A contemporary city that grew out of Walmart's influence
Bentonville is the city that Walmart built. In 1950, when Walmart founder Sam Walton moved to town, the population was less than 3,000. Walton bought a dime store that was the precursor to Walmart. He set up shop across the street from the town square, which everyone knew by the Confederate statue at its center. Today more than 61,000 people call Bentonville home. The square is still the center of activity, but the statue is gone – a symbolic but meaningful gesture that signaled Bentonville’s transformation from traditional small town to contemporary urban city. Bentonville is now symbolized by a thriving community that revolves around world-class art, a vibrant dining scene and outdoor adventures that makes it the jewel of Northwest Arkansas. “With Sam’s vision and the connectivity of Walmart, … vendors and suppliers moved to the area to service Walmart. That changed our environment,” says Kalene Griffith, the longtime CEO/President of Visit Bentonville. “What Walmart did was create an innovative kind of culture in our community. Being the home of Walmart allowed us to see the possibilities.”
Learn the history and legacy of Sam Walton at the Walmart museum in downtown Bentonville.
The Bentonville square offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
See Stefan Sagmeister's "Lakes and Rivers" interactive art installation in Bentonville.
Nothing relaxes like an afternoon fishing the pond at Osage Park.
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Walmart’s latest expansion will include a new corporate campus
Bentonville cannot be separated from Walmart's economic impact, and that influence continues to grow. The company’s corporate headquarters will soon be moving to a 350-acre site closer to Interstate 49. The new headquarters will include 12 buildings, nine parking decks, a childcare center and two lakes. A hotel, auditorium and amphitheater are also planned for the site. J.B. Hunt, Tyson Foods and the Bentonville School District are other major employers.
Walmart continues work on it's new state of the art headquarters in Bentonville.
The current Walmart Headquarters is located on Walton Boulevard in Bentonville.
The new Walmart headquarters includes 12 buildings on a 350 acre site in Bentonville.
The new Walmart headquarters has a childcare center, hotel, auditorium, and ampitheater.
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Contemporary attractions include Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, diverse dining scene
Nothing illustrates the city’s changes more than the downtown square and its surroundings, which have been central to the community since 1837. On one side is Walton’s original store, which is now a museum. On the other is the Benton County Courthouse. While they point to Bentonville’s past, everything else points to its future. One of the premier downtown attractions is The Ledger office building, a contemporary workspace that stands out in more ways than one. “I think it’s the first bikeable building in the United States; you can take the ramp that’s outside the building all the way to the sixth floor,” Griffith says. “What I love about it is that it has integrated art into the facility. There’s even art on the ramps.” Bentonville is filled with public art, and the most well-known installation graces The Ledger’s exterior. “Lakes and Rivers” is the work of artist Stephan Sagmeister. The interactive installation consists of two largemouth bass designed with 268,947 shimmering disks that move and change with the elements. More contemporary art can be found at the 21C Museum & Hotel. Next door is Lawrence Plaza, a popular gathering place that is a splash park in the summer and a skating rink in the winter. The Plaza connects to other attractions such as Compton Gardens and Arboretum, Scott Family Amazeum and the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art. A passion project of Alice Walton and her Walton Foundation, the museum opened in 2011. Admission is free. “It has more than 500 pieces of art from the Colonial Period to the Contemporary Period,” Griffith says. “Amazing quality in a state-of-the-art facility. It’s an amazing experience for an art lover but also for someone who is a novice in the art world.” Downtown also features a dining scene typical of a much-larger city. Matthew Cooper, the chef at Conifer, and Rafael Rios, the man behind Yeyo's El Alma de Mexico, were 2024 James Beard Award finalists. Conifer is an upscale contemporary restaurant that focuses on fine dining in an intimate setting. “We have a lot of locally owned and chef-driven farm-to-table experiences in the community,” Griffith says. “Conifer is one of those, The Preacher’s Son, the Hive at 21C, Tusk & Trotter.” Yeyo's El Alma de Mexico is a family-run eatery whose inspiration is Mexican street food. It is part of the 8th Street Market, a community-focused hub that features a food truck park. Other downtown favorites include Pedaler’s Pub and Oven & Tap, known for its wood-fired pizza and craft cocktails. “You’ve got this mix of elevated cuisine and some really cool causal spots,” Griffith says. Boutique shops and independent businesses downtown include Onyx Coffee Lab, Three Dog Bakery and Block Street Records. Pinnacle Hills Promenade, which is located just off I-49, offers an array of upscale shopping and dining options. And, of course, residents can shop at Walmart Supercenter and several Walmart Neighborhood Markets.
