mountain biking regions in the country
Winters are lighter than the northern states, summers are shorter than the Deep South, and fall is absolutely stunning.
6. Culture, Community & Amenities
Arkansas offers a “small-town feel with big-city amenities.”
No, we don’t have:
- Broadway
- Major League sports
- Roller coasters
- Ski resorts
But we do have:
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
- The Momentary
- The River Market & Rep Theater
- Oaklawn Resort in Hot Springs
- A growing culinary scene with James Beard-recognized chefs
- Music festivals, farmers markets, and local artisans
- True southern hospitality
- A strong college-town culture in Fayetteville, Conway & Jonesboro
People often say the friendliness here feels like a breath of fresh air. Even our four-way stops turn into politeness competitions.
7. Central Location & Accessibility
Arkansas sits in the middle-south of the U.S., bordered by six states and close to major metros like:
- Kansas City
- St. Louis
- Memphis
- Dallas
- Springfield
With major corridors like I-49 and I-40, plus quick connections through the NWA Regional Airport (XNA), it’s easy to travel anywhere.
My family loves being able to reach the west coast, east coast, or Mexico with ease. It makes sports travel with my daughter and family trips incredibly convenient.
8. Healthcare Options
While state-level rankings can sometimes paint Arkansas poorly, the region you choose matters.
Solid healthcare options include:
- Mercy (Rogers)
- Washington Regional
- UAMS
- Baptist Health (Little Rock)
- St. Bernard’s (Jonesboro)
- Rural hospitals in Hot Springs Village, Mountain Home & more
And one of the biggest developments:
- The Alice Walton School of Medicine, focusing on integrated and holistic care
Specialists such as Stubbs Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Fayetteville even attract patients nationwide.
9. Perfect for Retirement & Long-Term Living
If you’re approaching retirement—or part of the FIRE movement (Financially Independent, Retire Early)—Arkansas is an extremely attractive option.
Why?
- Low cost of living
- Tax advantages
- High-quality outdoor life
- Strong healthcare access (region-dependent)
- Four seasons
- Slower pace without isolation
Popular retirement communities include:
- Hot Springs Village
- Cherokee Village
- Bella Vista (seven lakes, seven golf courses, top-tier mountain biking)
Retirees consistently tell me they feel like they “get their life back” here.
10. Community, Values & Quality of Life
At the end of the day, many people move to Arkansas for its intangibles:
- Shorter commute times
- More time with family
- Slower pace of life
- Strong sense of community
- Friendly neighbors
- Faith communities
- Revitalized downtowns
- Bentonville
- Rogers
- Russellville
- El Dorado
People come here not just to save money—but to reclaim time, peace, and connection.
Thinking About Moving to Northwest Arkansas?
If you’re considering a move to Arkansas—especially Northwest Arkansas—I’ve created a free Relocation Guide just for you.
You’ll find the link in the comments of the video or can reach out to me directly.
📞 Let’s Connect
Let’s talk about your goals, budget, and timeline so we can make your move a smooth and successful one. Whether you’re headed to Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, or anywhere in Northwest Arkansas, I’m here to help.
Have questions or thinking about making a move to Bentonville or Northwest Arkansas?
Reach out anytime—or watch the full video on my YouTube Channel.
— Anthony Mosley, Real Estate Broker, Bentonville, Arkansas