A Northeast Arkansas city focused on quality of life
Batesville is the oldest city in Arkansas and the second-oldest municipality, becoming the Independence County seat in 1821. The city was a busy trade spot thanks to its location on the White River. Today, the city’s more than 11,000 residents enjoy the slow but steady progress Batesville has made. It now acts as a regional hub for jobs and culture in Northeast Arkansas. Residents often work in the poultry processing industry or in the health care and social assistance field. “It’s a connected place, one where people will step up and have your back,” says Lackey Moody Jr., a managing broker and Realtor with Crye Leike Batesville Real Estate Center Inc. “It’s like living in ‘The Andy Griffith Show.’”
In Batesville, the White River is a popular location for boating and fishing.
White River Medical Center is one of Batesville's largest employers.
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Ranch-style and split-level houses for below the state median
Homes have a median price of around $175,000, well below the state median. Ranch-style and split-level houses are prevalent throughout the city. There are also lots and large parcels of land available for building. “We’re a small community,” Moody Jr. says. “We’ve probably never seen 100 houses built in one year. But there has been quality living and growth for the last 40 years. There is always something going on here.”
Ranch style homes are a popular choice in Batesville.
Split-level homes are sprinkled throughout Batesville.
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The White River has boating and fishing opportunities
Batesville’s parks are split between recreation spots and athletic facilities. Residents can use the city’s many boat ramps to get onto the White River, where they can enjoy boating and fishing. The Batesville Greenway is a trail for all non-motorized transportation that connects to several parks, and it continues to expand. The city has stated a goal to renovate its parks and give residents more recreational opportunities.
The Batesville Community Center & Aquatics Park is a 100,000-square-foot space with a lazy river as its centerpiece. The center has basketball courts, pools and a fitness room.
Batesville's Maxfield Park, once the site of a collapsed building, was transformed into one of the most unique public parks in Arkansas.
Offering a range of indoor and outdoor activities, the Batesville Community Center & Aquatics Park is an invaluable asset for the Batesville community.
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Batesville is the "Christmas Capital of Arkansas"
The city has many different types of entertainment, including the Melba Theater, an art deco building that shows newly released films. NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Mark Martin is from Batesville, and the Mark Martin Museum is a tribute to his career.
The city calls itself the Christmas capital of Arkansas for its large-scale holiday celebrations. Riverside Park is filled with lights and the city offers carnival rides, ice skating and other activities.
The Batesville Motor Speedway, about 10 miles outside the city, is a dirt track that has hosted races for more than 50 years.
The Melba Theater in Batesville was originally an opera house built in 1875, which was later converted to a mercantile store before being remodeled in 1940 as one of Arkansas's first CinemaScope theaters.
The Mark Martin Museum celebrates the life and career of this Batesville native.
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Antique stores and barbeque restaurants
The city’s downtown has several antique stores and specialty shops, while Eagle Mountain Shopping Center has big-box stores like Walmart. Batesville restaurants serve many cuisines, but barbecue and burger joints are popular. Independence County is a dry county, but restaurants can get licenses to sell alcohol. The River is a popular waterfront steakhouse.
Batesville's historic downtown district is steeped in rich heritage and boasts an array of local eateries and boutiques.
Stop by FoxCreek BBQ for mouthwatering barbecue and live music on the weekends.
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Batesville High School Charter football games are a community gathering place
Students are served by the Batesville School District, which earns a B Niche grade. Sulphur Rock Magnet and Eagle Mountain Magnet elementary schools both have individual B-plus grades. Moody Jr. says Friday nights in the fall revolve around Batesville High School Charter football games.
Eagle Mountain Elementary School in Batesville maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 22:1.
Batesville High School maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1.
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Access to U.S. Route 167 and state Highway 69
U.S. Route 167 cuts vertically though the city, while state Highway 69 runs perpendicular to it. Little Rock is around 95 miles southwest. Little Rock’s Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport has flights to many domestic cities. White River Medical Center is a 255-bed hospital.
Muggy summers and wet winters
Batesville experiences four seasons. Summers are muggy and winters cold and wet. Independence County has a relatively high risk of cold waves and ice storms, plus a moderate risk of tornadoes and flooding. The city’s violent crime rate has slightly increased in recent years while its property crime rate has slightly fallen. Both rates are above the national average.
