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A recent study by Arkansas Money & Politics (AMP) showed that Arkansas was America鈥檚 most moved-to state in 2024. According to the study, many of the newcomers to the state cited the climate, affordability, and retirement, as reasons to make Arkansas their new home. One city in particular is seeing a rapid boom from the plethora of new residents. In fact, Bentonville is ranked in the top 30 list of fastest growing cities in the US. Home to the headquarters for Walmart and other fortune-500 companies, some of the best outdoor activities in the area, and also one of the safest areas in Arkansas, it is no wonder that Bentonville was the 9th most populous city in Arkansas, according to the 2020 census. With the recent boom of new residents coming to the beautiful state of Arkansas, the city鈥檚 population is growing even more. Here are the reasons so many Americans are ready to call Bentonville their new home!

Employment Opportunities

Gainful employment, and the ability to have options as far as your career, is one of the most important factors when choosing a new location to call your home. Although the population is rapidly growing, Bentonville city manages to have more than enough employment opportunities for its new residents. In 2024, the city鈥檚 unemployment rate was at 2.3 percent, much lower than both the national and state average. The city has consistently maintained this low unemployment rate for years. This is thanks to the 2,555 businesses in Bentonville, as well as the 49,202 workers employing them.

For those looking to advance their career through education, Bentonville has you covered as well. The city is home to Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC), which offers programs including Computer Information Systems, Graphic Design, and Health Care, as well as workforce entry degrees or Associates in Applied Science Degrees. The NWACC Foundation recently completed a $3 million fundraising campaign for a new training laboratory. Also, the city is a short drive (26 miles) away from the University of Arkansas鈥檚 main campus in Fayetteville.

With large employers like Walmart Stores Inc., Tyson Foods, Murphy USA and J.B. Hunt, employment opportunities are abundant in Bentonville! The city also has 19 of the inc.com 5000 fastest growing companies in America, creating a strong and diverse choice in employment.

Outdoor Activities

Bentonville has no shortage whatsoever of fun activities, making it a clear attraction for those looking to enjoy spending their time outside in an environment with a comfortable climate. The city has an abundance of parks and walking trails where residents can enjoy the gorgeous scenery in the area. The Compton Gardens & Arboretum offers a walking trail over six acres, as well as a look at the rich history of Ozark horticulture and the history of Dr. Neil Compton, who led the fight to save the Buffalo River. Those that love riding their bikes will be pleased with Bentonville awesome bike trails, like the Bentonville Half-Day Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour. The tour will allow residents to catch the gorgeous scenery of the area while having access to the over 300 bike trails in Bentonville, AR. Other popular trails, like the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, and the Slaughter Pen Multi-Use Trail System, this city is an excellent choice for anyone who loves to live their life on two wheels!

Public Safety

Safety is of the utmost importance when moving to a new location. New residents to the area have the peace of mind of knowing that Bentonville is considered to be one of the safest areas in Arkansas, with a crime rate that is consistently lower than the national average. In fact, Bentonville has the second lowest overall crime rate amongst Arkansas鈥檚 15 main cities. This is in part thanks to the strong police presence in the community.

The Bentonville Fire Department has seven fire stations that are strategically located throughout the city. This is to minimize response times, ensuring that critical situations are met with help as soon as possible. The city also offers a Citizens Police Academy, where residents can become more aware and better informed about how the Bentonville Police Department operates.

With a lower than national crime rate, as well as a strong emphasis on public safety, newcomers to Bentonville can breathe easily knowing they live in one of the safest communities in Arkansas.

Education

As mentioned before, Bentonville residents have the chance to pursue their education at both the NWACC and the University of Arkansas, but parents will be happy to know that their children will have the chance to receive a top of the line learning experience as well. Bentonville鈥檚 schools consistently make it to the top of the state鈥檚 rankings, boasting more A-rated schools than any other district in Arkansas. The Bentonville Public School system is ranked as the sixth best school district in Arkansas out of 250 districts. The public school system is made up of 13 elementary schools, nine middle schools, and two high schools.

Bentonville is also home to some of the best private schools in the state. Thaden School, which is the number one best ranked private school in the area, offers many advanced learning opportunities for their students, preparing them for college. Whether you prefer to send your child to public school or an independent private school, you can take comfort in knowing your child is a part of one of the best school systems in Arkansas.

Cost of Living

While living in such a safe and beautiful place may sound expensive in today鈥檚 economy, potential newcomers to the state will find comfort in knowing that the cost of living in Bentonville is also below the national average! For example, housing costs in the city are a whopping 19 percent lower than the national average, and 5 percent lower than the state average. This makes Bentonville an affordable area in a state where cost of living already attracts it鈥檚 fair share of newcomers.

The ability to live in an area that鈥檚 not only safe but reasonably affordable is definitely one of the main reasons people are flocking to Bentonville to make it their new forever home!

With Arkansas being the most moved-to state in the US last year, it鈥檚 no wonder why Bentonville is proving to be one of the most popular cities in the state. A strong and diverse workforce ensures that residents can find gainful employment with plenty of opportunities for growth. The unemployment, property crime, and violent crime rate, which are among the lowest in the state, show that the area is as safe and peaceful as it gets. People who have been looking to enjoy the outdoors love taking in the gorgeous scenery in the city鈥檚 abundance of walking and bike trails, getting to know the history of their new location at the same time. Add in a best in the state education system, the city covers any education concerns for families moving to the area as well.

With all of these perks, as well as the beautiful Northwestern scenery and climate, it鈥檚 no surprise that Bentonville is the one city in Arkansas that is on everybody鈥檚 radar!