SperlingViews - Jonesboro, Arkansas

I hate to tell you people, but I have lived in 4 different states, some cities I have lived in had a population of approximately 200,000 people and it was NO different that living here. I can honestly say that I will never move again. There is crime everywhere. There are the same types or restaurants everywhere. If you hate it so bad, then just move. I for one love it here, and will never leave again. I've learned my lesson.[read more...]

I have lived in Jonesboro for about 13 years and have been ready to move for the last 5. I came here originally to attend ASU and I did that as planned and earned a degree. I did obtain an excellent job upon graduation and for a positive I will say Jonesboro has held pretty strong economically. Thus, the reason I haven't left yet. On the downside, the town is unbelievably conservative, primarily Baptist Republican and sorry to say, but there is heavy oppression here. If you are different in any way, whether it's race, culture, religion, etc. you may not feel welcome here. The Baptists rule the town and have been fighting the wet/dry county issue for as long as I remember. In recent years, we did get a better mall and a few restaurants that are decent and not chain, but this town has little offer in terms of true diversity and recreation. We have a pathetic little water play area in a fairly nice park, and a dried up bowling alley and skate rink. A few night clubs that you will find an odd mix of rednecks and thugs, and always lots of parking lot fights. The crime seems oddly high here. Lots of residential burglary, and robberies. Some claim Memphis brings in trash. And along those lines, Memphis is the nearest "big city" and it's got it's own issues. The only way I would recommend Jonesboro to anyone considering a move is if you are offered a high-paying job you can't refuse, or perhaps to come to ASU, although I could write a whole other page on them. There are better places to live in AR, and much better places to live in the US.[read more...]

Jonesboro lacks good places to eat, entertainment, and cultural assets. Now, I know this is a small town, but I have been around, and this place deffinitly lacks. Also, traffic is getting bad and crime is getting worse. The whole north side of the city is nothing but a huge hood with gangs. I work for HUD in Jonesboro and im disgusted about how bad this part of town has gotten, we are such a small city you think we'd be able to curb that type of stuff.[read more...]

There is little to nothing to do in Jonesboro, if the town were to change this, it would be ranked much higher I beleive.[read more...]

If you connect Little Rock, Memphis, and St. Louis with a triangle, Jonesboro is the largest city(population size) inside that triangle. just thought that was neat and should share it. hope the makes you happy just like it did me.[read more...]

Jonesboro is a wonderful place to live. You have all the amenities of the big city...restaurants, shopping, entertainment...but none of the bad...crime, traffic, etc. The cost of living here is phenomenal and the weather is really great. Yes, it gets hot...but not so hot too often. You are within 45 minutes of a major city, Memphis, TN, but none of us seem to need to go there as we have everything you could want right here at home![read more...]

In terms of growth, Jonesboro really wants to burst at the seams, but something is holding it back. If liquor by the drink was available (without people having to pay a $5 fee everywhere they go, which really adds up), this town might be able to attain its highest economic potential. Living here is inexpensive, the air is clean, and Jonesboro is able to avoid being completely flat because of Crowley's Ridge. Arkansas State University is also located here, so considering the number of young people there really isn't that much to do for fun. Jonesboro is growing, but it could definitely support more entertainment and restaurants. Jonesboro has a very low cost of living and is affordable for most families. It's a great place if you want to save your money and the schools are above average for Arkansas, but if conservative, southern towns with abundant churches are not your thing, it would probably take some getting used to. People are friendly, and the presence of the college really livens things up. Jonesboro has a great balance of different types of people and is a pleasant place to raise a family. The downsides are that the town is run by a few big names/families, which is typical of small towns. The weather is balmy, so during the summer, it's very humid, and winters aren't too cold, but they are damp which makes it feel cold. Tornadic activity also occurs, but in the past 10 years I have lived here, I've never even seen a twister. It truly is an outdoorsman's paradise, being located near the Ozarks and with lots of open space. The big industries here are agriculture and manufacturing related, but we have Post, Nestle, Riceland, Thomas & Betts, Hytrol, Farr, and many others. Jonesboro is a small town, but I see big potential for future growth considering the growth I've witnessed just in the past 2 years.[read more...]

Jonesboro is a charming small town with wonderful residential areas of tree lined streets and affordable homes. The University keeps the city young, but there are plenty of things for seniors as well. Most major shopping is available and new restaurants are opening all the time. Low crime, clean air, excellent water quality. And when you really long for the big city, Memphis is just a bit over an hour away.[read more...]

The Chamber of Commerce/Economic Development are very active and are bringing in new businesses and new jobs. Alberto-Culver is building a new distribution center resulting in 800+ jobs for the city in 2008! Lots of construction in the area with a very healthy economic future.[read more...]

Educational standards in Arkansas are poor and change very little.[read more...]

NRA is popular in Jonesboro and there are lots of southern baptists there. Andrew Golden, famous 11 year old school mass murderer from Jonesboro, Arkansas, was given a real shot gun as a gift when he as SIX YEARS OLD! You have to understand that in the south, it is acceptable to teach very very young boys to use deadly force. After he murdered all of those females, the state of Arkansas decided to put him in a youth facility for a few years and then turn him loose without any form of supervision WHATSOEVER! The parents of his victims are suiing the Golden family for what Andrew did, but not for making that gift, because Arkies dont see anything wrong with the gift. So far, nothing has been done to the boy's father or grandfather for training the infant to kill and it appears that nothing will be done about it. If that is your idea of conservatism, and if you support president bush and his continuing war against post-Sadam Iraq, then you might like Jonesboro.[read more...]

This is a very conservative biblebelt town of about 50,000. It is in a dry county and only 4 private clubs sell alcohic beverages. Need to drive an hour est to memphis for entertainment. No local bus transportation or air transportation. Economy is dominated by rice/cotton farming and a small university. Housing prices are very low as is cost of utilities. 50% of children under 18 qualify of welfare. It is a have and have not area.[read more...]