The World's first bikable office building, The Ledger, is in downtown Bentonville.
The Amazeum is an incredible experience for kids and kids at heart.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville is iconic.
Many kids learn to skate at Lawrence Plaza during the Lights on the Square.
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A dedicated cycling culture in the ‘Mountain Biking Capital of the World’
Growth and modernization are also evident in Bentonville’s recreational options. Residents have access to about 100 bike trails in and around the city. “You can go to the downtown square and get on a trail within one block. It’s an urban single-use trail. That’s almost unheard of. Most places you have to drive somewhere to get on a trail.” The focus on biking is relatively new, having grown out of discussions among officials during COVID. The city, however, has quickly adapted to support its ambitions. “Our community as a whole has adopted cycling,” Griffith says. “Our hotels have bike lockers, our restaurants have bike racks, our retailers have bike racks. Everyone has bought in.” This includes the city having protected bike lanes and specific trails for adaptive riders. “We’re not catering to just one group, we’re catering to all,” Griffith says. “It allows us to call ourselves the ‘Mountain Biking Capital of the World.’” The more-challenging mountain bike trails are concentrated at Slaughter Pen Trail and Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. The Razorback Regional Greenway, which begins just north of Bentonville in Bella Vista, is a 40-mile bike path that connects all of the major cities in Northwest Arkansas. It ends at Kessler Mountain Regional Park in Fayetteville. Osage Park is a popular green space built around Lake Bentonville. The walkable complex is highlighted by floating boardwalks that allow visitors to walk on water, so to speak. The lake is large enough to offer space for kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. Pickleball courts and a playground provide additional activities. “I’ve been here 20 years, and one of the things I value is that you still have that small-town charm and southern hospitality along with the big-city amenities that are very accessible,” Griffith says. “It creates a quality-of-life experience. There’s always something to do within our community.”
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve features over 19 miles of trails, differing in difficulty.
The Slaughter Pen Trails compose of 40-plus miles of single-track in Bentonville.
Compton Gardens connects to the Razorback Greenway and the Slaughter Pen Trail.
The pickleball courts are a great place to spend an evening with friends or family.
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Median home price highest in Northwest Arkansas
With significant growth comes an increased standard of living. Bentonville’s median household income increased about 25 percent from 2017 to 2022. The current median home price of $462,000 is the highest in Northwest Arkansas. It’s also slightly higher than the national average. The city offers a mix of historic homes, sprawling estates, established ranch-style options and new construction that includes contemporary condos and townhouses. Large Victorian-style homes stand out among the extensive renovations in some of the city’s more expensive neighborhoods. Overall, prices range from $300,000 to more than $3 million. To combat the need for affordable housing as the population expands, the city created Project ARROW in partnership with the city council, local developers, national planning commissioners and residents. The initiative launched in 2023, spearheaded by the Housing Affordability Work Group. Residents enjoy a temperate climate and all four seasons. The occasional snowstorm can cause issues given the city’s location in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains.
New homes are common in the vastly expanding Bentonville, with a variety of new traditional styles.
Condominiums are one of many new types of homes popping up across Bentonville.
Bentonville offers many renovated historic homes like this one, built in 1890.
