The industrial sector produces food processing, electric equipment, fabricated metal products, machinery, and paper products. This trend means break-ins, burglaries, and home invasions. Arkansas serves as a home for more than 3 million people as of 2018. We love to fish, hike, ride bikes, and camp. Most of the dangerous areas in Little Rock are around I-630. The current rate is about six incidents for every 1,000 people. Arkansas has a comparatively low cost of living, most notably within the healthcare, transportation, and housing industries. Though there are positives, such as lower living costs and such, I would prefer to live somewhere more "busy.". Drive north to Branson, if country music is your thing. You may want to have a plan for private schooling if you are moving here with your family. 1. Hotels near Lake Fort Smith State Park: (1.98 mi) Five Bedroom lodge nestled on 10 acres with gorgeous views. Fort Smith jobs have decreased by 1.6%. This advantage is one of the primary reasons why retirees look to this state as one of their top destinations when there isnt a need to go to work every day. The cost of living in Fort Smith might surprise you. Whether you prefer the laid-back atmosphere of a natural retirement community or the energetic flow of a planned one, theres a neighborhood for you in Arkansas. The music, apothecaries, markets and art are very diverse. Theres the Museum of History if youd like to know more about the citys history. The name of the state comes from the Osage language, representing a diverse geography and group of people that stretch from the Ozarks to the Ouachita Mountains. According to a recent census, the top employment in industries in Fort Smith includes health care, logistics, and manufacturing. To counter the rising epidemic of tobacco-related health issues and death in Arkansas, the State authorities have enforced the Arkansas Clean Indoor Air Act which prohibits public smoking excluding some bars, and restaurants. In 1903 she reopened as Miss Laura's - an upscale bordello. Youre also very close to several big cities if you need to take a break from the state for a little bit. Exact pricing depends on care needs and floor plans, and . This estimate is determined by adding up the costs of food, transportation, health care, rent, utilities, taxes, and other incidental . Racism is still a major problem in the state. Arkansas ranks 46th out of the 50 states with an 18.1% rate, with children under the age of 6 experiencing a 29.4% rate. However, Arkansas also has relatively high crime rates, few healthcare facilities, and sparse job opportunities. 1. Retirees with severe health conditions may struggle to find facilities that accept their insurance or are close to home. My first thought is that you should seek many opinions from diverse sources. Most of the fastest-growing jobs are in the healthcare industry, which further limits some of the opportunities. The poverty rate is quite high, with one out of every 5.5 residents not meeting income standards. Some of the best healthcare facilities in the United States are located in Arkansas. Youll be glad to know that the market isnt just limited to food products. Please note they will use the details you have provided to guide you through the next steps. . Fayetteville says that it is illegal to kill any living creature, so enjoy trying to trap the mosquitoes in a catch-and-release restaurant. The climate in Fort Smith is referred to as a humid subtropical climate. Fort Smith saw a 3.4 percent . It's almost movie-like. Drive north to Branson, if country music is your thing. Using this information, you can decide if Arkansas is the right destination for your retirement dreams and goals. Look Up The Pros And Cons of Fort Smith To Know Youre Making The Right Decision, 2. Sadly, property crimes are somewhat common here. Retirees that arent prepared to spend time searching for top-notch healthcare facilities could find themselves feeling frustrated and disappointed. 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. The average cost of a single-family home in Fort Smith, Arkansas in 2022 is $ 167,816 which is low in the United States and high in Arkansas. In addition to diamonds like the Strawn-Wagner Diamond, various other semi-precious and precious stones along with other minerals can be found in this site. You can mine your own diamonds in Arkansas. Instead of seeing boring grey cement walls, the huge art pieces make for great photos and backgrounds for any selfie. Fort Smith. Fort Smith is very enriched with cultures from around the world with many different festivals for many different people. You wont find many public transportation options in the state. One of the leading reasons for high cardiovascular ailment and related deaths other than smoking is the problem of obesity. Little did I know that the entire university is atop a hill and any bike ride I attempted would include a 10-minute uphill ride. Maybe you want to stay somewhere in between. There are a handful of minor league teams operating throughout the state, so having a night out with the family is affordable and fun. Arkansas is one of the four states in the US without any legislation against hate crimes. In the 1960s, the average home might have cost around $12,000 (just about $100,000 when adjusted for inflation). 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. 84 16% less expensive than the US average. Top-notch state universities. Many of the factors that play into this ranking include poverty, healthcare access, and mental wellbeing. Fort Smith, however, is close to an area known to be hit by tornadoes. Current Resident. With an average house price of just $109,000, living within . Methodist Nursing Home of Fort Smith is a senior living provider in Fort Smith, Arkansas that offers residents Nursing . That means you can find almost anything you want to enjoy when you start living here. Fort Smith is a town in Arkansas with a population of 89,116. Even if you call Little Rock home, the public transportation options are rather limited. 7. Agree 105 Disagree 51. The roads are a little bumpy down some places and the homeless population seems to be growing. Helping Startups/ It Companies/ and Small Businesses to Enhance Their Business Through Branding and Marketing Ideas. No state income tax on military retirement pay. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. We've decided to join forces and make the best of it. 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. Despite the lower costs, the quality of life in the city is quite good. 