Well discuss everything from the pros and cons of living in Fort Smith, the cost of living, the best food, and even the job market. I am a current high school resident in Fort Smith Arkansas. Fort Smith is very enriched with cultures from around the world with many different festivals for many different people. Not a very diverse little city. Violent crime is somewhat common in Arkansas, and it is a trend that is continuing to climb. The median value of the home is $148,500 and rental prices are $659 (1BR) & $829 (2BR). The cost of living is good, but there is very little to do. Con: Super high sales tax. This figure is high, but given the low cost of housing, it may still be favorable. Once you get outside of the K-12 system, the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State are some of the best institutions in the country. Being close to public transportation, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Fort Smith. Having personally grown up as one of the few white kids on the Northside, I have learned so much about myself and other cultures. Most of the fastest-growing jobs are in the healthcare industry, which further limits some of the opportunities. Of course, the weather also plays a large role in retirement decisions. Plenty of history and food service establishments! The winters are mild, but the summers can get very hot and humid. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Arkansas offers a below-average educational system for families. By submitting the form on the next page, you are happy for our trusted partners to contact you. Many families and young professionals live in Fort Smith and residents tend to lean conservative. While New Jersey and New York can become frigidly cold during the winter months, Arkansas tends to enjoy mild weather. Some of the best healthcare facilities in the United States are located in Arkansas. THINGS TO DO IN FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS. When you combine this advantage with the numerous employment opportunities in agriculture, teaching, and technology, there are many ways for you to create a good life for yourself when you call this place home. Overall its not a bad town, just not the best. The average crime rate in Arkansas is higher than the U.S. median. The average salary is around $63,689 yearly and is roughly equal to that of Dallas. 5. My first thought is that you should seek many opinions from diverse sources. Arkansas is characterized by diverse geography. However, Arkansass job market isnt precisely tailored to older folks, and the general outlook for employment in the state is relatively grim. The Arkansas Travelers and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals are based in the state. When compared to the rest of the United States, Arkansas has relatively high reported incidents of premature death, infant mortality, cardiovascular deaths, and occupational fatalities. Before modern transportation, people used to travel in locomotives and railways, and thats what you can explore in the Fort Smith Trolley Museum. Go ahead and enjoy the chicken-friend approach to almost everything, but you must remember to have it in moderation so that you dont become another statistic in this category. Use the menu in the orange box - on the left if you're using a PC - to review a variety of detailed facts and statistics we analyzed, including cost of living, climate, safety, community, infrastructure, education, and a list of pros and cons based on data from more than four dozen trusted sources. In 1898, Miss Laura Ziegler went to a local bank and borrowed $3,000 to renovate the former Riverfront Inn, a commercial hotel that had opened in 1896. Arkansas is the ideal destination for family trips, adventures, and to have a hearty life post-retirement. Located in Pike County, Arkansas is the Crater of Diamonds State Park. You can nd out more about us here. The weather in Arkansas is fantastic. Having personally grown up as one of the few white kids on the Northside, I have learned so much about myself and other cultures. Places with the Best Public Schools in Arkansas. Helping Startups/ It Companies/ and Small Businesses to Enhance Their Business Through Branding and Marketing Ideas. Some of the notable things to do include: Fort Smith National Historic Site, Fort Smith Trolley Museum, and Miss Laura's Social Club. That means your risk of becoming a victim in an incident is about 1 in 180. Our mission is to inspire you to do the same. And in this case, Kansas is an extremely fortunate location. Advantages and Disadvantages of living in Fort Smith, AR for digital nomads. The road transport network is extensive and Arkansas has the 13th largest state highway system in the United States. Its all safe fun which can also double as a workout. Foreclosure help is offered to single moms in the state of Arkansas by the numerous non-profit, HUD approved agencies, which were certified by the federal government. According to a recent census, the top employment in industries in Fort Smith includes health care, logistics, and manufacturing. The roads are a little bumpy down some places and the homeless population seems to be growing. It's 21% lower than the national average, while the median family household earns about $55,000 per year. . I have lived here for a large majority of my life (am now 20 years old) and to be honest there isn't much to say about Fort Smith. No state income tax on military retirement pay. 1. Tell us a bit more about your items so we could provide you with an accurate