A slower pace of life in Berryville, Arkansas
Berryville is a largely agricultural community with a laid-back attitude in rural northwest Arkansas. Janice McKelvey, executive broker at Kings River Realty, moved to the area from California nearly 20 years ago. She says although the slower pace of life was an adjustment, she welcomed the change. “Do you want to slow down, garden all day, and spend hours in the local coffee shop, swapping lies with the old-timers? This is where you need to be,” she says. If you’re in your 30s and you’re hustling, looking for nightlife, this is not the place you’re going to be. We roll up at 6. Supper is still had at home.”
Family farms on dozens of acres in Berryville
Homes near the center of Berryville include cottages and ranch-style homes on loosely gridded streets. Houses typically sell for between $100,000 and $460,000. Homes needing total renovations can sell for less, and properties on dozens of acres can sell for more. Many properties are on the rural outskirts of town, stretching many acres of farmland and open space. Chicken and cattle farms are particularly common. “It’s family farms, and they don’t sell their land. It’s being handed down for generations,” McKelvey says.
Local hangouts on Main Street and large retailers
Berryville’s Main Street has down-home restaurants like Ozark Cafe, where locals can enjoy a morning coffee or pancake platter, and Garner Drive In, where friends meet up for an ice cream cone or burger. Berryville’s many churches include Faith Apostolic Church of Berryville and Freeman Heights Baptist Church. The city also has chains like Sonic and large retailers like Walmart, and Mercy Hospital Berryville has an emergency room. T.J. Maxx and Tractor Supply Co. are among the new businesses coming to Berryville. “When we see new businesses come into town, people get super excited,” McKelvey says. “Right now, we have to go about 40 minutes to get to a Tractor Supply, so that’s huge in a farming community.”
Agricultural endeavors in Berryville
Cattle, poultry and eggs are major industries in Berryville and surrounding communities. Tyson Foods and Mid-States Specialty Eggs are among the major companies with operations in the area. “Millions of eggs a day are being packaged and shipped out. It’s run by the Mennonites,” says McKelvey, noting that several local Mennonite farms partner with Mid-States.
The community shows support for the Berryville School District
Students in Berryville typically attend Berryville Elementary School, which has a B-rating from Niche, through second grade. They continue to Berryville Intermediate and Berryville Middle schools, which both have B-minus ratings. Berryville High School has a B rating and has a range of athletic teams including golf, cross country, wrestling and softball. The high school, though, is best known for its football team. “Football games are still a big deal on Friday nights. There’s a lot of community involvement,” McKelvey says. One of the team’s biggest events is the annual Caroll County Super Bowl, where the Berryville Bobcats face off against the Green Forest Tigers, representing the high school from the town over. “You’re either red or purple,” McKelvey says.
Fun at the Caroll County Fair
The community also comes together for events like the annual Caroll County Fair. This weeklong festival has livestock exhibitions, including hog, beef cattle, horse and sheep shows, as well as a tractor driving contest, beauty pageant and carnival rides. Between the parade and other events, kids can try their hand at mutton busting – riding the back of a sheep – and families can check out the intricate handmade quilts and other displays.
Town parks have athletic and recreational facilities
Several town parks serve residents. Families can cool off at the city pool during the summer. City Pool Park also has pickleball and tennis courts, a playground and walking trail. George Pond allows fishing and A.L. Carter Ballpark has space for youth and high school games. Saunders Heights offers expansive views of Berryville below, making it a popular spot for watching sunsets and riding ATVs.
Driving to Eureka Springs, Fayetteville and Bentonville
Fayetteville is about 55 miles southwest of Berryville, and Bentonville, home to Walmart’s headquarters and Northwest Arkansas National Airport, is about 50 miles west. U.S. Route 62 goes through Berryville and connects drivers across the state. McKelvey notes that Berryville sees tourists driving through the town on Route 62 from Little Rock to Eureka Springs, a nearby town in the Ozark Mountains with natural springs and Victorian architecture.
Written By
Faith Wakefield
