10 Pros and Cons of Living in Fayetteville, AR Right Now

Good Things To Know Before Moving To Fayetteville, Arkansas

If you are considering a move to northwest Arkansas, give serious thought to the pros and cons of living in Fayetteville.

Because this southern city has a lot to offer. Whether you want to go to school, work, or just pursue a relaxed retirement lifestyle after moving to Fayetteville.

Whatever your situation happens to be. Let’s dive into the details, so you can decide for yourself…

Pros And Cons Of Living In Fayetteville, Arkansas

Here is our top 10 list of living in Fayetteville pros and cons:

  • Diverse living options
  • Close access to the University of Arkansas
  • Beautiful and scenic
  • Plenty of fun things to do
  • Family-friendly community
  • Higher cost of living
  • Limited diversity
  • It’s a college town
  • Locationally challenged
  • Hot summers

We will dig into each of these pros and cons of moving to Fayetteville in a moment.

But first, allow me to address the most important question of the day…

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Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Is Fayetteville, Arkansas A Good Place To Live?

Fayetteville is a good place to live for a modest size city with a college-town vibe. Furthermore, it offers family-friendly features like good schools, low crime rates, and fun things to do. Finally, all of these amenities are placed in a scenic setting close to the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas.

However, moving to Fayetteville may not be for everyone. So, let’s carefully examine the 10 pros and cons…

1. Diverse Living Options

When it comes to finding your perfect neighborhood with the ideal environment, the greater Fayetteville region has a lot of options to consider.

From high-end gated golf communities with modern amenities. To older homes in need of some tender loving care.

Whatever it is you are looking for, you can probably find it here. So, for your consideration, here are some of the best places to live in Fayetteville…

Living In Downtown Fayetteville

Let’s start with downtown life in Fayetteville.

First, just to the northeast of downtown is Mount Sequoyah. Many homes on this mountain were built in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.

However, those that have been rehabbed and modernized are quite expensive.

As you travel southwest closer to downtown and the university you will find older, historic homes. Many were built more than 100 years ago.

One of the very popular residential areas is near Wilson Park.  It is due north of downtown and close to everything.

But realize, that home prices are generally higher as you get closer to campus.

Next, I would like to give you a feel for the surrounding area…

Living in the Fayetteville Suburbs

First, starting to the north of town and moving counter-clockwise. You will find the Clear Creek Gated Community.

Near the Blessings Golf Club. However, nice homes here are VERY expensive.

Moving to the southwest, there is Dogwood Canyon, a 57-lot neighborhood.

It is tucked into the rolling woods of the mountains. Construction began here in 2005.

Wedington and Farmington. Wedington township is a suburb due west of the city. While Farmington sits on the southwest side touching the city boundary.

Farmington is a great area because of its easy access to Centennial Park for mountain biking enthusiasts. And the outdoor features at Kessler Mountain Regional Park too.

Due east of the city center is Stonebridge Meadows. Another golf community.

Drifting a little farther east and north is the Wyman-Elkins area. It is along the White River with Lake Sequoyah in between the two towns.

Here you will find plenty of wildlife, rolling hills, trees, pleasant mountain views, and of course beautiful Lake Sequoyah.

Northeast of the lake you will find Goshen. This area is fairly flat with some rolling hills.

Plus, a lot of open land. Populated with equine-oriented properties for anyone interested in horses and farmland.

Before we move to the next pro. Here’s an image laying out some of the cities and towns surrounding Fayetteville that I just discussed…

best places to live in Fayetteville, ARPin
Places to live in Fayetteville, AR

Next, and perhaps one of the biggest benefits of living in Fayetteville…

2. Close Access To The University Of Arkansas

Since this city is home to the University of Arkansas.

Considered the center for higher education in the state for more than 150 years. And, one of the top public research universities in the country.

College football is a very big thing here. Also, collegiate baseball, softball, and track are popular.

Since the college sports teams attract an avid local fan base. So, get ready to become a fan of the Razorbacks after moving to Fayetteville.

Plus, all the cultural amenities. That a big-time U.S. university offers this community. Similar in some ways to Jonesboro, another Arkansas college town.

Bringing us to another one of the advantages of living in Fayetteville…

3. Beautiful And Scenic

The city is located near the Ozark Mountains and Ozark National Forest. Making it a scenic place with beautiful natural surroundings.

The landscape is hilly with many trees throughout town. Which brings a lot of colors when the leaves change in the fall.

These outdoor features make Fayetteville living great for outdoorsy folks. Especially those who enjoy, hiking, mountain biking, boating, and fishing around the area.

Next, you will quickly learn after moving to Fayetteville that there’s more to it than just the outdoors.…

4. Plenty Of Fun Things To Do

Since there is no shortage of things to do here, for your Fayetteville lifestyle. Such as…

Enjoying Downtown And The Arts When Living In Fayetteville

The many shops, restaurants, and bars in the downtown area. Specifically, on Dickson Street and Block Avenue.

For performing arts, there is the Walton Arts Center. One of the largest and busiest establishments for artists and entertainers in the state.

TheatreSquared offers a more intimate experience. But no less professional including more than 300 performances each year.

However, one downside is the cost of parking. In and around the entertainment district.

Honestly, the price is not all that high. However, locals just don’t like paying to park downtown.

