Arkansas Military Retirement: Best Cities, Housing Costs & Quality of Life

Arkansas ranks among the best states for military retirees thanks to zero state income tax on military retirement, full property tax exemptions for 100% disabled veterans, and a cost of living 11-17% below the national average.

But where should you actually live? Arkansas's cities vary significantly in veteran population density, job opportunities, housing costs, and access to VA healthcare.

This guide ranks Arkansas's best cities for veterans with real data on home prices, veteran populations, and quality of life factors.

Bottom Line Up Front

Best overall for veterans: Fayetteville/Northwest Arkansas (jobs, education, growth) Best for affordability: Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Conway Best for healthcare access: Little Rock (largest VA medical center) Best small-city feel: Conway, Hot Springs, Jonesboro Best outdoor lifestyle: Fayetteville, Hot Springs

Median home price range: $176,000 (Fort Smith) to $480,000+ (Bentonville) State average: ~$260,000-$280,000

Top 10 Best Cities for Veterans in Arkansas

1. Fayetteville - "Track Capital of the World"

Overall Grade: A

Why it's #1: Fayetteville offers the best combination of veteran education opportunities, direct VA medical center access, outdoor recreation, and quality of life in Arkansas.

Veteran Population

• Washington County veterans: Significant population (college town + regional hub)
• Concentration: High percentage due to University of Arkansas veteran programs
• Military connection: Strong ROTC programs, veteran student community

Housing Market

• Median home price: $340,000-$400,000 (varies by source and timing)
• Year-over-year trend: Up 8.1% in 2025
• Property tax with 100% exemption: $0
• Property tax without exemption: ~$2,380-$2,800/year (0.7% rate)
• Median price per square foot: $217

Cost of Living

• Overall index: Moderate (below national average but higher than state average)
• Housing: Above Arkansas average due to growth and demand
• Groceries: Near state average
• Utilities: Average

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• University of Arkansas (10,000+ employees) - education, research, administration
• Washington Regional Medical Center - healthcare
• Walmart headquarters nearby (Bentonville)
• Tyson Foods nearby (Springdale)
• Growing tech and startup scene
• Numerous Walmart suppliers and vendors

Average salary: Higher than Arkansas average due to corporate presence

Veteran-specific advantages: University employment opportunities, strong corporate veteran hiring programs nearby

VA Healthcare Access

• VA Medical Center Fayetteville: 1100 North College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72703
• Phone: (479) 443-4301 | 1-800-691-8387
• Services: Full-service VA hospital including surgery, mental health, specialty care
• Vet Center: Fayetteville (counseling services)
• State Veterans Home: Arkansas Veterans Home at Fayetteville (1179 North College Avenue)

This is one of only two full VA medical centers in Arkansas - exceptional access.

Quality of Life

• Climate: Four seasons, mild winters (avg 35°F), warm summers (avg 90°F)
• Outdoor recreation: Ozark Mountains, mountain biking (world-class trails), hiking, lakes, Devils Den State Park
• Culture: University of Arkansas athletics (SEC football), Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville Square, craft breweries, food scene
• Education: Excellent K-12 schools, University of Arkansas (Yellow Ribbon school)
• Crime: Low to moderate (safer than larger Arkansas cities)

Veterans Day Recognition

Strong veteran community with active American Legion and VFW posts.

Pros:

• On-site VA medical center (huge advantage)
• Excellent education opportunities (U of A with GI Bill)
• Outstanding outdoor recreation
• Growing job market with corporate presence
• Safe, family-friendly community
• Active cultural scene

Cons:

• Higher housing costs than rest of Arkansas
• Rapid growth causing traffic and development pressures
• More expensive than traditional Arkansas retirement spots
• Competitive housing market

Bottom line: If you value education (for yourself or dependents), healthcare access, and quality of life over affordability, Fayetteville is unmatched in Arkansas. The VA medical center alone makes it worth the premium.

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2. Little Rock - "The Rock"

Overall Grade: A-

Why it ranks #2: State capital with largest VA medical center, diverse job market, affordable housing, and urban amenities.

