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
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
Michael Denison
Video By
Christian Gortler
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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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 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Bentonville, AR over the last 12 months is $447,021, down 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover this beautiful 4-bedroom, 3,298-square-foot residence in the desirable Quailridge Subdivision. Only a 3-minute walk to the community pool, clubhouse, basketball court, pickleball court, playground, and pavilion, this property offers exceptional comfort and convenience. Constructed in 2016, the home showcases fine craftsmanship, an impressive staircase, soaring 12-foot ceilings, and a
Welcome to your gorgeous next home in the highly sought-after Windwood Subdivision! The heart of this home is an inviting, light-filled living area anchored by a cozy gas-log fireplace.Designed with everyday living in mind, the desirable split-bedroom floor plan ensures ultimate privacy. The secondary bedrooms are generously sized, while the luxurious primary suite serves as a true retreat.
Discover the Croft floor plan in Walnut Grove, offering beautifully designed single-level living with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a versatile flex space to fit your lifestyle. Designed with both style and functionality in mind, this home features an open-concept layout accented by soaring vaulted ceilings with striking beam detail and a sleek electric fireplace. The kitchen is thoughtfully
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3 car garage, great bonus room or another bedroom plus 3 bath, south facing home in the highly desirable Willowbrook Farms community in Bentonville! This open concept home features soaring ceilings, elegant finishes, and spacious living areas perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen offers custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a
Live for half price in Bentonville! Luxury owner's unit ready for immediate move-in while Unit 2 pays $1,650 of your mortgage. These rent quickly if you want to rent the vacant unit. Built in 2024, this low-maintenance home has quartz countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring, stainless steel appliances and a fully fenced backyard. One unit is currently rented at $1,650/month through 6/30/2027.
Hamilton means from the beautiful mountain, which is perfect for this stately floor plan offered in the rolling hills of the Ozarks. Upon entering this two-story home, you're greeted by an elegant, spacious plan. The living room features a gorgeous fireplace and numerous windows for natural light. Step out to an extended patio for outdoor enjoyment and entertaining, and you can add a fireplace to
Welcome to this NW 7th St. Sanctuary. Located just minutes from Downtown Bentonville & Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. Pristine finishes and impeccable attention to detail around every corner. Abundant natural light flows throughout, courtesy of charming bay windows in the open kitchen and expansive glass doors in the spa-inspired master suite, creating an airy, resort-like ambiance. Multiple
In the heart of downtown Bentonville, this home offers recent upgrades and an unbeatable location. Directly across from The HUB Bike Lounge and next to Skylight, also near the bike trail and Gilmore Park. Near the Downtown Square, The Ledger, Thaden School, 8th Street Market, and The Momentary, with convenient access to the Walmart Campus and Crystal Bridges.Featuring two living areas along with
Discover a private, wooded retreat in the heart of Bentonville, where timeless craftsmanship meets an unbeatable NWA lifestyle! Ideally located just minutes from Downtown Bentonville, Crystal Bridges, Walmart HQ, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, Razorback Greenway, and the exciting new OZ Trails Bike Park lift, this home places you at the center of Bentonville’s outdoor & cultural scene. Enjoy quick
Welcome to this beautifully maintained Craftsman-style home in the desirable Willowbrook Farms community of Bentonville. This thoughtfully designed 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers an inviting open-concept layout perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The spacious living room features a cozy fireplace and flows seamlessly into the kitchen with granite countertops, ample workspace, and a
Discover this beautiful 4-bedroom, 3,298-square-foot residence in the desirable Quailridge Subdivision. Only a 3-minute walk to the community pool, clubhouse, basketball court, pickleball court, playground, and pavilion, this property offers exceptional comfort and convenience. Constructed in 2016, the home showcases fine craftsmanship, an impressive staircase, soaring 12-foot ceilings, and a
MOTIVATED SELLER! 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 full-height matching
Cameron Torabi
