Beautiful views define the Northwest Arkansas city
Bella Vista is Spanish for “beautiful view.” Residents like Dave Armstrong, a Realtor with Crye-Leike Realtors, say the name is apt. Sitting in the Springfield Plateau of the Ozark Mountains, the city was first established in the 1910s as a summer resort town because of its hills and lakes. In 1965, the city was transformed into a retirement community, but in recent years, more families and young people have moved in. "Almost no one is from Bella Vista,” Armstrong says. “There are a lot of transplants. It makes it a friendly community. You talk about where you’re from and find a common bond.” The city now has about 32,000 residents. By 2030, the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission projects the city to have more than 42,000 residents. Many of these people work within Benton County, where Walmart Inc., Tyson Foods Inc. and J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. are headquartered.
Bella Vista started as a resort community in the hills and lakes of the Ozarks.
The trails in Bella Vista connect cyclists to trails across Northwest Arkansas.
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Craftsman and ranch-style homes in the Ozarks
Homes in the city have a median price of $345,000, lower than the United States average but trending upward. Homebuyers automatically join the Bella Vista Property Owners Association when they purchase a house. The POA maintains and operates Bella Vista recreational facilities and its water department. The Bella Vista Village Architectural Control Committee regulates the look of the city’s properties. Armstrong says the city does not have "cookie-cutter neighborhoods” dedicated to a certain architectural style. Instead, everything is mixed. Craftsman and ranch-style homes, as well as townhomes, are among the more common styles. There are also lots and large parcels of land available for building. "Bella Vista is a very healthy community," says Martin Anderson, a real estate specialist with Hutchinson Realty. "And sometimes people buy lots in Bella Vista just to be able to use all the great amenities." The city’s violent crime and property crime rates are significantly lower than state and national averages, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer.
Newer modern craftsman homes continue to pop up in and around Bella Vista.
Many large ranch homes are found in the hills at the edge of Bella Vista.
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Mountain biking trails and seven lakes
The city’s outdoor amenities are its biggest draw. There are more than 100 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails across the city’s 36,000 acres. The Back 40 Loop trail holds an intermediate difficulty rating and features views of lakes, meadows and pine trees. The city has seven lakes available for fishing, kayaking and water skiing. The biggest, Loch Lomond, is 477 acres. The city has seven golf courses and a practice center, including Scotsdale Golf Course, a traditional Scottish links course. Other amenities include tennis and pickleball courts, campgrounds, a beach and a gun range.
With over 100 miles of trails to choose from, cyclists and hikers love Bella Vista.
Bella Vista is well known for its numerous golf courses.
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A short drive to Northwest Arkansas National Airport
Bella Vista sits near the Arkansas-Missouri border. U.S. Highway 71 and Arkansas Highway 340 cross in the middle of the city. Bentonville, the county seat of Benton County, is about 10 miles south. Northwest Arkansas National Airport is around 20 miles away and has direct flights to more than 25 destinations. The Mercy Emergency Department-Bella Vista is a free-standing emergency room with a lab for scans. The larger Northwest Medical Center is in Bentonville.
Bentonville Public Schools is highly rated by Niche
The city is served by the Bentonville, Gravette and Pea Ridge public school districts. Bentonville Public Schools is ranked by Niche as the second-best school district in Arkansas and has an A-plus grade from the service. Willowbrook Elementary School has an individual A-plus grade.
Old High Middle School has an A rating on Niche.com.
Bentonville High School is rated A+ by Niche.com.
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The Bella Vista Farmers Market is open on Sundays
The Bella Vista Farmers Market is held on Sunday mornings from April through October. Lakepoint Restaurant’s Happy Hour at the Patio Lounge offers an open view of the sunset over Loch Lomond. The city’s Town Center has Harps Food Stores, a Goodwill Store and a Cafe USA diner. According to the city’s Comp Plan 2040, it aims to create a larger village center in future years. More retail shopping centers are found in nearby Bentonville.
Get a cocktail or dinner at Lakepoint Restaurant on Lake Lomond.
Bella Vista residents stock up on groceries at employee-owned Harps on US-71.
