The Natural State of Arkansas is known for its beautiful lakes and rivers, natural landscapes, and extreme weather. With over fifty state parks and three national forests, Arkansas offers retirees a variety of opportunities for outdoor activites! As a tax-friendly state, over 17% of residents living in Arkansas are over the age of 65. What’s so great about the state? Let’s take a look at the top 5 best cities in Arkansas for retirement living!
El Dorado
Located in Union County, El Dorado is known as one of the original oil boomtown communities. It was founded in 1843 and today offers popular attractions at Union Square District and fine seafood eateries. Home of the South Arkansas Arboretum with two miles of paved foot trails are calling you to come explore.
Altus
Found among the River Valley of Arkansas, Altus is the wine capital of the state. It is a small rural community that pays tribute to its history in coal mining while preserving heritage in wine-making. The area is full of wineries and shops that compliment the industry. Annual events such as The Altus Grape Festival, Bloom-n-Blues Festival and Springtime Gala are all found taking place in Altus year after year.
Hardy
The quaint community of Hardy is one of the best small towns in Arkansas! The town’s main street has been preserved in appearance since 1884 and is registered on the National Registry of Historic Places. Tiny shops and antique stores line the streets and three large museums are open to the public day after day. A large resort and retirement community is located just on the outskirts of town, known as Cherokee Village.
Mountain View
Mountain View, Arkansas is one of the best kept secrets in terms of small towns found in the Natural State. Music festivals and BBQ cook-offs take place in the 1870s town of Mountain View each year. The Ozark heritage is preserved in this community and living history is presented at the Ozark Folk Center found in the heart of the small town. Mountain View is approximately two hours from the hub of Little Rock.
Hot Springs Village
Nestled among the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs Village spans approximately 25,000 acres and offers an immense amount of recreational space for retirees and their families. The town of Hot Springs Village holds one of the largest gated communities in the nation. The Village is safe and secure and includes exquisite golf courses, dining options and a spectacular concert arena.
Robert Fowler
Contributing WriterRobert Fowler is a retired blogger who lives with his wife, Mary Ann at Village at Deaton Creek, a Del Webb Community in North Georgia. Robert was previously the President of Retirement Media Inc. He has visited numerous 55+ Active Adult Communities over the years, sharing his experiences along the way with readers. View more posts
