Retiring in Conway, Arkansas — The Ultimate Guide to Life After Work
Retiring in Conway, Arkansas means stepping into a life where low cost of living, mild seasons, high-quality healthcare, beautiful lakes, and friendly neighborhoods all come together in one of Central Arkansas’ fastest-growing, most livable cities. Whether your perfect retirement looks like morning walks around Tucker Creek Trail, fishing at Beaverfork Lake, enjoying local dining in West Conway, or downsizing into a low-maintenance home close to doctors, shopping, and recreation — Conway delivers everything retirees want with none of the stress.
This guide explains the best neighborhoods for retirees, retirement-friendly housing options, tax considerations, healthcare access, lifestyle perks, and the real reasons so many people choose to retire in Conway over Benton, Bryant, Little Rock, or Maumelle. Written by Ashley Watters, REALTOR®, the leading Central Arkansas expert for relocation, downsizing, and retirement-focused home buying.
Why Retirees Are Choosing Conway Over Other Arkansas Cities
Lower Cost of Living Than Most Arkansas Metro Areas
Conway is one of the best places to retire in Arkansas — and honestly, one of the most underrated retirement destinations in the entire South. Many people visiting for the first time are shocked that a city with this much beauty, convenience, and affordability isn’t already at the top of every “Best Places to Retire” list.
Below is the definitive guide to retiring in Conway — built to help you understand lifestyle, housing, budget, healthcare, and everything else that matters in your next life chapter.
Retirees love Conway’s affordability — especially compared to Little Rock, Maumelle, Benton, and Hot Springs Village.
Home prices are significantly more approachable, and expenses like groceries, utilities, and entertainment remain below national average. When combined with Arkansas’ retirement-friendly tax system, your dollar simply stretches farther here.
Excellent Healthcare Access (A Critical Factor for Retirement)
Conway offers immediate access to:
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Baptist Health Conway
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Conway Regional Medical Center
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Specialty clinics for cardiology, orthopedics, surgery, and more
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Quick access to Little Rock’s nationally recognized hospitals
You get the convenience of small-city life with big-city healthcare — a powerful combination for aging confidently.
Mild Climate With Four True Seasons
Conway provides:
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Comfortable spring & fall
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Mild to warm summers
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Short winters with little snow
Perfect for retirees who want seasons without harsh extremes.
Best Conway Neighborhoods for Retirees
These areas offer peace, convenience, and low-maintenance living — everything retirees look for.
West Conway
Walkable, quiet, near shopping, medical care, restaurants, and parks.
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Centennial Valley
Perfect if you want golf-course living, clean streets, and upscale homes.
Village at Hendrix
A charming, low-maintenance, storybook-style community with trails and green spaces.
Tucker Creek Trail Area
Retirees love being steps from Conway’s premier walking/biking path.
Housing Options Perfect for Retirees
Low-Maintenance Patio Homes
Perfect for downsizing while staying close to grandkids, doctors, and daily amenities.
Condos & Townhomes
Ideal for retirees who want little to no outdoor upkeep.
Lake Homes (for Quiet Living With a View)
Beaverfork Lake offers a peaceful escape perfect for retirees who want space + scenery.
Taxes & Financial Benefits for Retirees in Arkansas
Arkansas is widely considered one of the most retirement-friendly tax states.
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No tax on Social Security income
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Large exemptions on military retirement
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Large exemptions on pensions
Downsizing or Relocating to Conway? Work With a True Local Expert
This chapter of life is too important to navigate without someone you trust.
That’s where Ashley Watters, REALTOR® comes in — the leading relocation and retirement real estate expert across Conway, Greenbrier, and all of Central Arkansas.
FAQs — Retiring in Conway, Arkansas
Q: Is Conway a safe place to retire?
A: Yes — Conway offers safe, well-established neighborhoods, especially in West Conway and Centennial Valley.
Q: Are healthcare options strong enough for retirees?
A: Absolutely. Conway offers full-service hospitals and specialists, plus additional access to Little Rock.
Q: What is the cost of living like for retirees?
A: Lower than national average, making retirement dollars stretch further.
Q: Are there 55+ communities?
A: While Conway doesn’t have traditional 55+ developments, many communities offer similar benefits.
Q: Is Conway good for active retirees?
A: Yes — with trails, lakes, golf, parks, and local arts, there is always something to do.