Relaxing Outdoor Recreation Options When Living In Fayetteville

Then, for a little more casual outdoor fun, residents also enjoy the:

  • Bikes, Blues, and BBQ festival
  • Weekly farmer’s market on the square
  • Gully Park free summer concerts
  • Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

Okay. Here is the last of our 5 reasons to move to Fayetteville…

5. Family-Friendly Community

You can’t underestimate the community feeling that residents enjoy here. It is marked by…

Friendly people. If you say hello and smile at someone, the majority of the time you get a smile back and a cheerful response.

Loyal support for the many independent and locally owned businesses.

Low crime rates. Since Fayetteville is a very safe place to live. Of course, some parts of it are safer than others, just like many cities.

Finally, you will find good schools. And a highly regarded public library.

Now, it’s time to change gears. Because I promised you an article about the pros AND cons of living in Fayetteville.

So, here are some reasons you might not want to move to this city in northwest Arkansas…

living in Fayetteville pros and consPin

6. Higher Cost Of Living

For the most part, living in the great state of Arkansas is very affordable.

But, not so fast. Let’s talk specifically about Fayetteville…

Cost Of Homes In Fayetteville

Because this area has one of this state’s most expensive housing markets.

On one hand, the prices may seem reasonable if you are moving from Chicago, New York, or LA. Otherwise, it’s probably going to feel pricey to you for a small town in Arkansas.

Because the median home value has been bouncing around the low to mid $300,000 range. Meaning roughly half of homes are valued at more than that figure. And the other half less.

So, you will have to shop around if a high-priced home isn’t in your budget.

Also, apartment rents tend to be higher. Because demand from university students puts upward pressure on prices of the available rental stock.

So, make sure your credit score is in good shape. For putting your best foot forward when shopping for that new home or apartment. You can check your credit score for free NOW with Credit Karma.

Other Living Costs In Fayetteville

Beyond the price of housing, the cost of living in Fayetteville is not so bad. Things like property taxes, groceries, health care, and utilities all run at or below the national average according to BestPlaces.net.

As a result, make sure your housing costs won’t break your budget. And if they do, you may be able to find some cost savings in other expense areas to offset the high price of homes.

And, by all means, don’t pay more for anything than you have to. For this, we save on all of our online purchases using the cash rebate app from Rakuten.

Learn more about saving money with Rakuten now. It’s a great way to save some cash no matter where you choose to live.

Now, onto the next one of the disadvantages of living in Fayetteville…

7. Limited Diversity

For anyone desiring a high degree of ethnic and racial diversity, you won’t find it here. Because according to World Population Review, nearly 80% of residents are white.

Residents also lean to the more liberal side of the political spectrum. In a state that is mostly made up of conservatives.

By now, this next point should come as no surprise after moving to Fayetteville…

8. It’s A College Town

Because this is a small city with a large prestigious university located right in the heart of it.

Think of it this way, there are roughly 85,000 full-time residents here. Then, during the school year, nearly 30,000 students descend on the University of Arkansas campus.

So, almost one out of every four people is a student. In case that mix of data about the population might bother you.

Like most college kids, they enjoy having a good time downtown at the bars on the weekends. But, other than that, you won’t find a lot of Fayetteville nightlife options for you or the students.

Okay, here’s another one of the potential reasons not to move to Fayetteville…

9. Locationally Challenged

Because depending on your priorities, the city is rather remote.

First, it is located a good distance from the major United States population centers. For anyone who must travel extensively into the country’s major business centers.

Second, it’s a 3-hour drive to this southern state’s capital city of Little Rock. Which, based on population, is the largest city in Arkansas.

Here’s another important point about the city’s location to consider…

Working In The “Walmart Ecosystem” After Moving To Fayetteville

Many people relocate to northwest Arkansas because of the jobs, companies, and business opportunities. Specifically, work options offered by Walmart and its supplier base further north in Bentonville. Just south of the lovely border state of Missouri.

However, if your work days will frequently lead you to the Bentonville, Rogers, Arkansas metro area. Then living here may not be the best option. Because you will be spending one to two hours a day commuting in your car.

Furthermore, this area isn’t a big banking and financial center or even near one. If that’s the kind of place you are looking for to advance your career.

To sum it up, if you can pull off living, working, and recreating in and around the immediate area. And traveling only when you desire for your leisure interests. Then, you should be in good shape.

Otherwise, you may be wasting a lot of time coming and going to your new home town.

Last but not least…

10. Hot Summers

This city is located in one of America’s southern states. And while you won’t have to worry much about the winter cold, snow, and ice. The Fayetteville weather isn’t perfect.

Because it gets very hot here in the summer from early June through early September. Also, humidity levels can make it feel more uncomfortable than the temperature indicates.

So, during peak summer months you need to get used to highs reaching into the 90s. Sometimes coupled with a good dose of humidity.

Okay. That’s all I have.

So, allow me to wrap up with a few parting thoughts…

Pros And Cons Of Living In Fayetteville

Fayetteville is the perfect place to live for anyone looking for a small southern city with a big university at its heart. Residents have access to many recreational activities both indoors and out in this family-friendly community.

First and most importantly…

good luck with your decision!

Furthermore…

Answering Your Questions About Fayetteville Living

I hope this information has helped you address these important questions:

1) Is Fayetteville, Arkansas a nice place to live?

and

2) Should I move to Fayetteville?

Finally…

Moving To Fayetteville And Far Beyond…

Thanks for reading. And if this isn’t the right place for you, then check out our…

Best of Articles About Where to Live and Why

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Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.

The Pros And Cons Of Living in Fayetteville, Arkansas Explained