Moving to Central Arkansas from Out of State | Relocation Guide 2026
RELOCATION · CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Moving to Central Arkansas
Expert relocation guidance for families, veterans & out-of-state buyers ready to call Arkansas home.
Why People Are Moving to Central Arkansas
Central Arkansas is one of the best-kept secrets in America for relocation. While states like California, Illinois, New York, and Texas see residents fleeing high costs, Arkansas offers an almost unbeatable combination: low home prices, low taxes, strong job growth, outdoor lifestyle, and genuine Southern hospitality. Here’s what’s drawing people here from across the country.
Cost of Living vs. Where You’re Coming From
| State You’re Leaving | Avg Home Price There | Central AR Home Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $750K+ | $225K–$325K | $400K–$500K |
| New York | $550K+ | $225K–$325K | $250K–$300K |
| Illinois / Chicago | $325K+ | $225K–$325K | $50K–$100K |
| Texas (DFW/Austin) | $400K+ | $225K–$325K | $100K–$200K |
| Colorado | $550K+ | $225K–$325K | $200K–$350K |
Where to Live in Central Arkansas: City-by-City Relocation Guide
Little Rock — The Capital City
Little Rock is the cultural, economic, and political heart of Arkansas. It offers the widest variety of neighborhoods, from historic Hillcrest and the Heights to suburban west Little Rock near Chenal Parkway. Pulaski County has a well-developed jobs market including healthcare (UAMS, Baptist Health), state government, and logistics.
- Best for: Professionals, healthcare workers, government employees, urban lifestyle seekers
- Median home price: $200K–$350K (varies wildly by neighborhood)
- School districts: Multiple — research LRSD, Pulaski County Special, private options
- Airport access: Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (BNA) — direct flights to Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver
Conway — College Town with Big-City Amenities
Conway is one of the fastest-growing cities in Arkansas, located 30 minutes northwest of Little Rock on I-40. Home to three universities (UCA, Hendrix, CBC), a thriving medical corridor, and some of Central Arkansas’s best master-planned neighborhoods. Faulkner County has the lowest property taxes in the region.
- Best for: Families, academics, medical professionals, remote workers, military retirees
- Median home price: $220K–$350K
- Tax advantage: No state income tax on military retirement pay; low property tax rate
- Top zip codes: 72034 (upscale west), 72032 (affordable central), 72035 (rural/acreage)
Cabot — Top-Rated Schools, Small-Town Feel
Cabot is a rapidly growing suburb in Lonoke County, 20–25 miles northeast of Little Rock. The Cabot School District is consistently ranked among the top public school districts in Arkansas — a massive draw for relocating families with children. Lower property taxes than Pulaski County and newer housing stock make it a value play.
- Best for: Families prioritizing schools, first-time buyers, military families near LRAFB
- Median home price: $230K–$310K
- Commute to Little Rock: 30–40 minutes via I-40 West
- School district ranking: Among the highest-rated in Arkansas
Sherwood — Best Balance of Location and Price
Sherwood sits between Little Rock and Jacksonville, offering immediate access to downtown Little Rock (15 minutes) and Little Rock Air Force Base (10–15 minutes). Pulaski County location means established infrastructure, shopping, and dining without the congestion of downtown. Very popular with military families and working professionals.
- Best for: Military families, commuters, those wanting a central location
- Median home price: $195K–$290K
- Commute to LRAFB: 10–15 minutes via John Harden Drive or MacArthur Drive
- Commute to Little Rock: 15 minutes
Jacksonville — Closest to Little Rock Air Force Base
Jacksonville is the closest city to LRAFB — most base neighborhoods are technically within Jacksonville city limits. The most affordable price points in the metro, with a tight-knit military community. Strong infrastructure for service members, with base resources minutes away.
- Best for: Active duty military, first-time buyers, BAH maximizers
- Median home price: $170K–$215K
- Commute to LRAFB: 0–5 minutes
- VA loan usage: Very high — most purchases in the area use VA financing
What People Moving to Arkansas Ask About Most
Q: What is the cost of living in Arkansas compared to other states?
Arkansas consistently ranks in the top 5 most affordable states in the US. The cost of living index is approximately 15–20% below the national average. Housing is the biggest driver — median home prices in Central Arkansas ($225K–$275K) are less than half of West Coast or Northeast markets.
Q: Does Arkansas have state income tax?
Yes — Arkansas has a state income tax. However, military retirement pay is 100% exempt from Arkansas state income tax, making it exceptionally attractive for retiring service members. The top marginal rate for civilians is 3.9% (reduced from prior years). Property taxes are among the lowest in the nation.
Q: What are the best suburbs of Little Rock for families?
