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Best suburbs to live in Arkansas
Cities may have the nightlife, but the convenience and affordability of the suburbs are becoming hot as the millennial generation moves into its homebuying phase. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic shook up workplace norms and superheated the housing market, folks have been flocking away from major urban centers.
In Colorado, for instance, lesser-known suburbs outside of Denver such as Boulder have become magnets for young parents, ranking among the biggest destinations for out-of-state millennials who chose to move in 2023. And companies are taking note of the trend as well: Many are establishing satellite offices and new headquarters in less urban areas.
Stacker compiled a list of the best suburbs to live in Arkansas using data from Niche's 2024 Best Places to Live. Niche ranks places to live based on an array of factors, including the cost of living, educational level of residents, housing costs, and quality of schools.
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#17. Springdale, Arkansas
- Overall Rank: 2,261
- Population: 86,705
- Median household income: $59,985
- Median home value: $206,400 (52% own)
- Median rent: $920 (48% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy Jones Center (Springdale) (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy at the Lane (Rogers) (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (grade A+), Shiloh Christian School (grade A), Fayetteville Christian School (grade A minus)
- Population: 86,705
- Median household income: $59,985
- Median home value: $206,400 (52% own)
- Median rent: $920 (48% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy Jones Center (Springdale) (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy at the Lane (Rogers) (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (grade A+), Shiloh Christian School (grade A), Fayetteville Christian School (grade A minus)
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#16. Salem, Arkansas
- Overall Rank: 2,115
- Population: 2,476
- Median household income: $83,426
- Median home value: $189,800 (85% own)
- Median rent: $769 (15% rent)
- Top public schools: Bethel Middle School (grade A), Benton High School (grade A), Perrin Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Pulaski Academy (grade A+), Southwest Christian Academy (grade B), Arkansas Christian Academy (grade C)
- Population: 2,476
- Median household income: $83,426
- Median home value: $189,800 (85% own)
- Median rent: $769 (15% rent)
- Top public schools: Bethel Middle School (grade A), Benton High School (grade A), Perrin Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Pulaski Academy (grade A+), Southwest Christian Academy (grade B), Arkansas Christian Academy (grade C)
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#15. Farmington, Arkansas
- Overall Rank: 2,005
- Population: 7,991
- Median household income: $83,783
- Median home value: $219,900 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,093 (24% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy (grade A+), Fayetteville High School (grade A), Randall G. Lynch Middle School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Shiloh Christian School (grade A), Fayetteville Christian School (grade A minus), The New School (grade B+)
- Population: 7,991
- Median household income: $83,783
- Median home value: $219,900 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,093 (24% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy (grade A+), Fayetteville High School (grade A), Randall G. Lynch Middle School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Shiloh Christian School (grade A), Fayetteville Christian School (grade A minus), The New School (grade B+)
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#14. Austin, Arkansas
- Overall Rank: 1,978
- Population: 3,659
- Median household income: $93,929
- Median home value: $185,400 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,221 (22% rent)
- Top public schools: Mountain Springs Elementary School (grade A minus), Cabot Freshman Academy (grade A minus), Cabot Junior High North (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Jacksonville Christian Academy (grade B), Victory Baptist School (grade unavailable), New Horizon Academy (grade unavailable)
- Population: 3,659
- Median household income: $93,929
- Median home value: $185,400 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,221 (22% rent)
- Top public schools: Mountain Springs Elementary School (grade A minus), Cabot Freshman Academy (grade A minus), Cabot Junior High North (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Jacksonville Christian Academy (grade B), Victory Baptist School (grade unavailable), New Horizon Academy (grade unavailable)
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#13. Tontitown, Arkansas
- Overall Rank: 1,969
- Population: 5,114
- Median household income: $83,705
- Median home value: $368,500 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,182 (18% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy Jones Center (Springdale) (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy (grade A+), Evening Star Elementary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Shiloh Christian School (grade A), Fayetteville Christian School (grade A minus), Ozark Adventist Academy (grade A minus)
- Population: 5,114
- Median household income: $83,705
- Median home value: $368,500 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,182 (18% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy Jones Center (Springdale) (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy (grade A+), Evening Star Elementary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Shiloh Christian School (grade A), Fayetteville Christian School (grade A minus), Ozark Adventist Academy (grade A minus)
