Master-Planned and Gated Communities in Arkansas
Nicknamed “The Natural State,” Arkansas immediately draws you in with its stunning scenery. Mountain backdrops—most notably the Ozarks—dense forests, streams, and rolling rapids create a diverse landscape that is nothing short of beautiful. It’s here that you can find some of the best retirement communities or second home destinations for your ideal life.
Outdoor Recreation
With its mixture of views and abundance of activities, it’s hard not to want to spend every minute of your time outdoors. Arkansas can be divided into six different destinations, and where you are can determine the way you’ll spend your time. In the Northwest region, recreational fun can be found in rivers. Take, for example, the Buffalo National River, where you can spend some of the day fishing or floating—your choice. Or visit the Ozark Mountains, where hiking trails beckon, and you can stumble across natural features like waterfalls.
In the North Central part of the state, much of the same activities await, along with the awe of underground caverns. In the Southwest, relax in the hot, natural springs or delve into the art and history of the area. Looking for a little bit of it all? The Central destination of Arkansas is home to cities like Little Rock, where you can find delicious cuisines, craft beer breweries, and even more outdoor activities.
Musical Undertones
The other two regions of the state run along the Mississippi River Delta. If you’ve heard of the term “Delta blues,” its origins can be attributed to the Upper Delta and the Lower Delta. The Upper Delta was once the home of music legend Johnny Cash. In the Lower Delta—one of the birthplaces of blues, jazz, and folk genres—banjos and fiddles reign supreme. But in the midst of the music, you’ll also find historical sites, tasty barbecue, and an Andy Dye signature golf course. Get to know the state through its sounds and endeavors.
Living in AR
You can count on Arkansas to have four distinct seasons; its humid, subtropical climate offers hot summers and cool, dry winters. In the spring, flowering trees and other budding plants welcome the warmer temperatures, and in autumn, you can witness gorgeous fall foliage. No matter the season, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of nature all around you. Take advantage of the opportunities to explore Arkansas and all it has to offer.
Natural beauty aside, Arkansas is a tax-friendly option for those looking to settle down in retirement. Social Security benefits and military pensions are not taxed, and neither are there estate or inheritance taxes. There is also no property tax at the state level. The general cost of living is lower than the national average, allowing your dollar to go further as you embark on this next phase of your life.
Research and Explore the Best Communities in Arkansas
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Retire Arkansas
Arkansas is home to diverse cities and communities, each with something unique to discover – from metropolitan areas to rural settings and adventure sports to relaxing retreats.
Nicknamed the Natural State, Arkansas’s dense forests, winding rivers, and dramatic mountain landscapes provide endless exploration opportunities. Kayak on the Buffalo National River, dig for jewels in Crater of Diamonds State Park, or take in the sweeping views at Hawksbill Crag or Whitaker Point.
Tucked in the state’s northwest corner, Fayetteville and Bentonville are home to several annual food, film, and music festivals, plenty of museums, and diverse culinary offerings. Historic sites abound in the state capital of Little Rock, the largest city in the state. Live music is a way of life in Arkansas and can be heard in both Little Rock and the Lower Delta region, especially in Helena-West Helena.
It’s clear to see why Arkansas is an attractive option for those looking to relocate or retire. In addition to its rich culture and picturesque surroundings, Arkansas has the third-lowest cost of living in the United States, but the seventh-highest quality of life. State income tax is 60% lower than the national average, and property taxes are around 0.60%. Additionally, military retirement pay is exempt from state income tax.
Although it’s not always easy figuring out how to move to another state, we can help.
Request your free Arkansas Relocation Guide. This handy guide contains a wealth of information for people considering relocating to or retiring in Arkansas. No matter where you choose to visit or relocate, you’ll find friendly and helpful people everywhere you go.
Bella Vista
Bella Vista is a private 36,000-acre, Member-based recreational community in Northwest Arkansas offering seven golf courses, seven stocked private lakes, swimming pools, tennis courts, trails, parks, pavilions, recreation centers, a gun range, an RV Park and many other amenities. Bella Vista was recently ranked one of America’s Top 10 Best Healthy Places to Retire by U.S. News & World Report and one of the Top 25 best places for affordable homes by CNNMoney.com and Money Magazine.The Bella Vista Property Owners Association enhances each Member’s quality of life by promoting and improving amenities and recreational areas. By building community support for parks and recreational lands, the POA strives to provide community service and outreach that meets the needs of our Members. The programs and services offered by the POA provide Members with exceptional value and quality, while emphasizing the reasonable allocation of resources throughout the city. We ensure safe, attractive, and well-maintained facilities that reflect our Members’ needs and best interests.
Hot Springs Village
Hot Springs Village spans 26,000 acres of the Ouachita Mountain foothills. The largest private, gated community in North America boasts amenities for both adventure and leisure including pickle ball courts, tennis center, and 9 year-round, championship golf courses. Lake-life is also delightful with 11 lakes and 2 beaches for swimming, boating, skiing, kayaking, and relaxing! The Coronado Fitness Center, spa, indoor pool, and 30 miles of scenic hiking and biking nature trails are other HSV “hot” spots. Multiple dining, churches, and over 200 active organizations are perfect for social opportunities. The HSV Police, Fire, and EMT Departments along with two manned security gates provide residents peace of mind! HSV is centrally located and only a 20 minute drive to historic Hot Springs, an hour to Little Rock, and a day trip to many surrounding parks and attractions! Hot Springs Village offers a large variety of home styles. New construction and custom designed home packages are also available– all including your choice of lake or golf front, mountain view, or just nestled in the woods. Come enjoy the affordable HSV good life; the longer you stay, the more you’re going to love us! Photos by Zac Franklin.
Plan a visit to Arkansas
This is only a snippet of life in Arkansas. Once you’ve decided to make the move here, you can immerse yourself in all the opportunities available. This state is perfect for an active adult who prefers to live with a beautiful natural backdrop. Below, browse through the retirement communities in Arkansas and narrow your search to the ones most appealing to you. Then, take the next steps and venture out. The next chapter of your life is waiting in Arkansas.