Exploring the Region

If you moved here from out of state, chances are you didn’t quite know what to expect when you relocated to Arkansas. For many, Arkansas gets lumped into a box with its surrounding states. However, if you get the chance to drive through the Boston Mountains into the start of the region, you’ll begin to understand what all the fuss is about. Nestled in the Ozarks, you’ll find 35 cities across 3 counties, though most people land in the “big four”: Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville. Each city is unique in its own right, with so much to offer its residents from outdoor fun (we are the Natural State, after all) to James Beard Award-winning restaurants. Our region gives you amenities similar to those in larger cities, but with a serenity you won’t find living in a concrete jungle. If the serene landscape and slower pace of Arkansas intrigues you, keep reading as we explore what Lowell, Pea Ridge, and Huntsville have to offer.

Lowell

Let’s start with Lowell, a town of almost 12,600 people located just 20 minutes from the Walmart Home Office, Tyson headquarters, and the University of Arkansas. It’s grown by 26% since 2020, but is still much smaller than its “big four” neighbors, so you get a genuine small town feel with the convenience of being close to everything Northwest Arkansas has to offer. Basically, if you don’t want to think too hard about commute times, Lowell’s your spot. Its charming downtown offers unique boutiques, antique shops and even some local art galleries. If you have time, visit the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History where you’ll learn about pioneers from the region while exploring awesome exhibits. Let’s start with Lowell, a town of almost 12,600 people located just 20 minutes from the Walmart Home Office, Tyson headquarters, and the University of Arkansas. It’s grown by 26% since 2020, but is still much smaller than its “big four” neighbors, so you get a genuine small town feel with the convenience of being close to everything Northwest Arkansas has to offer. Basically, if you don’t want to think too hard about commute times, Lowell’s your spot. Its charming downtown offers unique boutiques, antique shops and even some local art galleries. If you have time, visit the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History where you’ll learn about pioneers from the region while exploring awesome exhibits. 

Currently, median sale and listing prices run roughly $355K–$415K.

Pea Ridge

Pea Ridge sits northeast, on the outskirts of Rogers and Bentonville, with a population of 6,559. Like other smaller cities in the area, it’s seen exponential growth since 2020 about 40%, which is a rarity for a town this size. That growth has brought new homes, a brand-new high school, and room for local businesses to expand great news both for longtime locals and for anyone considering a move here. But more than the numbers, Pea Ridge is about the feel. It’s the kind of place where people actually wave from their porches, and the “everybody knows everybody” thing is real. The core of Pea Ridge has to be its National Military Park where you’ll find a 4,300 acre park honoring 26,000 soldiers who fought in the Battle of Pea Ridge. It is worth the visit to Pea Ridge to experience a part of Arkansas history.

Currently, median sale and listing prices run roughly $322K–$355K.

Huntsville

If Lowell and Pea Ridge still feel too crowded and you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the Ozarks, let me introduce you to Huntsville. It’s a small town of about 3,600 people, located roughly 28 miles east of Springdale making it more removed from the “big four” than either Lowell or Pea Ridge. It’s the most rural of the three, and it has a lot to offer buyers looking for an escape to country living. It’s still mostly farmland and open space, so if you want room to breathe and don’t mind a longer drive for errands, this is the one. One of the city’s main attractions has to be its wide range of outdoor activities! From Hiking the Glory Hole Trail and waterfall to kayaking on the King River. Huntsville has no shortage of natural state fun. 

Currently, median sale and listing prices run roughly $270K–$374K.

The Bottom Line

The headlines about Northwest Arkansas usually focus on the “big four” and often overlook the backbone of our region. All three of these towns offer something the bigger NWA cities increasingly can’t: an easier price tag and a genuine sense of place whether that’s Lowell’s job stability, Pea Ridge’s small-town charm, or Huntsville’s room to spread out and do your own thing.

Ready to explore these charming towns yourself? Whether you’re curious about the community, or looking for your next home, we’re here to help! Reach out, and we’ll connect you with a trusted local expert.