Arkadelphia is a safe and comfortable place with a smalltown feel
Arkadelphia is a southwest Arkansas city located along the Interstate 30 corridor an hour south of Little Rock. About 10,000 residents enjoy a rural setting that provides plenty of outdoor recreation, as the city is nestled between the Ouachita and Caddo rivers in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist University, whose football rivalry dates to the 19th century, are the centerpieces of an engaged community and the foundation of an education-based economy. “It’s just a good, quiet mid-sized town,” says Rita K Smith, Realtor and principal broker at Bluebird Real Estate LLC. “It has that smalltown feel. People know each other; people want to know each other, and we take care of our own. You feel safe and comfortable. That’s truly the blessing of Arkadelphia.”
The Ouachita Mountains are located in the East side of Oklahoma.
The bridge into Henderson State University is a tranquil walk for the students that attend there.
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The city's two universities are top employers in Clark County
Henderson State and Ouachita Baptist are among the top employers in Clark County, of which Arkadelphia is the county seat. The Arkadelphia School District is also a major employer. Georgia Pacific, J.M. Smucker Company and Siplast are top manufacturers. Siplast is a roofing and waterproofing company with a research and innovation center in Arkadelphia. “We have industry that keeps people here,” Smith says.
Siplast is one of the industry leaders in Arkadelphia.
Ouachita Baptist University is one of the major employers in Arkadelphia.
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Housing costs are relatively inexpensive
The median sales price is about $180,000. That’s about 25 percent lower than Hot Springs, the closest major city in the region. Ranch-style homes on spacious lots are prominent. Craftsman architecture is common among the oldest homes, which are concentrated in the heart of the city. New construction features contemporary homes with driveways and attached garages. “We’re seeing appraisal values creep up, but pricing relative to other parts of the state is inexpensive,” says Smith, who started Bluebird after retiring from the banking industry. “We’re not like Hot Springs, which is more of a carnival town with all kinds of things going on. But we are holding our own.”
Southern Arkansas features humid summers and mild winters. Spring and fall are typically rainy. Tornadoes are a risk. The city updated its building codes after a devastating tornado in 1997.
There are many different styles of homes available for purchase in Arkadelphia.
Homes in Arkadelphia are known for their large yards and mature trees.
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The city is surrounded by rivers and lakes
The Ouachita River, which forms the city’s eastern border, and the Caddo River just west of the city are popular spots for recreation. More outdoor adventures can be found at nearby DeGray Lake. “Our summers are filled with floaters on the Caddo, the Ouachita is more for boating and fishing, and DeGray is more for skiing and sailing,” Smith says. The Iron Mountain Trail system on the lake’s south shore is a haven for mountain bikers. Feaster Park and the Arkadelphia Sports Complex are highlights of the city’s recreational facilities. Arkadelphia Aquatic Park is a popular seasonal destination. The city and surrounding areas are also known for hiking trails and camping.
Arkadelphia is located near one of the many lakes and rivers.
DeGray Lake is located within minutes of Arkadelphia.
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A community staple, "The Battle of the Ravine" dates back to 1895
The Arkadelphia School District is rated B-minus by Niche. Its pipeline consists of four levels: primary, elementary, middle and high school. Ouachita Baptist and Henderson State are rated B-plus and B-minus, respectively. The first football matchup between the two was in 1895, making it one of the oldest rivalries in Division II athletics. The two campuses are separated by U.S. 67 and a small ravine, which gives the rivalry its name. “The Battle of the Ravine” rivalry has become an essential part of the city’s identity. Each year, state troopers stop traffic on the highway for the visiting team and its entourage to walk across. It’s a spectacle that has made national headlines.
The Arkadelphia school district is rated B- minus according to Niche.
Henderson State University is one of the 2 universities located in Arkadelphia.
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Downtown shopping district also hosts movie nights and festivals
Shopping and dining options are concentrated around Pine Street on the city’s west side and the historic downtown commercial district on the city’s east side. “We still have movie nights on Main Street and festivals downtown,” Smith says. The Mid-South Music Festival, previously the Arkadelphia Festival of the Arts, is a signature two-day event held each October. For contemporary entertainment and nightlife, Hot Springs is about 35 miles away.
The historic downtown area of Arkadelphia provides shoppers many retail options.
There are many boutiques located in the downtown area of Arkadelphia.
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Hot Springs and Little Rock are the closest big cities
Interstate 30 provides direct access to Little Rock and the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport about 70 miles away. Hot Springs, one of the state’s premier tourist destinations, is a 35-mile drive via Scenic Arkansas 7. The city’s Amtrak station offers one-time daily service to Little Rock. The trip takes about 90 minutes.
Crime statistics for Arkadelphia are not readily available.
Downtown Little Rock has colorful murals throughout the city.
Hot Springs Village was founded by John Cooper Sr. in 1970.
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Written By
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
Justin Prokop
Video By
Daniel Willingham
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ruth Christenson,
an experienced agent in this area.
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