I've visited NWA numerous times, and while it is not the wealthiest of states, it is by no means overrun with the kind of poverty mentioned in the post below. Parts of Springdale are tougher and rougher looking than other parts of the tri-city area - this is true. But like all cities, one either drives through it or avoids it, or embraces it. The restaurants I've been to have been on par with any other - in any other city. Places frequented by the younger crowd can sometimes have a "used and worn" look and feel, but that is true in many college towns. I love NWA and hope that others will come take a look.
Cathern | Tustin, CA | Report Abuse

I love Fayetteville, and do not agree at all with the negative posts. I found Fayetteville to have a country charm, yet a collegiate town with very interesting and intelligent people. Christmas is absolutely beautiful, and charming-- lights and decor to make one feel as if you're thrown into a Thomas Kinkaid painting. Absolutely deserves its top rank of places to live in USA. Viva Fayetteville!!!! ??
Jackie | Los Angeles, CA | Report Abuse

I've lived in this area for 3.5 years, and I've got to be honest... I don't think this person ever actually lived in Fayetteville. Literally none of this is true, lol. I mean, where in the heck were you living????!!!
Sherrod | Rogers, AR | Report Abuse

Sandy is spot on. Fayetteville was nicer 5 or 10 years ago (I've went to college here and stayed for 10 years before moving to Bentonville, moved last month). Fayetteville has a lot of drug problems, one of the reason I moved, the apartment I was staying at was a meet and greet for all drug activities - it use to be a decent place for college students. I feel bad for all the move-ins, they will discover the hard way. Fayetteville is not friendly to non-whites, that's Arkansas in general. Lots of casual racism here, either due to poor education or to something else, if you're not White, Black, Hispanic, don't move here unless you're ready for some depression and/or self esteem issues. By the way, Arkansas is the #1 ranking state for depression, go figure. The white folks are depressed because #1 some can't find jobs, #2 they use alcohol and drugs excessively to overcome that #3 they blame immigrants for stealing their jobs. Despite the #5 or whatever ranking Fayetteville got on US News (itself I believe is bought by the Walmart family to get talent to come live and work for them) -- the reality of Fayetteville is definitely not what they say in whatever magazine. There are trails, parks, but they are way overrated, if you goto any other city, for example Tulsa --- way nicer parks. Cost of living is really high here too. I make a little north of $180k and I spend more on living than I did in California. Sure the rent is cheaper, but everything else the state gets you. In the end, if you're not white, don't move here. Even if you're white, think twice. Recently so many restaurants and shops closed in Fayetteville, is that a good sign for #5 ranked city? Heck no. Honestly, there's not much to do at all in Fayetteville. There's Dickson, for 18 to 25 year olds if you're into the bar scene. And then there's a mall. There's a town square with christmas lights, there's 1 park (they'll say many parks but it's just 1 that people go to). If you are a high income earner, you'll find yourself wondering where to spend your money to get some fun out of your hard work. I relied on trips to Tulsa, KC, Dallas to fill the void. There is a concert place called Walmart AMP, but it's tiny, even though locals think it's big (because they've not been to any other real venues) and all they bring is country singers. If that's your thing cool, but for me, heck no. Don't believe all the hype or all the "HEY FAYETTEVILLE IS BEST PLACE TO LIVE" (maybe for them, but not for all).
Some | Bentonville, AR | Report Abuse