Bella Vista, Arkansas, is an underrated gem in Northwest Arkansas, as there are plenty of pros about the area. However, the area has several cons, so let’s talk about that.
The pros of Bella Vista, Arkansas, include the 7 lakes, awesome trails, many trees, and the distance to several amenities. You can also find custom homes in the area. The cons of Bella Vista, Arkansas, include the HOA, windy roads, and the septic system.
I talk a lot about Bella Vista because it’s an awesome area. Stick around to see the best and some of the worst parts of Bella Vista, Arkansas.
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Pros Of Bella Vista, Arkansas
So we’re going to divide this up between the pros and cons, and the first part of this post will focus on the many pros of the area. We might not get to them all, but we’ll try to hit many high points.
The 7 Lakes Of Bella Vista
Bella Vista has seven lakes spread throughout the area, so you’ll be near a lake no matter where you end up. While some might see this next point as a con, I see it as a pro. The lakes are privatized, which means that only residents and their guests are going to use the lake with no others around.
If you like having many people around you, this might be a con, but if you prefer fewer people around, this can be a huge pro.
Three of those lakes are “wake lakes,” where you can use jet skis and motorboats on those lakes. The other lakes are “no wake lakes,” which means that you can use anything with a motor, but you can still fish and swim in the lake. You can also use kayaks or paddle boats on these lakes.
And with 7 lakes, there is plenty of space to spread out and do what you like.
Bella Vista Trails Are Second to None
Another pro of Bella Vista is that the trail system is simply amazing and second to none! There are literally hundreds of miles of trails in the area, with some paved and some dirt, but all are accessible from anywhere in the area.
If you’re driving around, you might see signs telling you to watch for bikers or hikers as the trails cross the main roads. The main reason for this is that so many people use the trails here.
In several other areas, especially in the colder climates, you won’t see as many people enjoying trails because of the extreme temperatures. However, our more temperate climate makes it easier for people to get out and enjoy the trails.
And in Bella Vista, you have almost immediate access to the amazing trail system. You walk out your door, and you’re there. You don’t need to drive 45 minutes to an hour to get to a trail.
Northwest Arkansas was built to be in the middle of the trail system instead of the trail system being an afterthought.
The Area Is Nature-Centric, With a Lot Of Trees
Another pro of Bella Vista, Arkansas, is that it’s very nature-centric, with several trees. If you’ve lived in a large city like Chicago, you’re probably aware of how hot it gets in a city without many nature or green spaces. But you can be in a green space with the same temperature, and it feels cooler.
That’s what makes Bella Vista so desirable–you get your own little slice of paradise. It’s a little like the Pacific Northwest and Colorado mixed into one area. When you’re driving around, you just feel like you’re a huge part of nature.
I recently showed a house in that area that was surrounded by pine trees. It felt like Colorado Aspen pines surrounded us.
Your Slice Of Heaven Is Close to Several Amenities
Going off the last point, your slice of heaven is close to several amenities when you want to be in the community. While you can keep to yourself most of the time due to how much privacy nature gives you, you’re very close to Bentonville, Rogers, or Centerton.
The drive shouldn’t take you more than 10-15 minutes in any direction, and you’re in the heart of the urban centers.
There are Several Recreation Amenities In the Area
While we already discussed the recreation amenities you can do in nature, such as hiking, paddle boating, and fishing, this pro is based more on urban recreational amenities. Bella Vista is home to several recreational centers where you can do the following:
- Swimming
- Archery
- Go to the shooting range
- Golf courses
- Pickleball
- Theaters
So if you have guests who aren’t outdoorsy, you can take them to one of several recreational centers in Bella Vista.
Bella Vista Hosts Custom Homes
If you’re a fan of cookie-cutter houses, then this will be a con for you. However, if you love custom homes, this is a huge pro. Bella Vista’s terrain doesn’t work with cookie-cutter homes, so you’re not going to see large housing developers in this area. When coming to the area, if you’re interested in custom homes, Bella Vista should be the first place you look to buy a piece of land.
Cons Of Bella Vista Arkansas
While there are several pros to the area, Bella Vista does have a few cons that we should talk about. So let’s talk about them.
Winding Roads Of Bella Vista
Bella Vista might have a lot of nature, trees, and hills, but the other side is the winding roads the city is famous for. And for many people, while they like the hills and nature, the roads leave a lot to be desired.
It’s for this reason that a lot of people like to buy properties near the exits of those roads. They don’t want to go deep into some of the neighborhoods.
The main reason for this is that, at night, it gets very dark due to sporadic street lights. If you don’t see well at night, this is something to be aware of. It’s not terrible, but it’s something to remember when planning a relocation.
The Distance To Some Areas Like Bentonville
Sometimes, the distance from Bella Vista can get longer, especially if you live deep in Bella Vista, where you must travel those winding roads we discussed earlier. It might take upwards of 20-25 minutes if you’re on the far side of Bella Vista.
However, those living in the area don’t care and would rather drive further or longer because they love the area. Plus, the residents don’t go into Bentonville all the time, and since they have a local Walmart Neighborhood Market, they don’t need to go further for their groceries.
There are also natural grocers, gas stations, restaurants, and other things to do that are closer to Bella Vista.
The Septic System
Septic systems and sewer systems are built on different infrastructures. A septic system is mainly designed for use in the country, while sewer systems are designed to handle the volume that a city produces.
About 10% of Bella Vista right now is on the city sewer system, but many people don’t want to deal with that and would rather keep their septic systems. While most people don’t care one way or another, as it gets the job done, you may want to keep this in mind for the future if Bella Vista completely transitions to a city sewer system.
Bella Vista HOA
While this last point might be a pro for some people, others would view having a Homeowner’s Association (HOA) interfere with their business as a con.
You might find that the Bella Vista HOA is a little more lenient than other HOAs in other cities, such as Chicago, where I’m from. However, you’re not allowed to paint your house pink or neon, but that’s probably a pro for the neighbors.
HOAs keep things running smoothly, and even though you might have a monthly fee of $37, it can be a good thing. But if you don’t want any rules to govern your home ownership, then Bella Vista might be the place for you.
Conclusion
So there you have it–all the pros and cons of Bella Vista, Arkansas. If you’re thinking of relocating to Northwest Arkansas and want to take the $10 tour, let me know. I’ll happily show you around and get you all the information you need.