Every day, I meet people who swear they would never move to Arkansas.
Some of their reasons are absolutely valid… and others? Not so much.

In today’s post, we’re breaking down the top 10 reasons people choose to stay away from Arkansas — and the truth behind each one, especially if you’re considering moving to Northwest Arkansas (NWA).

But first, if we haven’t met:
I’m Anthony Mosley, a real estate broker in Benton County here in the northwest corner of the Natural State. I help people just like you sort through the facts to decide whether Arkansas — and especially Northwest Arkansas — is the right place to call home.

Let’s get into it.

1. Arkansas Ranks Low on Many National Lists

Name: Anthony Mosley
Address: 1202 NE McClain Road, Bldg 7, Bentonville, AR, 72712
Telephone: (479) 319-7229

It’s true:
Sources like U.S. News, WalletHub, and Business Insider often rank Arkansas poorly in categories such as:

Crime
Education
Healthcare
Opportunity

While Arkansas ranks high in affordability, statewide averages often paint an overly broad picture.

But here’s the real story: Arkansas varies massively by region.

Looking only at statewide data is like judging California solely by Fresno — or Texas solely by Amarillo.

Example: Education

U.S. News may rank Arkansas low overall, but Northwest Arkansas (Benton County & Washington County) has:

Some of the top school districts in the state
Several schools that rank nationally
Highly funded campuses supported by regional economic growth

If you’re moving to Arkansas, you’re not choosing a whole state — you’re choosing a specific community, and NWA is a different world from rural farm towns.

2. Arkansas Has High Crime Rates — But Not Everywhere

Arkansas often ranks in the top 5 highest-crime states, which scares people away fast.

But the nuance matters:

Crime in Arkansas is highly localized.

Check sites like:

CrimeGrade.org
Watchdog.com
SafeWise.com

According to SafeWise, 5 of the 10 safest cities in Arkansas are in Northwest Arkansas, including:

Cave Springs
Bella Vista
Gentry
Centerton
Farmington

Cities like Bentonville, Rogers, and Bella Vista consistently rank among the safest in the state.

Again — regional differences matter.

3. Arkansas Ranks Low in Healthcare… Except in NWA

Statewide, Arkansas struggles with:

Limited rural healthcare
Fewer specialists
Lower ranking hospitals

But Northwest Arkansas is a major exception.

NWA has world-class care, including:

Mercy Hospital
Washington Regional Medical Center
Continuing expansion funded by the Walton/Walmart Family Foundation

Many newcomers are surprised by the number of:

Specialists
Children’s care options
Modern facilities

And for specialized pediatric care, many families choose Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, one of the best in the region.

4. Wages Are Lower — But So Is the Cost of Living

Yes, Arkansas’s average wages rank below the national average.

But this doesn’t consider the cost of living, which is among the lowest in the country.

Many people don’t realize:

You DON’T need a six-figure salary to live comfortably here.
In fact, going just one town outside Bentonville can dramatically drop housing costs.

And Northwest Arkansas has a booming economy led by:

Walmart (global headquarters)
Tyson Foods
JB Hunt

Plus, dozens of supplier companies and thousands of supporting jobs in:

Construction
Tech
Healthcare
Education
Trades

NWA now has one of the highest concentrations of six-figure corporate roles in the South — and rapid population growth is fueling even more opportunity.

5. “The Schools in Arkansas Are Terrible”

As a statewide generalization, many would agree.
But you’re not sending your kids to every school in Arkansas — just one district.

And there are huge differences across the state.

Tools to Research Schools:

Niche.com
SchoolDigger.com
GreatSchools.org

NWA districts like:

Bentonville
Fayetteville
Rogers
Springdale

are among the best in the state — and many score well nationally.

Even within these districts, individual campuses vary, which is why local guidance matters when relocating.

6. “Arkansas Is Too Conservative Politically”

Arkansas is a red state, no doubt.

But here’s what most newcomers don’t realize:

Northwest Arkansas has a large population of transplants
Major employers hire people from all over the country and world
You’ll find a broad mix of cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds

If you want a more moderate or diverse area, Northwest Arkansas and parts of Little Rock offer exactly that.

7. “There’s Nothing To Do in Arkansas”

If you’re expecting Broadway, theme parks, and big-city nightlife… Arkansas may not be for you.

