7 Towns Perfect For Retirement In Arkansas

Arkansas is home to a cornucopia of towns known to be beautiful, cheap, and laid-back. There are regions, such as Northwest Arkansas, that can make one think for a moment that it is Switzerland. Property in Arkansas is relatively cheap, and getting a nice home for less than $400,000 is fairly easy. For outdoor enthusiasts, it should be enough that Arkansas has been nicknamed “The Natural State.” But where does one pitch tent? Discover below seven towns perfect for retirement in Arkansas.

Lowell

A dainty town of just about 10,000 residents, Lowell reclines on the Razorback Regional Greenway, an awesome 36-mile trail connecting seven major cities stretching from Bella Vista to Fayetteville. Lowell hosts upcoming parks, such as the 100-acre Kathleen Johnson Memorial Park, and provides access to established green spaces, such as the 72-acre Ward Nail Park on the east side of town. For avid golfers, First Tee, a terrific 9-hole golf course with a nice driving range, can be a second home.

Also, a retiree here is at the doorstep of Rogers — and just about 11 miles from Bentonville; hence, they will have fantastic access to desirable amenities. These include shopping venues and top-notch hospitals such as the award-winning Mercy Hospital in Rogers. Lowell’s median age is 34, meaning it pulsates with youthful zest and curiosity. It is also diverse, with Hispanics making up 26% of the population. That said, residents aged 60 and above comprise 19% of Lowell’s population. Finally, this Northwest Arkansas charmer boasts a median home listing price of only $385,000.

Greenbrier

Greenbrier is the safest city in Arkansas, according to Safewise. So one does not have to constantly glance over her shoulder when walking down the street. On the retail side, Greenbrier offers almost everything a retiree will need, including stores such as Walmart, McDonald’s, and Harps Food Stores, a wonderful grocery with a good selection of foods. There is much to love about Greenbrier, including its friendly residents, quiet neighborhoods, and outdoor venues such as the Woolly Hollow State Park, where one can fish, boat, and even swim. Alternatively, Cadron Creek is even closer. Besides providing gorgeous scenery, Cadron Creek features numerous caves, bluffs, and pinnacles. And just 15 minutes from town, there is Beaver Fork Lake, a 960-acre beauty attracting outdoor enthusiasts from all around.

Greenbrier is conveniently close to Conway, which hosts top-notch hospitals such as Baptist Health Medical Center. The town’s median age is 32, so expect to mingle with young folks who are full of life. That said, residents aged 60 and above comprise 21% of the population. In March 2024, the median listing home price in Greenbrier was $379,900.

Bryant

Bryant is in the Little Rock metro area, implying retirees here can access all desirable amenities in a heartbeat. It is also in the center of the state, so one can be in any part of Arkansas in 3 hours or less. For those who want to access what Little Rock offers without living in Little Rock, Bryant is an excellent retirement choice. Then again, diverse cities are often more accepting and welcoming, and Bryant is just that — with Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics making up 75%, 15%, and 4% of the population, respectively. The town’s median age is a bubbly 36. Still, an empty nester will meet folks in the same age bracket since residents aged 60 and above make up 22% of the town’s population. Then again, one can easily afford a home here.

In March 2024, the median listing home price in Bryant was just $325,000. Mills Park, a green space gem residents are fond of, has a paved sidewalk around the edge where one will enjoy a mid-morning walk. Also, the City of Bryant Bishop Park, besides being a fun place to take the family, features a small workout center with a large indoor track. And there is Hurricane Lake as well, known for its trophy bass.

Bella Vista

Originally laid out as a summer recreation resort, Bella Vista provides access to almost 100 miles of mountain biking trails, including the phenomenal Blowing Springs MTB Trail Head, which features caves and a stunning waterfall. The natural appeal of Bella Vista is unique; Wonderland Cave — for instance, once served as an underground nightclub. Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, one of the most loved attractions in Bella Vista, besides being an architectural masterpiece (It was designed by the same man who designed the famous Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs), features nice trails that overlook a pristine lake. It’s a fantastic spot to enjoy a nature-themed afternoon stroll. For a romantic dinner with a special other, Lakepoint Restaurant and Event Center, which features picturesque views of a glistening lake, is the go-to spot.

