Arkansas is a beautiful place to live. The scenic landscapes, friendly people, and warm climate make it an all-time favorite for those moving there from other states. While there are many positive facets to life in Arkansas, there are also a few cons that someone should know before moving there. Here are the top five biggest pros and cons of living in Arkansas.
Pros
#1 The People – One of the biggest pluses of living in Arkansas is the friendliness of the people. You will definitely feel welcomed and comfortable anywhere in the state. People in Arkansas are very welcoming and friendly, and it is one of the best qualities of the state. As a result, you will have a great time socializing and meeting new people.
#2 Cost of Living – Generally speaking, the cost of living in Arkansas is very high. But, there are some neighborhoods where it can get extremely pricey. If you want to live a comfortable life, you need to consider making a significant amount of money to offset the cost of living. Nevertheless, despite the high cost of living, you will find many luxurious amenities that are not expensive at all. For example, many parks offer free entry, and there are natural springs that give you the opportunity to soak in healing water without having to pay a penny.
#3 Beautiful Weather – Another big plus of living in Arkansas is the great climate. You will never have to deal with cold weather, and even the warmest days are not that hot. That makes it ideal for anyone who loves to be outside and enjoys being active. The best time of year to live in Arkansas is Spring or Summer, otherwise, you will have to deal with the heat a lot. In addition, the air is fresh and smells wonderful, so you will have no problem breathing. Also, rainfall is relatively high, so you will be able to water your garden and plants easily.
#4 Great Places to Visit – One of the major pluses of living in Arkansas is the great places to visit. You will find many tourist attractions in the state, including several museums, several zoos, an aquarium, and botanical gardens. In addition, there are many historic sites and places that you can visit, including old forts, museums, and shopping centers. You can also head to the capital city of Little Rock, where you will find many restaurants, bars, and clubs, as well as galleries and museums. This is a great place to live if you are a history buff or want to visit many places and attractions during your stay.
Cons
#1 Traffic – Thanks to the high cost of living in Arkansas, traffic is always a problem. There are simply too many people and too many cars, which leads to massive gridlock. That is why it is best to avoid driving during peak hours, especially evenings and on weekends. If you do anyway, you will have a bad time trying to find a parking spot. Also, even in well-designed cities, such as Little Rock, there are always lots of accidents due to people driving too fast or recklessly. Thus, another con of living in Arkansas is the threat of getting in an accident, especially if you are driving on unfamiliar roads or at night. In addition, the speed limits are really high, so you will need to be careful not to break the law. Also, the state does not offer any incentives for eco-driving, so you will always be tempted to drive your car as much as possible. That is why it is best to walk or ride a bike to work or school instead of driving your car. In general, if you want to live in a peaceful, relaxed place, avoid living in Arkansas due to the intense traffic and the ever-present threat of getting in an accident. And last but not least, make sure to pack plenty of mosquito repellant when you visit areas where mosquitoes occur. They can cause a lot of problems for people with allergies or asthma. Especially in the summertime, when the mosquitoes are at their peak, they can really cause havoc.
Moving to Arkansas from another state might seem like a big decision, but after you have been there a while and settled in, you will realize how wonderful the state is and how much you enjoy living there. In addition, you will feel reassured that you have picked the right place for you and your family. In the end, deciding to live in Arkansas means you will have to learn to cope with high gas prices and traffic, but with the great outdoors, beautiful weather, and welcoming people, you will have nothing but good memories to look back on.