11 Best Towns In Arkansas To Retire Comfortably
Arkansas has a lot to offer retirees. Social security is completely exempt from taxes and state taxes are lower than average. The weather is generally mild, but storms are likely in the warmer months. Plus, it’s the only state where you can mine for diamonds, and if you find it, you keep it. Like nacho cheese dip? It was invented right here in Arkansas. Furthermore, it is illegal to mispronounce the state's name. For an adventurous but comfortable retirement, look no further than the Natural State.
Cabot
Cabot is considered a good place for retirement, especially for health care, where costs are deemed to be 19% below average. In this low-crime town, housing costs are also affordable with average home values of $243,272, making it appealing to seniors on a budget. Its proximity to Little Rock offers big-city amenities while maintaining small-town living. Cabot presents various senior living options, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Game Time At The Grounds, a mega sports facility, recently opened in Cabot and draws coaches and athletes of all levels to town.The Cabot Art Walk Murals proudly proclaim Cabot the Strawberry Capital of the World so, of course, there's a strawberry festival in the spring.The weather in this part of Arkansas is generally comfortable year-round, but can be volatile at times. For retirees who savor the quiet, peaceful life, you may find it in Cabot.
Mount Ida
Crystals, artists, boating, and all types of outdoor activities are what Mount Ida is known for. This safe, artistic community claims to be the "Quartz Crystal Capital of the World.” You can even search for crystals yourself at the Wertz Quart Crystal Mines. For retirees seeking art and culture, the Quachita Artists Gallery offers classes and demonstrations. Music lovers will enjoy live performances held on the courthouse lawn.
There are medical clinics and pharmacies available, and several independent and assisted living centers. Transportation services are available for those who need assistance with mobility. There must be good vibrations in the crystal capital since it benefits from a lower-than-average crime rate and has a median home price of $292,000. Mount Ida would be attractive to the outdoorsy, active retiree who wants a peaceful, close-knit community with a traditional, conservative way of life.
Eureka Springs
This town's motto, “Where You're Free to Be,” is evident in its welcoming embrace of all. Eureka Springs has a strong LGBTQ+ community. Despite its size, the town has a hospital and access to a variety of clinics and specialists. Its year-round festival calendar assures retirees will have plenty to do and see. The Eureka Springs Community Center holds total fitness and yoga classes for seniors of all abilities. Enjoy a walk along the Harmon Park Loop and Crescent Trail, part of the urban trail system that winds through the parks and historic springs.
The cost of living is lower than the national average, with an average home value of $311,747. Both Fayetteville and Bentonville are about an hour away so you can enjoy amenities found in larger and more expensive cities. Eureka Village has the best of both worlds: beautiful natural surroundings and an active arts scene set in a town full of Victorian charm.
Hot Springs Village
If you want the feeling of living in a resort community for the rest of your life, Hot Springs Village may be the place for you. This is the largest gated community in the country, featuring nine golf courses, eleven lakes, two beaches, pickleball courts, tennis courts, walking trails, and all the amenities you expect in a recreational-centered environment. The average home value is $303,402, and a large selection of affordable home options makes it easy to find exactly what suits your lifestyle and budget.
The Ponce De Leon Performing Arts Center at Woodlands Auditorium has full a calendar of events. The Coronado Community Center offers classes, lectures, and art gatherings, making it ideal for lifelong learning. A 2-3 night discovery package is available so you can stay and experience the community for yourself. The downside is that Hot Springs Village is in a rural, rather isolated area, and depending on your lifestyle, you may find it has limited shopping and dining establishments. But nature lovers will rejoice.
Lake Hamilton
If you’re a retiree wanting an active lifestyle in a fun, bustling resort atmosphere, consider Lake Hamilton. The median home value is $483,000, making this a higher-cost town in terms of homebuying. But akeside living, amenities, and activities tailored to seniors, along with its natural beauty, make it an attractive option.
As one of Arkansas' most active fisheries, Lake Hamilton has fostered a vibrant lakeside community with numerous dining options, including Fisherman's Wharf Steak & Seafood, located right on the lake. Luna Bella and J&S Italian Villa are known for Italian cuisine. Its proximity to Hot Springs brings cultural attractions, dining, shopping, and healthcare facilities a mere 20 minutes away. The Hot Springs Arts Center hosts exhibits, workshops, and community theater. The Gangster Museum of America and nearby theme parks, including the Magic Springs Theme and Water Park, are also nearby, making this an excellent place for grandchildren to visit.
This safe community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care selections, and the warm climate and mild winters make it comfortable for many seniors.
Cherokee Village
Located near the northwest border of Missouri, Cherokee Village is a two-hour drive from Memphis. It’s a town designed explicitly for older adults seeking a community-oriented and stress-free living environment. The Senior Life Center is a wellness hub which offers social activities for its older residents, while White River Health provides healthcare.
The numerous golf courses, such as the Cherokee Village North Course, offer an accessible golf experience. At the same time, activities like boating, hiking, swimming, and many others make it attractive to active seniors from all over the United States. Cheokee Village is a fun and diverse community, with a very affordable average home value of $146,151. Due to its focus on older adults, there is limited access to education and employment opportunities. It's meant for retirees who want a town tailored to their needs.