Newer neighborhoods of larger homes are springing up in west Bentonville.
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All 23 schools in Bentonville School District are A-rated
The Bentonville School District, which earns an A-plus from Niche, serves almost 19,000 students. Niche ranks it as the second-best district in the state. All 23 of its schools are A-rated. Bentonville High School is the largest non-charter public school in the state. Northwest Arkansas Community College earns a B from Niche. The school recently partnered with Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food to offer an innovative approach to education in the culinary arts. The Certified Sous Chef Apprenticeship consists of technical instruction and on-the-job paid training over the course of two to three years. The Alice L. Walton School of Medicine is a medical teaching school that is slated to open in 2025. A related Walton facility is the Heartland Whole Health Institute, which is being built on the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art campus.
Niche.com rates Mary Mae Jones Elementary as #40 in Best Public Elementary Schools in Arkansas.
Ardis Ann Middle School is a highly rated, public school located in Bentonville.
Fulbright Junior High School is a top rated, public school located in Bentonville.
Bentonville High School is rated A+ by Niche.com
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Convenient access throughout the region via I-49
Interstate 49 is the primary corridor for travel through Northwest Arkansas. Rogers is just minutes away, and the interstate provides quick access to Springdale and Fayetteville. Northwest Medical Center is a centrally located facility that has been serving the city since 1942. Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas is right off I-49. Bentonville does not have comprehensive public transportation, but Ozark Regional Transit offers on-demand service to selected destinations and provides a paratransit service as well. The Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport is now the Northwest Arkansas National Airport. It offers travel to more than 25 destinations.
Crime
Bentonville’s rapid growth has resulted in some big-city problems, such as increased crime. However, the crime rate is still 36% below the national average, according to statistics released by the FBI in September of 2023. Both violent and property crimes are individually below the national average, with one in 308 people likely to experience violent crime and one in 84 likely to be a victim of a property crime. In 2022, the Bentonville Police Department introduced a community tool called Bentonville Citizen Connect. The app lets locals search specific areas for crime rates, report incidents and request service needs.
Written By
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Bentonville, AR sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Bentonville, AR over the last 12 months is $468,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Near Coler Trails | Downtown Bentonville. Live minutes from everything that makes Bentonville special. This 4 bed, 2.5 bath home offers 2,330 SF in an unbeatable location near Coler Mountain Bike Preserve and direct access to Bentonville’s renowned trail system. Perfect for biking, walking, and enjoying the outdoor lifestyle Northwest Arkansas is known for. Just minutes to Downtown Bentonville,
Christopher HutchensCollier & Associates- Rogers Branch
Discover your dream home in the sought-after Osage Hills neighborhood. Benton plan with garage on the left and East facing! 10 ft ceilings in the living/kitchen area, linear electric fireplace in the living, 1 level, LVP flooring throughout the main living areas and primary bedroom, quartz countertops and more. Chef's kitchen boasting frigidaire stainless steel appliances, gas range, pantry,
Heather CampbellWeichert, REALTORS Griffin Company Bentonville
New construction home near downtown Bentonville! Located near bike trails, schools, the Neighborhood Market, Airship Coffee, and provides easy access to I-49! This modern home features 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths! The primary suite boasts a huge walk-in closet, custom tile shower, and soaking tub. Enjoy a gorgeous entry staircase and the abundance of natural light throughout! Wood floors! (no