Veteran Population

• Pulaski County veterans: Large population (includes North Little Rock, Jacksonville)
• Military connection: Little Rock Air Force Base (Jacksonville)

Housing Market

• Median home price: $260,000-$280,000 (varies by source and area)
• Property tax with 100% exemption: $0
• Property tax without exemption: ~$1,560-$1,680/year (0.6% rate)
• Rental costs: $900-$1,300/month for 2BR apartment

Cost of Living

• Overall index: 85-90 (10-15% below national average)
• Housing: Affordable for a state capital
• Healthcare: Below national average
• Groceries: Slightly below national average

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• State government (largest employer with veteran hiring preference)
• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) - 10,000+ employees
• Little Rock Air Force Base
• Dillard's (headquarters)
• Hospitals and healthcare systems
• Financial services (Banks, insurance companies)
• Technology sector (growing)

Industries: Government, healthcare, education, finance, retail

Average salary: Moderate but cost of living makes it competitive

VA Healthcare Access

• John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital: 4300 West 7th Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
• Phone: (501) 257-1000 | 1-800-224-8387
• Services: Full-service hospital with emergency department, all major specialties
• Little Rock Vet Center: 10800 Financial Centre Pkwy, Suite 175, Little Rock, AR 72211
• State Veterans Home: North Little Rock (2401 John Ashley Drive)

Best VA healthcare access in Arkansas with the flagship medical center.

Quality of Life

• Climate: Mild winters (avg 42°F), hot humid summers (avg 93°F)
• Outdoor recreation: Arkansas River Trail (excellent for cycling/running), Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Lake Maumelle, Burns Park
• Culture: Clinton Presidential Library, museums, River Market District, vibrant food scene, minor league baseball (Travelers)
• Education: UALR, Philander Smith College, strong suburban school districts
• Crime: Higher in certain areas (research neighborhoods carefully)

Pros:

• Largest VA medical center in Arkansas
• State capital with government job opportunities and veteran hiring preference
• Affordable housing compared to national average
• Urban amenities with accessible outdoor recreation
• Little Rock AFB provides military community connection
• Good education options

Cons:

• Hot, humid summers
• Higher crime in some neighborhoods (North Little Rock, certain urban areas)
• Traffic congestion during rush hours
• Less spectacular outdoor recreation than Northwest Arkansas

Bottom line: Little Rock is ideal if state government employment or VA healthcare access is your priority. The combination of affordability, job opportunities, and the state's best VA facility makes it a strong choice.

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3. Bentonville - "Mountain Biking Capital"

Overall Grade: B+

Why it ranks #3: Walmart headquarters creates exceptional job opportunities and economic growth, but housing costs are high.

Veteran Population

• Benton County: Growing veteran population with economic expansion

Housing Market

• Median home price: $461,000-$485,000 (highest in Arkansas)
• Property tax with 100% exemption: $0
• Property tax without exemption: ~$2,766-$2,910/year (0.6% rate)
• Rental costs: $1,200+/month average

Cost of Living

• Overall index: Higher than Arkansas average, approaching national average
• Housing: Significantly above state average
• Otherwise: Moderate

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• Walmart (headquarters) - 15,000+ employees in Bentonville area
• Extensive vendor and supplier ecosystem
• Technology companies supporting Walmart
• Corporate services
• Construction and real estate (booming)

Average salary: Highest in Arkansas for corporate positions

Why veterans fit: Walmart actively recruits veterans, leadership skills valued, advancement opportunities

VA Healthcare Access

• Closest VA medical center: Fayetteville VAMC (25 miles south)
• Vet Center: Fayetteville
• Travel required for VA services

Quality of Life

• Climate: Similar to Fayetteville (four seasons, mild winters)
• Outdoor recreation: Crystal Bridges Trail system (world-class mountain biking), Slaughter Pen trails, Lake Bella Vista, Northwest Arkansas Razorback Greenway (40+ mile trail)
• Culture: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (free admission), Momentary contemporary art space, festivals, excellent restaurants
• Education: Top-rated school districts, growing
• Crime: Low (very safe community)

Pros:

• Highest-paying job opportunities in Arkansas
• Walmart veteran hiring programs
• World-class mountain biking and outdoor recreation
• Exceptional cultural amenities (Crystal Bridges)
• Very safe community
• Excellent schools
• Rapidly growing with modern infrastructure

Cons:

• Highest housing costs in Arkansas
• Must travel to Fayetteville for VA medical care
• Rapid growth creating congestion
• Losing small-town feel
• Cost of living approaching national average

Bottom line: Bentonville is best for veterans prioritizing high-paying employment over affordability. If you can land a corporate job at Walmart or a supplier, the higher salary offsets housing costs. Not ideal if you're on a fixed income or need frequent VA healthcare.

