Moving from Illinois to Arkansas | Central AR Relocation Guide

Moving from Illinois to Arkansas | Central Arkansas Relocation Guide

Illinois — especially the Chicago metro — is one of the top states people are leaving, and Central Arkansas is emerging as a top destination. Lower home prices, dramatically lower property taxes, no harsh winters, and a growing economy are drawing families and professionals south. REALTOR® Ashley Watters helps Illinois buyers find their ideal Central Arkansas home completely remotely.

Why Illinois Residents Are Choosing Central Arkansas

  • Property Tax Relief: Illinois has some of the highest property taxes in the nation — averaging 2.27% of assessed value. Arkansas’s rate is ~0.63%. On a $300,000 home, that’s $4,920/year in savings on property taxes alone.
  • Home Prices: Chicago suburbs with good schools can run $350,000–$600,000+. Central Arkansas delivers comparable suburban quality for $180,000–$280,000.
  • Milder Winters: Leaving behind Chicago’s brutal winters for Arkansas’s mild climate is a major quality-of-life upgrade.
  • Lower Cost of Living: Groceries, utilities, and everyday expenses run 20–25% lower than the Chicago metro area.
  • Less Traffic: Conway, Cabot, and Greenbrier offer manageable commutes that Chicago residents find almost unbelievable.

Illinois vs. Central Arkansas: Key Numbers

  • Chicago suburb median home: ~$380,000 → Conway, AR median: ~$230,000 — save $150,000+
  • Illinois property tax (2.27% on $380K): $8,626/year → AR property tax (0.63% on $230K): $1,449/year — save $7,177/year
  • IL state income tax: 4.95% flat → AR military pay: fully tax-exempt

Best Central Arkansas Cities for Illinois Transplants

Conway, AR

Conway’s suburban feel, top schools, and growing amenity base resonate with Chicago-area families accustomed to suburban living — at half the price. Explore Conway →

Cabot, AR

Cabot’s family-friendly atmosphere, top-ranked school district, and affordability make it perfect for Illinois families looking for a safe, stable community. Near Little Rock AFB for military families. Explore Cabot →

Greenbrier, AR

Greenbrier offers the spacious, quiet suburban lifestyle many Illinois families crave — with larger lots, excellent schools, and no traffic. Explore Greenbrier →

Little Rock, AR

For Illinois buyers who want urban amenities and career opportunities, Little Rock delivers a full city experience at a fraction of Chicago prices. Explore Little Rock →

Ashley’s Remote Buying Process for Illinois Buyers

You don’t need to drive or fly to Arkansas to buy your home. Ashley provides video tours, FaceTime neighborhood walks, digital contracts, and remote closing coordination. Many Illinois buyers close entirely remotely.

Contact Ashley Watters for your free Illinois-to-Arkansas relocation consultation. Also see: Central Arkansas Relocation Hub | Cost of Living Guide | Cabot School District

Helpful Resources for Your Move to Central Arkansas

Whether you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or civilian relocating from Illinois, these guides will help you find the right home and community in Central Arkansas:

  • VA Loan Specialist in Arkansas – Use your VA home loan benefit to buy with zero down payment. Ashley is a certified Military Relocation Professional (MRP) serving veterans across Central Arkansas.
  • PCS Relocation Guide for Central Arkansas – Military families PCSing to Little Rock AFB will find everything they need here: neighborhoods, schools, BAH tips, and on-base vs. off-base housing advice.
  • Little Rock AFB Housing Guide – A complete guide to living near LRAFB, including the best communities in Jacksonville, Cabot, Greenbrier, Sherwood, and Conway.

Military Families Moving from Illinois to Central Arkansas

A significant portion of Central Arkansas relocation comes from military orders — specifically, PCS assignments to Little Rock Air Force Base. If you’re a service member or veteran relocating from Illinois, Ashley Watters’ military-specific expertise puts her in a category of her own.

Key resources for military families moving from Illinois: