Booneville offers community, the outdoors and a pleasant downtown
Booneville offers residents the convenience of a downtown area while being close to plenty of outdoor attractions in Western Arkansas. Located between the Ozarks and the Ouachita Mountains, Booneville was established as a railroad stop in the 1800s and a center for agriculture and milling. However, this city of 3,800 has always maintained a tight-knit community. “In a lot of ways, it’s the quintessential American small town,” says Justin Rogers, a Realtor with Weichert Realtors and a Booneville Native. “Downtown only covers a few blocks with retail shops and local restaurants, but all in a very compact package.”
A mix of lower-cost homes and million-dollar estates
Ranch-style homes can range between $100,000 and $300,000, while New Traditional homes can sell between $600,000 and $950,000. Some larger estates on the outskirts of Booneville can cost over $1 million. Land is also available. Homes closer to downtown are on a grid, with smaller backyards and front lawns with large oak trees overhead. Properties with larger plots are on the outskirts of the city.
Rogers says Booneville attracts families and people from out of state who are seeking a slower pace of life, lower housing costs and quick access to recreational activities.
Major employers in Booneville include the local school district and Rockline Industries, a wet wipes and coffee filter manufacturer.
State and local parks and an event-filled downtown district
Mount Magazine State Park is east of Booneville and contains Arkansas’ highest peak along with multiple mountain biking, hiking and ATV trails. Green spaces in Booneville include Veterans’ Park, which has a memorial to those who served in the military, walking paths and a pavilion. Marcelle Philips Park and Raney Park, just north of downtown, features multiple amenities, including disc golf, sports courts, a baseball diamond and a swimming pool.
Broadway Memorial Park has a stage and is the host site for multiple events. These include a summer concert series and the October Daze festival, which features a classic car show, pumpkin carving and live music. The Arkansas Marathon starts downtown.
Students can go to the Booneville School District
Students start at Booneville Elementary, rated C-plus on Niche. They continue to be B-minus-graded Booneville Junior High. Booneville High School has a C-plus and offers courses in child development and clothing manufacturing.
Dining and shopping along Main Street
Restaurants are concentrated on Broadway Avenue and Main Street and include a mix of chain and local spots. Reid’s Hometown Barbeque serves brisket, chicken and sausage. Mexico Lindo has south-of-the-border staples, including enchiladas, burritos and nachos. The Black Dog Meat Company serves sandwiches, burgers and steaks.
Downtown has several boutique stores and a farmers' market from May through September. Walmart and other big-box stores are on the eastern edge of town. Mercy Hospital—Booneville is immediately west of downtown.
Weather in Booneville
Tornadoes and severe weather can be a factor. Maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency show a slight risk of flooding.
Arkansas Highway 10 and access to Fort Smith
Arkansas Highway 10 forms Main Street and connects the community to Fort Smith and Interstate 49 to the west. Fort Smith Regional Airport is 37 miles away.