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4. Conway - "City of Colleges"

Overall Grade: B+

Why it ranks #4: Central location, affordable housing, college town benefits, and growing economy.

Veteran Population

• Faulkner County: Moderate veteran population
• University presence: University of Central Arkansas with veteran programs

Housing Market

• Median home price: $238,000-$260,000
• Property tax with 100% exemption: $0
• Property tax without exemption: ~$1,428-$1,560/year (0.6% rate)

Cost of Living

• Overall index: 85-90 (10-15% below national average)
• Housing: Affordable
• Overall: Very reasonable

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• University of Central Arkansas
• Acxiom Corporation (IT, data services)
• Conway Regional Health System
• Hewlett Packard Enterprise
• Manufacturing companies

Industries: Education, healthcare, technology, manufacturing

VA Healthcare Access

• Conway VA Clinic: Community-based outpatient clinic (primary care, mental health)
• Closest VA medical center: Little Rock (30 miles south)

Quality of Life

• Climate: Hot summers, mild winters
• Outdoor recreation: Cadron Creek, Toad Suck Park, Lake Conway
• Culture: College town atmosphere, Toad Suck Daze festival, theaters
• Education: University of Central Arkansas (Yellow Ribbon school), good K-12 schools
• Crime: Low to moderate

Pros:

• Affordable housing
• Central Arkansas location (between Little Rock and Fayetteville)
• College town amenities and culture
• VA clinic on-site for primary care
• Growing job market with Acxiom and tech presence
• Good schools
• Safe community

Cons:

• Must travel to Little Rock for VA hospital services
• Smaller job market than Little Rock or Northwest Arkansas
• Hot, humid summers
• Limited cultural amenities compared to larger cities

Bottom line: Conway is perfect for veterans wanting affordable small-city living with college town benefits and reasonable access to Little Rock's resources. Great for families prioritizing schools and safety.

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5. Fort Smith - "Gateway to the West"

Overall Grade: B

Why it ranks #5: Most affordable metro area, VA clinic access, border-town benefits.

Veteran Population

• Sebastian County: Moderate to significant veteran population

Housing Market

• Median home price: $176,000 (most affordable Arkansas metro)
• Property tax with 100% exemption: $0
• Property tax without exemption: ~$1,144/year (0.65% rate)
• Rental costs: $654/month average (60% below national average)

Cost of Living

• Overall index: 75 (25% below national average, 10% below Arkansas average)
• Housing: Exceptionally affordable
• Utilities: Below average
• Groceries: Below average

Fort Smith has one of the lowest costs of living in the nation.

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• Hospitals (Mercy Fort Smith, Baptist Health)
• Arkansas-Oklahoma state line industries
• Manufacturing (Mars Petcare, ArcBest Corporation)
• University of Arkansas Fort Smith
• Retail and services

Industries: Healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, education

Challenge: Slower job growth than Northwest Arkansas or Little Rock

VA Healthcare Access

• Fort Smith VA Clinic: Community-based outpatient clinic (primary care, mental health)
• Closest VA medical center: Fayetteville VAMC (60 miles north)

Quality of Life

• Climate: Hot summers, mild winters
• Outdoor recreation: Fort Smith National Historic Site, Arkansas River, Lake Fort Smith
• Culture: Historic downtown, Garrison Avenue entertainment district, Unexpected Project (public art)
• Education: University of Arkansas Fort Smith
• Crime: Moderate (some higher-crime areas)

Pros:

• Most affordable housing in Arkansas metros
• VA clinic for primary care
• Border location provides Oklahoma job access
• Historic character
• Very low cost of living for fixed-income retirees

Cons:

• Must travel to Fayetteville for VA hospital care
• Slower economic growth
• Limited high-paying job opportunities
• Older infrastructure in some areas
• Higher crime in certain neighborhoods

Bottom line: Fort Smith is ideal for veterans on fixed income prioritizing affordability over job opportunities. If you're retired and your housing budget is tight, Fort Smith delivers exceptional value with VA clinic access.

