Thinking of relocating to NW Arkansas... any tips?

[Xshot]

Last winter was brutal here in Wisconsin and I think we'll see more of the same in coming years. A more temperate winter climate along with a lower cost of living is very appealing to me. Taxes here are some of the highest in the nation - usually ranked within the top 5 highest taxed states.

The Ozark mountain area, particularly Newton county, is appealing to me. This area seems to have much to offer in the way of shooting, hunting and fishing. The Buffalo River area is fantastic.

I would buy some acreage so I could hunt and shoot when I feel the need - legally. Newton and Madison counties have very a low population - under 10k - and that suits me fine. I don't think I'll have a problem getting along with local as I respect others and pretty much keep to myself.

FWIW - I've have some other states and areas on my list, but I want to focus on NW Arkansas for now. I'm planning to make a trip down there to look at some properties I'm interested in.

I would greatly appreciate input from anyone with living in or near the area.

 

[Maggot]

Its beautiful, and the cost of living is better, but the winters can be pretty rough...not like where you are now, but they do get some mean ice storms. You might want to look into SE Oklahoma as well. Land can be found really cheap and they are really gun friendly.

 

[Graham]

Thinking of relocating to NW Arkansas... any tips?

Unless it's the far NW corner bring a tuna can: When you stand on it you will be able to see twice as far.

 

[Xshot]

Its beautiful, and the cost of living is better, but the winters can be pretty rough...not like where you are now, but they do get some mean ice storms. You might want to look into SE Oklahoma as well. Land can be found really cheap and they are really gun friendly.

Ditto on east and SE Oklahoma... there's some nice country there. Every time I mention Oklahoma the little woman can only talk about tornado's in that state.

 

[Michael]

I used to live is SE Oklahoma.
Wouldn't even recommend it to someone I hate.

 

[sib1948]

I love Arizona with many different climate zones, but buying land can be expensive, since 90% of the state is own by the Federal or State and the rest by the Indians.

 

[mayor clum]

I'm also thinking about moving to NW Arkansas (Rogers, Bentonville). Have a nephew who moved there from Iowa (he was born and raised in Wisconsin) and he loves it. He says the weather is not all that bad. Of course he has yet to experience a tornado but he has a window washing and pressure cleaning business which is weather sensitive and he loses very few not-able-to-work days.
The main downside for me is the lack of shooting facilities there. There is what locals call a "rifle range" but it's 100 yards max. Gotta find a woodlot or something to rent, lease or buy and build my own. Keep us all posted one your move. Good luck.

 

[kraigWY]

My father was career AF, every time he went somewhere we couldn't ( or when my mother got home sick which happened everything she was gone for 6 months or so) she took me and my two brothers back to my Uncles farm in central AR. Perry county, plenty of mountains. Good fishing and hunting, (that's how we ate). Friendly people and low cost of living.

Its hot, real hot and humid, of course all we had is a wood cook stove which made it hotter cooking three meals a day, No AC, heck we didn't even have indoor plumbing.

If you have a little bit of money you can live good, if you don't have any money you can live good. Only way to go hungry in that part of the country is to be lazy.

I couldn't hack the tics and chiggers now. Winter is ok but I don't like hot and humid.

My wife's mother has a little place in eastern OK she keeps trying to give us, its too hot and flat. Worse the Perry County AR plus, did I say its flat. I don't like flat.

Arkansas would be a good retirement place. Look at Central Arkansas also. If you stay away from Little Rock property will be much cheaper and the winters wont be as bad as the NW.

Regardless of what part of Arkansas you go, you have to have a Bass Boat, its the law.

I don't like hot, humidity, tics and Chiggers, if it wasn't for that I might have settled on my Uncle's Farm when I retired. But I'm happy in Wyoming. Got no regrets.

Good luck on you move.

 

[Xshot]

We're filthy with ticks here in Wisconsin. I'll be looking at properties in the higher elevations of Ozark Mountain region. The idea is to get above the worst of the heat and humidity. Hopefully this will also help mitigate chiggers too.

 

[Maggot]

We're filthy with ticks here in Wisconsin. I'll be looking at properties in the higher elevations of Ozark Mountain region. The idea is to get above the worst of the heat and humidity. Hopefully this will also help mitigate chiggers too.

Those mts are not high enough to get above ticks and chiggers. Another suggestion, if you do move to those area, dont get involved with the locals. Just sayin....

 

[Xshot]

Maggot - I'm well aware the Ozarks aren't actual mountains, but it's best not to say that to the locals. My desire for higher elevations is for somewhat cooler temps and lower humidity. Chiggers love the high humidity so every little bit helps. I don't think ticks can be avoid these days. They have simply exploded all across the country.

Actually I'm not too concerned about either for areas around my homestead. I happen to own a 200 gallon high pressure sprayer and bulk permethrin. It's murder on all pest insects. FYI - if sprayed on boots and outer shell clothing it will provide excellent protection from all bugs that bite.

 

[Delta4-3]

Last winter was brutal here in Wisconsin and I think we'll see more of the same in coming years. A more temperate winter climate along with a lower cost of living is very appealing to me. Taxes here are some of the highest in the nation - usually ranked within the top 5 highest taxed states.

The Ozark mountain area, particularly Newton county, is appealing to me. This area seems to have much to offer in the way of shooting, hunting and fishing. The Buffalo River area is fantastic.

