Arkansas Relocation Guide

 
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New to the area? Armstrong Bank welcomes you!

You might just be looking to learn more about Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley, and if so, you’ve come to the right place. Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley are growing metro areas with unemployment rates lower than the national average. We are proud to serve this area that boasts endless natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and lots of entertainment and cultural options. If you’re a recent transplant to Northwest Arkansas or the Fort Smith area or are contemplating a move here, this guide will help you get oriented. Of course, our friendly and knowledgeable bankers are always happy to help you open a new bank account and answer your questions about getting settled in and making our community your community.  

 

Cost of Living

With four locations in Fort Smith, AR, and one branch in Springdale, AR, Armstrong Bank has strong roots in both Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. Here’s what you need to know about the cost of living in the towns where we have locations:

Fort Smith

This mid-sized city has an affordable median home price of $110,300 and an overall cost of living that is about 24 percent lower than the national average. The unemployment rate is also slightly lower than the national average, an indication of a strong local economy.

Springdale

This small city and college town is part of the growing Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metro area in Northwest Arkansas. Both the cost of living and the unemployment rate are lower than the national average, suggesting that Springdale is an affordable place to live with a healthy job market. The median home price is $168,500.

Other notable towns in the area include:

  • Huntsville: The cost of living is 14 percent lower than the national average. The median home price is $142,900.
  • Rogers: The cost of living is about 12 percent lower than the U.S. average. The median home price is $182,100.
  • Fayetteville: The cost of living is about 7 percent lower than the national average. The median home price is $220,500.
  • Bentonville: Compared to the average cost of living for the whole country, Bentonville’s is about 5 percent lower. The median home price is $235,000.
 
 

Education in Northwest Arkansas and River Valley

Public School Districts

Private Schools

There are a variety of private education options for grades Pre-K through High School. Choose from religious schools from a variety of denominations to independent schools like Montessori. Browse private schools in Fort Smith, AR, and Springdale, AR through Great!Schools.org.

Higher Education

College students in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley have plenty of options when it comes to 2-year and 4-year programs, both private and public, including: 

  • Northwest Arkansas Community College
  • University of Arkansas - Main Campus, Fayetteville
  • John Brown University
  • Ecclesia College
  • North Arkansas College
  • Ozarka College
  • Arkansas Northeastern College
  • Arkansas State University
  • University of Arkansas – Fort Smith

 

Parks and Recreation

When you live in Northwest Arkansas or the River Valley, you have the natural beauty of Arkansas in your backyard. Wine lovers can tour vineyards in Arkansas’s wine country. Outdoor recreation enthusiasts and nature lovers can visit a variety of protected sites in the area, including:

  • Blue Mountain Lake
  • Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge
  • Nimrod Lake
  • Flatside Wilderness Area
  • Illinois Bayou River
  • Lake Dardanelle State Park
  • Lake Overcup
  • Mount Magazine State Park
  • Mount Nebo State Park
  • Mulberry River
  • Ozark Highlands Trail
  • Petit Jean State Park
  • Shores Lake/White Rock Mountain
  • Springhill Park Mountain Bike Trail
  • Quachita National Forest
  • Ozark National Forest

 

Armstrong Bank is your local source for personal and business banking solutions.

New to the area? Welcome to Northwest Arkansas! Come visit one of our banks in Fort Smith or Springdale to meet our friendly staff and learn about the products and services we offer to help you meet your financial goals. Contact us today!