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6. Jonesboro - "Gateway to Northeast Arkansas"

Overall Grade: B

Why it ranks #6: College town, affordable, central location in Northeast Arkansas.

Veteran Population

• Craighead County: Moderate veteran population
• Arkansas State University: 800+ student veterans

Housing Market

• Median home price: $318,000 (recent data shows increase, but still affordable)
• Property tax with 100% exemption: $0
• Property tax without exemption: ~$1,908/year (0.6% rate)
• Rental costs: $882/month average (43% below national average)

Cost of Living

• Overall index: 83-84 (16-17% below national average)
• Housing: 44.9% lower than national average for renters
• Overall: Very affordable

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• Arkansas State University (largest employer)
• St. Bernards Healthcare
• NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital
• Manufacturing companies
• Agriculture-related industries

Industries: Education, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing

VA Healthcare Access

• VA services: Check current CBOC availability (served by Central Arkansas or Memphis VA systems)
• Closest VA medical centers: May require travel to Little Rock or Memphis

Quality of Life

• Climate: Hot summers, mild winters
• Outdoor recreation: Craighead Forest Park, Lake Frierson State Park
• Culture: College town atmosphere, Fowler Center events
• Education: Arkansas State University, good school districts
• Crime: Low to moderate

Pros:

• Affordable housing and cost of living
• College town benefits (ASU)
• Good healthcare access (St. Bernards, NEA Baptist)
• Central location in Northeast Arkansas
• Safe community overall
• Family-friendly

Cons:

• Limited VA healthcare access (may require significant travel)
• Smaller job market than larger metros
• Fewer entertainment and cultural options
• Hot, humid summers
• Somewhat isolated from major metro areas

Bottom line: Jonesboro works well for veterans using GI Bill at Arkansas State or those wanting affordable small-city living in Northeast Arkansas. Less ideal if VA healthcare access is critical.

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7. Springdale - "Poultry Capital of the World"

Overall Grade: B

Northwest Arkansas city with Tyson Foods headquarters.

Housing

• Median home price: $298,000-$352,000 (varies by data source)
• Affordable for Northwest Arkansas

Employment

• Tyson Foods (headquarters) - Major employer with veteran hiring
• Walmart suppliers
• Manufacturing

Quality of Life

• Access to NWA amenities and trails
• More affordable than Bentonville/Fayetteville
• Growing Hispanic culture and excellent food scene

Best for: Veterans working at Tyson Foods or wanting affordable Northwest Arkansas living

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8. Rogers - "Friendly City"

Overall Grade: B

Northwest Arkansas city between Bentonville and Fayetteville.

Housing

• Median home price: $338,000-$492,000 (varies by area and source)
• High but less than Bentonville

Employment

• Walmart ecosystem
• Corporate headquarters for various companies
• Strong job market

Quality of Life

• Excellent trails and outdoor recreation
• Beaver Lake access
• Good schools
• Safe community

Best for: Veterans seeking Northwest Arkansas job opportunities with slightly lower costs than Bentonville

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9. Hot Springs - "Spa City"

Overall Grade: B-

Unique retirement destination with thermal springs and tourism economy.

Housing

• Median home price: $275,000-$407,000 (wide variation)
• Housing expenses: 21% lower than national average

Employment

• Tourism and hospitality
• Healthcare
• Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
• Limited corporate opportunities

VA Healthcare

• Hot Springs VA Clinic: Community-based outpatient clinic
• Closest VA hospital: Little Rock (55 miles)

Quality of Life

• Unique attraction: Hot Springs National Park (thermal baths)
• Lake Ouachita, Lake Hamilton (excellent fishing, boating)
• Small-town charm with tourist amenities
• Mild climate

Best for: Retirees wanting outdoor recreation, lake lifestyle, and unique thermal springs culture

Challenges: Tourist economy, limited high-paying jobs

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10. Pine Bluff - "Star City"

Overall Grade: C+

Most affordable but with economic challenges.

