13 Pros & Cons of Living In Fort Smith, AR

Fort Smith, Arkansas, is a city in america situated on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border.

With a population of around 86,000, it’s certainly one of the most important cities in Arkansas. Fort Smith is understood for its wealthy history, including being a key player within the Wild West era and as a military outpost throughout the Civil War.

Additionally it is a hub for transportation and business, with various manufacturing, healthcare, and retail industries. While Fort Smith is a fantastic place to live and has many benefits, living there also has some drawbacks.

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Pros of Living In Fort Smith

Listed below are the professionals of living in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to provide you a greater idea of why this city is perhaps the right place to call home:

Affordability

Fort Smith offers an 8% lower cost of living than the national average, attracting many individuals to the town. Housing prices are inexpensive, making it easier for residents to purchase or rent properties without breaking the bank.

On a regular basis expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation are more cost-effective than in lots of other cities in america.

Living in Fort Smith allows residents to stretch their budgets further and luxuriate in a prime quality of life without sacrificing their financial security.

Scenic Beauty

Situated in a picturesque location surrounded by natural beauty, Fort Smith offers stunning scenery and many opportunities for outdoor activities.

The Ozark Mountains and the Arkansas River provide breathtaking landscapes, and residents can enjoy activities like mountaineering, camping, fishing, and boating.

There are several parks and green spaces, providing residents ample opportunities to benefit from the outdoors.

Fort Smith has a close-knit community with a robust sense of belonging. Persons are generally friendly, and the town has a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for newcomers to feel at home.

There are many community events, festivals, and gatherings all year long that foster connections amongst residents and help them construct relationships that last a lifetime.

Energetic Arts Culture

Fort Smith has a vibrant arts culture offers residents loads of opportunities to enjoy music, theater, dance, and visual arts.

The Fort Smith Symphony Orchestra, Fort Smith Little Theatre, and Fort Smith Regional Art Museum are only just a few examples of the town’s thriving arts community.

It hosts several events all year long, including the Riverfront Blues Festival, the Old Fort Days Rodeo, and the Peacemaker Music and Arts Festival, that showcase the very best local arts scene.

Historical Significance

Fort Smith has a wealthy historical background that played a pivotal role in the event of the American West.

As a frontier military post, the town was home to several significant historical figures, including Judge Isaac C. Parker, who presided over the court that sentenced many famous outlaws.

The town is home to several historical sites, including the Fort Smith National Historic Site, which provides a glimpse into the region’s history.

Cultural Diversity

Fort Smith has a wealthy cultural diversity that makes it an enchanting place to live. The town has a vibrant mix of various ethnicities, reflected in its food, festivals, and celebrations.

Residents can explore different cultures and traditions, experiencing the world through the eyes of individuals from various backgrounds.

Education and Healthcare

Fort Smith is home to several reputable educational institutions, including the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, which offers a variety of programs in various fields.

The town also has several excellent public schools and personal institutions that provide high-quality education for youngsters of all ages.

Apart, the town has several hospitals and medical facilities that supply residents quality healthcare services, ensuring they’ve access to proper medical care when needed.

Central Location

Fort Smith’s central location makes it a convenient base for exploring other parts of the state and the region.

It’s situated on the intersection of major highways, providing easy accessibility to other cities and attractions, corresponding to Little Rock, Fayetteville, and the Ozark National Forest.

Living in Fort Smith means accessing every thing the region offers, from natural wonders to cultural landmarks and concrete amenities.

Cons of Living In Fort Smith

Fort Smith is understood for its wealthy history, vibrant downtown, and cultural attractions. Nevertheless, like every other city, Fort Smith has its drawbacks.

High Tornado Risk

The town is situated in an area susceptible to tornadoes, a style of severe weather that could cause significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

Based on data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Arkansas, including Fort Smith, is in “Tornado Alley” and experiences a number of the highest numbers of tornadoes within the country.

As a resident of Fort Smith, you’ll have to be prepared for severe weather and have a plan to your safety.

High Sales Tax

Arkansas’s state sales tax rate is 6.5%, and the town of Fort Smith levies a further 2% sales tax on top of that. You can be paying an 8.5% sales tax on most purchases.

This could significantly impact your budget, especially should you are on a set income. The high sales tax rate can also be an element to contemplate should you are a business owner, because it could negatively impact your sales and profitability.

Crime

Based on probably the most recent data available from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Fort Smith has the next crime rate than the national average.

The town’s overall crime rate of 6,701 per 100,000 residents is significantly higher than the national average of two,346.

Property crime is probably the most common type in Fort Smith, with a rate of 5,530 incidents per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is less frequent but still exists, with a rate of 1170 incidents per 100,000 residents.

High Poverty Rate

Fort Smith has a high poverty rate, one other significant drawback of living in the town.

Based on america Census Bureau, 19.3% of Fort Smith residents live below the poverty line.

That is significantly higher than the national average poverty rate of 10.5%. Poverty can significantly impact all elements of life, from healthcare access to education and job opportunities.

Limited Job Opportunities

Fort Smith has a limited job market, which could also be a drawback for those in search of employment.

The economy is primarily centered around healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. While job opportunities can be found in these industries, the job market is comparatively small in comparison with other cities.

The median household income of $48,033 is lower than the national average, which may impact the standard of life for residents.

Conclusion

Despite some drawbacks, it’s clear that Fort Smith offers many advantages for individuals who call it home and is a superb place to live for individuals who value a slower pace of life, community involvement, and natural beauty.