Are you planning to move to Northwest Arkansas but want a peaceful community with big-city access? This guide breaks down four of the best small towns in NWA—Bella Vista, Centerton, Siloam Springs, and Pea Ridge—to help you choose the right fit.
Whether you’re downsizing, relocating with kids, or just looking for more elbow room, you’ll find a town here that checks your boxes.
📊 Small Town Population Comparison
According to ArkansasDemographics.com, the population of major NWA cities includes:
- Fayetteville: 100,000
- Springdale: 88,000
- Rogers: 74,000
- Bentonville: 59,000
Smaller towns:
- Bella Vista
- Centerton
- Siloam Springs
- Pea Ridge
Each of these offers a slower pace of life while staying connected to NWA’s urban core.
🔐 Safety Rankings by Town
Safety is often one of the top relocation concerns. Using data from CrimeGrade.org, NeighborhoodScout, and Watchdog.com, here’s how the towns compare:
| Town | Safety Percentile |
|---|---|
| Bella Vista | 67–93rd |
| Centerton | 62–70th |
| Pea Ridge | 32nd |
| Siloam Springs | 11–14th |
Tip: Compare your current city to any of these using those same sites to gauge your comfort level.
🎓 School District Rankings
Even if you’re not raising kids, school quality affects resale value and community perception.
| School District | Niche.com Ranking (of 262) |
|---|---|
| Bentonville (Centerton, parts of Bella Vista) | #2 |
| Gravette (part of Bella Vista) | #42 |
| Siloam Springs | #69 |
| Pea Ridge | #100 |
👉 Pro Tip: Evaluate student-to-teacher ratios, program variety, and extracurriculars—especially if sports or the arts matter to your family.
🌿 Amenities Comparison
Farmers Markets
All four cities have local farmers markets, offering fresh produce and community engagement.
Lakes
- Bella Vista: 7 lakes (Avalon, Windsor, Norwood, etc.)
- Centerton: Lake Centerton (large pond)
- Siloam Springs: Siloam Springs Lake
- Pea Ridge: None in-town, but near Beaver Lake
Golf Courses
- Bella Vista: 108 holes across multiple golf courses
- Siloam Springs & Pea Ridge: One course each
- Centerton: None
Movie Theaters
- Siloam Springs: Yes – Siloam Springs 6
- Others: No (nearest options in Bentonville/Rogers)
Walmart Access
- Bella Vista: No Walmart (closest in Jane, MO or Bentonville)
- Centerton: Neighborhood Walmart, Supercenter coming soon
- Siloam Springs: Supercenter + Neighborhood Walmart
- Pea Ridge: Neighborhood Walmart; Supercenter planned
Mountain Biking Trails
- Bella Vista: Top choice – Back 40, Little Sugar, Blowing Springs
- Centerton: No trails, but close to Coler Preserve
- Siloam Springs: ~3 miles of trails near lake
- Pea Ridge: Limited green trails; near Hand Cut Hollow and Back 40
💰 Real Estate Comparison (2025)
Average Home Prices
| Town | Avg. Sale Price |
|---|---|
| Bella Vista | $410,665 |
| Centerton | $498,335 |
| Siloam Springs | $312,459 |
| Pea Ridge | $383,782 |
Price per Square Foot
| Town | Price/Sq. Ft |
|---|---|
| Bella Vista | $213 |
| Centerton | $213 |
| Siloam Springs | $174 |
| Pea Ridge | $222 |
📌 Smaller towns don’t always mean cheaper housing—Cave Springs, for example, averages over $648,000 per home!
🏗️ New Construction Activity
| Town | % New Construction |
|---|---|
| Bella Vista | 33% |
| Centerton | 41% |
| Siloam Springs | 50% |
| Pea Ridge | 62% |
New development = growth. If you’re after modern homes, Pea Ridge is especially active.
🏡 Lot Sizes
| Town | Avg. Lot Size (Acres) |
|---|---|
| Bella Vista | 0.42 |
| Centerton | 0.27 |
| Siloam Springs | 0.79 |
| Pea Ridge | 0.47 |
| Bentonville* | 0.55 |
If space is your goal, Siloam Springs offers the largest average lots.
🧭 Which Small Town in NWA Is Right for You?
| Category | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Amenities | Bella Vista |
| Affordability | Siloam Springs |
| Safety | Bella Vista |
| Best Schools | Centerton |
| Space to Spread Out | Siloam Springs |
| New Development | Pea Ridge |
🌟 Final Thoughts
Most of my clients end up choosing Bella Vista for its scenic beauty, wide range of amenities, and unique feel. But every town on this list offers something different—whether it’s affordability, school quality, or room to grow.
👉 Thinking about moving to Northwest Arkansas?
Feel free to reach out or explore more resources here on the blog. I’m happy to help you make the right move—literally.
📲 Ready to Explore Bentonville?
Whether you’re still dreaming or ready to pack boxes, I’m here to help.
I’m Anthony Mosley, your local guide to all things Bentonville real estate and relocation in Northwest Arkansas.
👉 Contact me today for a free consultation or home search:
📧 anthony@ignwa.com
📞 479 319-7229
🌐 anthonymosleyrealestate.com
📞 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 for visuals and charts on my YouTube Channel.
— Anthony Mosley, Real Estate Broker, Bentonville, Arkansas