More and more people are packing up and heading to Arkansas—and it’s not just retirees or remote workers. From affordability to natural beauty, the state has become one of the best-kept secrets in the U.S. Here are 10 compelling reasons why people are choosing Arkansas as their new home in 2025.
1. 📍 Central Location With Easy Access to Major Cities
Arkansas is perfectly positioned in the Middle South, bordered by states like Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Whether you have family across the U.S. or want an easy drive to places like Dallas, Kansas City, or Tulsa, Arkansas makes travel simple.
This strategic location is one of the biggest reasons people—especially from Texas, California, and Oklahoma—are relocating here.
2. ⛽ Affordable Gas Prices Compared to Other States
Gas prices in Arkansas are consistently among the lowest in the country. According to AAA, the state ranks #43 for average gas costs, making it a budget-friendly option for commuters and road trippers alike.
Even premium and diesel fuel costs less than regular gas in some other states.
3. 🚗 Low Traffic and Short Commute Times
Arkansas ranks as the 7th best state for traffic and commute times, with an average of just 21.6 minutes per trip. Whether you’re heading to work or running errands, you’ll spend less time in traffic and more time living.
Even in growing areas like Northwest Arkansas, you’ll still find traffic manageable compared to major cities.
4. 💼 Strong Job Growth and Career Opportunities
Arkansas has a booming job market, especially in Northwest Arkansas, home to Fortune 500 giants like:
- Walmart (Bentonville)
- Tyson Foods (Springdale)
- JB Hunt Transport (Lowell)
Beyond corporate jobs, there are tons of opportunities in entrepreneurship, small business, and support services. U.S. News ranked Arkansas #18 for job growth.
5. 🏡 Popular Retirement and Active Adult Communities
Retirees are loving Arkansas for its active lifestyle options and low cost of living. Two standout areas include:
- Hot Springs Village (west of Little Rock)
- Bella Vista (in Northwest Arkansas)
Both offer hiking, lakes, golfing, and community amenities, making Arkansas one of the top states to retire in the U.S.
6. 🌳 Incredible Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation
They don’t call it The Natural State for nothing. Arkansas offers:
- 3 National Forests
- 5 National Parks
- 52 State Parks
- The country’s first national river (Buffalo River)
From hiking and biking to kayaking and camping, Arkansas is a dream for outdoor lovers.
7. 🌤️ Comfortable Climate With Four Seasons
Want a state with all four seasons—without the harsh extremes? Arkansas offers a temperate climate with:
- Mild winters
- Hot, humid summers
- Vibrant spring and fall
- ~50 inches of rain and 4–6 inches of snow annually
Yes, Arkansas does get tornadoes, but residents are well-prepared with alerts and community readiness programs.
8. 💰 Favorable Tax Benefits for Residents
Taxes in Arkansas are middle of the road overall (ranked #22 by WalletHub), but here’s where it shines:
- #5 best for sales and excise tax
- #3 best for personal property tax
If you’re retiring or adjusting your income, Arkansas could be a smart move tax-wise, depending on your personal financial situation.
9. 🏘️ Affordable Real Estate (With Some Regional Variation)
According to World Population Review, Arkansas has the 3rd lowest median home price in the U.S. But keep this in mind:
- Northwest Arkansas (like Bentonville) is much pricier than the rest of the state.
- Areas around Little Rock are more budget-friendly.
No matter your price range, there are plenty of options for both first-time buyers and retirees.
10. 💸 Overall Low Cost of Living
When you factor in housing, food, transportation, taxes, and healthcare, Arkansas ranks #2 in the country for overall affordability (just behind Mississippi).
While Northwest Arkansas may be a little more expensive than other parts of the state, the cost of living is still far below the national average.
Final Thoughts: Is Arkansas Right for You?
From its growing job market to its stunning natural landscapes and low cost of living, it’s easy to see why people are moving to Arkansas in record numbers. Whether you’re planning to retire, work remotely, or start fresh, there’s a place for you in The Natural State.
If you’re curious about what life is really like in Northwest Arkansas, check out more of my videos or reach out with your questions—I’m always happy to share local insights.
📞 Let’s Connect
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