Blytheville is attempting to change its fortunes. The northeast Arkansas city of around 13,000 people sits near the Missouri border and the Mississippi River. Along with Osceola, it is one of Mississippi County's two seats. Blytheville is awakening after a dormant period that followed the closing of Eaker Air Force Base in 1992. Today, the steel manufacturing industry is dominant, as Nucor operates several plants in the area. Steal production has created many jobs, which in turn has stimulated growth in other areas. "Blytheville is coming back," says Braxten Tatum, an agent with Century 21 Portfolio. "It had a down period when the air base closed, but Nucor brought people back. The city is improving infrastructure and building houses. It's cool to be a part of that."
Blytheville is located along the Mississippi River.
Once a large local employer, Eaker Air Force Base just outside of Blytheville is under development to become the National Cold War Center museum.
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The "Work Here. Live Here." program is designed to incentivize homebuyers
Homes have a median price of about $130,000, well below the state median. Traditional homes with brick exteriors are found throughout the city. Blytheville’s northern half is more residential than its southern half. Mississippi County’s “Work Here. Live Here.” program covers up to 10% of a home purchase between $100,000 and $500,000 for people who live in the county and work in its manufacturing sector.
Most homes in Blytheville are smaller ranch and traditional homes.
Blytheville homes sell for a median price of $130,000.
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Convenient access to Memphis International Airport
Interstate 55 runs through the eastern side of the city, traveling north into Missouri or south toward Memphis, about 70 miles away. Memphis International Airport has nonstop flights to several domestic destinations. North East Arkansas Transit provides public transportation with advance notice. Great River Medical Center is a hospital with about 100 beds.
The future home of the National Cold War Center
Much of the city’s entertainment is found on Main Street. The Delta Gateway Museum showcases the region’s agricultural and anthropological history, while the Ritz Civic Center hosts newly released films and live stage productions. The National Cold War Center, a museum revolving around the former Eaker Air Force Base, is scheduled to open in 2027.
Each holiday season brings the Lights of the Delta, a 1.5-mile drive through woods and lakes covered in millions of lights and featuring dozens of motion displays. A Chili Cook-Off is held on Main Street each October.
Thunder Bayou Golf Links is a highly ranked 18-hole course.
The Ritz Civic Center in Blytheville shows films and hosts live performances.
Once a large local employer, Eaker Air Force Base just outside of Blytheville is under development to become the National Cold War Center museum.
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Local shops and restaurants are found along Main Street
Most local shops, including boutiques and thrift stores, are found along Main Street. Tatum says most residents do not need to leave the city to find whatever they need to buy. Restaurants typically sit near main roads like Interstate 55. Olympia Steak & Seafood serves both classic American cuisine and Southern specialties like Alligator Linguine. Dixie Pig is a barbecue joint open since 1923. “I always try to go to Dixie Pig when I can, but it gets pretty packed,” Tatum says.
Dixie Pig BBQ is one of Blytheville's most popular restaurants.
Blytheville's downtown features local shops, restuarants, and museums.
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Parks with athletic facilities and playgrounds
Most of the city’s parks are split between recreation and athletics, containing facilities like playgrounds, picnic tables and tennis and basketball courts. The Mississippi River is about 5 miles east. About 40% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, which is below the urban U.S. median.
Walker Park in Blytheville features a fishing lake, community pool, and more.
Blytheville Youth Sportsplex is a large city park in Blytheville featuring 8 baseball fields, 2 fishing ponds, and more.
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Blytheville High School gets a C grade
Students are served by the Blytheville School District, which has a D-plus Niche grade. The school serves more than 1,500 students across four schools. Blytheville High School has an individual C grade.
Blytheville Middle School has a 12:1 student-teacher ratio.
Blytheville High School is home to around 450 students.
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Falling violent crime and property crime rates
The city’s violent crime and property crime rates have fallen in recent years but remain above state and national averages. Blytheville has two predominant seasons, summer and winter. Summers are humid while winters can be cold and windy. Mississippi County is at high risk of drought and a moderate risk of ice storms and earthquakes.
Written By
Ryan Kohn
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Aaron Bloodworth
Video By
Joan Wall
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Blytheville, AR sell after 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Blytheville, AR over the last 12 months is $138,250, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Investor Opportunity Portfolio of 8 Tenant-Occupied Single-Family Homes in Mississippi County, AR. All homes are currently tenant-occupied and producing rental income. Properties are being sold together as a portfolio. Included addresses: 1316 Holly in Blytheville, 1214 Holly in Blytheville, 1305 Holly in Blytheville, 315 Missouri in Blytheville, 317 Missouri in Blytheville, 319 Missouri in
Investor Opportunity Portfolio of 4 Tenant-Occupied Single-Family Homes in Mississippi County, AR. All homes are currently tenant-occupied and producing rental income. Properties are being sold together as a portfolio. Included addresses: 415 Summit in Blytheville, 1029 Hardin in Blytheville, 1020 Normandy in Blytheville, & 404 S Ruddle in Blytheville. Each home varies in layout and square
Flying on to the market is 134 S. Gosnell St of Gosnell, AR! This beautiful brick home contains 3 spacious bedrooms and 1 bathroom. This home has been freshly remodeled throughout. Entering in to the home you will find a wonderful entry way and closet. This home offers a split floor plan with one bedroom to the right of the entry way and the other two to the left. If you continue straight on in
Flying on to the rental market is 128 W. Magnolia of Blytheville, AR! This home has been fully remodeled throughout. This home features 3 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a large open concept living/dining room, and a kitchen perfect for any chef. This home has a split floor plan with the master being split from the other 2 bedrooms to offer privacy and even has its own private entrance from the
Welcome to the market, 1704 W. Ash st in Blytheville, AR. This unit is fully furnished and features 2 bedrooms with queen beds. This home is ready for you to move in today! This home can also be rented on a weekly basis with all utilities included for $500 per week. Call today to schedule your own private tour!
Experience the finest in budget-friendly apartments in Blytheville, Arkansas, at Capri Apartments. Our community offers a variety of distinctive one and two-bedroom apartment homes. Residents of our beautiful and newly renovated community can enjoy a beauty salon, an on-site gas station, and a food mart. Located in the midtown area of Blytheville, Capri Apartments is convenient for shopping,
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