Paragould
If you are looking for affordability and a good sense of community, consider retiring in the central eastern Arkansas city of Paragould. Twenty miles from Jonesboro and eighty-five miles from Memphis, access to big city amenities is within reach. The low cost of living and average home value of about $189,400 make it an attractive choice for those on a budget.
There is a large variety of health care services, with Arkansas Methodist Medical Center being the prominent acute care facility. The outdoor recreational areas and 8 Mile Creek Trail are perfect for seniors who enjoy the outdoors. Paragould offers an enjoyable and relaxing lifestyle, with local dining and shopping establishments contributing to its small-town ambiance. The Senior Center offers fitness classes, educational programs, and meals tailored for seniors. This family-oriented town is a welcoming place for grandchildren. And although warmer than most northern climates, you will experience the true four-season change of weather.
Mountain Home
Recognized as a top retirement community with a resort vibe, Mountain Home is perfect for seniors who enjoy outdoor activities and a slower pace of life. Located in Northwest Arkansas, the weather can be hot and humid during summer and may have a bit of snow in winter, but overall, the climate is moderate. The crime rate and cost of living are lower than the national average with an average home value of about $236,000.
Baxter Regional Medical Center provides easily accessible health care to the community. Mountain Home boasts a farmers' market with live music and holds numerous festivals throughout the year, providing fun opportunities for seniors to get involved with the community. The Van Matre Senior Activity & Wellness Center is dedicated to providing fitness classes, wellness programs, lunch gatherings, and games. Cooper Park has accessible walking trails, picnic areas, and sports facilities for active seniors.
Mountain Home is proud of its Art Walk, a collaboration between the Arkansas State University-Mountain Home and the city. It’s located along a three-mile trail and features numerous larger-than-life sculptures of various media. The artistic goal is to feature a design that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
Rogers
Rogers offers a lower-than-average crime rate and a cost of living slightly below the national average. The average home value in Rogers is about $378,000, and you are only a few miles from Bentonville. Life in Rogers affords you big-city amenities with a small-town lifestyle. The healthcare needs of the diverse population in this area are served by Mercy Northwest Arkansas, one of the largest healthcare networks in the region.
With many over-55 and retirement communities, active seniors will find plenty of things to do. The Walmart AMP, a popular outdoor concert venue, is located in Rogers, and the area offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, with nearby attractions including Beaver Lake, Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, and Lake Atalanta. The Pinnacle Hills Promenade is a shopping center featuring a diverse range of stores and numerous dining options. Downtown Rogers has developed into a mecca for art, culture, dining, and outdoor beauty, and is a fun place to explore. You'll immediately notice the historic brick streets in their distinctive basket-weave pattern.
Bella Vista
Bella Vista is worth a look if you’re planning retirement. It’s affordable, full of outdoor recreation opportunities, and its residents take pride in their community. Tucked in the Ozark Mountains, just a short distance from the Missouri border, it's a lovely place to enjoy retirement. Of the many golf courses, the Bella Vista Country Club is known for its beauty and walkability. Music is a lifelong gift, and seniors are encouraged to join or attend the Community Concert Band. The town sports numerous book clubs, bridge and card groups, gardening and creative writing organizations to keep seniors busy and active.
Bella Vista has a lower cost of living than many retirement communities. This is particularly true for housing costs and property taxes, with the average home value around $353,000. Mercy Health Care and Northwest Senior Health Centers serve Bella Vista and teh surrounding area with urgent and emergency facilities, and there are numerous clinics in the area. Warmer than northern cities, Bella Vista still experiences all four seasons. Temperatures in the winter may dip below freezing, and the summer high is around 90 degrees.
Calico Rock
If you’re a retiree ready to escape to the tranquility of a small town, Calico Rock could be what you’re looking for. It has a retirement score of 98.86, the highest in the state. Factors such as lower-than-average cost of living, an average home value of around $190,500, its walkability, and the availability of rare transit options contribute to this score. Located in north-central Arkansas, adjacent to the Ozark National Forest, this small town with a subtropical climate boasts some of the best rainbow trout fishing in the country.
Historic downtown Calico Rock is a showcase for festivals, parades, and retail. History buffs will enjoy the Peppersauce Ghost Town tours and history walks. The Calico Rock Senior Center offers outings, fitness classes, ongoing education, and meal services. There are hands-on artisan demonstrations and the Calico Rock Artisan Cooperative.
Medical care is available at White River Health Care, Baxter Health Care, and Izard Regional Hospital. For more comprehensive care, Memphis, the closest major city, is 134 miles away. Calico Rock is appealing to those seeking a peaceful and solitary retreat in their retirement years.
Arkansas claims to be the home of the nation's first national park, Hot Springs National Park. This boast is debatable, but it sets the tone for preserving the state's natural beauty. Ernest Hemingway and John Grisham, Johnny Cash and Maya Angelou hail from Arkansas. It's a place where you can choose to live at a slower pace, enjoying nature year-round, or you can be a part of a bustling community. In the words of "The Arkansas Traveler," the state song, "For the wonder state we'll shout hurrah! And praise the opportunities we find in Arkansas."