Housing

• Housing costs: 69% lower than national average
• Extremely affordable ($372/month for single person)

Challenges

• Economic decline in recent decades
• Higher crime rates
• Limited job opportunities
• Population decline

Best for: Veterans on very tight budgets prioritizing absolute lowest housing costs

Honest assessment: Only consider if budget is the overwhelming priority. Most veterans will find better value in Fort Smith, Conway, or Jonesboro.

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Housing Market Analysis

Median Home Prices by City (2025)

City	Median Price	Property Tax (no exemption)	Savings with 100% Exemption
Bentonville	$480,000	$2,880	$2,880/year
Rogers	$400,000	$2,400	$2,400/year
Fayetteville	$370,000	$2,590	$2,590/year
Jonesboro	$318,000	$1,908	$1,908/year
Springdale	$325,000	$1,950	$1,950/year
Little Rock	$270,000	$1,620	$1,620/year
Hot Springs	$275,000	$1,650	$1,650/year
Conway	$250,000	$1,500	$1,500/year
Fort Smith	$176,000	$1,144	$1,144/year

State median: ~$260,000-$280,000

Rental Market

2-bedroom apartment average rents:

• Bentonville/Rogers: $1,200-$1,500
• Fayetteville: $1,000-$1,400
• Springdale: $1,000-$1,300
• Little Rock: $900-$1,300
• Conway: $850-$1,200
• Jonesboro: $800-$1,100
• Fort Smith: $650-$900
• Hot Springs: $850-$1,200

Affordability Analysis

Most affordable (low home prices, low cost of living):

1. Fort Smith
2. Pine Bluff (with caveats)
3. Conway
4. Jonesboro

Best value (price vs. job market/quality of life):

1. Conway
2. Fayetteville (if you can afford it)
3. Little Rock
4. Fort Smith

Least affordable (but highest earning potential):

1. Bentonville
2. Rogers
3. Fayetteville

Cost of Living Breakdown by City

Little Rock

• Housing: 65-75 (25-35% below national)
• Groceries: 95-96
• Healthcare: 92-95
• Utilities: 97-100
• Overall: 85-90 (10-15% below national)

Fayetteville/Northwest Arkansas

• Housing: 90-110 (varies significantly by city)
• Groceries: 95-100
• Healthcare: 90-95
• Utilities: 95-100
• Overall: 90-100 (at or slightly below national)

Fort Smith

• Housing: 60-65 (35-40% below national)
• Groceries: 92-95
• Healthcare: 88-92
• Utilities: 85-95
• Overall: 75-80 (20-25% below national)

Conway

• Housing: 70-75 (25-30% below national)
• Groceries: 94-96
• Healthcare: 90-93
• Utilities: 95-98
• Overall: 85-90 (10-15% below national)

Arkansas state average: 83-89 (11-17% below US average, depending on methodology)

Climate and Weather Considerations

Overall Arkansas Climate

• Winters: Mild (35-50°F average)
• Summers: Hot and humid (85-95°F, high humidity)
• Rainfall: 45-55 inches annually (wettest in spring)

By Region

Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers)

• Slightly cooler than rest of state
• Occasional snow/ice (1-3 times per winter)
• Four distinct seasons
• Beautiful fall foliage in Ozarks

Central Arkansas (Little Rock, Conway)

• Hot, humid summers
• Mild winters, rare snow
• Tornado risk (Arkansas is in "Dixie Alley")
• Spring is tornado season (March-May)

River Valley (Fort Smith)

• Very hot summers
• Mild winters
• Lower humidity than eastern Arkansas

Veteran Health Considerations:

• Heat and humidity: Can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions
• Tornado risk: Ensure home has safe room or know your shelter plan
• Mild winters: Excellent for veterans with cold-weather injuries or arthritis

