With the first frost now settling in the northern half of the nation, thoughts may turn to considering a move to the South or Southwest. But what are the attractions of moving to Arkansas? Meanwhile, you can check some homes for sale in Rogers AR, Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville and more. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider making the move to the Natural State.
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Size
Arkansas is the sixth-largest state in the country, spanning over 1.3 million square miles, larger than both California and Texas. This makes it the second-largest state in the South, trailing only to Alabama. It also makes it the eighth-largest state in the country. The size of the state lends a certain quiet confidence and stability, especially for those who live there; after all, you’re not going to bother anyone if you’re the one who’s stuck in traffic or in line at the grocery store.
The population of the state continues to increase, and according to the latest estimates, there are now just over 3 million people living in the state. This makes it more crowded than it has ever been since records first began in the 1800s. The growth of the state has put a strain on the infrastructure, including roads, schools, and healthcare, and the government has had to put restrictions on where builders can build to help promote more sustainable development.
Economy
The economy of Arkansas is classified as the sixteenth-largest in the country, with over 1.7 million people employed in the state. This makes it the second-largest industry in the country next to Texas. The main industries in the state include textiles (cotton, jean, and suede), electronics, pharmaceuticals, chemical products, and food processing.
The state’s largest airport is located in Little Rock, and the Arkansas River offers excellent fishing for bass, pickerel, and catfish, as well as some nice panfish, too. You’ll have your pick of restaurants in Little Rock, too – from casual family-run eateries to high-end art deco eateries, there’s something for everyone.
Family
There is a high number of households in the state with around 2.7 million people living in them. This makes for strong family ties, as well as a solid support network if you’re a single parent or a struggling single adult. In fact, the state is so welcoming and comfortable that some have even moved there solely to start a new family.
The population is older than the national average, with 27.7% of the population over the age of 45. This has led to more grandparents living in households and childcare being a major issue in the state, especially since a lot of the older generation grew up with only one working parent, so there’s no longer the need for them to be childcare providers. This has in turn led to more freedom and flexibility for both parents, as well as some families splitting up after years of struggling with infertility issues.
Wildlife
As mentioned, Arkansas is home to a large number of endangered and protected species. These include the whopper bird, the red-cockaded lizard, and the bald eagle. There are also a number of endemic amphibians, including the red-bellied turtle and the endangered leatherback sea turtle, as well as a number of reptile species, including the gila monster and the water snake. Most of these creatures can only be found in Arkansas and its surroundings, so being able to see them in person is a real treat.
Tourists have driven the economy of Arkansas for years, but it’s the state’s incredible biodiversity and its large number of endangered species that are responsible for its current economic boom. In fact, more and more people are moving there to take advantage of the relatively high income and low crime rate, and it seems like every week there’s a new wellness trend emerging from Arkansas.
Climate
The climate in the state is incredibly pleasant, particularly in the southern part. Humidity is at a minimum, and the temperature is relatively constant, allowing for year-round farming and sunshine year round, even in the northern part of the state.
This makes it a bit more tolerable for those who live there, particularly since a lot of the state is at or above sea level. If you don’t live in the southern part of the state, though, you may experience a bit of a culture clash, as the northern part of the state is very traditional, especially in the areas inhabited by the Native Americans.
More Than Meets The Eye
While Hollywood might be the big draw for those moving to the state, it’s not the only one. Those choosing to live in Arkansas will find a diverse population and a lot to offer those choosing to move there or visit. With a strong cultural identity and a friendly, welcoming population, there’s plenty to love about living in Arkansas.