Don't Bother
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7/9/2013
Benton, and Arkansas in general, is a pretty backwards place.
I have lived here all my life and these are a few of the things I've learned.
People here are extremely conservative and judgmental. Most Arkansans love Jesus but hate your guts. Especially if you are gay, a Democrat,non-protestant or non-white.
There is little to no opportunity here. Even with a degree a high paying job will be hard to find. (BTW 50,000 is considered a really good salary) Because most of the residents are xenophobic, if they don't know ya, they won't hire ya! Think minimum wage for 80-90% of jobs. Also this is a right to work state so unions are useless.
If you do have money to buy something don't forget the tax. Sales tax and income tax are higher than the national average. The only places to shop are big chain stores and metro areas are far apart, so expect a drive. (Gas is NOT cheap either.)
Housing IS cheap but the housing is mostly crap. Lots of mobile homes, meth houses and houses that have been stripped by meth addicts. Sometimes one house will fit all three of these categories. (Lucky you) Also remember that Arkansas is in tornado ally. In bad weather experts tell you to leave your trailer and find a nearby ditch, if you don't drown it's safer, get the picture?
Methamphetamine addiction is a big problem state wide. You have to sign for over the counter cough medicine and occasionally a meth lab will explode in your neighborhood.
Last but certainly not least is the weather. Expect hot and humid summers with periods of drought. Short but often violent winters featuring ice storms that knock out electricity and transportation for days. Spring and Fall are really too short to even bother describing.
So there you have it, all the reasons you should not move to Arkansas for any reason. Me personally, I'm off to Tacoma.
Kristen | Benton, AR