Veteran Community Strength

Counties with Highest Veteran Percentage

Specific county-level percentages vary, but veterans are well-represented throughout Arkansas, particularly in areas near:

• Little Rock AFB (Pulaski County)
• Fort Chaffee (Sebastian County area)
• College towns (Washington, Craighead, Faulkner counties)

VFW and American Legion Posts

Most posts: Pulaski County (Little Rock area), Northwest Arkansas counties, larger cities

Veterans Day events: Parades and celebrations in Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, and other communities

Quality of Life Factors

Recreation

Best outdoor recreation:

• Northwest Arkansas: Mountain biking (world-class), hiking, Beaver Lake
• Hot Springs: Lake Ouachita, thermal baths
• Little Rock: Arkansas River Trail, nearby state parks
• Statewide: Excellent fishing and hunting

Best for fishing/hunting: Ozark region, Hot Springs area, rural Arkansas

Culture and Entertainment

Best food scenes: Little Rock, Fayetteville, Bentonville Best cultural amenities: Bentonville (Crystal Bridges), Little Rock (museums, theater), Fayetteville (university culture) Best music: Little Rock, Fayetteville college scene

Education (for families)

Best school districts:

• Bentonville Schools
• Fayetteville Schools
• Conway Schools
• Rogers Schools
• Suburban Little Rock (Bryant, Cabot)

Best universities: University of Arkansas (Fayetteville), Arkansas State University (Jonesboro), UALR, UCA (Conway)

Healthcare Access

Best overall healthcare: Little Rock (UAMS nationally recognized) Best VA access: Tie between Little Rock (largest VA hospital) and Fayetteville (full VA medical center)

Decision Matrix: Which City is Right for You?

Choose Fayetteville if:

• Education is a priority (GI Bill at U of A)
• You want on-site VA medical center access
• You value outdoor recreation (mountain biking, Ozarks)
• You can afford higher housing costs
• You want college town culture with growth

Choose Little Rock if:

• You want state government employment with veteran preference
• VA healthcare access is critical
• You prefer urban amenities with affordable housing
• You want proximity to Little Rock AFB community
• You need the most comprehensive VA services

Choose Bentonville if:

• High-paying corporate job is your priority (Walmart)
• You can afford premium housing costs
• You want world-class cultural amenities (Crystal Bridges)
• Outdoor recreation is important
• VA hospital travel isn't a concern

Choose Conway if:

• Affordability is important but you want more than Fort Smith
• You want college town benefits
• Central Arkansas location works for you
• You want reasonable Little Rock access
• Family-friendly safe community is priority

Choose Fort Smith if:

• Affordability is your #1 priority
• You're on fixed income
• You can travel to Fayetteville for VA hospital if needed
• You want VA clinic for primary care
• Low cost of living outweighs job market

Choose Jonesboro if:

• You're using GI Bill at Arkansas State
• You want small-city college town
• Northeast Arkansas location works
• Affordability is important
• You can manage limited VA access

Key Takeaways

1. Fayetteville leads for education and VA access - Only city combining full VA medical center with major university
2. Little Rock leads for comprehensive VA healthcare - Flagship hospital with all services
3. Fort Smith leads for affordability - Lowest cost of living with VA clinic
4. Bentonville leads for corporate employment - Highest salaries but highest housing costs
5. All cities benefit from zero state tax on military retirement
6. 100% disabled veterans save $1,144-$2,880 annually on property taxes depending on location

Arkansas offers genuine value for military retirees. Unlike fast-growing states where housing has become unaffordable, Arkansas remains accessible while delivering solid veteran benefits.

The best city for you depends on your priorities: VA access (Fayetteville or Little Rock), jobs (Bentonville/Northwest Arkansas), affordability (Fort Smith or Conway), or education (Fayetteville or Jonesboro).

Additional Resources

• Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs: (501) 370-3820 | www.veterans.arkansas.gov
• Housing market data: Zillow.com/AR, Redfin.com/state/Arkansas
• Cost of living calculators: BestPlaces.net
• Home Base Arkansas: homebasearkansas.com
• VA facility locator: VA.gov/find-locations

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Information current as of January 2025. Housing prices and market conditions change frequently - verify current prices before making decisions.