What to know as new resident in Arkansas: Cost of living. Local job market. Climate and weather. Public school system. Outdoor recreation spots. State and local taxes. Transportation options. Healthcare facilities available. Local cultural events. Utility service providers.
Cost of living
Arkansas boasts a cost of living index of 90.6, indicating that it is below the national average, with notably lower expenses in housing, utilities, healthcare, and food. For a single person, the monthly living costs average around $1780, while a family of four can expect to spend approximately $4266 per month. This makes Arkansas one of the most affordable states to reside in. For more in-depth insights, you can visit the Cost of Living in Arkansas page.
Local job market
As a new resident in Arkansas, you should know that the local job market is robust, with high demand in fields such as healthcare, including registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, operations management, and various skilled trades like carpenters and firefighters. The state is expected to see significant job growth with many new job vacancies forecasted by 2030. Cities like Little Rock and Springdale are offering some of the highest salaries for these roles, making them attractive destinations for job seekers. For more information, you can explore the In-Demand Jobs in Arkansas to get a deeper insight into the career opportunities available in the region.
Climate and weather
Arkansas boasts a mild and typically pleasant climate characterized by four distinct seasons. Spring and fall are particularly gentle, offering comfortable weather conditions, while summers are hot and humid, and winters can be cool with occasional cold snaps. The state receives abundant precipitation throughout the year, with winter and spring being the wettest periods. Notably, temperatures can vary significantly between the cooler Ozark Mountains in the north and the warmer regions in the south. For more detailed information on this topic, consider visiting the Hendrix College Admission Page.
Public school system
The Arkansas Department of Education oversees the public school system, ensuring every student is prepared for college, career, and community engagement through various divisions, including the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, which accredits schools, develops curricula, and provides continuing education programs. The department also implements initiatives like the Arkansas Learns Act to transform education in the state.
Outdoor recreation spots
Arkansas is a haven for outdoor adventurers, boasting a remarkable array of natural wonders and recreation spots that cater to all kinds of explorers. With over fifty state parks and numerous national rivers and forests, the state offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and climbing. Scenic views such as White Rock Mountain and Whitaker Point captivate visitors with their breathtaking beauty, while Devil's Den State Park, Hobbs State Park, and the Buffalo National River provide excellent venues for camping and trekking. Enthusiasts can tackle climbing challenges at Sam's Throne and Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, or enjoy floating adventures on the Buffalo, Mulberry, and Kings Rivers. For those seeking diverse landscapes, destinations like Petit Jean State Park and Mount Magazine State Park deliver spectacular terrains ranging from the rugged Ozark Mountains to the serene Mississippi River Delta. Explore further insights on the top outdoor spots in the state by visiting Visit The USA, highlighting trails like the Yellow Rock Trail and the stunning waterfall at Hemmed In Hollow Falls.
State and local taxes
As a new resident in Arkansas, it is important to understand that the state has a progressive personal income tax system with rates ranging from 0% to 3.9% depending on your net income. Additionally, Arkansas has a state sales tax rate of 6.5%, with local governments able to impose up to an additional 6.125%. Furthermore, property taxes are collected at the city and county levels, with a median property tax rate of $532. For more detailed information, you can explore the Arkansas Personal Income Tax structure.
Transportation options
As a new resident in Arkansas, particularly in Northwest Arkansas, you have access to various transportation options including free fixed-route bus services provided by Ozark Regional Transit (ORT), on-demand transit for a fee, ADA Paratransit, and Demand Response services. Additional resources include the Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) Program for Medicaid-covered services and volunteer-based transportation services like Faith In Action. For more information on these services and how to utilize them, you can visit the Public Transit page of Bentonville's website, which provides comprehensive details about each service available in your area.
Healthcare facilities available
In Arkansas, healthcare facilities regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health include hospitals, home health agencies, outpatient psychiatric centers, hospice facilities, comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities, and various other specialized care units, ensuring a wide range of health services are available to residents. To learn more about these services, you can visit the Arkansas Department of Health website.
Local cultural events
As a new resident in Arkansas, you can immerse yourself in local culture through various events such as Mardi Gras celebrations, the Arkansas Literary Festival, the Arkansas Scottish Festival, and Riverfest Arkansas, which feature music, art, and cultural activities that reflect the state's diverse heritage. In Little Rock, the state's epicenter for fun, numerous annual festivals await, including the Little Rock Marathon, St. Patrick's Day celebrations, Jazz in the Park, the World Cheese Dip Championship, and the Arkansas State Fair. These events offer a wide range of cultural, musical, and community experiences throughout the year. To explore more about these events, check out the Annual Festivals in Little Rock, which promise excitement and enrichment for all who attend.
Utility service providers
As a new resident in Arkansas, you should know that the Arkansas Public Service Commission regulates several utility service providers, including natural gas companies like CenterPoint Energy Arkansas Gas, Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corporation, and Black Hills Energy Arkansas, as well as water utilities such as Liberty Utilities. For electricity, major providers include Entergy Arkansas, First Electric Cooperative, and AEP SWEPCO, among others. You can find more detailed information about these utilities and their services on the Arkansas Public Service Commission website.