Joseph HayesKeller Williams Market Pro Realty Branch Office
Welcome home to this move-in ready jewel offering an exceptional blend of comfort, style, and functionality. Gorgeous engineered hardwood floors, ceramic tile, and plush carpet flow throughout, complemented by crown moulding, tray ceilings, and granite countertops to elevate every space. The chef's kitchen features tumbled tile backsplash and an eat-in area. A formal dining room doubles as a
Welcome to this like-new, one-owner home built in 2022 in the highly desirable Bentonville/Centerton area! This beautifully maintained property features a modern open-concept layout with a spacious kitchen and living area, perfect for entertaining and everyday living. The thoughtfully designed split floor plan offers privacy for the primary suite while the additional bedrooms provide flexibility
OPEN HOUSE 03-14-26 1-3 PM! — Fully remodeled and completed in 2026 with high-quality, top-line appliances and finishes, plus a 903 sq ft addition. Enjoy a massive upstairs family/media/entertainment space with a mini wet bar and a full bath featuring a walk-in shower—perfect for hosting, relaxing, or multi-generational living. The kitchen is a showstopper with granite countertops and a
Cameron Torabi
Mason Capital Group Real Estate Investment & Trust
Turnkey investment opportunity in the heart of Bentonville! 1001 11th Street is a proven short-term rental with an outstanding track record on Airbnb — strong reviews, repeat guests, and consistent bookings that speak for themselves. Perfectly positioned near Crystal Bridges, the Razorback Greenway, and Bentonville's thriving dining and retail scene, this property commands premium nightly rates
Cameron Torabi
Mason Capital Group Real Estate Investment & Trust
10 minutes to downtown and 2.5 miles to I-49! Over 2,500 sqft of like-new space built in 2020, with all bedrooms and laundry upstairs, a functional layout, and a private outdoor setup featuring a large patio and gazebo. In this community, homes are designed for both comfort and convenience. Built in 2020 and only lived in for approximately one year, this single-family home feels practically new.
Welcome home to this charming Craftsman-style retreat, nestled on 5.09 private acres close to Coler Mtn. bike trails. Enjoy peaceful mornings on the covered front porch or entertain all summer in your in-ground swimming pool. This beautiful home features rich wood floors, crown molding, tons of natural light, a formal dining with wood pellet stove, and a large office/flex space. The kitchen is a
Welcome To Your Next Home — Or Your Next Investment! This Active Short-Term Rental In The Heart Of Bentonville Is Your Opportunity For Instant Income, Day One. Two Primary Suites With Private En Suites, Two Additional Bedrooms, And A Third Full Bath Mean This Home Sleeps 12 And Performs Like A Top-Tier STR. Huge Lot, Prime Location, And Walking Distance To World-Class Downtown Bentonville Dining,
PRIME 3.89 +/- ACRE PARCEL AVAILABLE ON SW REGIONAL AIRPORT BLVD & MORNING STAR RD. JUST EAST OF GREENHOUSE RD AND SW REGIONAL AIRPORT BLVD. BUILDER BUILD-OUT MAY BE AVAILABLE. Also listed as land #1284990
Cameron Torabi
Mason Capital Group Real Estate Investment & Trust
This charming all-brick home, nestled on a desirable corner lot in West Bentonville, boasts a plethora of updates & features that are sure to captivate. The property showcases a thoughtfully designed split layout with walk-in closets. Crown molding throughout the home adds a touch of elegance, while the trey ceilings & gas log fireplace in the living area create a cozy & inviting atmosphere. The
A developers DREAM come TRUE!!! Discover a stunning +-70 acre parcel in Bentonville, Arkansas, offering both commercial and residential potential. Zoned agricultural, this property features on-site electric and city water utilities and a range of possibilities for development. Enjoy the natural beauty while envisioning future projects in this prime Northwest Arkansas location. Walmart just
Investment Property. Potential for Commercial Development , Currently 12 small lots with Two septic systems, two water taps . Connections for a trailer or additional home. Electric, water across north end (front) House Currently Leased.
