Arkansas, also known as the “Natural State,” is recognized for its breathtaking natural scenery and lively cities. When you’re not exploring the vast wilderness, you’ll find yourself visiting one of the many cities that offer a wide range of attractions.
With a mild climate to go with it, it’s no surprise the state continues to grow in popularity with retirees. The state also offers a low cost of living, low property and retirement taxes, and excellent health care.
Today, we will show you the best places in Arkansas to retire and what each location offers regarding amenities, attractions, and living opportunities.
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The 10 Best Places to Retire in Arkansas
1. Eureka Springs
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Eureka Springs could be the perfect retirement destination in Arkansas! Tucked away in a stunning natural setting, the town is most famous for its wonderful Victorian architecture, geothermal hot springs, and interesting history.
Its proximity to the Ozark Mountains makes it an excellent place for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
The cost of living in retirement is low. Multiple retirement communities are available, and essential facilities such as medical centers are easily accessible.
What’s not to like?
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
2. Little Rock
The capital of Arkansas, Little Rock, is a vibrant city that offers retirees a good mix of urban life and natural beauty, making it a good choice for retirees seeking a well-balanced lifestyle. Little Rock has several senior-friendly neighborhoods and retirement communities featuring housing options that meet different needs and budgets.
Retirees in Little Rock can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities. The city has plenty of parks and walking trails where seniors can enjoy nature and stay active. Riverfront Park and Pinnacle Mountain State Park are two places you can visit!
Additionally, the city is home to various cultural attractions, including the Clinton Presidential Library and the Arkansas Arts Center.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
3. Hot Springs
Hot Springs is one of Arkansas’s best places to retire if you’ve always dreamt of a relaxing retirement surrounded by natural beauty. Situated in the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs is best known for its historic bathhouses and natural hot springs. The National Park is situated next to the town.
Soaking it up in the hot springs is a popular pastime, but there are other outdoor opportunities, such as hiking, boating, and fishing at nearby Lake Hamilton.
Hot Springs also ticks many financial boxes. Housing expenses are 17% lower than the national average, medical care is 20% lower, grocery prices are 3% lower, and gas prices are 11% lower.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
4. Fayetteville
Fayetteville is a popular option for retirees searching for a sense of community, nature, and a lively cultural scene. The University of Arkansas is home to Fayetteville, which contributes to a vibrant and diverse atmosphere throughout the city.
The high standard of living is also a big draw. Washington Regional Medical Center leads Fayetteville’s high-quality healthcare system and offers specialized services. Meanwhile, the cost of living is low, and everyone has housing options, whether they seek assisted, independent, or community living.
Regarding things to do, Fayetteville features a scenic trail network, perfect for hiking and biking, live music events, a farmer’s market, and an art festival, amongst other things.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
5. Bella Vista
Next is Bella Vista, a town famous for its natural landscapes and tranquility. If you’re looking for somewhere invigorating and peaceful to spend your retirement, this northwest town is ideal!
There are countless opportunities for outdoor activities in Bella Vista. You can hike, sail, fish, and more from Lake Ann to Loch Lomond. You can also become a Bella Vista Country Club member, where you can play golf and be part of a lively community.
Retirees who choose Bella Vista can expect easy access to amenities, a low cost of living, and several retirement communities that offer care home facilities, independent living, assisted living, and more.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
6. Mountain Home
Mountain Home is another Arkansas city that offers breathtaking natural landscapes, a mild climate, and a relaxing lifestyle. Located in the Ozark Mountains, this city is a great place to retire if you want to spend your days hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, and sailing.
It’s also a good choice if you have specific needs because the city has excellent medical centers and a world-class hospital. On top of that, the cost of living is low and several retirement communities offer a wide range of facilities.
Living options in Mountain Home include private, care home, assisted, and community-based living.
7. Fort Smith
Fort Smith is a fantastic option for retirees trying to find the perfect place to retire in Arkansas. Nestled along the Arkansas River, this charming town offers a welcoming community and a relaxed atmosphere that suits seniors who want to enjoy their later years.
One critical reason Fort Smith is attractive to senior citizens is its affordable cost of living. Housing, food, and transportation costs fall below the national average.
Furthermore, Fort Smith is renowned for its exceptional medical care facilities and hospitals. In terms of things to do, retirees can spend their days hiking, playing golf, visiting museums, and watching shows at the local theater.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
8. Bentonville
Those who seek a livelier retirement jam-packed with dining out, shopping, and visiting cultural attractions should consider retiring to Bentonville. Famously the home of Walmart’s headquarters, this city has seen significant growth in recent years, particularly in the downtown area.
Downtown Bentonville offers a wide range of shopping and dining options, theaters, and museums like the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Alternatively, just outside the city, plenty of parks offer hiking and biking opportunities.
From a financial perspective, Bentonville is great. The cost of living and housing both fall below the national average, and there is a wide range of living options.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
9. Cherokee Village
Sitting on the shores of Norfork Lake in north central Arkansas, Cherokee Village is another of the best places to retire in Arkansas for retirees seeking a cozy and relaxed way of life.
The town provides stunning scenery, various outdoor activities, and affordable retirement. What more could you ask for? You can hike in the Ozark Mountains, play golf, boat across the lake, or simply kick back at a local cafe.
The Omaha Center also provides plenty of entertainment and social events!
Alongside a low cost of living, Cherokee Village has a low crime rate, excellent medical facilities, and many housing options.
10. Lake Village
Finally, we have Lake Village, a historic lakeside town that best suits retirees looking for an affordable, outdoorsy lifestyle. Lake Village offers lakefront retirement in a gorgeous natural setting, providing boating, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching opportunities.
Furthermore, the town has a rich cultural heritage and is home to artifacts and buildings like Lakeport Plantation.
For seniors, Lake Village even provides specific amenities such as the Carl Redus Senior Wellness and Aquatic Center. To top things off nicely, this small town has multiple retirement communities, world-class medical centers, and a cost of living that falls below the national average.
The Bottom Line About the Best Places to Retire in Arkansas
There’s no doubt about it, Arkansas is a fantastic retirement choice if you seek outdoor adventure and relaxation. In this article, we’ve looked at Arkansas’s ten best places to retire.
We’ve covered everything you need to know about each destination, including the cost of living, amenities, and attractions. All you must do now is decide where best suits you!
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Jack Bolton is a content writer and blogger from the UK. He has a strong passion for travel and has an endless bucket list that he’s making his way through!