Pros And Cons Of Retiring In Arkansas

Plenty Of Retirement Communities

Arkansas offers plenty of planned retirement communities, but quite a few organic ones have cropped up along the way. Whether you prefer the laid-back atmosphere of a natural retirement community or the energetic flow of a planned one, theres a neighborhood for you in Arkansas.

Some of the most popular Arkansas cities and towns for retirees include:

• Stonebrook Cove

Other Area Employers And Industries

Finally, the public school systems, the robust banking industry here, and agriculture round out some of the other significant industries.

So dust off that resume. And present your qualifications in the best possible light.

For this, I use MyPerfectResume.

Or, if you are interested in putting a stake in the community. By participating in the growth of agriculture

And speaking of the schools. In case you are looking for more good reasons to live in Jonesboro. Heres another one

Threat From Insects And Animals

As you retire in Arkansas and enjoy the pleasant weather, amazing outdoor opportunities, and rural living, let’s not forget that this type of living also threatens the wildlife in the South. From alligators to poisonous snakes, you should be prepared to use some common sense while wandering somewhere unfamiliar, as you can encounter these reptiles along the way.

Moreover, you will also find some of the largest mosquitoes you have ever seen in the state. The mosquitoes in Arkansas are so large that you may also find some locals joking about the state’s consideration for making mosquitoes the official state bird. And while most locals joke about it, you should remember that the mosquitoes in Arkansas can carry several viruses, including the West Nile virus and Zika viruses that can lead to many common illnesses such as Chikungunya and other deadly diseases.

The only proven method of protecting yourself from deadly infections of the giant mosquitoes in Arkansas is not to get bitten in the first place. Hence, it means you should always drain any standing water around you and must always have mosquito repellent available with you at all times.

Don’t Miss: Should You Use Your Retirement To Pay Off Debt

Pros And Cons Of Living In Oklahoma State

Here are 5 advantages of living in Oklahoma. Also, 5 disadvantages when considering The Sooner State.

• Low cost of housing
• No access to major metropolitan areas
• High state and local taxes
• Sub-par K-12 education

Lets not delay. And dive into the living in Oklahoma pros and cons next.

We will start with Oklahomas impact on your finances. Because you want a nice. And an affordable state in which to live.

When it comes to managing your money. And finding your best place to settle down.

First up, here are 5 advantages of living in Oklahoma. The reasons why a move to Oklahoma may be good for you.

Lack Of Public Transportation

If you retire in Arkansas, you may hope to see a well-established transportation system with developed roads, highways, and train tracks. However, the state lacks public transportation. The problem is not only specific to the rural areas but also to large cities such as Little Rock, where you will find very limited public transportation options.

You might get access to private transportation services such as taxis and Uber, but most people walk around the streets due to lack of public transportation. So if you are retiring in Arkansas, make sure you own a vehicle as it will help you run errands and allow you to explore nearby cities and states.

You May Like: St Catherine’s Retirement Home

The Pros And Cons Of Moving To Senior Living Vs Aging At Home

• |Julie Podewitz, CSO

When it comes to healthy aging, quite honestly, theres a lot to do. Youre supposed to make sure to keep your body active and your brain engaged all while maintaining your social connections as well. Sure, the benefits to your overall well-being are worth the effort, but retirement is supposed to be a time with less responsibility on your plate, right? Well, it turns out that in senior living you can have your cake and eat it too, so to speak. Heres how programs like our Vivid Life make keeping active, engaged, and connected easy and fun!

Moving To Fayetteville And Far Beyond

Thanks for reading. And if this isnt the right place for you, then check out our

Please join me as I try to achieve my goals, find my next place to live, and make the most of my money. But understand, I am not a licensed investment adviser, financial adviser, real estate agent, or tax professional. Im a 50-something-year-old guy, CPA, retired finance professional, and part-time business school teacher with 40+ years of DIY investing experience. Im just here because I enjoy sharing my findings and research on important topics. However, nothing published on this site should be considered individual investment advice, financial guidance, or tax counsel. Because this websites only purpose is general information & entertainment. As a result, neither I nor Dividends Diversify can be held liable for any losses suffered by any party because of the information published on this blog. Finally, all written content is the property of Dividends Diversify LLC. Unauthorized publication elsewhere is strictly prohibited.

Also Check: Http Retirement Massmutual Com Rscorp Participant

Renting A Retirement Property

• The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Arkansas is $750.
• The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $895 a month.
• The average rent for a three-bedroom apartment is $1150 a month.
• The average monthly rent for a four-bedroom apartment is $1480
• The average monthly rent for a five-bedroom apartment is $1900.

Worst States For Retirement

High taxes and housing costs are a burden for residents in more of the worst states for retirement in 2022. Less state land reserved for recreation and an inadequate number of health care facilities also factored into low ratings for some states. Our readers surveyed opinions influenced our findings as well.