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. Job prospects must be a top priority when planning your move. High sales taxes. On A Mission to Help Small Businesses to Be a Brand. 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. The schools are terrible. 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 . 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. Having personally grown up as one of the few white kids on the Northside, I have learned so much about myself and other cultures. Weve mentioned that the population of Fort Smith isnt that large, and that might have had a say on your decision to move. You can mine your own diamonds in Arkansas. If we look at the most recent Census, Fort Smith is known to have a predominantly White population. The mosquitos are some of the biggest youve ever seen. Fort Smith is a very large, diverse, and unique city with plenty to do and loads of scenery. Arkansas has a relatively high mortality rate. If youre used to northern cities that wear a lot of layers, the hot climate might need some getting used to. Although it is affordable there are some disadvantages like the housing. Based on the housing stock, population density, and the proximity of amenities of the area. Additionally, Arkansas has one of the lowest overall resident happiness ratings of any state. 9. The authorities track down or trace back the primary cause of the spiked infant mortality to birth defects, pre-term birth and low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), maternal complications of pregnancy, and unintentional injuries. 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. fort smth is one of the central hub cities of arkansas with our rich history. The road transport network is extensive and Arkansas has the 13th largest state highway system in the United States. Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and expert insights. Well also discuss the drawbacks of living out your golden years in. Don't worry if you don't know, we are still here to help. Some of the links below are affiliate links, so we may receive a commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Retired military personnel is bound to enjoy the lack of state income tax on their military retirement pay. Read our article on Little Rock. In the last few years a lot of professionals moved to Dallas-Fort Worth area due to economical growth. Some of the notable things to do include: Fort Smith National Historic Site, Fort Smith Trolley Museum, and Miss Laura's Social Club. Fort Smith, Arkansas is a mid-sized city with a population of 87,712 residents. While construction is never-ending, the traffic is not as bad as in other major cities and housing is more affordable. We lived there 5 years before people seemed to accept us at our church. Fort Smith is a great contender if youre looking for a new place to relocate to thats far from overcrowded cities. Assisted Living Memory Care Independent Living. Reviews, photos, and costs for Methodist Nursing Home of Fort Smith. It has several trampolines to choose from. In this article, well explore all of the potential benefits of retiring in Arkansas. Bordered by states such as Texas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Oklahoma; Arkansas is cradled by diverse and serene geography. Mild weather. 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. 6. 100 National cost of living index. The community is great around us and there are always kids out playing. 2 office locations. If you plan on spending much of your retirement out on the water, you might become good friends with the Buffalo River. Fort Smith is a quiet town. There are issues with West Nile and Zika that can occur. Home States & Countries Living In Arkansas: 25 Pros and Cons (You Must know). Tasty things to eat and drink. The educational system in Arkansas has a very poor track record for success. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside to start exploring. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: Arkansas up a bit in safety at hospitals; 4 centers get A grades, 7 get Ds, Arkansas Economic Development Commission: Arkansas Cost of Living | One of Best in Nation, Arkansas State Parks: Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas Times: Happy cities list: No Arkansas winners but a big loser in Fort Smith, CNBC: How much more expensive life is today than it was in 1960, Investopedia: The 10 Best States for Property Taxes (And Why), KAIT8: FBI Report Shows Violent Crime on the Rise in Arkansas, NETSTATE: The State of Arkansas An Introduction to the Natural State, link to Best Places To Retire in the Caribbean. A modern security system is necessary. In Fort Collins, the cost of living is reasonably affordable. If you live in the rural areas of Arkansas, then it is going to be up to you to find a way to reach your intended destination. On the Southside, you have the majority White side of town. Little Rock may be a cheap city, but its high sales tax is a disadvantage. Though there are positives, such as lower living costs and such, I would prefer to live somewhere more "busy.". 5. 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. 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. Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. We lived there 5 years before people seemed to accept us at our church. Positions that might typically go to retirees might be held by younger individuals who cannot find work elsewhere. Very affordable. Living in Arkansas Pros Living in Arkansas Cons; Life is still affordable in Arkansas: Hard to find really good schools in Arkansas: You don't have to spend lots of money on rent: . In the last several years, the city and people in it have worked very hard to make Fort Smith a fun place to live. In the 1960s, the average home might have. Fort Smith is an average town, nothing too exciting. If youre thinking about a move in the future, then there are several pros and cons of living in Arkansas that are worth considering. There are a lot of strange laws in Arkansas that are sometimes enforced. There are several benefits of retiring in Arkansas, and some of the most notable advantages that retirees can enjoy are: Low cost of living. Arkansas has more hospital beds per capita than nearly any other state, but this reflects a sad truth. Gorgeous natural attractions. Choosing one can be tricky, as there are several pros and cons to each state. 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