I would buy some acreage so I could hunt and shoot when I feel the need - legally. Newton and Madison counties have very a low population - under 10k - and that suits me fine. I don't think I'll have a problem getting along with local as I respect others and pretty much keep to myself.

FWIW - I've have some other states and areas on my list, but I want to focus on NW Arkansas for now. I'm planning to make a trip down there to look at some properties I'm interested in.

I would greatly appreciate input from anyone with living in or near the area.

Newton wouldn't be my first pick, but I live in Marion county. We have the Buffalo National River, White River, Norfork River, and Bull Shoals lake within 20 minutes of us. The people are great, and the terrain is better. If you make a trip and want to see Marion county, call me and I will make time to show you around.

 

[Delta4-3]

Unless it's the far NW corner bring a tuna can: When you stand on it you will be able to see twice as far.

A LARGE part of the state is "mountains" like the Ozarks. I have lived in 3 different areas of the state, all of which were in the mountains (hills). But, start at the bottom and walk to the top of one on the Buffalo River, and it convinces me that they are indeed mountains.

 

[HOGWILD]

Lived in Arkansas for 29 years and you can have all parts of NW Arkansas as long as ya stay around Fayetteville & Rogers lotta the mountain folks do not even get along with each other much less a stranger ! Good luck on blending in with Hillbilly's as they are not into blending! Where ya think Deliverance was filmed? Family lives due east of Fayetteville in a place called Forum which is really nice place until ya try that blending process!

 

[plh]

Good luck on blending........

Similar experience. Being a 2nd to 3rd gen. Arkansan seems prerequisite. Beautiful country apart from ticks and chiggers.

 

[walt willis]

YES!

Look for a place on the south facing side of a large hill that also has good soil and maybe even a year round stream.

Dig out the hillside to build a semi-earthen home.

 

[Xshot]

Not really interested in blending. I live in a rural area now and most land owners have roots that exceed 3 generations. Over the years they accepted my presence and I get a friendly wave and occasionally light conversion whenever I'm visible from the road. They have come to know that I respect their privacy and land ownership/rights. They have also seen me step up when the need arises with no questions asked.

I'm not antisocial, but my preference is to keep to myself.

 

[bobo]

I know a guy that has property for sale in that area that sounds just like what you're looking for. P.m. me for details if you'd like. Or you can call me. I sent you a PM earlier.

 

[Sharpsman]

You'll have to go to the CIPP aka County Immigrant Processing Point first and apply for a MIP aka Move In Permit as those folks rather frown on anyone coming in from north of the Mason-Dixon Line!!

 

[Delta4-3]

It really depends on where you go. Everyone in Mt.Home is from somewhere else. Drive 30 minutes and it's more native oriented.

 

[Xshot]

You'll have to go to the CIPP aka County Immigrant Processing Point first and apply for a MIP aka Move In Permit as those folks rather frown on anyone coming in from north of the Mason-Dixon Line!!

I look at it this way... not my problem. I plan on purchasing enough property that it won't be a concern. I'll be respectful and polite to anyone I happen to meet. After that it's up to them.

 

[Delta4-3]

I look at it this way... not my problem. I plan on purchasing enough property that it won't be a concern. I'll be respectful and polite to anyone I happen to meet. After that it's up to them.

I've never noticed it to be like most people paint it. There are a lot of people around here that are not originally from here and they "blend in" fine. Now, there are some places that seem be inward (I'm sure that word doesn't make sense, but I don't know what to use) but they are usually really small towns in the middle of nowhere. When I say really small, I mean population of 500 or less.

 

[Bill Larson]

Start chewing long leaf tobacco..... Spit into a plastic bottle....front teeth gotta go....

 

[HOGWILD]

delta 4-3 you trying to say dating your sister is ok in some areas ? WPS!!

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forum,_Arkansas

Nice place and the place my Aunt shoved a shotgun up in my face and almost capped me! So good luck with Madison County! Lotta my relatives in the area wish ya the best! We only visited and were really careful where we went as mentioned the shine will make people do strange things! This should get more interesting the closer you get to Madison County! Mountain Home still a Sundown Town !

 

[Delta4-3]

delta 4-3 you trying to say dating your sister is ok in some areas ? WPS!!

Forum, Arkansas - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nice place and the place my Aunt shoved a shotgun up in my face and almost capped me! So good luck with Madison County! Lotta my relatives in the area wish ya the best! We only visited and were really careful where we went as mentioned the shine will make people do strange things! This should get more interesting the closer you get to Madison County! Mountain Home still a Sundown Town !

Lol, half sister.

 

[HOGWILD]

BTW my Uncle may have a place in Forum, for sale not sure as he is in a old folks home and his younger wife is trying to sell it for him as it belonged to his Brother? Going North on Hwy 23 ya turn right on Hwy 127 and it's like about a mile down on the right side and sets off the Hwy a tad ! I will see if google earth can pull it up on street view? Nice house as he was a Carpenter by trade and a good one to boot! Sorry if my Arkansas draw pops up on occasion as shit happens on occasion?

 

[Seven rum]

I would stay out of NW Arkansas. Seems like everyday someone is getting busted for child pornography, drugs, or killing someone. Central Arkansas isn't much better either.

Texas should be a nice place to consider.

 

[Seven rum]

Good luck with that. It is kinda rough up in NWA. Every day you read about a child molester being arrest, a major drug bust or murders. Of course the central AR area isn't much better. Texas would be my choice.