Living Naturally

You might say that there's pervasive comfort to the state of Arkansas, a place of safety and tranquility, of natural wonders, unparalleled scenery, and an enriching history that will captivate your curiosity. Come visit and feel the comfort.

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Arkansas is referred to as “The Natural State,” a well-earned moniker given its countless National Parks, wilderness areas, national wildlife refuges, protected waters, and over 50 state parks. Plus, almost its entire eastern border is framed by the venerable Mississippi River. Natural indeed! Arkansas is a haven for outdoor recreation and adventure of every sort. The state also boasts a rich cultural community, thanks in part to Walmart heiress Alice Walton, who brought life to the remarkable Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville—open free to the public. Little Rock is the state capital and largest city, while Fayetteville is a charming town and home to the University of Arkansas. Whether your taste runs toward city life or smaller-town living, you'll be amazed at the affordability of Arkansas’s residential offerings, with home prices often running 50% below the national average. Cost

Arkansas

Recreation Opportunities

From the languid cypress swamps of its delta south to the scouring rivers, waterfalls, and towering limestone bluffs in the mountainous north, Arkansas offers every kind of terrain for outdoor recreation. Up north, the 153-mile Buffalo National River is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the continental U.S. and is a haven for white water rafting, trout fishing, or just lazing in one of its secret pools. Along with housing the Crystal Bridges Museum, Bentonville has been self-declared as the “Mountain Bike Capital of the World,” the epicenter of a burgeoning system of premier singletrack trails that crisscross the state. Care to partake in the restorative waters at Hot Springs National Park? Then tour the historic town, which includes grand landmark bathhouses, engaging art deco architecture, as well as a casino and thoroughbred racetrack that is home to the prestigious Arkansas Derby.

Health Care

Owing to the fact that much of Arkansas is rural in nature or conserved land, the number of premier hospital facilities in the state is limited, hence its health care ranking is not particularly high. However, there are top-rated facilities in Little Rock with The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Medical Center. And the Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville is ranked #1 in the state by U.S. News & World Report

Resources

Arkansas is the grateful beneficiary of an ancient sea bed that was pushed up during the Paleozoic Era and created the high plateau that today is the Ozarks or Ozark Mountains, which offer every kind of water recreation, plus hiking, birding, rock climbing, cycling, and cavern explorations. The Ozarks stretch north into Missouri where, just minutes over the Arkansas border, you’ll find Branson, one of the premier entertainment and recreation capitals in the country. And while you’re crossing borders, jump a mile across the Mississippi and take in the riverfront allure of Memphis, home to the Delta blues, the honkey tonks of historic Beale Street, and Sun Records, where Elvis recorded his first songs.

Climate

Like many states, the climate in Arkansas is partially driven by topography, with the mountainous northwest part of the state enjoying cooler summers and the mostly sea level southeast portion appreciating warmer winters. The southeast can get hot and steamy in the summer, with average highs in the low 90s, but spring and fall are delightful. While being a Southern state, Arkansas does flash impressive fall leaf colors.