I just got back from Los Angeles, and it was a good comparison of what it is like living in a large city compared to Northwest Arkansas. So, let’s discuss some of the unique differences between a typical major city in North America compared to Northwest Arkansas.
There are many differences between Northwest Arkansas and other major cities in North America. Probably the most noticeable are traffic, lack of greenery, housing prices, community involvement, and the variety of things to do in each city.
Maybe you are moving from a larger city and plan on moving to Northwest Arkansas. Let’s talk about some of the differences you’ll see right away and what you can expect when you move here.
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Key Differences Between Northwest Arkansas and a Big City
Let’s take a look at the major differences you’d find between Northwest Arkansas and a typical big city.
Traffic
Go to any major city in North America, and the first thing you’ll notice is the amount of traffic. When I went to Los Angeles, I knew what I was up against, yet the traffic still managed to pull me off guard. Even moving a short distance can become a hassle, especially during rush hour. That said, traffic is obviously the first noticeable difference between any major city and Northwest Arkansas.
Comparatively, Northwest Arkansas has little-to-no traffic compared to a large city. So whether you’re coming from Austin, Chicago, LA, or New York, traffic does not exist around here. There are some people that say traffic is terrible – which is entirely false. Going back to LA reminded me how good we have it in Northwest Arkansas compared to other major cities.
NWA is a wonderful place to move to! Find out the REAL Reasons People Move To Northwest Arkansas
Concrete Jungle
Another difference you’ll notice going from Northwest Arkansas to any major city is that it’s a concrete jungle outside of Arkansas. Everywhere you look, there will just be concrete and asphalt. The lack of nature and greenery leaves a very lonely feeling.
Although LA is a gorgeous city, the thing is, once you start getting to LA proper, it becomes a concrete jungle. Everywhere you turn, there’s going to be a large concrete structure. In my opinion, it’s pretty ugly.
Northwest Arkansas, on the other hand, has trees everywhere; the city is literally an oasis of trees. New businesses coming to the area must dedicate part of their budget to the outdoors because the authorities here want to ensure that Northwest Arkansas is kept a natural area. There are trees everywhere in Northwest Arkansas, and if you’re connected to nature, you will love this city, especially when you’re from a desert area like LA.
Flying over Las Vegas and seeing a desolate wasteland without any greenery really reminds you why it’s essential to be connected to nature. Northwest Arkansas is the Natural State. There are a lot of trees here and a lot of greenery. You will definitely feel like you’re one with nature in Northwest Arkansas and not so much in LA or other major cities.
Find out more about How Northwest Arkansas Real Estate is Different in our other blog!
Also, I have a 3-day itinerary that can help you decide what activities to do if you’re overwhelmed by everything Northwest Arkansas has to offer.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a foodie, a sports person, a sightseer, or want to spend quality time with your kids; I have something for you. Check out the link below to learn more:
https://www.allthingsnwa.com/3-day-itinerary-northwest-arkansas
Housing Prices
The housing market in Los Angeles and other major cities is way too expensive. People are overpaying for homes that are just way too small. Northwest Arkansas is still one of the most affordable places to live in America, even though it does take a minute to find a suitable house around here. But the fact is that there are a decent number of people moving to Northwest Arkansas every year.
If you are coming to Northwest Arkansas, just know that affordable housing and a welcoming community await you. Your dollar can travel much farther in Northwest Arkansas compared to Los Angeles, Seattle port, Chicago, Austin, Texas, Dallas, etc.
Homes in NWA can be a little odd! Want to know more? Find here
Community Involvement
When you move to Northwest Arkansas, you’re gonna be able to invest in your community much better than in other major cities. Northwest Arkansas is a mid-sized area. You can still meet the mayor, senator, and house representatives at the state level. But, compared to other cities, you’ll directly influence politics, society, and all kinds of different things happening in Northwest Arkansas.
The community is very tight-knit. People moving here want to be part of the ever-growing community. One of the things you’ll quickly realize is that your voice and opinion matter in Northwest Arkansas. And so, if you are looking for that kind of midsize community, you still want to know your neighbors, invest in the community around your city, the school board, etc. Northwest Arkansas has got you covered.
So Much To See and Do in Northwest Arkansas
When people think of Arkansas, they might not immediately consider it a travel destination. But Northwest Arkansas has a lot to offer, from outdoor activities to arts and culture. There are plenty of things to see and do in the area, so you’re sure to find something that interests you.
Northwest Arkansas is not even close to the size of Los Angeles, but the fact remains that Northwest Arkansas has a lot of music venues, a ton of restaurants, big businesses, open jobs, new startups, rivers, kayaking, fly fishing, and all sorts of different things happening in Northwest Arkansas.
And to top it off, it’s very affordable and easy to live here. You can get from one place to another very quickly because the road system is so well-put together. Coming from a big city, traveling from one place to another might take an hour, but that’s not the case in Northwest Arkansas.
When I was in LA, I realized that one of the reasons why Northwest Arkansas compares so well to bigger cities is because everything is so easy to get to. And there’s so much to do when it comes to variety.
Final Thoughts
Northwest Arkansas is a great city to move to, especially if you’re from a major city like LA. There are plenty of things to do here, and the community is very open and welcoming. The plethora of opportunities paired with lush vegetation, affordable living, and little traffic makes Northwest Arkansas a dream location.