6 Budget-Friendly Towns in Arkansas for Retirees
Relocating when it's time to retire can feel a lot like starting completely over in life. Not only do you have to find a new place to call home, but you also have to worry about utilities, taxes, healthcare, and the cost of having fun in that new area.
Arkansas is listed as one of the most affordable states in which to live in America. It is estimated that residents of Arkansas spend approximately $5,177 a year on healthcare. As an added bonus, groceries and utilities are significantly cheaper. Grab your suitcase, and let’s find you an affordable town in Arkansas where you can happily retire.
Hot Springs
Townscape of Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA, at dusk in the mountains.
Don’t let the name fool you. Hot Springs, Arkansas, experiences all four seasons, with snow in the winter, springtime chill, summer heat, and fall coolness.
Hot Springs adopted its name from the Hot Springs National Park which has thermal waters. At this National Park, there are plenty of exploration opportunities from hiking, and biking, to even seeing historic bathhouses along the strip. And for just $20 you can get an annual senior pass to this park.
In addition to fun outdoor activities at a fraction of the cost, healthcare is cheaper than ever in this small town. There are several hospitals and medical centers, such as CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs, that provide overnight care as well as emergency services.
Mountain Home
View from the Baxter County Courthouse in Mountain Home, Arkansas. By Brandonrush, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Mountain Home is a small town that sits in the center of the Ozark Mountains, in the Salem Plateau region. This town has some beautiful sights outdoors with plenty of options for retirees to experience year-round.
Mountain Home overlooks the Bull Shoals Lake, Norfolk Lake, and the White River. This gives retirees the ability to spend their time outdoors walking, fishing, and hiking. This is a pristine location for outdoor lovers.
In addition to the outdoors, Mountain Home offers great indoor historical attractions such as museums, historic courthouses, and festivals such as the Red White & Blue Festival. Many of these attractions offer discounted senior rates annually.
Eureka Springs
Shops on Center Street in historic downtown Eureka Springs, Arkansas, USA. Editorial credit: rjjones / Shutterstock.com
If you have an appreciation for the finer things in life but on a budget, then eureka! Because we introduce to you, Eureka Springs. This underappreciated town has a charm that can’t be matched in the great state of Arkansas.
Many homes in Eureka Springs are Victorian homes that were built in the 19th and 20th centuries. In fact, Eureka Springs was so dedicated to preserving their historic districts that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the US.
Eureka Spring’s downtown atmosphere brings adorable boutiques, small ice cream shops, and little pizzerias with a gorgeous view of nature. From the free cost of nature to the senior discounts for sightseeing to the affordable dining, this spot is screaming for eureka.
Bella Vista
Spring hiking trail at Bella Vista Lake Park, Northwest Arkansas.
Bella Vista can easily be labeled as a comfortable town to retire in Arkansas. They have everything you can want to retire comfortably on a budget. Bella Vista is known for the community functions that it offers to its residents.
From farmers markets, library events, fitness centers, and golf courses this town is all about bringing the community together. Many of these recreational facilities continue their annual senior discount passes for those over 60 years old.
In addition to affordable community events, Bella Vista offers a cost of living that is about 6% cheaper than the national average. Making housing, utilities, taxes, dining, and much more an affordable place to retire.
Batesville
Pond with a bridge during fall in Arkansas.
Perhaps you are one for historical roots. If so, Batesville is the place for you because it is the oldest city in Arkansas, which was established in 1821. This town has preserved ancient landmarks such as the Old Independence Regional Museum.
What’s great about choosing this town to put down your final roots is that housing costs are estimated to be about 59.5% cheaper than the national average. And with odds like that, who can look away?
Aside from the great affordable housing this town offers, there are also plenty of cost-effective recreational activities. These activities range from nature trails, fishing and boating, to the famous Batesville White River Wonderland Christmas festival. Leaving plenty of things to do year-round for budget-conscious retirees.
Siloam Springs
The historic district of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Editorial credit: RaksyBH / Shutterstock.com
If you’re looking for a small town that has a mix of community events, outdoor activities, indoor scenic tours, affordable healthcare, and unique festivals then this is the town for you to retire in.
Annually Siloam Springs has a Dogwood Festival, that oddly enough has nothing to do with dogs. But, rather the shared love of crafts, food, and music. The outdoor activities are limitless with residents' favorite being Siloam Springs Kayak Park to get a whitewater kayaking experience.
All of this aside, perhaps one of the best things about this affordable town is its desire to offer a well-balanced life to its citizens.
Embrace Retirement in Arkansas
After perusing the highlights of these six great budget-friendly towns in which to retire, we see that Arkansas has much to offer. Many of these towns present not just affordability but liveliness for retirees.
From outdoor recreation to homemade crafting, volunteering for festivals, making friends at the golf course, and getting top-quality, affordable health care, these six towns offer it all. So, no matter if you want to retire in the historic grandeur of Eureka Springs or to the scenic beauty of the lakes and rivers in Mountain Home, there is a place for every retiree on a budget.
