Best Places to Live Near Clinton, Arkansas (2025 Guide to Town, Country & Lake Living)
The best places to live near Clinton, Arkansas include in-town Clinton, Choctaw, Scotland, Alread, Shirley, Fairfield Bay, Bee Branch and Damascus. Each offers a different mix of small-town living, acreage, cabins, lake access, hunting land and country homes—giving buyers options from in-town convenience to deep Ozark seclusion.
Why People Are Moving to the Clinton, Arkansas Area
Clinton and the surrounding communities in Van Buren County attract a very specific kind of buyer—someone
who wants space, quiet, land, nature and a slower pace of life, but still needs realistic access to shopping, medical care and major highways.
People choose this area because:
Homes are more affordable than many Central Arkansas markets
You can still find acreage, cabins and true rural property
Greers Ferry Lake and the Ozark foothills provide year-round recreation
The Clinton School District offers safe, community-focused environment
You can commute to Conway, Greenbrier or Lake-area communities while living in the country
This guide—created by Central Arkansas Realtor® Ashley Watters—walks through the best places to
live near Clinton, so you can quickly match your lifestyle to the right area.
If you’re just starting your search, also check the main hub:
In-Town Clinton – Best for Convenience & Schools
Who It’s Best For
In-town Clinton is ideal if you want:
Quick access to schools, stores, restaurants and services
Shorter drives in bad weather
Neighborhood-style living with neighbors nearby
A simpler, lower-maintenance lifestyle
Families often start by browsing:
Clinton Arkansas School District guide
Home Types You’ll See
You’ll mostly find:
One-story and two-story single-family homes
Houses on city lots or small acre parcels
Some remodeled older homes with character
Newer construction sprinkled throughout
If you want to be in the heart of the community—ball games, school events, Friday night lights—in-town Clinton
is your spot.
Choctaw – Clinton’s Lake Gateway
Lifestyle & Location
Just east of Clinton, Choctaw sits on the corridor toward Greers Ferry Lake, making it a great pick if
you want:
Quick access to marinas and boat ramps
Cabins, country homes and homes on acreage
A blend of lake life and small-town living
Many buyers look at Choctaw when they’re torn between being “in town” and “on the lake.”
Pair this area with:
Greers Ferry Lake homes for sale
Clinton Arkansas cabins & rural getaways
Property Types
You’ll see:
Cabins and weekend retreats
Homes on a few acres
Rural properties with shops, RV storage or boat parking
Some STR / vacation rental potential
If you want lake proximity without full-time resort crowds, Choctaw is a top choice.
Scotland & Alread –Deep Ozark Country & Big Acreage
Who These Areas Are For
Scotland and Alread are for buyers
who say:
“I want real privacy, trees, hills, wildlife and as few neighbors as possible.”
These areas are perfect if you’re looking for:
Larger acreage tracts
Off-grid or semi-off-grid cabin sites
Long-term retreats and homesteads
What You’ll Find
Common features:
20–200+ acre tracts
Timberland with ridges, hollows and creek draws
Cabin sites with huge views
Excellent deer and turkey habitat
If the idea of owning your own piece of Ozark wilderness excites you, Scotland and Alread should be on
your list alongside the broader Clinton and and acreage search.
Shirley & Fairfield Bay– Lake-Influenced Living
Shirley – Quiet, Scenic and Underrated
Shirley is ideal if you want:
Rolling, wooded property
River and lake proximity
A quiet community with big scenery
It pairs well with:
Greers Ferry Lake homes for sale
Clinton cabins & rural getaways
Fairfield Bay – Resort Amenities & Lake Access
Fairfield Bay offers:
Golf courses
Walking trails
Marina access
Pools and resort-style amenities
It appeals to retirees, second-home buyers, and short-term rental investors. Many buyers compare
Fairfield Bay with in-town Clinton and Choctaw before deciding where to buy.
Bee Branch & Damascus –South of Clinton, Closer to Conway
Great for Commuters & Hybrid Lifestyles
If you want to live rural but still commute toward Greenbrier or Conway, the Bee Branch / Damascus
corridor is a strong option.
Buyers here often want:
Homes on acreage
Space for a shop, boat or RV
Reasonable drive times to larger employers
Access to both Clinton and Conway
amenities
Look at:
Van Buren County real estate guide
Matching Your Lifestyle to
the Right Area
Best for Families With Kids
in School
In-town Clinton
South Clinton / Bee Branch corridor
Living in Clinton Arkansas relocation guide
Best for Lake & Weekend Lifestyle
Choctaw
Shirley
Fairfield Bay
Areas with easy access to Greers Ferry Lake
See:
Greers Ferry Lake homes for sale
Clinton cabins & rural getaways
Best for Big Acreage & Hunting
Scotland
Alread
Western Van Buren County
See:
Best for Commuters
South Clinton / Bee Branch /
Damascus
Gives you a country base
with better access toward Conway and the I-40 corridor.
Housing Types Around Clinton, Arkansas
No matter which area you choose, most buyers end up looking at a mix of:
In-town homes near schools and amenities
Country homes on 1–5 acres
Larger acreage properties and mini-farms
Cabins and rural retreats
Lake-area homes and vacation properties
To explore the full range, start with:
Clinton homes for sale
Clinton AR land & acreage forsale
If you’re early in your move planning, the Living in Clinton AR relocation guide is a perfect big-picture overview.
Working With Ashley Watters for Clinton & Surrounding Areas
Relocation and rural purchases come with extra questions—schools, drive times, wells, septics, easements,
internet, lake access, hunting rights and more. As a Central Arkansas Realtor® who understands homes, land, cabins and acreage, Ashley helps you:
Narrow down the best places to live near Clinton for your goals
Compare in-town vs country vs lake-area options
Understand local school and district details
Evaluate wells, septics and access on rural properties
Coordinate showings if you’re coming in from out of town
Connect with trusted lenders, inspectors and local service pros
Ashley Watters, Central Arkansas Realtor®
FAQ – Best Places to Live Near Clinton Arkansas
What is the best area to live near Clinton if I have kids in school?
Most families choose in-town Clinton or nearby country homes in the South Clinton / Bee Branch
corridor for quick access to Clinton schools and activities.
Where should I live if I want to be close to Greers Ferry Lake?
Look at Choctaw, Shirley, and Fairfield Bay. Start your search with Greers Ferry Lake homes for sale.
Where is the best hunting and big acreage land near Clinton?
For serious acreage and hunting ground, buyers often choose Scotland, Alread and western Van Buren County,
then browse Clinton AR hunting land and
Clinton AR land & acreage.
What’s the best area for cabins and weekend retreats?
Choctaw, Shirley, Fairfield Bay, Scotland and Alread are all popular for cabins, with many options
shown on Clinton cabins & rural getaways.
Who can help me figure out where to live near Clinton?
Realtor® Ashley Watters specializes in Clinton-area homes, land, acreage, cabins, and relocation. She
can help you decide which area fits your lifestyle best.