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The Northwest Arkansas Festival has many attractions
Like its greenspaces, the city’s arts are spread across several areas. The Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, designed by E. Faye Jones and built in 1988, features steel arches, glass walls and a stone floor. Public art displays are at the Bluebird and Snowbird trailheads and sculpture gardens. Each year, the city hosts the Northwest Arkansas Festival, which comprises an arts and crafts fair, a barbecue competition, and the “Wiener or Corgi Takes All” Canine Corral, a series of casual competitions between Corgis, Dachshunds and other breeds for various prizes.
Take in the views and architecture at Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel in Bella Vista.
Take a stroll and enjoy the displays at Bluebird Trail Head and Sculpture Park.
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Residents experience all four seasons
The city experiences four seasons, with longer, hotter summers and shorter, milder winters. While Bella Vista has never been directly hit by a tornado, they do appear in Benton County. According to the FEMA National Risk Index, the area also has a higher-than-average chance of wildfires.
Bella Vista Property Owners Association members can enjoy the waters of Lake Ann in Bella Vista.
For scenic views, Pinion Creek Falls in Bella Vista is stunning year round.
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Written By
Ryan Kohn
Photography Contributed By
Michael Denison
Video By
Kyle Keyes
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Judy Brown,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Bella Vista, AR sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Bella Vista, AR over the last 12 months is $370,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Motivated Seller! Completely Remodeled & Move-In Ready!This beautifully updated 2,628 sq ft home features 2 spacious bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and a fully finished basement offering flexible space for additional living, entertaining, or guests.Originally built in 1985 and taken down to the studs and fully remodeled in 2025, this home feels brand new with all-new HVAC, roof, water
Elevated living in a place that feels like a getaway—welcome to 20 Kelaen Drive. Backing directly onto Scotsdale Golf Course w/ a peaceful seasonal view, this beautifully built home offers 2,802 sq ft of light-filled space on a generous 0.66-acre lot. Inside, soaring ceilings & spacious rooms create an airy, open feel, while wide-plank European oak floors & two-sided gas fireplace add warmth &
Donna WinnBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Solutions Real Est
Beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath townhome in one of Bella Vista’s most desirable areas! Beyond the standard layout, this charming residence features a dedicated formal dining room and a convenient home office/den. The kitchen features newer appliances—including a refrigerator—and beautiful granite countertops. Enjoy a bright sunroom that brings the outdoors in, plus a spacious covered back
Two-level home on a .40 acre lot at end of cul-de-sac. Serene setting with a covered deck looking into the trees. Spacious cleared yard for green space. Interior features a foyer with large closet, open concept living with a formal dining space & eat-in-kitchen island. Walk-in pantry, stainless appliance, 3cm granite, and full tile backsplash. Vaulted ceilings in the living room. Beautiful
This beautiful 2-bedroom, 2-bath home with a bonus office space features a split floor plan with an open layout, custom cabinets, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The primary suite offers a generously sized walk-in closet and a private bath for added comfort. Built in 2023, this home also includes a spacious two-car garage and a large backyard with a huge deck — perfect for
Step inside to a spacious open-concept living area featuring a cozy fireplace, ideal for relaxing evenings. The split floor plan ensures privacy, with the large primary suite thoughtfully separated from the additional bedrooms. The primary bedroom includes a comfortable sitting area, a luxurious en-suite bath, and an expansive walk-in closet. The kitchen is a chef's dream, showcasing granite
Welcome home to this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath retreat in Bella Vista! Perfectly situated in a peaceful neighborhood, this home offers both comfort and privacy with its spacious, fully fenced backyard—ideal for pets, gatherings, or quiet evenings outdoors. The open-concept living area is filled with natural light and designed for easy living. The kitchen features modern appliances, generous
This property at 24 Melinda Ln features 2 master bedrooms and 2 bathrooms within a total of 1,396 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and entertainment, while the bedrooms provide comfortable accommodations. The bathrooms are equipped with a tub/shower combination and include necessary safety features such as handrails. The kitchen includes dishwasher and microwave for
Fully furnished short-term lakefront rental on Lake Rayburn with utilities included. Security deposit required. Enjoy lake living without the stairs in this 2,000+ sq ft home filled with natural light and level access to the water. One of the closest lakefront properties to downtown Bentonville, Crystal Bridges, and world-class trails, while still right on the lake. High-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs
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