So I moved here from Chicago 2 ½ years ago because Northwest Arkansas encapsulated everything I wanted in an area. The growing area is still affordable, the trails are amazing, and there are several tourist things I like. But what’s happened since I left Chicago?
Since moving to Northwest Arkansas, I’ve spent more time outdoors due to the temperate climate. I’ve also met several others who have relocated here for similar reasons, and I’ve been to more concerts than I ever did in Chicago. It’s also easier to get ahead here due to the affordability.
Stick around if you’re interested in what’s happened since moving here. You might also decide to move here once you’ve read this post.
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More Time Outdoors
Since moving to Northwest Arkansas from Chicago, I’ve spent much more time outdoors due to the climate. It’s difficult to hike or hit the trails when it’s -10℉ with a wind chill in Chicago, but in Northwest Arkansas, the temperatures are more moderate, and we don’t get the extremes down here like up north.
The other part is that the warm seasons last longer here, making getting out and hitting the trails easier and more pleasant. Yeah, I’m not going back, ever. The winters are warmer here than in Chicago, but the summers are as warm if not a little warmer than Chicago.
However, it’s a bit less humid here, which is nice.
There are also many more outdoor events, parties, and festivals here. So, if you want to throw an outdoor party for Thanksgiving, you can without worrying about the extreme cold. Or if you want to go out for Halloween for some outdoor parties, you’ll be fine with a sweater or long-sleeved shirt.
You can do so much more outside here. Restaurants have more outdoor seating all year round, and other things just make it easier to be outside more often.
Meeting People From Other Areas
I moved here during the height of the Pandemic, so there weren’t a lot of things happening at first due to things being locked down. However, in the last year or so, events and businesses have opened up again, so there are several opportunities to get out and meet people. And do you know what I’ve realized?
There aren’t many people here that are native to the area. Most people I’ve talked to and met have relocated here from other areas. Northwest Arkansas is a relocation-heavy area due to the universities, Walmart, Tyson, and other big-name companies with headquarters in the area.
People also move here for the biking trails or other things we have going for us.
But what’s amazing to me is that it’s easier to strike up a conversation with someone anywhere I go than it was in Chicago. When you go to events, concerts, or even restaurants, the people here are more open to striking up a conversation.
I’ve been invited to so many parties and events from just meeting people in odd locations. Coming from a larger city, this felt strange, but in a good way, and that’s just one of the perks of Northwest Arkansas.
Concerts, Art, and Music
Since moving here, I’ve attended many more concerts, art shows, and other amazing cultural events. Chicago had these things too, but the reason I’ve done more of these things here is that they are free. Well, maybe not all the events are free, but they’re incredibly cheap compared to other areas.
It’s also easier to get around down here. For example, anytime I wanted to go somewhere in Chicago or LA, it was an all-day affair, as it took forever to get anywhere. If you lived in Crystal Lake, Illinois, and wanted to go to the museum downtown Chicago, it could take you at least 1-2 hours just to get there.
It would take at least an hour, even if you took the train because that’s at least 50 miles.
However, in Northwest Arkansas, if you live in Bentonville and want to go to Fayetteville, it should only take about half an hour. So that’s the main thing I love about living in this area–you can go anywhere within a shorter time.
Going to cultural events or places is within an arm’s reach here, and it’s so easy to get places. Chicago is a very traffic-heavy area, and you could be stuck in traffic on the Expressway for several hours, especially if there’s an accident somewhere along the line. But here? It’s much easier to get around.
Plus, we have some premier things happening here, and I absolutely love that about this area!
Getting Ahead
The last big update is that getting ahead down here is easier. If you’re coming from a tax-heavy area like LA or Chicago, you know what I mean.
However, I don’t just mean getting ahead monetarily. Friendships are easier to form, communities are easier to join, and sports or hobbies are easier to participate in. Houses are easier to buy or rent, and there are no barriers other cities seem to have when you want to do something.
I’ve met people who have moved here because they want to do something different with their lives. Maybe they want to buy horses or chickens, or maybe they want to be part of a start-up culture or be in a high-tech area without the high-tech prices.
People find new and better jobs here, such as with Walmart HQ, Tyson, JB Hunt, or one of the many startups.
There are so many opportunities to get ahead here as compared to Portland or Chicago, where you’re always behind the 8-ball. New regulations or tax laws in other areas can damper your ability to get ahead in life. But that doesn’t seem to happen here.
You can be in a really unique area and perhaps start a business for yourself. Who knows?
Conclusion
In the 2 ½ years that I’ve been here, my life has gotten exponentially better due to the opportunities and climate. If you’re wanting to change your life for the better, why not check out the area? And if you want a tour guide, let me know, and I can give you my $10 tour.