In the mid-1800s, Camden was known as the “Queen City” along the Ouachita River in southern Arkansas. The city was a busy port for steamboats bringing cotton south to New Orleans. As that method of shipping died out, manufacturing rose in importance. Timber became an important industry for the area in the 1900s, but that too has changed. Today, aerospace and defense manufacturing are rising. Aerojet Rocketdyne has a nearby facility that employs more than 1,000 people, and an R2S missile facility is being built for more than $60 million. As the town of more than 10,000 residents adds industry, it maintains a slow pace of life and is close to larger cities with extensive shopping and dining options. “There's a lot of community involvement, there are plenty of things to do and the cost of living is low,” says Hannah Moore, an agent with Southern Realty Group – Camden Brokerage. “I was on a five-year plan when I came here. This summer will be 25 years."
In the mid-1800s, Camden was known as the “Queen City” along the Ouachita River in southern Arkansas.
Today, aerospace and defense manufacturing are rising, employers such as Lockheed Martin are located in East Camden.
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Ranch-style homes from the mid-1900s are in abundance
Homes have a median price of around $140,000, lower than the state median, and stay on the market for an average of about 65 days. New Traditional ranch-style houses are found throughout the city, and traditional homes are also available. Moore says much of the city's housing was built in the mid-1900s when The International Paper Company operated a facility in town.
Some ranch-style homes sit on the west side of Camden and offer half-acre lots and an abundance of shade trees.
Camden's New Traditional ranch-style houses are found throughout the city, and traditional homes are also available.
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Recreational parks along the Ouachita River
Many green spaces are used for recreation. Sandy Beach sits along the Ouachita River and has a boat ramp and a playground. Other spaces like Carnes Park have athletic facilities. Camden also reserves space for history: Fort Southerland Park, also known as Fort Diamond Park, was a military area during the Civil War and tells its story through historical markers. About 10% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, well below the urban U.S. median.
Sandy Beach sits along the Ouachita River and has a boat ramp, picnic tables and a playground.
The Ouachita River runs through Camden and was a busy port for steamboats bringing cotton south to New Orleans.
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About 100 miles from Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport
U.S. routes 79 and 278 pass through Camden, crossing with the Scenic 7 Byway. The highway traffic does not typically cause any backups. “What’s rush hour?” Moore says. “We have about five stoplights in the whole town. People like its unhurried pace.” Little Rock, the state capital, is about 100 miles north. Little Rock’s Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport has flights to many domestic destinations. Camden Hospital, inside Ouachita County Medical Center, has around 100 beds and three operating rooms.
Historic houses and a Daffodil Festival
Murals showcasing the town’s history have been painted along Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway, which runs through the eastern part of town. The McCollum-Chidester House was occupied by both Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War. During tours, visitors can see where the dwelling was damaged by cannons and other firearms. Other historic and significant homes can be viewed on self-guided driving tours.
The Historic Camden Daffodil Festival has run since 1993, bringing residents food vendors and live music along with flowers. Other events like the Appetizer Cookoff surround the festival.
Murals showcasing the town’s history have been painted along Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway, which runs through the eastern part of town.
The McCollum-Chidester House still stands in Camden and during tours, visitors can see where the dwelling was damaged by cannons and other firearms.
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Southern Arkansas University Tech is a training ground for police officers and firefighters
Students are served by the Camden Fairview School District, which has a C-plus Niche grade. It serves more than 2,000 students across five schools. Camden Fairview High School earns a B-minus score. It is also near Southern Arkansas University Tech, a two-year college that includes the Arkansas Fire Training Academy and the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy.
Southern Arkansas University Tech, a two-year college in East Camden, includes the Arkansas Fire Training Academy and the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy.
Students move on to Camden Fairview High School which earns a B-minus score on Niche.
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Postmasters Grill serves customers in an old post office
Several boutiques and big-box stores are located along Cash Road Southwest. Other retail stores are along the Scenic 7 Byway, as are many local restaurants. Postmasters Grill is an American restaurant built in the former Old Camden Post Office. For more extensive shopping and dining, residents often drive to El Dorado, about 30 miles south.
Postmasters Grill is an American restaurant built in the former Old Camden Post Office.
Locals head to big-box stores like Walmart and Piggly Wiggly, located in the southern part of Camden.
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A high risk of ice storms
Camden’s violent crime rate has risen slightly in recent years, while its property crime rate has slightly fallen. Both rates are above state and national averages. The city experiences four seasons. Summers are muggy while winters are cool but wet. Ouachita County has a relatively high risk of ice storms, and a moderate risk of hail and strong winds.
Written By
Ryan Kohn
Photography Contributed By
Brooke Wasson
Video By
Joan Wall
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Randall Ingle,
an experienced agent in this area.
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