Mason Capital Group Real Estate Investment & Trust
Looking for business opportunity with a HIGH ROI? This is what you have been looking for. This Four-Plex is just minutes from the New Walmart Global Head Quarters, and is situated two blocks from the World Famous Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The most prestigious cultural corridor in NWA. OFFERING INMEDIATE ACCESS TO THE WORLD CLASS MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS. Walking distance from
Welcome to your slice of happiness in Cornerstone Ridge! This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bath home effortlessly blends space, style, and everyday comfort. Downstairs features the serene primary owner’s suite alongside a dedicated guest room—perfect for hosting in-laws, out-of-towners, or keeping that one roommate who refuses to leave at a comfortable distance. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with a
Welcome to 6702 Chalkstone Rd in Bentonville—a light-filled 4-bedroom, 2-bath home designed for easy everyday living and effortless entertaining. Featuring an open, inviting layout and a bright interior that immediately feels like home, this property offers comfortable living spaces filled with natural light. Step outside to enjoy the private backyard retreat, complete with an outdoor
Location! Walk across the street and be on Tiger Trails, Leapard's Loop Trail. Also a short jaunt to Black Apple Trail & Tristan's Trail. Minutes to Downtown Bentonville to enjoy shopping, eating & more! Want a great yard? This is it! Great firepit area for outdoor enjoyment. The privacy fenced yard is very spacious. This house is so welcoming! The main floor has a great living room with
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
Rare opportunity to lease a private 5-acre retreat in the heart of Bentonville, offering the perfect balance of peaceful living and unbeatable convenience! Tucked among mature trees just minutes from Downtown Bentonville, Walmart's New Home Office, Crystal Bridges, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, schools, shopping, dining, and I-49, this unique property delivers an exceptional lifestyle. The
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
4-bedroom, 2-bath home located just over 20 minutes from the Walmart Home Office. The open-concept floor plan features durable wood-look tile throughout the living room, kitchen, and wet areas. Enjoy a covered patio, fully fenced backyard, and 2-car rear-entry garage. Pets are negotiable.
The Ridges at BentonvilleEnjoy the Quality Features and Amenities You DeserveWhen you choose a new place to live you want to make sure it offers what you're looking for. At The Ridges at Bentonville you'll never have to worry about that.Our community and our individual apartments all offer great opportunities to have the luxury and value you want and need in your new home.
Be the First to Live Here! Brand New 4 Bed, 3 Bath Rental in BentonvilleLocation: 3008 SW Lovely Ln, Bentonville, AR 72713 Never lived in! This gorgeous, brand new two story home offers pristine modern finishes, an open concept design, and a highly versatile layout. Key Features: Brand New Construction: Immaculate condition from top to bottom be the very first resident. Living Space:
Altus Management Group is proud to offer a nearly new modern duplex in the desirable Woodward Park neighborhood, just 11 miles from Downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. This move-in ready home features a bright, functional layout, all major appliances, an attached garage, and a private fenced backyard—perfect for pets or entertaining. Each unit includes internet as part of the Resident Benefits
Step into this beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath home featuring an open floor plan and 1476 heated square feet of comfortable living space. The layout flows effortlessly from the spacious living area to the modern kitchen, creating the perfect setting for everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy the convenience of an all electric design and a 2 car garage, plus a privacy fenced backyard ideal for
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 your ideal Bentonville home, where space, comfort, and convenience come together perfectly. This exceptional 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath residence offers a thoughtfully designed floor plan with plenty of room for both everyday living and entertaining. Inside, you'll find spacious living areas, generously sized bedrooms, and modern amenities throughout. The private primary suite provides a
Welcome to Aviator Apartments – Elevated Living with Everyday EaseAviator Apartments brings together modern luxury and everyday convenience in a community designed to elevate your lifestyle. Choose from spacious 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom homes featuring open floor plans, granite countertops, LVP wood plank flooring, generous closet and pantry space, and stylish blinds—all crafted for comfort and
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