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#12. Alexander, Arkansas
- Overall Rank: 1,906
- Population: 3,444
- Median household income: $68,431
- Median home value: $140,300 (82% own)
- Median rent: $982 (18% rent)
- Top public schools: Bethel Middle School (grade A), Springhill Elementary School (grade A), Collegeville Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Pulaski Academy (grade A+), The Episcopal Collegiate School (grade A+), Central Arkansas Christian Schools (grade A)
- Population: 3,444
- Median household income: $68,431
- Median home value: $140,300 (82% own)
- Median rent: $982 (18% rent)
- Top public schools: Bethel Middle School (grade A), Springhill Elementary School (grade A), Collegeville Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Pulaski Academy (grade A+), The Episcopal Collegiate School (grade A+), Central Arkansas Christian Schools (grade A)
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#11. Siloam Springs, Arkansas
- Overall Rank: 1,875
- Population: 17,632
- Median household income: $59,911
- Median home value: $189,900 (58% own)
- Median rent: $892 (42% rent)
- Top public schools: Siloam Springs High School Conversion Charter School (grade B+), Siloam Springs Middle School (grade B+), Siloam Springs Intermediate School (grade B+)
- Top private schools: Ozark Adventist Academy (grade A minus), Ozark Adventist School (grade unavailable), Cookson Hills Christian School (grade unavailable)
- Population: 17,632
- Median household income: $59,911
- Median home value: $189,900 (58% own)
- Median rent: $892 (42% rent)
- Top public schools: Siloam Springs High School Conversion Charter School (grade B+), Siloam Springs Middle School (grade B+), Siloam Springs Intermediate School (grade B+)
- Top private schools: Ozark Adventist Academy (grade A minus), Ozark Adventist School (grade unavailable), Cookson Hills Christian School (grade unavailable)
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#10. Conway, Arkansas
- Overall Rank: 1,735
- Population: 65,159
- Median household income: $54,036
- Median home value: $223,900 (44% own)
- Median rent: $942 (56% rent)
- Top public schools: Greenbrier Middle School (grade A), Conway High School (grade A), Greenbrier Springhill Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Conway Christian School (grade A minus), St. Joseph School (grade B+), Cedar Heights Christian Academy (grade B minus)
- Population: 65,159
- Median household income: $54,036
- Median home value: $223,900 (44% own)
- Median rent: $942 (56% rent)
- Top public schools: Greenbrier Middle School (grade A), Conway High School (grade A), Greenbrier Springhill Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Conway Christian School (grade A minus), St. Joseph School (grade B+), Cedar Heights Christian Academy (grade B minus)
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#9. Maumelle, Arkansas
- Overall Rank: 1,712
- Population: 19,183
- Median household income: $89,880
- Median home value: $261,100 (78% own)
- Median rent: $976 (22% rent)
- Top public schools: LISA Academy North Middle-High School - High School (grade A), Maumelle Charter Elementary School (grade A), Maumelle Charter High School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Pulaski Academy (grade A+), The Episcopal Collegiate School (grade A+), Little Rock Christian Academy (grade A)
- Population: 19,183
- Median household income: $89,880
- Median home value: $261,100 (78% own)
- Median rent: $976 (22% rent)
- Top public schools: LISA Academy North Middle-High School - High School (grade A), Maumelle Charter Elementary School (grade A), Maumelle Charter High School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Pulaski Academy (grade A+), The Episcopal Collegiate School (grade A+), Little Rock Christian Academy (grade A)
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#8. Bryant, Arkansas
- Overall Rank: 1,659
- Population: 20,750
- Median household income: $76,282
- Median home value: $209,300 (69% own)
- Median rent: $932 (31% rent)
- Top public schools: Bethel Middle School (grade A), Springhill Elementary School (grade A), Collegeville Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Pulaski Academy (grade A+), The Episcopal Collegiate School (grade A+), Central Arkansas Christian Schools (grade A)
- Population: 20,750
- Median household income: $76,282
- Median home value: $209,300 (69% own)
- Median rent: $932 (31% rent)
- Top public schools: Bethel Middle School (grade A), Springhill Elementary School (grade A), Collegeville Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Pulaski Academy (grade A+), The Episcopal Collegiate School (grade A+), Central Arkansas Christian Schools (grade A)
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#7. Lowell, Arkansas
- Overall Rank: 1,635
- Population: 10,005
- Median household income: $83,827
- Median home value: $224,700 (66% own)
- Median rent: $995 (34% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy Jones Center (Springdale) (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy at the Lane (Rogers) (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (grade A+), Shiloh Christian School (grade A), Fayetteville Christian School (grade A minus)
- Population: 10,005
- Median household income: $83,827
- Median home value: $224,700 (66% own)
- Median rent: $995 (34% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy Jones Center (Springdale) (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy at the Lane (Rogers) (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (grade A+), Shiloh Christian School (grade A), Fayetteville Christian School (grade A minus)
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#6. Elm Springs, Arkansas
- Overall Rank: 1,611
- Population: 2,699
- Median household income: $123,015
- Median home value: $344,500 (94% own)