Written By
Ryan Kohn
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Mary Drost
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On average, homes in Batesville, AR sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Batesville, AR over the last 12 months is $210,000, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into timeless elegance with this beautifully updated Queen Anne home at 1014 E Main Street in historic Batesville. Built in 1904 and listed on the historic register, this property blends classic architectural charm with thoughtful modern upgrades. Recent improvements include a new roof (2022), updated HVAC systems with dual AC and gas furnaces (2025), updated plumbing (2026), fresh exterior
Discover this stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home, perfectly poised on a commanding corner lot with breathtaking views. From the moment you arrive, the home's impressive curb appeal sets the tone for what lies within. Step inside to find a spacious, light-filled interior with thoughtfully designed living spaces that cater to both comfort and style. The kitchen boasts modern amenities and seamlessly
4 bedroom 2 bath home with lots of updates. 1 block from Lyon college. Huge Private primary bedroom. 33 x 35 back deck is the perfect place to unwind.18 x 30 shop.
Sandra TaylorCrye Leike Batesville Real Estate Center Inc.
Welcome to Bear Paw Cabin-Western Cedar Log home on the White River! If your Dream Home is a Rustic-Style Log Home in a peaceful River community, look no further! Enjoy the Beauty of the Ozarks along the White River w/gorgeous sunrises & stunning views to enjoy your morning coffee or favorite evening beverage on your brand-new deck just watching the River carry your worries away. Plant your fav
If you are searching for a true turnkey hunting property in the Arkansas Ozarks, this 300+/- acre tract just outside Batesville is the real deal. Located off Sandtown Road and B Rock Road, the property sits at the dead end of the road, offering excellent privacy while remaining just minutes from town. At the heart of the property is a custom hunting lodge featuring two complete living quarters
Premier 300+/- Acre Turnkey Ozark Hunting Lodge & Recreational Property | Batesville, ArkansasIf you are searching for a true, turnkey hunting property in the Arkansas Ozarksone where the work has already been donethis 300 +/- acre tract just outside Batesville is the real deal.Located off Sandtown Road and B Rock Road, in a highly sought-after area, the property sits at the dead end
80 Acres Timber Tract Priced to Sell No Legal AccessThis 80-acre timber tract in Arkansas is loaded with mature timber and is priced to reflect a sight-unseen purchase due to no legal access. Current owners access the property only by verbal permission through a timber companythere is no deeded or written easement.Buyers will not be escorted onto the property. It is being sold
80 Acres – Timber Tract Priced to Sell – No Legal Access This 80-acre timber tract in Arkansas is loaded with mature timber and is priced to reflect a sight-unseen purchase due to no legal access. Current owners access the property only by verbal permission through a timber company—there is no deeded or written easement. Buyers will not be escorted onto the property. It is being sold as-is, and
Discover this beautifully restored Colonial-style home in the heart of Batesville. Featuring a formal entry with decorative pediment, proportioned shutters, and a welcoming side porch. Inside, enjoy charming details like built-ins and coffered ceilings. The home offers 4 spacious bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, including a primary suite with coffee bar and oversized shower. The kitchen includes a
1.79+/- Acres with utilities, storage building and partially started home- Endless Potential!! Looking for a property where the groundwork is already in place? This 1.79+/- acre parcel offers a rare opportunity to build your vision with key improvements already on site. PROPERTY FEATURES: 1.79+/- acres of open, usable land, 16x20 storage building with concrete floor--ideal for tools, equipment,
Beautiful 3 bedroom home on 1+/- acre in a highly sought-after neighborhood! Discover the perfect blend of comfort, space, and convenience with this charming 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home located just minutes outside the Batesville city limits. Set on 1+/- acre, this property offers the peaceful feel of country living while keeping you close to town. Property Highlights: 3 spacious bedrooms with great
Welcome Home to this charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath farmhouse with new flooring, updated kitchen & cozy fireplace. Enjoy the lovely views from the decks that just beckon you to relax and slow down a bit. Three beautifully landscaped acres include a small orchard and a storage building with power . Located only minutes from Batesville. New items in the last 5 years include a new shingles, new HVAC, a
Step into timeless elegance with this beautifully updated Queen Anne home at 1014 E Main Street in historic Batesville. Built in 1904 and listed on the historic register, this property blends classic architectural charm with thoughtful modern upgrades. Recent improvements include a new roof (2022), updated HVAC systems with dual AC and gas furnaces (2025), updated plumbing (2026), fresh exterior
Welcome to this 3BR/2BA home near Batesville, Arkansas, located on a quiet dead-end road just 10 minutes from White River Medical Center, downtown, and shopping. This property offers privacy, low traffic, and a peaceful setting with the convenience of town nearby. Features include a large fenced backyard perfect for pets and kids, plus a two-sided wrap-around deck with access from both the living
Enjoy privacy and fantastic views from this quaint, cabin style house on 7 acres, only minutes from Southside! Home has updated flooring through most of it, fresh paint, newer kitchen appliances a couple years ago plus Washer & dryer can also convey. Garage is approximately 16x24 plus has lean-to and carport. ***Note: approximate square footage includes the finished area of the walk out basement,
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