small town, big potential
-
2/23/2008
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.
susan | Jonesboro, AR