You May Like: What Do I Need To Retire Comfortably

Other Living Costs In Fayetteville

Beyond the price of housing, the cost of living in Fayetteville is not so bad. Things like property taxes, groceries, health care, and utilities all run at or below the national average according to BestPlaces.net.

As a result, make sure your housing costs wont break your budget. And if they do, you may be able to find some cost savings in other expense areas to offset the high price of homes.

And, by all means, dont pay more for anything than you have to. For this, we save on all of our online purchases using the cash rebate app from Rakuten.

Learn more about saving money with Rakuten now. Its a great way to save some cash no matter where you choose to live.

Now, onto the next one of the disadvantages of living in Fayetteville

Lack Of Healthcare Facilities

Another benefit that you should consider before retiring in any state is the availability of healthcare facilities, and that’s what you should also consider before you settle in Arkansas. Unfortunately, the health care in the state is not up to the mark, which can be a major concern, especially for retirees with higher healthcare needs.

When compared to other states, the medical services of Arkansas rank in 48th place. And while there are over 100 hospitals in Arkansas, the facilities may be in poor condition and require upgrades which is one of the reasons contributing to the lower ranking of the state’s healthcare system. So if you are someone with higher medical needs, you may find the basic treatments, but you may not get the state-of-the-art treatment and facilities at the healthcare centers in Arkansas.

Don’t Miss: How Can I Retire At 50

Overview Of Arkansas Retirement Tax Friendliness

Arkansas does not tax Social Security retirement benefits. Property taxes in the state are among the lowest in the U.S. On the other hand, sales taxes in Arkansas are quite high.

To find a financial advisorwho serves your area, try our free online matching tool.

Proximity To So Much More

Because the citys location in northeast Arkansas makes it perfect for getting away. For example

In roughly 2 hours, find yourself in the Arkansas state capital of Little Rock.

Better yet, 2 hours can also put you in Mountain Home or Greers Ferry.

Both are small lakeside resort communities. Perfect places for boating, water skiing, and fishing.

Finally, a 4-hour drive to the northeast will put you in St. Louis, Missouri. Another city with a whole lot to offer.

Okay. That completes my list of all the great things you will find after moving to Jonesboro.

However, an article about the pros and cons of living in Jonesboro would not be complete without covering the cons.

Lets do that now

Also Check: Retirement Communities In Charlotte Nc Area

Loads Of Recreational Opportunities

If you love outdoor adventures, there are loads of recreational opportunities for you in Arkansas. In fact, the to-do list seems never-ending. Whether you want to have some extensive fun by the river or go hiking and camping, there is something for everyone. And if you are looking where to soak, Arkansas offers you hot springs where you can relax and unwind after years of hard work.

And when you combine this benefit with the several part-time employment opportunities in agriculture, technology, and teaching, you can find several ways for yourself to create a good life and call Arkansas home.

Working In The Walmart Ecosystem After Moving To Fayetteville

Many people relocate to northwest Arkansas because of the jobs, companies, and business opportunities. Specifically, work options offered by Walmart and its supplier base further north in Bentonville. Just south of the lovely border state of Missouri.

However, if your work days will frequently lead you to the Bentonville, Rogers, Arkansas metro area. Then living here may not be the best option. Because you will be spending one to two hours a day commuting in your car.

Furthermore, this area isnt a big banking and financial center or even near one. If thats the kind of place you are looking for to advance your career.

To sum it up, if you can pull off living, working, and recreating in and around the immediate area. And traveling only when you desire for your leisure interests. Then, you should be in good shape.

Otherwise, you may be wasting a lot of time coming and going to your new home town.

Last but not least

Also Check: How Much Money Do You Get When You Retire

Is Arkansas A Good Place To Retire

Arkansas is a good place in which to retire not in the least due to the good weather. The weather in Arkansas can be aptly described as mild. Only some areas in Arkansas receive heavy snowfall during winter. Mild weather is often sought after by a large percentage of retirees who would like to spend their retirement days outdoors after decades of working indoors.

Another reason to retire in Arkansas is the affordable cost of living.Everything in Arkansas is cheaper than elsewhere from food to housing. Given that a retiree will have spent a significant amount of time and effort accumulating a retirement fund or waiting for a pension, they would want to stretch their retirement funds by as large a degree as possible.

The best neighborhoods in Arkansas are Bentonville, Cammack Village, Fayetteville, Centerton, Little Flock, Johnson, Cave Springs, Rogers, Conway, Bella Vista, Maumelle, Lowell, Siloam Springs, Little Rock, and Bryant. The worst neighborhoods in Arkansas are Camden, Osceola, West Memphis, Warren, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, Blytheville, Hope, El Dorado, and Alma.

