If you read the first post about what you need to get used to in Northwest Arkansas, you know we have much more to cover. Moving to the area will take some getting used to, so let’s continue our conversation about that.
Part 2 of what you have to get used to in Bentonville, Fayetteville, or Rogers, Arkansas, is that several businesses are closed on Sunday, the great food scene, and the growth mindset. People are friendly, there are so many outdoor activities, and when there’s a little snow, everything shuts down.
If you enjoyed part one, you’ll love part two. So let’s get started!
Video:
Businesses Are Closed On Sunday
The weird thing about the South is that several businesses are closed on Sunday. NWA is on the border of being in the Midwest and the South, but several of the same ideas have taken root here. Maybe not as much as it used to be because of NWA’s growth, but still, it’s a lot different than what I was used to in Chicago.
Moving from Chicago, I was used to everything being open almost 24/7, and whenever I wanted to go out to eat or go shopping, places were open. When I moved here, it was a bit of a culture shock, as I didn’t realize that places closed up shop Sundays.
At any rate, with more businesses opening on Sundays in NWA, it’s getting better.
Some restaurants are now open on Sunday, but they close earlier than during the rest of the week. While this might be typical across America, it does mean you might need to make different plans.
Or, if you like doing things on the spur of the moment, you may want to check if the place you want to go to is open. This might include restaurants, family recreational facilities, or other places. Some places might be open, but they’ll have limited hours on Sunday.
So keep that in mind if you plan to move or visit here, as Sundays are a mixed bag for being open.
People Spend a Lot of Time Outdoors
Compared to other places in the US, people in Northwest Arkansas spend more time outdoors, which is something you’ll have to get used to when moving here.
Coming from Chicago, I was somewhat shocked by how much people spent outdoors.
While this might be comparable to places like California, Tennessee, or Kentucky, in other places where it gets hotter, such as Arizona or New Mexico, it might be a lot different because it gets too hot. Even in Tulsa, it gets too hot because there are not a lot of trees to cool the area.
But Northwest Arkansas is in that sweet spot where it’s not too hot or cold for most of the year. And because the weather is pleasant most of the time, people get out to do things and enjoy everything that NWA offers. There’s a lot to do here, so, combined with the moderate temperatures, people take advantage of this and get outside.
One thing I got used to is the number of outdoor groups to get involved in and socialize with. While there are plenty of indoor activities, the area seems to focus more on the outdoors.
When you get acclimated to the area and start taking part in the outdoor activities, you’re going to start making new friends–which goes back to part 1 of what to get used to in Northwest Arkansas. People are very friendly here, and they care about your well-being.
Here are some things you can do outside and take advantage of our mild weather:
- Pickle Ball
- Hiking
- Biking
- Swimming
- Running
- Soccer
There are several more things besides what’s on this list that you can take part in.
Fun story: My mom moved here from Chicago, sold her real estate brokerage, and retired. One of the things that she was excited about was getting outside more, going to the pool, gardening, hiking, and other things like that. Arguably, it’s much better than being inside all the time, watching Netflix or something else like that.
So it’s definitely an improvement down here to take advantage of the great weather and outdoor activities.
The Food Scene Is Growing
Whether you consider this a pro or a con, the food scene here has grown exponentially. When I moved here about 2 ½ years ago, there weren’t as many restaurants as there are now, and I’m told that even 5 years ago, the food scene was minimal.
If you’re coming from a larger area, it won’t be at the same level as you might be used to, but we have our fair share of great restaurants. There are some great restaurants here, of course, but there aren’t thousands of them right now like a large metropolis might have. What we have is very good, but if you’re looking for a specific cuisine, you might not find what you want here.
Being in a larger city gives you that perk of having whatever you want whenever you want. But that comes with several costs, such as:
- Food costs, whether you’re shopping at a grocery store or eating at a restaurant.
- Traffic
- Parking problems
One of the things down here is that while you don’t have those costs associated with living in a larger city, you’ll still find some pretty amazing restaurants. Maybe you won’t find top-tier, Michelin-star restaurants, but you’ll still probably enjoy the food scene here.
People from larger areas need to remember this, but if someone comes from a mid-size or even a small rural area, they will be pleasantly surprised at our food scene.
Shut Down in Snow
Coming from a northern area where the winters were crazy, I always laughed at that joke about if there’s a slight dusting of snow or a little ice that the South shuts down. But since I’ve lived here, I now understand why things shut down when the South gets an ice storm or a small amount of snow.
One reason for that is that there aren’t any snowplows for the cities. Now, I-49 gets plowed, but those are state plows, and the town doesn’t get plowed or salted. The crazy thing is that there aren’t even any salt trucks that put salt on the roads when it gets icy out. And most people don’t know how to drive in the snow or on ice.
That’s one thing I had to get used to when moving from Illinois–no one seems to even have a snow shovel.
Before an incoming storm, the grocery stores get insane because people are stocking on on things they don’t really need. It’s like, come on–you’ll be fine, okay? You don’t need to raid the grocery stores because of a little snowstorm.
If you come from the Midwest or the North, you’re definitely going to have to get used to how things just shut down when there’s a snowstorm.
Growth Mindset
The last thing that you have to get used to when moving to Northwest Arkansas is the growth mindset. People move here, businesses move here…and they all want to grow and create better lives. People come here for new jobs, or they work remotely and want a new area.
One thing that’s common with everyone coming here is that they have a growth mindset. Now, what do I mean by that? While this is an upcoming area, it’s also a joyful and cheerful area. Many cities feel so…depressing, but the growth and emotional investment that people make in the area make this such a great place to work and play.
The growth mindset comes from people wanting to make this place even more amazing. They choose to be here, so they try to make things wonderful.
When you meet people on the street, or you are introduced to people in groups, you feel their energy. They’re excited for the many opportunities and outdoor activities and to be a part of the community.
If you want to move here, are looking to get into the startup scene, want a great place to raise your family, or even to retire, Northwest Arkansas is a great place to do that, as there are several opportunities for you.
Several people have paved the way for you to jump in wherever you want and do whatever you want.
So a huge perk of living here that you might need to get used to is the growth mindset of moving forward, rather than being stuck in the old ways. It’s so interesting to see people have an attitude of looking forward rather than sticking to tradition, and I love it here.
Conclusion
So this concludes our two-part series of what you have to get used to when moving to Northwest Arkansas. It is a unique area and a hidden gem that many people are beginning to discover and gravitate to.
If I’ve intrigued you enough to make a visit and further explore your options, let me know. We can tour the area, and I can answer any of your questions.