Beebe is a fast-growing Central Arkansas community near Little Rock
The central Arkansas city of Beebe, located in fast-growing White County, is experiencing a population boom thanks mainly to the newly designated Interstate 57 bypass that provides convenient access to regional employment centers, including the county seat of Searcy and the state capital of Little Rock. Despite the growth, this community of 8,000 retains its hometown feel, with vintage stores and flea markets found throughout the city. “It’s a large-enough small town that there are plenty of things to do,” says Liz Howell, who runs Howell Realty Pros with her husband, Charlie. “But you’re close enough to larger cities, and you can hop right on Interstate 57. We just got Interstate status, and that is a big deal. It changes a lot of things, like getting more federal funding.”
Education, medicine, government anchor the regional economy
Harding University and White County Medical Center, both located in Searcy, are traditional drivers of the economy. Little Rock is the heart of the state’s medical industry, employing thousands of municipal and government employees. Closer to home, Beebe’s economy benefits from manufacturing, retail and strategic investment. The mayor recently announced the first tenants for a commercial subdivision between I-57 and the Dewitt Henry Drive commercial corridor.
New construction offers affordable alternative to larger cities
Older ranch-style homes on spacious lots are common and colorful cottage-style designs built in the past decade offer a cozy option. The city’s newest housing features larger brick-built designs in subdivision settings. The median price of around $200,000 is about the same as Searcy but less than the median for the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metropolitan area. “There is a lot of new construction, and the idea is to offer affordable homes to those who want to work in Little Rock or Jacksonville, where they have Little Rock Air Force Base,” Howell says.
Great schools are the lifeblood of the community
The Beebe School District comprises four schools that serve about 3,400 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Niche gives it an overall grade of B-plus, with an A-minus for teachers as well as clubs and activities. The district features a popular theater program, and Arkansas State University-Beebe’s Lecture-Concert Series brings in performing artists from around the country. “Great schools are the lifeblood of the community, and Beebe has great schools,” Howell says. “And the community college, ASU-Beebe, offers a plethora of bachelor’s degrees and trade degrees, which allow people to start working sooner.” Harding University earns an A-minus from Niche, which rates it as one of the top 10 Christian colleges in America.
Beebe is known for its flea markets and vintage stores
The Beebe Flea Market, known locally as the Beebe Sale Barn, is a regional attraction that draws visitors Saturdays starting at daybreak. A variety of restaurants and most shopping options are concentrated along Dewitt Henry Drive, which runs through the city. Walmart and other businesses are found along Center Street, which leads to more retail and dining on Main Street, including a new "old" restaurant. “Shorty Smalls is a famous barbecue place that started in Beebe, and they brought it back,” Howell says. More contemporary dining and entertainment options can be found in downtown Searcy and downtown Little Rock’s River Market District.
Baseball, softball are popular youth activities
Beebe City Park is the community’s premier recreational space. Featuring several ballfields, it is the center of activity for youth baseball and softball leagues. It is also home to the city pool. Smaller parks offer playgrounds, athletic courts and a community fishing pond. Boaters and anglers can access the Arkansas River in Little Rock and Conway, both about 35 miles away.
I-57 bypass is a new way to get around
The I-57 bypass provides quick access to Searcy about 15 miles away, and it allows for a relatively easy commute into Little Rock for work and play. Searcy has a regional airport, but the closest major commercial facility is the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock.
Crime statistics for Beebe are not readily available.
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