Located in north-central Arkansas Van Buren County has become a very popular place for home buyers and those seeking land to build on. The towns in this area all have that small-town feel with a slower way of life. That along with the lower cost of living, low crime rates, lower real estate taxes, and abundance of outdoor activities have made many of the towns in Van Buren County very attractive to homebuyers. At one time many of the towns such as Clinton AR and Shirley AR were unheard of. They were considered rural and almost unreachable. One of the things that kept people away from the area for many years was the lack of jobs. Now that remote work has become the new thing in employment this area has seen a rapid increase in population because individuals can live there at a much lower cost but still have their job that pays well.
Its beauty is breathtaking.
Van Buren County is one of the most beautiful parts of Arkansas. It’s home to Greers Ferry Lake and the Ozark National Forest. The number of outdoor activities is almost endless. Greers Feery Lake has some of the best fishing in the country and the hiking trails and camping areas are endless in the Ozarks. The Buffalo River is famous as one of the best float destinations around. Van Buren County is beautiful in all four seasons of the year.
The Communities of Van Buren County
Van Buren County is home to several charming towns and communities, each with its unique personality:
- Clinton AR: Clinton is the county seat of Van Buren County and it offers a wide array of shopping and dining. Additionally, Clinton has a new state-of-the-art hospital in the Ozark Health Medical Center. National Chuckwagon Races, are held each year in Clinton and people come from all over the country to participate. This is one of the largest outdoor festivals in the state.
- Fairfield Bay AR: Fairfield Bay sits on the bank of Greers Ferry Lake and is a resort-style community. It is very popular with retirees and people on a more strict budget. The low cost of living, lakefront homes, and golf courses in Fairfield Bay make it a very popular area.
- Shirley, Bee Branch, and Damascus: These are some of the smaller counties of Van Buren County but don’t be fooled by their size. The level of community involvement and amazing public school systems have made the once lesser-known towns very popular in recent years for would-be home buyers.
Buying Real Estate in Van Buren County
Van Buren County offers a wide array of real estate options from lakefront luxury homes to large tracts of land in Clinton AR. Investment homes and short-term rental properties are also very popular due to the low vacancy rates.
Key Benefits of Buying in Van Buren County:
- Low Cost of Real Estate: Compared to other parts of the country Van Buren County is much more affordable. It has become very attractive to first-time homebuyers and retirees alike along with families that have a tighter budget.
- Lots to Choose From: The real estate market in Van Buren County is very diverse. Buyers can choose from small off-the-grid cabins to luxury lake homes as well as small and large farm homesteads. Also, there is a large amount of undeveloped land that is available in large tracts to build their dream home on.
- Growing Market: As Arkansas continues to gain popularity among out-of-state buyers seeking a lower cost of living Van Buren County has become a hot spot. The remote work-from-home model has also fueled the growth in out-of-state buyers looking to relocate to the area.
- Strong Rental Market: The county has a thriving tourism industry, especially in the warmer months and the vacancy rates on short and long-term rentals are very low making investment properties popular with in-state and out-of-state investors.
Outdoor Lifestyle
For most residents living in Van Buren County the outdoor lifestyle is just a way of life. Floating, hiking, swimming, and camping are just some of the popular outdoor activities of the county. Additionally, golfing, boating, and cave exploration are done almost year-round. The Indian Hills Golf Resort in Fairfield Bay is an amazing golf destination.
A Sense Of Community
The thing that sets Van Buren apart from other areas is the people that reside there. Even before the county’s recent popularity, Van Buren County has had a tradition of friendliness and helpfulness from its residents. As the county has grown this part of its culture has not changed.
Make Van Buren County Your Next Home
If you are thinking of relocating to Arkansas I encourage you to take a look at some of the communities in Van Buren County. It’s a way of life that is not seen in very many places. With over 20 years of experience in real estate and finance, I have seen just about everything and I am still amazed at the beauty of Van Buren County and the kindness of the residents within the county. Call me today at 501-951-9200 to find out more about this wonderful area.