Discover the perfect setting for your dream home on this beautiful 3.5-acre parcel, offering the ideal balance of open space and natural charm. The land features mostly level land with gentle contours and some mature hardwoods while remaining mostly open, perfect for designing a custom home, outdoor living spaces, and enjoying wide-open views. A 4-bedroom septic system is already installed,
This home offers a beautiful curb appeal that will capture your attention with its charming covered front porch, elegant brick columns, and stylish arch-top windows. As you step inside, you are greeted by an inviting entryway that sets the tone for the rest of the house. The split floor plan of this home provides a functional layout, offering privacy and convenience. With four bedrooms and two
Welcome to our community of beautifully appointed Bentonville apartments and amenity spaces thoughtfully designed with you in mind. Surround yourself with the bustling excitement of the Market District and Downtown Bentonville, while enjoying the quiet reprieve of your premium apartment. And when adventure calls, you can hop on your bike or throw on your hiking shoes and be on a local trail in a
A New Way to Rent, located in the heart of the Thriving city of Bentonville Arkansas.A Trulo home offers many of the same amenities youd expect from a luxury apartment or traditional townhome, within your own private home. Whether you opt for a roomy 1, 2, or 3-bedroom floor plan, youll also get a private, maintained yard that family and pets will love as you become part of a warm,
Welcome to Been Road Villas, located in the vibrant city of Bentonville, AR. Our townhouses offer a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, providing you with a delightful living experience. Nestled within beautifully landscaped grounds, our community boasts a sparkling swimming pool, allowing you to relax and unwind under the warm sun. With 24-hour emergency maintenance, you can rest easy
Welcome to Depot 16 Flats & Townhomes, a premier community located in the heart of downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. Experience upscale apartment and townhome living with open-concept floor plans, contemporary finishes, and washer and dryer included in every home. Enjoy a walkable neighborhood near local dining, shops, and the Razorback Greenway Trails, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and commuters
1 Bedroom Apartments Available TODAY! | Move-In Ready Welcome to Walton Crossing Apartments in Bentonville, Arkansas! Living in this beautifully developed apartment community provides everything you want right at home, in your own neighborhood. We are located just minutes from the Walmart Home Office and I-49. Whether your preference is upstairs with added views or downstairs for
Welcome to 102 West Crossing Apartments, a premier living destination in Bentonville, AR. Our community offers a variety of amenities designed to enhance your living experience. For fitness enthusiasts, we offer a state-of-the-art gym, a yoga studio, and a pool. For those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle, our sauna is the perfect place to unwind. Our workpods and conference room provide a
Discover luxury apartment living at The Pointe Bentonville in Bentonville, AR. Choose from spacious 1, 2 & 3-bedroom apartments with open-concept layouts, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, kitchen islands, walk-in closets, garden soaking tubs, and in-unit laundry with full-size washer and dryer. Enjoy resort-style amenities like our water-scaped swimming pool, on-site tanning beds,
Lumen is a modern luxury retreat that you can call home. Celebrating the artfully lived life, Lumen provides a secluded, enchanting space, intentionally designed for the passionate, the playful, and the creative at heart. Our premium lofts check every box, with access to a suite of amenities that free the spirit. Join us for the good life."
Welcome to Woodward Park in Highfill, AR, where modern apartment living meets the beauty of nature. Our thoughtfully designed two, three, and four-bedroom apartments offer spacious retreats for families and individuals alike. Nestled near the thriving western edge of Bentonville, you'll enjoy easy access to the city's vibrant culture, with the Northwest Arkansas National Airport just moments
Town Square Apartments in Bentonville, AR, offers renovated 1 and 2-bedroom apartments designed for comfort and convenience. Each apartment features energy-efficient appliances, outdoor patio space, central air conditioning and heating, wood-style flooring, and ample storage. Select apartments also include walk-in closets, in-home laundry, and an eat-in kitchen with a breakfast bar. Residents
Welcome to Willow Crossing—Luxury Living in Centerton, Arkansas! Centrally located in Centerton, just a short 10-minute drive to Downtown Bentonville and the Walmart Corporate Office, Willow Crossing offers modern, thoughtfully designed residences. Each unit features stylish finishes, including granite countertops and open great-room kitchen layouts. Residents will enjoy spacious walk-in closets
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