Northwest Arkansas is again on the top 10 list of best places to live, but it’s not in the number one spot. It should be, and I’ll tell you why in this post.
Northwest Arkansas should rank number one on the top 10 best places to live because there are more employment opportunities, affordable housing options, better wages, and overall higher well-being. And we are on the cusp of trends compared to other cities.
If you’re thinking about moving to this area, stick around. I’ll tell you why it’s the best area in the US to live.
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NWA Should Be Number 1 On the List
The list that ranks favorable places to live didn’t list Northwest Arkansas as number one, and I think that was a wrong choice. This is by far the best place in America to live. I thoroughly researched all of my options before I moved here, and I haven’t looked back, honestly.
Let’s talk more about why NWA should be number one on the list.
It Has Its Own Enjoyment Level
The first category on the ranking list is the level of enjoyment. Now, every area has its own thing to enjoy, whether it’s Wisconsin, Colorado, North Carolina, or the Pacific Northwest. However, Northwest Arkansas has a lot of outdoor space, which has us directly competing with Colorado, Utah, or the Carolinas.
But the enjoyment level doesn’t end there. There are several indoor areas for people to enjoy, as well as several businesses that come to the area. While other states have these as well, NWA really hits the mark for the enjoyment level.
Wages Can Keep Up With Expenses Quite Well
The next category on the ranking list is wages. Wages are a good indicator of the standard of living balanced with an area’s taxes and how affordable the housing is. For example, wages in Boulder, Colorado, are very high because it’s very expensive to live there.
However, it’s much cheaper to live in Northwest Arkansas, while the wages, on average, are about the same as most other places. I’ve seen several people relocate here and end up in a better fiscal situation after moving here than where they were before. Even those who work remotely end up getting better jobs after moving here.
NWA does a great job of balancing wages with living expenses.
More Employment Opportunities
Another reason we should be at the top of the best places to live list is that we have several more employment opportunities than most areas.
Huntsville, Alabama, is on the list for employment opportunities. But they have NASA and some chemical plants over there. If NASA disappears, they basically have nothing. It’s the same for Boulder, Colorado, and other areas where they have one-off businesses. If those disappear, several people will be out of work with nothing to replace the jobs.
The great thing about Northwest Arkansas is that three of the largest businesses in the world have set up right here. We also have the university and other mid-size businesses here.
There are also several new businesses or startup businesses flocking to the area almost on a daily basis. This means that there are several job opportunities that other areas just don’t have. Whether you’re a plumber, an electrician, or you work in construction of some sort, you’ll have a job here.
And if you’re in the medical field, you’re spoiled for choice, as there are SO MANY medical jobs here!
Long story short, if you need a job and aren’t having any luck where you’re at, come to NWA.
Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is one of the main factors when compiling a “best place to live” list, and Northwest Arkansas shines in this category. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve sold homes to who were shocked about what’s available here for the money.
I’m always overjoyed when I see people come from other areas, and they get excited because they say there’s no way they could afford properties like that in their prior locations. They win when they move here and start a new life, and it’s just amazing to see.
Housing is, by far, the best aspect of Northwest Arkansas, but there are a couple of cities that rival us, including Huntsville, Alabama, and Green Bay, Wisconsin. Of course, I wouldn’t move to Green Bay, as it’s too cold up there. Chicago was cold enough for me, and Green Bay is north of that.
But this is one of the reasons that Northwest Arkansas should be ranked number 1 on the top 10 list.
Growth and Abundance Of Trends
The final reason why Northwest Arkansas should be in the number one spot on places to live isn’t one of the official ranking factors, but rather, my own reason. Northwest Arkansas is growing and becoming one of the trendiest areas in the nation.
Now, before I relocated here, I researched several areas, including Huntsville and Boulder. And while several other factors of those areas were good, including housing, they weren’t growing or didn’t embrace new trends.
Boulder, especially, is not in an upward trend. Things are getting cheaper there because they’re having issues with their housing. Florida, Vegas, Texas, and Phoenix are also having issues with several things, which means those areas are struggling to attract new people or businesses.
Northwest Arkansas embraces new trends, is sheltered from the things other areas struggle with, and is host to three major corporation headquarters, such as Walmart, JB Hunt, and Tyson.
And the university brings in over 32,000 students yearly.
All of this money coming into the community means that the planning council can do a lot more things to benefit everyone. When I researched areas to locate, I met with the big players in the area, and I was impressed by how they worked to avoid the problems of larger cities like Portland or Austin.
When I saw their ideas put to paper, I knew that this area was up and coming, and I wanted to be a part of it. This is an intentional community, and compared to where I came from, Chicago, Northwest Arkansas really is the best place in America to live.
Conclusion
So now you know why I believe Northwest Arkansas should be ranked at number one in the top 10 best places to live list. I love the area, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to get out of the cold climate or who might want to do better financially.
Also, if you’re coming to the area and want a tour, let me know, and I can give you the $10 tour.