- Median rent: $769 (6% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy Jones Center (Springdale) (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy (grade A+), Evening Star Elementary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (grade A+), Shiloh Christian School (grade A), Fayetteville Christian School (grade A minus)
- Population: 2,699
- Median household income: $123,015
- Median home value: $344,500 (94% own)
- Median rent: $769 (6% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy Jones Center (Springdale) (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy (grade A+), Evening Star Elementary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (grade A+), Shiloh Christian School (grade A), Fayetteville Christian School (grade A minus)
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#5. Rogers, Arkansas
- Overall Rank: 1,249
- Population: 69,961
- Median household income: $78,075
- Median home value: $248,900 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,113 (41% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy Jones Center (Springdale) (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy at the Lane (Rogers) (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (grade A+), Shiloh Christian School (grade A), Providence Classical Christian Academy (grade A minus)
- Population: 69,961
- Median household income: $78,075
- Median home value: $248,900 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,113 (41% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy Jones Center (Springdale) (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy at the Lane (Rogers) (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (grade A+), Shiloh Christian School (grade A), Providence Classical Christian Academy (grade A minus)
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#4. Bella Vista, Arkansas
- Overall Rank: 1,191
- Population: 30,297
- Median household income: $83,989
- Median home value: $233,800 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,119 (12% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy at the Lane (Rogers) (grade A+), Evening Star Elementary School (grade A+), Osage Creek Elementary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (grade A+), Providence Classical Christian Academy (grade A minus), Life Way Christian School (grade B+)
- Population: 30,297
- Median household income: $83,989
- Median home value: $233,800 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,119 (12% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy at the Lane (Rogers) (grade A+), Evening Star Elementary School (grade A+), Osage Creek Elementary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (grade A+), Providence Classical Christian Academy (grade A minus), Life Way Christian School (grade B+)
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#3. Centerton, Arkansas
- Overall Rank: 716
- Population: 18,655
- Median household income: $104,464
- Median home value: $247,800 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,261 (32% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy at the Lane (Rogers) (grade A+), Fulbright Junior High School (grade A+), Evening Star Elementary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (grade A+), Ozark Adventist Academy (grade A minus), Providence Classical Christian Academy (grade A minus)
- Population: 18,655
- Median household income: $104,464
- Median home value: $247,800 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,261 (32% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy at the Lane (Rogers) (grade A+), Fulbright Junior High School (grade A+), Evening Star Elementary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (grade A+), Ozark Adventist Academy (grade A minus), Providence Classical Christian Academy (grade A minus)
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#2. Cave Springs, Arkansas
- Overall Rank: 133
- Population: 5,521
- Median household income: $143,393
- Median home value: $368,100 (95% own)
- Median rent: $2,142 (5% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy Jones Center (Springdale) (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy at the Lane (Rogers) (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (grade A+), Shiloh Christian School (grade A), Providence Classical Christian Academy (grade A minus)
- Population: 5,521
- Median household income: $143,393
- Median home value: $368,100 (95% own)
- Median rent: $2,142 (5% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy Jones Center (Springdale) (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy at the Lane (Rogers) (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (grade A+), Shiloh Christian School (grade A), Providence Classical Christian Academy (grade A minus)
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#1. Bentonville, Arkansas
- Overall Rank: 77
- Population: 54,513
- Median household income: $99,074
- Median home value: $338,500 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,151 (48% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy Jones Center (Springdale) (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy at the Lane (Rogers) (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (grade A+), Shiloh Christian School (grade A), Ozark Adventist Academy (grade A minus)
- Population: 54,513
- Median household income: $99,074
- Median home value: $338,500 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,151 (48% rent)
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy Jones Center (Springdale) (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy (grade A+), Haas Hall Academy at the Lane (Rogers) (grade A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (grade A+), Shiloh Christian School (grade A), Ozark Adventist Academy (grade A minus)
This story features data reporting and writing by Elena Cox and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 40 states.
