City of this size should have more to offer

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6/4/2009
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.
Maria | Jonesboro, AR