estimate. The community is great around us and there are always kids out playing. Cost of Living North America United States Fort Smith . My kids went to Catholic school through junior high, but then public for high school. Ridgeway played one season for the Razorbacks after transferring from Illinois State. Until a few years ago, the mascot & theme for Southside was The Rebels., & the girls drill team is the Dixie Belles. The roads are a little bumpy down some places and the homeless population seems to be growing. Traditionally Arkansas has been a state largely dependent on plantation economy and has been a cashless society. According to a national scientific poll, Fort Smith, Arkansas, is one of the United States. Those with arthritis might appreciate this lack of snowy weather. There are events on a regular basis, lots of options for eating, and many activities for adults and children. In 1903 she reopened as Miss Laura's - an upscale bordello. 7. Morada Fort Smith is an Independent Living community located at 8420 Phoenix Avenue in Fort Smith, AR. The average home in Arkansas costs between about $120,000 and $150,000. Arkansas has effectively modernized itself with a diversified and robust economy. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. Current Resident. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. The summer season can get a little warm when youre in the northern counties, but the south-central location above Louisiana helps to regulate things. Fort Smith has a livability score of 62 out of 100 and is ranked #225 in Arkansas and #21,614 in the USA. Now that weve explored many of the positive aspects of retiring in Arkansas, its time to consider the less-than-pleasant drawbacks of living in the Natural State. It has pretty much everything that you need within the town. The cost of living might be cheaper but you also don't have renter's. Read More. However, transportation and miscellaneous costs such as clothing, recreation, child care, and other services are also cheaper. Find Assisted Living . Many families have their children obtain a license at the minimum age to make each outing a memorable experience for everyone. The housing market in Indiana. Country cooking can be a positive attribute to consider when moving to Arkansas. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside to start exploring. 1. Northside is in a run-down area, while Southside is where the people with money send their kids. Lots of roaches and other pests. 1. It is also listed as a Level 1 Trauma Care Center. Tasty things to eat and drink. Youll have access to some taxis, a metro, and Uber is active. Despite the seemingly small scale, Fort Smith can still provide the amenities needed for modern life. Winters can sometimes get a little cold, but it is nothing close to what states like North Dakota or Michigan experience. And a rainbow. Manners are a way of life, and it isnt just for show or to maintain a reputation. Read our article on Little Rock. 1. Dwellics instantly analyzes thousands of relevant data points and your selected preferences like lifestyle, weather, community and more to find the perfect place for you to live. Despite the lower costs, the quality of life in the city is quite good. When considering the pros and cons of retiring in Arkansas, the state's rural nature may turn out to be one or the other depending upon your preference. Pros Cons "; Nature & laws on schooling children & non-mandated vaccines. After all, if youre hoping to live somewhere with a low cost of living, but you dont enjoy the outdoors very much, Arkansass allure might not hold much power over you. No matter what your ability, age, or interest happens to be, there is something that youll love to do here. I'm happy I used this tough experience as a stepping stone. A high school education is a basic . Situated on the Arkansas border with Oklahoma at the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers, also known as the Belle Point, Fort Smith is the third-largest city in Arkansas, named after General Thomas A. Smith. If youve been considering retiring in Arkansas, youll want to consider some of its advantages and potential drawbacks.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aginggreatly_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aginggreatly_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Some of the pros of retiring in Arkansas include a low cost of living, competitive property prices, and plenty of natural beauty. The transportation network in Arkansas is extensive. Arkansas has a relatively high mortality rate. When you combine that figure with the lower cost of housing in the state, then you can continue to save money back for retirement while still providing your family with a good home. 2. President Eisenhower famously sent 1,000 active-duty troops from the 101st Airborne Division to escort minority students as they entered school in 1957 as integration took place. Today it's 10C with very good air quality (5 g/m3). I like how clean they try to keep our parks and our town. WEATHER & CLIMATE You can mine your own diamonds in Arkansas. F Fort Smith Crime Total crime is 105% higher than Arkansas. The schools are terrible. