Are you planning your retirement and wondering where the best place to settle down might be? If you’re considering retirement in Northwest Arkansas, you’re not alone. Whether you’re retiring early in your 40s or 50s or joining the growing number of Americans retiring around age 62–65, this vibrant and affordable region might check all your boxes.
Hi, I’m Anthony Mosley, a licensed real estate broker in Bentonville, Arkansas. I help people just like you discover why so many retirees are choosing Northwest Arkansas as their ideal retirement destination.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 reasons to retire in Northwest Arkansas, based on real feedback from retirees who’ve already made the move.
1. Strong Senior Services and Retirement Programs
If you’re looking for retirement communities in Northwest Arkansas with access to senior support, this region is prepared to serve you now and in the future.
- Fayetteville and Rogers offer full-featured senior activity and wellness centers
- Facilities like Butterfield Trail Village provide progressive care options
- Services like Meals on Wheels, housing assistance, and caregiver support are widely available
2. Walkable Cities and Public Transportation for Retirees
According to the National Council on Aging, 25% of retirees prioritize walkability and public transit. Northwest Arkansas is rising to meet that demand:
- Public transit via Ozark Regional Transit and Bentonville Connect
- Walkable downtowns in Fayetteville and Bentonville
- Long-term transportation plans to expand sidewalks, trails, and rollable access
🌳 The Razorback Greenway, a regional trail system, makes walking, biking, or rolling easy and scenic.
3. Retirement-Friendly Tax Policies in Arkansas
A top concern for retirees is taxes. Fortunately, Arkansas is considered tax-friendly for retirees:
- Social Security income is not taxed
- Up to $6,000 in retirement income deductions
- No estate or inheritance taxes in Arkansas
- Property tax relief options for seniors in Benton and Washington counties
💡 These advantages make Arkansas one of the best low-tax states for retirement.
4. Endless Outdoor Recreation and Culture
Retirees who value staying active love the recreational and cultural options available in NWA:
- Hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, and mountain biking trails
- World-class attractions like Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and The Momentary
- Fishing, camping, and water sports at nearby lakes and state parks
5. Be Close to Family and Loved Ones
Pew Research says 41% of retirees choose locations near family. Northwest Arkansas’s growing job market attracts young professionals—and where they go, grandparents often follow!
- Home to major employers: Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt
- Easy access to family with XNA National Airport offering direct flights to Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, and more
👨👩👧 Whether you’re following children or grandchildren, NWA is a place where families reconnect.
6. Right-Sized, Affordable Housing Options
Many retirees aren’t just downsizing—they’re “right-sizing” into homes that better suit their next phase of life.
- Median home price: ~$350,000 (vs. $420,000 nationally)
- Popular choices: single-level homes, homes with main-floor primary suites, or properties with guest space
- Equity from previous homes can be reinvested into travel, hobbies, or new ventures
🏡 Looking for retirement homes in Bentonville or Bella Vista? I can help you find the perfect fit.
7. Mild Four-Season Climate
According to Bankrate, 43% of retirees consider climate an important factor. Northwest Arkansas offers all four seasons without the extreme highs and lows:
- ~9 inches of average annual snowfall
- ~55 inches of rainfall supports lush greenery and lakes
- Hot summers in July/August, but brief cold spells in winter
- Beautiful spring blooms and fall foliage
🌤️ Ideal for those searching “best climate for retirees in the South” or “four-season retirement locations.”
8. Safe and Low-Crime Communities
Safety is a top priority for retirees—48% say low crime rates are essential. In Northwest Arkansas:
- Cities like Bella Vista, Centerton, and Farmington consistently rank as safe areas
- Use tools like CrimeGrade.org to explore local stats by ZIP code
- Bentonville has neighborhood watch programs and proactive community policing
🛡️ If you value peace of mind, you’ll find plenty of safe retirement communities in NWA.
9. Quality Healthcare and Wellness Access
Health becomes even more essential in retirement, and Northwest Arkansas is home to top healthcare facilities, including:
- Washington Regional Medical Center
- Mercy Health System
- Highlands Oncology Group
- VA Hospital in Fayetteville and Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Springdale
- The new Whole Health Institute in Bentonville promotes holistic wellness
🩺 An ideal match for searches like “healthcare access for retirees in Arkansas.”
10. Affordable Cost of Living
And finally, the #1 concern for most retirees: cost of living. According to AARP, 65% of adults over 50 say it’s the deciding factor.
- Overall cost of living in NWA: ~4% below national average
- Housing costs: ~22% below national average
- Arkansas is one of the most affordable states to retire
💰 Whether you’re drawing from Social Security, a pension, or investment income—your dollar goes further here.
Ready to Retire in Northwest Arkansas?
If you’ve been searching for the best places to retire in Arkansas, chances are Northwest Arkansas checks all your boxes—affordability, healthcare, recreation, safety, and community.
📞 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