One of the most exciting parts of retiring in Bella Vista is that Rogers, with all its amenities, is just 15 miles down the road. Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas in Rogers, for instance, is a 2022 recipient of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Vascular Surgery Award. And home prices are not yet over the roof either. In March 2024, the median listing home price in Bella Vista was $391,600. On the other side, a median age of 50 proves retirees are particularly fond of Bella Vista. They will likely meet many folks in the same age bracket.

Benton

Benton is a great place for families and empty nesters to thrive. It hosts a wonderful theater, where a retiree can enjoy a mood-lifting show, the 18-hole Longhills Golf Club, where one can smack an afternoon away, and a nice farmers market, the go-to spot for fresh produce. Plus, Lyle Park, which features a boat ramp and picnic tables — also provides access to the Saline River, one of the most pristine watersheds in Arkansas. A Benton resident will enjoy the services of Saline Memorial Hospital, a proud recipient of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement Award.

Benton is just 25 minutes away from Little Rock, meaning a retiree here is a heartbeat away from nearly all desirable amenities. While Benton’s median age is a bubbly 37, residents aged 60 and above comprise 20% of the population. Finally, you will not believe that homes in Benton fetch a median listing price of just $223,000.

Greenwood

If a retiree does not wish to endure the stress of constantly clutching her purse when traipsing through a downtown area, then Greenwood, ranked as the third-safest city in Arkansas by Safewise, will be an excellent choice. Those with school-going children will love the fact Greenwood boasts one of the best school districts in Arkansas. While not tiny ( Greenwood boasts a population of about 9,700), it still features an endearing small-town feel, making it a favorite with retirees. Empty nesters, those aged 60 and above, comprise 22% of the population.

Greenwood also has enough amenities to cover most of an empty nester’s needs, including grocery stores (such as Harps Food Stores), hospitals (such as the nearby Mercy Hospital Fort Smith), and green spaces (Bell Park features a paved trail and a disc golf course). Then, there is Greenwood Lake, which adds a layer of rustic allure to the town and lends it its name. Greenwood can be particularly attractive to retirees who do not want to splurge on a house, as the town’s median home listing price is just $292,000.

Farmington

Farmington, so-named because of its agricultural promise, is among the safest towns in Arkansas. That’s according to data from Safewise. It is conveniently located right next to Fayetteville, the second largest city in Arkansas, where an empty nester will find lots of amenities, including hospitals such as the Washington Regional Medical Center — recognized for the Outpatient Joint Replacement Excellence Award (2024). There are also many bike trails as well as lots of local art and murals. Encircled by gorgeous rolling hills, Farmington hosts the beautiful Creekside Park, which features a short walking trail.

Once in a while, a sizzling barbecue at the Beau's Bayou Smokehouse will crown a fun-filled weekend. However, there is no better place than Briar Rose for delicious cinnamon rolls. And that could be true of the entire state. While the town’s median age is 34, residents aged 60 and above comprise 15% of the population. Finally, the median listing home price in Farmington is $344,500.

While it has its ups and downs, Arkansas is overall a nice state to retire. “The Natural State,” so-called because of its spellbinding natural beauty; its beautiful mountains and dense forests — is among the most affordable in the nation. For starters, Arkansas does not tax Social Security benefits. Also, its property taxes are among the lowest in the nation. Still, affordability is not the only desirable feature. Empty nesters want to be close to amenities, including excellent hospitals. Considering all these factors, the most perfect towns for retirement in Arkansas include Bryant, in the Little Rock metro area, Lowell, a Northwest Arkansas charmer, and Greenbrier, the safest city in the state.