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. It's diverse and affordable. How random is that? The mosquitos are some of the biggest youve ever seen. Your chances of experiencing that issue are about 1 in 32. Thats assuming you can pull yourself away from the fried catfish or farm-fresh foods that are available in many local restaurants. Of course, youll still need to handle some of the Natural States drawbacks, including high property crime. That means it can be somewhat dangerous because of the wildlife that lives in the U.S. South. With its rooted tradition, dialects, music, and sports; Arkansas is a culturally layered state to be in. Please. While the Natural State is home to more than 100 hospitals, these facilities may be in poor condition, requiring repairs and upgrades. It's almost movie-like. Fort Smith: moderate: low: low: poor: Jonesboro: low: low: low: poor: Springdale: low: low: low: poor: Alternative States To Live. No State Income Tax on Military Retirement Pay. Even though Arkansas and Little Rock sometimes have the reputation for being regressive, their food scene is one of the most complex in the country. With a low cost of living, high ratings in education, and low housing prices, Fort Smith is one of the best places to live in the state. Rental Size. The national average for housing cost in the US is around 290,000 USD, while it is only 130,000 USD in Fort Smith. have experienced property crime, including trespassing, vandalization, burglary, or arson. What makes Arkansas unique is that there are law enforcement institutions that will enforce the penalties on some of the unusual legislative items that are on the books. We'll have our son, his fiance and our grandson following behind. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Every community has its fair share of unusual laws that can leave you scratching your head. Arkansas fatal auto wrecks increased in 2020, impacting lives beyond measure $.. > Nearest casino Fort Smith, AR 72956 Phone: 479-474-2261 Fax 479-471-3264! Agree 105 Disagree 51. Living in Fort Smith offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In some areas, sales tax rates are as high as 10%. There are four interstate highways for drivers to use, along with almost 3,000 miles of railroad tracks. Fort Smith saw a 3.4 percent . FortSmith seems like a place that has a lot of places to go when you are visiting in the summer or just passing through. Former President of the United States Bill Clinton hails from Arkansas. The median after-tax salary is $2490, which is enough to cover living expenses for 1.9 months.Ranked 5110th (TOP 55%) in the list of best places to live in the world and . I now feel happier than ever and hope to inspire you to do the same, no matter how old you are. Yellowknife, the capital city, was created in 1934 following the discovery of gold and has since evolved into a modest but thriving economic hub. On the Southside, you have the majority White side of town. Since 2014, there have been issues of Chikungunya reported because of the Aedes mosquito in the state. The average temperature in the summer for Fayetteville doesnt even reach 90F, while the lows in January dont dip below 40F. Kansas ranks 8th in housing cost. COST OF LIVING Compared to the rest of the country, Fort Smith's cost of living is 25.0% lower than the U.S. average. There are some locals who will joke that the mosquitoes in Arkansas are so large that the state should make them the official bird. When this happens, a part-time job could help. The housing rates in Indiana state are comparatively affordable. Retirees looking to buy property in their retirement state might be thrilled to know that Arkansass property prices are about half of the national average. Youre also very close to several big cities if you need to take a break from the state for a little bit. Not a fan of sitting in traffic? College football is intrinsically intertwined with the Arkansas youth culture and emotion. Razorbacks football is a popular event, and going to a Travelers baseball game is surprisingly cheap. On the Southside, you have the majority White side of town. They have paintings all over the buildings that are kind to the eyes. It might look like Our Kansas, but it is really Are Can Saw. Once you get past that first trial, youll find that Southern hospitality is the real deal here. While this may seem high, the most significant contributor to the spike is the high . Low cost of living. Fort Smith is a very affordable place to live in. This trend means break-ins, burglaries, and home invasions. Overall looking there has been a steep increase in the housing rates in the last 10 years. Using this information, you can decide if Arkansas is the right destination for your retirement dreams and goals. We know how difficult it can be when you are new in town and how moving can be exhausting. When youve settled down in your new place and have time to wander around, here are the top Fort Smith staples you should try! Fort Smith, AR: Rock Island, IL: United States: Population: 87,764: 36,870: 329,484,123: Median Income: $36,777 . There is also the densely forested region called the Timberlands. 3. Mild weather. It is a walk away from the Arkansas River and is also home to many rides. 87 13% less expensive than the US average. Learn about the pros and cons of independent living. 11. Choosing one can be tricky, as there are several pros and cons to each state. State is home to many rides have paintings all over the buildings are! Tough experience as a Level 1 Trauma care Center the town for show or maintain! Clinton hails from Arkansas, or interest happens to be growing York can become cold. My first thought is that you need within the town in the state for a little.... Income ratio compares the median home prices to the median home prices to the median income... 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