Crater Of Diamonds State Park

The Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only publicly accessible diamond-bearing site in the whole world. Finding a diamond while on vacation might just be the highlight if your life. Though rare to find large diamonds, you can join other prospectors and have a great time digging in the earth for diamonds.

Recommended Reading: Waterfront Retirement Communities In Wisconsin

Is Oklahoma A Good State To Live In

Yes. I believe Oklahoma is a good place to live.

Combining its positive aspects of a low cost of living in welcoming communities. A favorable economic climate. And the ability to enjoy all 4 weather seasons.

Makes for a winning combination. For young adults. Or, those seeking the best places to retire in Oklahoma.

Benefits Of Healthy Aging

Good things happen when you focus on healthy aging. In addition to feeling better overall, which in and of itself is a win, other benefits of keeping active, engaged, and connected include:

• Improved ability to do everyday things
• Reduced impact of illness and chronic disease
• Enhanced mobility, flexibility, and balance

Learn more about Vitality Livings Vivid Life programs. Or find a Vitality Living community near you today to schedule a tour.

When older adults first begin to plan for retirement, one question that almost always comes up is where to live. Aging in place at home is one potential solution. Moving to senior living is another.

There are definite pros and cons to consider with each. Its important to take time to consider both.

Don’t Miss: How To Find Hidden Retirement Accounts

Living In Downtown Fayetteville

Lets start with downtown life in Fayetteville.

First, just to the northeast of downtown is Mount Sequoyah. Many homes on this mountain were built in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.

However, those that have been rehabbed and modernized are quite expensive.

As you travel southwest closer to downtown and the university you will find older, historic homes. Many were built more than 100 years ago.

One of the very popular residential areas is near Wilson Park. It is due north of downtown and close to everything.

But realize, that home prices are generally higher as you get closer to campus.

Next, I would like to give you a feel for the surrounding area

States With No Income Tax

A good way to minimize your retirement income tax bill is to move to one of the eightor nine, depending on how you classify incomestates that do not have any income taxes. These states do not tax income earned from wages, salaries or investments.

New Hampshire is often misclassified as having no income tax. While the Granite State does not tax income from wages or salaries, it does tax income earned from interest and dividends at a 5% rate. Starting in 2024, the state will begin gradually phasing out this tax, and it will be completely eliminated by 2027.

Just remember, income taxes arent the only kind of tax you need to consider when choosing where to live in retirement. Its important to consider your total tax burden, including property taxes and sales taxes.

You May Like: How Much A Month Do I Need To Retire

No Major Metropolitan Areas

If you crave the big city life. Then living in Oklahoma is probably not the place for you.

Because the state has limited big-city offerings.

This is one of the disadvantages of living in Oklahoma versus Texas. And could be a deciding factor if you should move to Oklahoma or Texas.

As I said, living in Oklahoma City provides the best bigger-city option. But OKC checks in as approximately the 25th largest city in the U.S.

Do you want to live in the South Central United States? But prefer a big city to call home?

Then, you may want to consider Oklahomas neighbor to the South. And think about living in Texas.

Because Texas is home to some of the largest cities in the U.S. Specifically, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas. With Dallas being a little more than 200 miles from Oklahoma City.

Next, one negative point about the cost of living in Oklahoma

High State & Local Taxes

Kansas doesnât compare to states with the highest tax rates, but the tax burden youâll have to bear here is important to consider.

Income Taxes

The state has a progressive income tax system, with the rate ranging from 3.1% to 5.7%. If youâre fully retired, then youâll be glad to know that Kansas exempts all Social Security income for seniors. However, this exemption is given on the condition that a senior has an adjusted gross income equal to or lower than $75,000. Moreover, Kansas also exempts public pension from taxes and doesnât have any estate and inheritance tax either. However, besides this, the state doesnât offer exemptions on other retirement incomes, such as a 401 plan.

Sales Taxes

Although Kansas has an overall low cost of living, the sales tax in the state is pretty high. Depending on where you settle in the state, sales taxes can range from 7-12%.

Read Also: Baylor Scott And White Retirement Plan

Rural Small Town Atmosphere

When considering the pros and cons of retiring in Arkansas, the state’s rural nature may turn out to be one or the other depending upon your preference. If you enjoy the serenity and quietness of rural areas, the whole state offers you this atmosphere and makes it one of the best states for you to retire in.

Even if you choose to live in the big cities of Arkansas, such as Little Rock, you wonât find the usual hustle-bustle of the urban life that you would experience in some of the other states. Itâs likely because the population of Arkansas is low, and most of the people living in this state are associated with agriculture which helps keep the feeling rural and small. But you will also find the small-town feeling extending to other businesses such as mom-and-pop type stores and places throughout Arkansas.

The rural atmosphere of Arkansas can be ideal for retirees who do not like crowds and overpopulated areas and for those who prefer to live in a cozy and close-knit community.