7 Best Arkansas Towns For Retirees
Arkansas isn't the first state in the United States that people think of when it comes to retirement locations. However, the state located in the Ozarks with southern hospitality running through its core may surprise you when it comes to what it can offer retirees. Because of its location in the Southern US, affordability is one of the top benefits it can offer someone thinking of retiring. Some towns on this list will offer higher-end healthcare than most imagine, while most can brag about an outstanding food and music culture unique to this part of the country. Let's visit the seven best Arkansas towns for retirees.
Pine Bluff
The first town on the list is the 10th-most-populous town in Arkansas. Pine Bluff, home to 41,253 according to the 2020 census, sits in central Arkansas, just southeast of Little Rock. If history and music are a passion, this bustling town is a retiree's paradise. Stop by the Delta Rhythm and Bayous Freedom and Blues Exhibition or the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame to see memorabilia from Blues and Country musical legends. For those who prefer history, stop by the Martha Mitchell House & Museum or the Arkansas Railroad Museum to check out a part of the country's transportation past.
Another reason Pine Bluff is a great option for retirees is the healthcare options provided for its residents. Utilize Jefferson Regional Hospital or Healthwise Wellness, a women's health clinic. Finally, you don't need much money to call Pine Bluff home. The cost of a home is 76% less expensive than the average of $338,100 nationally, leaving more money to enjoy activities or put toward savings.
Russellville
Sitting in central Arkansas, on the banks of the Arkansas River, is Russellville, with a population of 28,940 according to the 2020 census. Because this town overlooks Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River, any retiree who loves the water will fit in perfectly here. You can also get exercise by hiking the Bona DEA Trails and Sanctuary. Even though this is a great town for retirees, the town keeps its youth with Arkansas Tech University and its over 10,000 students in the area, so there are always exciting events happening.
Every retiree wants to feel safe in their town, and Russellville has a lower average of violent crime compared to the rest of Arkansas. A typical home in Russellville only costs $172,300, which is 49% less than the current national average. Also, the overall cost of living for a resident is 25% lower than the US national average.
Texarkana
The next stop on the list has an unusual name that's tough to forget. Texarkana, named after the states within and around its limits, Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana, is in the southwest corner of the state, offering plenty for retirees in the area. Check out the historic Arkansas Municipal Auditorium, which had a big influence on Rock & Roll and Country music. The Four States Auto Museum showcases vehicles from over 100 years of auto manufacturing. There is no shortage of places to eat, but be sure to stop by Sam's Southern Eatery or The Dugout for great Southern food or burgers.
Worried about healthcare? Texarkana has it covered with facilities like Texarkana Family Healthcare, HealthCARE Express Urgent Care, and UAMS Family Medical Center. Affordability is another strength of Texarkana, as the median home value is around $152,000, making it much lower than the national average.
West Memphis
If living in the peace and quiet of a smaller town combined with the proximity to big city amenities seems like an ideal place to spend retirement, then give West Memphis a try. Eastern Arkansas, on the Tennessee border, is where to find this town of 24,520 residents, according to the 2020 census.
One of the major benefits of living in West Memphis is the proximity to world-class healthcare facilities in Memphis, like Methodist Le Bonheur. However, in town itself, you can still find the East Arkansas Family Health Center or the WoodRidge Behavioral Center for mental health needs.
In terms of entertainment, there is the Southland Casino Racing, where you can hit up the slots and explore excellent restaurant options. Take a bike ride across the Big River Crossing Bridge, the country's longest active rail, bicycle, and pedestrian bridge that connects Memphis and West Memphis. Shopping options aren't in short supply either, so check out Ann Chapman's Outdoor Warehouse for the latest outdoor gear.
Beebe
Coming in as the smallest town on this list is Beebe, Arkansas. Located in the central part of the state, it's home to only 9,092 residents as of the 2024 census. The town has a strong retirement contingency, as almost 15% of the population is over 65 years old. The town is home to Arkansas State University-Beebe, so there are events to attend year-round. Beebe provides retirees with the slow pace of life they may be looking for. Check out Martha Jean's Diner or the DO Drop In Flea Market on Center Street.
Retirement is a place where people want to feel comfortable and safe, which is why Beebe is perfect, with a much lower crime rate compared to the rest of the state. Also, they have the Baptist Health Urgent Care, ARcare Beebe, or the Beebe Retirement Center, equipped with a rehabilitation center.
Marion
Located just north of West Memphis, another town on this list, is Marion. Providing even more of a small-town feel, Marion has 13,641 residents as of the 2023 census and is an ideal place for peace and quiet during retirement years. The area boasts a median property value of $206,300, so most retirees won't have to worry about being priced out of the area.
Marion is located along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, with places to walk or hike right along the famous Mississippi River. Because of its proximity to downtown Memphis, it's only a short drive from world-class music and restaurants at any retiree's fingertips. Also, because of its location to Memphis, Marion has access to a higher quality of healthcare facilities that most towns of its size don't enjoy.
Farmington
The next town is in the northwest portion of the state, just outside the second-largest city in Arkansas, Fayetteville. Farmington is a small town of 9,761. Its proximity to the Boston Mountains, a subset of the Ozarks, gives retirees great trails to exercise and be close to nature. Kessler Mountain Regional Park is a popular spot between Farmington and Fayetteville for a retiree's hiking needs. After exercising, reward yourself with a treat from one of the unique food stops in town when you get frozen yogurt or ice cream at Pedal Pops, a local favorite on Main Street.
Healthcare is a major plus in the area for retirees, since Farmington can take advantage of the bigger city options in Fayetteville, like the award-winning Washington Regional Medical Center. Safety is not a problem in Farmington, according to Safewise, which ranked it as one of the safest towns in the state. Finally, keeping an active social life shouldn't be a problem, as Farmington's population comprises 15% over the age of 60.
The Natural State can offer a little bit of everything for anyone thinking of making Arkansas their new retirement home. Mild temperatures, amazing southern food, and a music tradition steeped in country and blues, there is plenty for these small towns to show off. From the musical history of Pine Bluff to the wilderness of Farmington and Russellville, and the access of West Memphis, Arkansas, will show retirees an outdoor adventure with great food and music.
