Are you considering moving to Arkansas? You’ve come to the right place! There are several perks that come along with moving to The Natural State. From a low cost of living, a great job market and lovely weather, Arkansas is the place to be.
Moving is a big deal! Before you pack your bags, there are some things you should know. Let’s dive into what moving to the South will look like, and how G&G can get you set up with homeowners insurance!
An Overview of Arkansas
First, Arkansas is known as The Natural State. It borders the Mississippi River, and was the 25th State added to the country in 1836. With a population of around 3.05 million, it’s the 33rd populous state in the US.
Stretching across 53,179 square miles, Arkansas is known for its vast wilderness and diverse wildlife. Did you know Arkansas is also home to the only active diamond mine in the US? Now you do.
How Much Does Moving to Arkansas Cost?
The biggest concern on anyone’s mind when moving is the cost of living. According to a data report, the cost of living in Arkansas is 9% lower than the national average. One of the reasons moving to Arkansas is so reasonable is that there is plenty of affordable housing. The cost of living is, of course, dependent on where you’re moving to in Arkansas.
Housing Cost
If you’re planning to buy a home, Zillow reports the median average in Arkansas at $188,040. That’s less than half the median average across the country, which is at about $400k in 2022. The median price for rent is around $1,005.
Average Pay in Arkansas
As of October, 2022, ZipRecruiter lists the average pay in Arkansas at $54,275 a year, or $26 an hour.
Pros of Living in Arkansas
Great Weather
One of the biggest perks of moving to Arkansas is the weather. On average, The Natural State gets about 217 sunny days a year, while the US average is 205. You still experience all of the seasons, with only about 4 inches of snow as opposed to the 28 inch US average.
During the summer it gets up to about 91 degrees, with a low of 28 in the winter. So, if you enjoy experiencing the seasons, but not at extremes, Arkansas has the perfect weather.
Southern Hospitality
Never underestimate the value of southern hospitality! The people of Arkansas generally have a laid back attitude, and after a while everyone in town knows you by name. You can enjoy city life in places like Bentonville, while still slowing down and enjoying a laid back atmosphere. Not to mention everyone is extremely polite and knows how to use their manners.
Incredible Scenery
Arkansas is known for scenic wilderness including rivers, mountains and lakes. If you’re outdoorsy, you’ll never run out of breathtaking places to visit. Arkansas is home to the Ouachitas and Ozarks mountains, great for hiking, biking and camping.
If you enjoy getting on the water, you must check out the rivers and lakes. St. Francis River along with Beaver Lake are must-sees whether you’re moving to Arkansas or visiting.
Excellent Transportation
Arkansas has one of the most extensive networks of roads and highways in the US. The Arkansas Department of Transportation oversees this along with 3,000 miles of railroad. Arkansas is also home to four airports, as well.
Cons of Moving to Arkansas
The Crime Rate is High
Unfortunately, there are cons to consider when moving to Arkansas. The crime rate is higher than the US average. Data from the FBI showed that Arkansas has the fourth most violent crime rate in the country. Currently, the rate is at about six incidents for every 1000 people. It’s much higher than the US average. If you’re planning on moving to Arkansas, security and insurance should be some of your top priorities.
There are A Lot of Mosquitos
While bugs may not be on the top of your list to research, mosquitos are something to consider when moving to Arkansas. They are bad in The Natural State, and they are big. There’s even a running joke that they should be the official state bird!
According to the Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas has some of the highest rates of tick-borne disease, so it’s important to protect yourself from these little pests. You’ll need to be on the lookout for standing water and keep bug spray on hand at all times.
Tips for Moving to Arkansas
Plan Ahead
A good rule of thumb for anyone moving to Arkansas is to plan ahead. You should start planning your move about 3 months beforehand to ensure all your ducks (and not mosquitos) are in a row. It’s going to make the entire process that much easier. Trust us.
Hire Movers
When in doubt, always hire movers. Stuffing everything into your car and doing it yourself sounds nice to the wallet, but hiring a team of movers when you’re moving to Arkansas is going to save you a headache later on.
Get Rid of Everything You Can
There’s nothing better than a pre-move purge. Donate any items you can, and get rid of the rest. Only the essentials should cross state lines with you.
Don’t Put Off Packing
Yes, we know packing is the worst, but avoiding it will be even worse! As soon as you know you’re moving to Arkansas, it’s time to start packing up. You’ll thank yourself later when everything is neatly in boxes instead of thrown in at the last second.
Sign Up For Home Insurance
When you’re moving to Arkansas, you’re going to need to transfer your home insurance! Home insurance is essential for protecting your new home along with your belongings from damage. The team at G&G Insurance is ready to welcome you with southern hospitality! Contact us for a free quote on a home insurance policy today!
