From farmland to front porches, Brookland keeps moving forward
Brookland is growing its commercial and residential offerings about 10 miles northeast of Jonesboro. The city of less than 5,000 began as a railroad town in the late 1800s; by 1900, it had a thriving agricultural economy. The Great Depression and Arkansas’s worst drought of the century led to decline, but Brookland was resilient. As nearby Jonesboro grew into a thriving college town, home to Arkansas State University, Brookland transitioned to a quiet bedroom community surrounded by Arkansas Delta farmland.
Mix of ranch homes, bungalows and newer builds available
Homes have a median sale price of around $255,000 in Brookland. While the community has older properties, like 1970s ranch-style houses and 1990s bungalows, many listed properties are new construction homes built in the 2010s and 2020s. Hurricane season ranges from the start of June to the end of November on the Atlantic Coast, sometimes bringing strong winds and heavy rains to Brookland. There are several special flood zones in the area, so homebuyers may need flood insurance before securing a federally backed mortgage.
Brookland schools earn solid grades and show strong spirit
Brookland Public Schools earns an overall B-minus on Niche. It serves around 3,100 students across five schools. Brookland Primary, currently ungraded, is for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. Brookland Elementary, for first through third grade, receives an A-minus. Brookland Middle and Brookland Junior High earn B grades. Home of the Bearcats, Brookland High has a B-minus and a variety of sports programs, including volleyball, track and basketball. The 5,000-seat high school football stadium fills up quickly during home games.
The Sunken Lands draws hunters east of Brookland
A public boat ramp provides access to a slow-flowing section of the St. Francis River, about 10 miles east, where anglers can hook bass, crappie and catfish. The river is home to the Sunken Lands, a low-lying hardwood forest and swamp area famous for hunting waterfowl, especially ducks. Other nearby recreation avenues include Sage Meadows Country Club, 5 miles away, where members enjoy various amenities, including a championship golf course.
Main road offers gas, fast food and future development
U.S. Route 49, also known as Arkansas Highway 1, is the main drag for day-to-day conveniences like gas stations and fast food. In early 2024, the city welcomed its first full grocery store, Harps Food Store, and more commercial development is underway. On the corner of Route 49 and Brookland School Road, ground was recently broken for a new restaurant-retail plaza. More options for shopping and dining are nearby in Jonesboro.
Quick access to air travel and medical care
Route 49 is a direct path to Jonesboro, a little over 10 miles away. Jonesboro Municipal Airport has daily flights to St. Louis, Missouri, and Nashville, Tennessee. The closest hospital is NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital, 5 miles away.
Written By
Micaela Willoughby
