7 Most Comfortable Towns in Arkansas for Seniors
If you are looking for a comfortable place to spend your years later in life, consider Arkansas. The state is full of historic charm and beautiful scenery. Some of the small towns in Arkansas are also more affordable places to live, and several have median home listing prices below the state average of $250,000. Living in a small town doesn't mean sacrificing care, and many of these communities have healthcare that is easily accessible. While Arkansas might be at the top of your list for comfortable places, these seven senior-friendly towns will change your mind.
Blytheville
Blytheville has everything you might want for a quiet, comfortable next chapter of life. Affectionately named the Steel Town as a homage to the town's historical significance in the steel industry, Blytheville is a great place for seniors to enjoy a historic, charming village. The median listing price of a home in Blytheville is $127,000 (according to realtor.com), well below the state's average.
Besides its affordability, Blytheville has a vibrant, historic downtown. Admire the historic buildings on an afternoon walk. The Delta Gateway Museum is the spot to learn about local Arkansas history. The museum has a rotation of exhibits so there is always something new to learn about! For relaxation, enjoy an afternoon at the local Ritz Theater. Healthcare is important to seniors, and Blytheville has an excellent medical clinic, the Great River Medical Center. The town is also home to the Arkansas International Airport-BYH and close enough to Memphis for any big city needs.
In Blytheville, you can also enjoy your spare time in the outdoors. Enjoy an afternoon stroll through Walker Park, pack a picnic, and enjoy lunch at one of the picnic tables. Those looking for hiking and biking adventures can visit the nearby Big Lake Wildlife Management Area. Blytheville also has many recreational facilities, including Thunder Bayou Golf Links.
West Memphis
West Memphis is an adorable community that combines the charm of a small town with the convenience of being next to the big city. Located across the Mississippi River from Memphis, Tennessee, the big city is never too far away. West Memphis presents a laid-back vibe with a more affordable cost of living. The median listing price of a house in West Memphis is $170,000, less than the state's median house price. Being so close to the city, West Memphis has fantastic access to health care. There are multiple hospitals in the region. Baptist Memorial Hospital-Crittenden, is one of the closest ones, ensuring seniors don't have to go far for their medical needs.
West Memphis also has an excellent sense of community. A bike ride-share program offers a convenient way to get around the town. Ride on trails or spend a day at the stunning Tilden Rodgers Park. The Mississippi River is also right next to the town and is superb for bird-watching, hiking, and even fishing.
Magnolia
Magnolia is a quiet town that has everything you need to live comfortably into your senior years. Some of the most laid-back, picturesque streets are in Magnolia. Every spring, the town is full of white blossoms that line the roads. There are many outdoor spots to go to enjoy the natural beauty, including Eastside Park. To enjoy a more remote natural beauty, take a road trip to Logoly State Park. Just a short drive from the town, the state park presents opportunities to bird watch and hike through peaceful woods.
Magnolia's median home listing price is comparable with the state average, at $254,900, and the town boasts quality healthcare with the Magnolia Regional Medical Center.
In Magnolia, there is always something to do. History and art lovers will enjoy the town's Magnolia Arts center and the Columbia County Historical Society. The organization has exhibitions, performances, and workshops that can be an enjoyable venture for art and history fans. The town is also home to Southern Arkansas University. While you might associate universities with college kids, you can attend lectures regardless of your age. The university鈥檚 Harton Theatre also hosts performances that are frequently open to the public.
Camden
Camden is a town that draws retirees in for its history, tight-knit community, and natural beauty. Living in Camden is affordable compared to other places in the state. The median house listing price in Camden sits at $140,000, which is below the state's average. The town has a well-equipped medical center called Ouachita County Medical Center. There are also many senior centers that offer programs for older adults. The charm of Camden lies in its history as an important town during the Civil War.
The town's historical significance is commemorated in local museums and historical sites. Some interesting ones include The Camden Expedition Sites and the McCollum-Chidester House Museum. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the town's natural scenery. Camden is near White Oak Lake State Park, a haven for outdoor recreation such as hiking, boating, and fishing. The Ouachita River is a great spot to paddle.
Malvern
Malvern is a comfortable town for seniors, known for its history in brick production and the abundance of hot springs. Every summer, Malvern pays homage to its brick production history with a Brickfest. The town also has a neat museum to explore, the Hot Spring County Museum. Enjoy the peace of Malvern's natural scenery and pristine air at Lake Catherine State Park. Here, you can hike through the woods and even see a waterfall.
Malvern is ideal for retirees because it is also affordable, with a median home listing price of $191,000. The town also has the Area Agency-Aging Senior Center, which hosts workshops and classes geared toward older adults.
Helena
Helena offers a slower pace of life and is perfect for seniors looking for an affordable community. The median house price is $97,000, less than half of the state average house price. Helena also has a welcoming community with a vibrant culture. The Delta Cultural Center has exhibits and live performances to keep everyone engaged.
The Helena Museum of Phillips County brings guests back to the town's past with artifacts from Indigenous groups and Civil War memorabilia. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking opportunities available in town. Delta Heritage Trail State Park is fantastic for hiking, biking, and bird-watching, while Freedom Park is ideal for a picnic and stroll. Helena is also known for its rich music scene. Every year, the King Biscuit Blues Festival is one of the oldest blues festivals in the country.
Hope
Hope is a cute small town with less than 10,000 residents. It's the perfect spot for those looking for a sense of community. Every year, Hope hosts festivals such as the Watermelon Festival, where some of the largest watermelons are on display. Hope is an affordable town to live in, with a median house listing price of $129,000. For retirees, the Hope Senior Center provides options to socialize and participate in wellness programs. The town has one hospital, the Wadley Regional Medical Center. Here you can access a wide range of medical services.
Outdoor lovers will appreciate the range of natural parks around Hope. Millwood State Park is just a short drive away and is a great locale for bird-watching, hiking, and biking. In town, there is Fair Park, for picnics and afternoon strolls. Those interested in history should visit the President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site. Nearby, there is also the Historic Washington State Park, which has homes preserved from the 19th century.
Considering these towns' access to healthcare, affordability, and charm, it's no surprise they are top choices for seniors. These towns in Arkansas, The Natural State, have something for everyone. Music and history lovers will be smitten with Helena. Whereas outdoor adventure enthusiasts looking to be close to waterfalls will love hiking and bird-watching in Malvern. No matter your needs, Arkansas has you covered for a comfortable life in the golden years.
