Fayetteville : Arkansas

What Fayetteville is like for active adults

Fayetteville, Arkansas (population 74,000) consistently turns up on everyone’s “Best Places to Live” list. There are plenty of reasons why it makes such an appealing retirement community for active adults 55+. It is the home of the beautiful and stimulating University of Arkansas. Its beautiful surroundings in the Ozark Mountains give it a resort-like feel. There is plenty to do. The Ozark National Forest provides many possibilities for outside recreation. Costs tend to be below the national average.

The University of Arkansas with its 15,000 students has a major impact on the city – both in its ambiance and in the economy. The downtown, centered on the university and Dickson Street, has many of the interesting restaurants and shops that are typically present in a college town. The cultural scene is busy. Fayetteville is a good place for active adults who choose to work in retirement – there are plenty of jobs in the services and retail sectors.

There are 3 historic districts here including the downtown area referred to as the “Square”. The housing choices for retirees are among the most varied and economical of any place in the U.S. There are many lovingly restored homes downtown and in surrounding neighborhoods such as Wilson Park. There are at least 7 active adult developments here, with more on the way. Nearby communities such as Bella Vista (20 miles north), Eureka Springs, and Rogers make appealing retirement communities.

Home prices averaged about $160,000 during 2009. For more information on taxes and what it is like to retire in Arkansas. Here is our review of Hot Springs as a retirement community. Photo of Dickson St. courtesy of Wikipedia and Rmcclen.

Edit | History

What is special about this retirement community

• Shiloh Historic District • A city that caters to retirees • Dickson Street, a narrow street lined with shops and restaurants and that leads through the center of the city • Three times a week farmers market on the town square • University of Arkansas • Gateway to the Ozark mountains • The Walton Arts Center • Bikes Blues and Barbeque • Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

Edit | History

What is not special about this retirement community

Other than being somewhat remote, it doesn’t seem to have many drawbacks.

Edit | History

What kinds of people like retiring here

Fayetteville attracts a community of retirees who want to live in a lively college town near the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Many are attracted to the growing array of retirement community choices that are available.

Edit | History

Local economy is driven by

The economy is vital and primarily driven by the University. The nearby presence of Wal-Mart’s world headquarters in Bentonville is a very big driver, as many of its largest suppliers have moved here to be near the retailing behemoth.

Edit | History

Climate and Physical Environment

Fayetteville is located near the northwest corner of Arkansas near Oklahoma. The Ozark Mountains are just a short distance away, which have some influence on the local weather. It can get cold here in winter and is hot and humid in summer.

Edit | History

Cultural environment

The Walton Arts Center is one of the country’s leading arts and entertainment venues. Its campus consists of the Walton Arts Center, Nadine Baum Studios, and the Just Off Center building. The Walton Arts Center has Halls, Galleries, and the Starr Theatre. The Nadine Baum Studios has 5 interactive studios, a Gallery, and the Studio Theatre. There are many festivals throughout the year, such as the Bikes Blues and Barbeque. The University of Arkansas also has a major impact on the culture of the town, both formal and informal.

Edit | History

Medical facilities

Fayetteville City Hospital and Geriatric Center. Washington Regional Medical Center

Edit | History

Transportation

Drake Field is about 6 miles. Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport is about 17 miles

Edit | History

Was this review helpful?

Yes

Please share your opinions on this community in the Forum
Register to become a Site Guide to Edit these sections or Add a Community If you have suggestions on how Topretirements.com could improve these reviews, contact us.
Suggest a community we want to know about your top retirement spots

Please note that all contributions to Topretirements may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. If you don't want your writing to be edited mercilessly, then don't submit it here. By submitting content and/or photographs here you agree to give Topretirements.com the rights to use them in any manner without cost or attribution.You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself, or copied it from a public domain or similar free resource (see Project:Copyrights for details). DO NOT SUBMIT COPYRIGHTED WORK WITHOUT PERMISSION!

Forward to a Friend | print

Facts about FAYETTEVILLE

State: AR
Environment: College Town,Mountains,
City Population: 50,001-100,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
Cost of Living Index: 81-90 (low)
Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: jb

Can you add to or correct these Facts? Or do you have a photo of this community we could use? If so, please click on Edit these facts

Vote on the Ratings for Fayetteville

Total Ratings

1. Overall Retirement Ratings Discuss

Currently 0.00>/5
1
2
3
4
5