But if you love the outdoors?
You’ll think you hit the jackpot.

In NWA alone, you’ll find:

World-class mountain biking
Fishing, hunting, camping
Boating & water sports
e-Foiling
Over 200+ miles of paved and natural trails
Crystal Bridges Museum
The Momentary
A rapidly growing food scene
Live concerts and festivals
Family-friendly events nearly every weekend

It’s not New York City — but for many people, that’s exactly the point.

8. Weather: Humidity, Heat, Storms, and Bugs

Arkansas weather is an adventure:

Hot, humid summers
A few tornadoes each year
Occasional ice storms
Quick weather swings (75° one day, snow the next)
Snakes, spiders, ticks — normal for a wooded, outdoor state
Termites (very common, but easily managed with yearly policies)

But unlike northern states, Arkansas does get all four seasons, including beautiful fall foliage.

9. Infrastructure Can Be Behind — Especially in Rural Areas

This is true in parts of Arkansas.

Some areas have:

No fiber internet
Septic vs. city sewer
Propane instead of natural gas
Slower road development
Fewer direct-flight options at XNA (connecting flights through DFW/ATL/ORD)

But in fast-growing areas like Northwest Arkansas, development is constant.
New roads, bike lanes, stores, hospitals, and neighborhoods are announced every year.

10. Lack of Cultural Diversity (Historically)

Arkansas traditionally hasn’t been known for diversity.

But that’s changing rapidly.

Northwest Arkansas especially now attracts people from:

California
Texas
New York
India
Europe
South America

With this growth comes:

International restaurants
Cultural festivals
Diverse neighborhoods
New perspectives

The region is becoming increasingly global — and it shows.

**Final Thoughts: Should You Move to Arkansas?**

My goal is to give you clear, honest information so you can decide what’s best for your life and family.

Arkansas — and especially Northwest Arkansas — isn’t perfect.
But it offers:

Strong job opportunities
Affordable living
Beautiful nature
Growing culture
Safe, welcoming communities
A more relaxed lifestyle

If you’d like to explore whether NWA is right for you, request my Northwest Arkansas Relocation Guide — and consider that our first step in working together.

📞 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

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Last updated: 2/23/2026

Top 10 Reasons People Avoid Moving to Arkansas — And What You Really Need to Know

Top 10 Reasons People Avoid Moving to Arkansas — And What You Really Need to Know

1. Arkansas Ranks Low on Many National Lists

But here’s the real story: Arkansas varies massively by region.

Example: Education

2. Arkansas Has High Crime Rates — But Not Everywhere

But the nuance matters:

3. Arkansas Ranks Low in Healthcare… Except in NWA

But Northwest Arkansas is a major exception.

4. Wages Are Lower — But So Is the Cost of Living

Many people don’t realize:

5. “The Schools in Arkansas Are Terrible”

Tools to Research Schools:

6. “Arkansas Is Too Conservative Politically”

7. “There’s Nothing To Do in Arkansas”

8. Weather: Humidity, Heat, Storms, and Bugs

9. Infrastructure Can Be Behind — Especially in Rural Areas

10. Lack of Cultural Diversity (Historically)

**Final Thoughts: Should You Move to Arkansas?**

Top 10 Reasons People Avoid Moving to Arkansas — And What You Really Need to Know

Top 10 Reasons People Avoid Moving to Arkansas — And What You Really Need to Know

1. Arkansas Ranks Low on Many National Lists

But here’s the real story: Arkansas varies massively by region.

Example: Education

2. Arkansas Has High Crime Rates — But Not Everywhere

But the nuance matters:

3. Arkansas Ranks Low in Healthcare… Except in NWA

But Northwest Arkansas is a major exception.

4. Wages Are Lower — But So Is the Cost of Living

Many people don’t realize:

5. “The Schools in Arkansas Are Terrible”

Tools to Research Schools:

6. “Arkansas Is Too Conservative Politically”

7. “There’s Nothing To Do in Arkansas”

8. Weather: Humidity, Heat, Storms, and Bugs

9. Infrastructure Can Be Behind — Especially in Rural Areas

10. Lack of Cultural Diversity (Historically)

Final Thoughts: Should You Move to Arkansas?

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**Final Thoughts: Should You Move to Arkansas?**