Conway (for college-town amenities and low taxes), Cabot (for top-rated schools), Sherwood (for central location), and west Little Rock/Chenal (for upscale suburban living) are consistently the most requested areas for relocating families.
Q: Can I buy a home in Arkansas remotely without visiting first?
Yes — Ashley Watters specializes in remote home purchases and has successfully helped dozens of out-of-state and military buyers purchase homes in Central Arkansas without visiting in person. She provides video walkthroughs, virtual tours, and can manage the entire process including negotiation, inspection coordination, and remote closing.
Q: What is the job market like in Central Arkansas?
Little Rock’s economy is anchored by healthcare (UAMS, Baptist Health System, CHI St. Vincent), state government, Dillard’s corporate HQ, Windstream, and a growing logistics/distribution sector (Walmart’s distribution network). Conway adds the university employment base. The region’s unemployment rate consistently tracks below the national average.
Q: What is the weather like in Central Arkansas?
Central Arkansas has four distinct seasons: hot, humid summers (90s°F average), mild springs and falls, and winters with occasional ice/snow but rarely extreme cold. Tornadoes are a real weather concern — Arkansas sits on the edge of Tornado Alley. Most homes have storm shelters or access to community shelters.
Q: Is Arkansas a good place to retire?
Arkansas is increasingly attracting retirees due to: no state income tax on Social Security benefits, no tax on military retirement pay, low property taxes, low cost of living, access to outdoor recreation (Ozarks, lakes, rivers), and affordable healthcare. Military retirees find it especially compelling as a combination of LRAFB VA services and Faulkner/Lonoke County low taxes.
How Ashley Helps Out-of-State Buyers
Ashley Watters has guided dozens of families relocating to Central Arkansas from California, Texas, Illinois, Colorado, Virginia, and beyond. Her process for remote buyers:
- Discovery call — Understanding your budget, must-haves, timeline, and which city fits your life
- Neighborhood matching — Matching you to the right community based on schools, commute, lifestyle
- Video tours — Live or recorded walkthrough of homes you’re interested in
- Offer strategy — Competitive offer preparation without being there in person
- Remote closing — Power of attorney or remote online notarization options available
- VA loan expertise — Ashley is deeply experienced with VA loans and works with trusted VA lenders
Call or text Ashley at (501) 951-9200 or email [email protected] to start your Central Arkansas relocation journey.
More Resources for Your Central Arkansas Move
- Living in Conway AR — Full Relocation Guide
- Living in Cabot AR — Full Relocation Guide
- Living in Sherwood AR — Full Relocation Guide
- Living in Jacksonville AR — Full Relocation Guide
- Jacksonville vs Cabot vs Sherwood vs Conway — Which is Best?
- Military & Veteran Realtor in Central Arkansas
- VA Loan REALTOR® in Arkansas
- Retiring Military in Arkansas
- Conway AR Zip Codes Guide (72032, 72034 & 72035)
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📋 Resources & Tools
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Central Arkansas Relocation Guide Hub
Moving From Your State
- Moving from Texas to Arkansas — Property tax savings, cost comparison, what to expect
- Moving from Houston to Arkansas — Ranked #1 by Google for this search
- Moving from California to Arkansas — Cost of living shock (in the best way)
- Moving from Arizona to Arkansas — Climate, costs, and community
- Moving from Michigan to Arkansas — Southern living guide for Midwesterners
- Moving from Minnesota to Arkansas — Weather upgrade, cost upgrade
Choose Your Community
- Greenbrier — Small-town character, excellent schools, Ashley’s hometown
- Vilonia — Top-ranked schools, tight-knit Faulkner County community
- Conway — Faulkner County’s largest city, universities, growing amenities
- Cabot — Arkansas’s #1 school district, 20 min from LRAFB
- Jacksonville — Most affordable near LRAFB, strong military community
- Sherwood — Between base and Little Rock, dual-income sweet spot
- Maumelle — Master-planned community west of Little Rock
- Benton — Saline County hub, strong schools, southwest corridor
- Bryant — One of AR’s fastest-growing cities, excellent schools
- Lonoke — Maximum affordability, acreage options east of Little Rock
- Mayflower — Lake Conway access, I-40 corridor, affordable
- West Little Rock — Premier residential market, Chenal Valley
Military Families
- PCS to Little Rock AFB — Complete military relocation guide
- VA Loan Benefits in Arkansas — Zero-down financing guide
- Retiring Military in Arkansas — Tax benefits, VA healthcare, best communities
- LRAFB BAH Rates 2026 — Housing allowance by pay grade
Ashley Watters — Central Arkansas REALTOR®, military spouse, VA loan specialist. (501) 951-9200.