Northwest Arkansas city experiencing exponential growth
Located about 5 miles west of Bentonville, Centerton has seen an extraordinary population boom, going from less than 700 residents in 1990 to nearly 18,000 in 2020. Numbers are still climbing, and as of 2023, an estimated 24,000 people live in Centerton. The reason for this exponential growth is Walmart, whose Bentonville headquarters – a brand-new 350-acre corporate campus with 12 office buildings – will employ over 15,000 people.
Though it borders Bentonville, Centerton offers a slower pace and lower home prices than much of the Benton County region. “It has a little more of a bedroom community vibe to it,” says Realtor Ravonne John with Sudar Group Real Estate Co., adding that “it’s less expensive than most of Bentonville and Rogers at this point.”
New housing developments are expanding at the rural edges of Centerton.
The current Walmart Headquarters is located on Walton Boulevard in Bentonville.
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New construction makes up much of the market
With Centerton’s booming population, nearly all the city’s housing is newer construction. Most are single-family homes, but there are also several newly built townhouse communities. The median home price is about $400,000, less than the median in Bentonville, at $475,000, and slightly less than Rogers, Bentonville’s neighbor to the east. Older, smaller ranch-style homes built in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s are typically less expensive, while large estates — usually to the north — can run $1 million or more.
New large single family homes are popping up in developments in Centerton.
Several new developments of townhomes are springing up around Centerton.
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Served by highly rated Bentonville Schools
Centerton is part of Bentonville Schools, which earns an A-plus from Niche. The district’s Parent Choice Schools, such as Sugar Creek Arts Academy and Thomas Jefferson Leadership Academy, have applications to special programs. Private schools in the city include the pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade Life Way Christian School, rated a B. NorthWest Arkansas Community College and the University of Arkansas have campuses in nearby Bentonville.
New large single family homes are popping up in developments in Centerton.
Several new developments of townhomes are springing up around Centerton.
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McKissic Park is largest city park
The sprawling McKissic Station Park is Centerton’s largest park and includes amenities like a splash pad, a disc golf course and a small lake where residents can go fishing. “My son caught his first fish there,” John says. The city also has multiple playgrounds and plans for pickleball courts.
Bentonville has earned the title “Mountain Biking Capital of the World” for its more than 70 miles of trails within city limits connecting to over 400 miles through Northwest Arkansas.
McKissic Springs Station Park in Centerton has playgrounds, a splash pad, and walking trails.
Compton Gardens connects to the Razorback Greenway and the Slaughter Pen Trail.
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Centerton Food Trucks Park with variety of vendors
Grocery stores, chain restaurants and local eateries are mostly found along Main Street and Centerton Boulevard. The latter is home to the Centerton Food Trucks Park, a kind of outdoor food court with a rotating list of vendors. “There’s a lot of commercial developments happening, so we’re seeing more and more things grow in that direction as the community expands into Centerton,” John says. But many head to Bentonville for big-box stores like Walmart and the restaurants, bars and breweries in Downtown Bentonville.
Every Saturday morning from April to October, shoppers can find fresh produce at the Centerton Farmers Market at City Hall Park. “It’s local people coming in and selling their goods,” John says. “With the sourdough craze, there’s bound to be at least a couple sourdough people there.”
Stop by Day's Grill & Smokehouse for some BBQ or all-day breakfast.
Try the carne asada fries from the La Fogata food truck in the Centerton Food Truck Park.
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Centerton Day celebrates city’s founding
Many Centerton events are holiday-centric, like Trunk-or-Treat and Santa Around Centerton. One of the highlights of the year is Centerton Day, which takes place in September and celebrates the city’s founding in 1900. It features live music, vendors, a pageant and a 5K.
Centerton Boulevard holds the majority of retail and restaurant options in Centerton.
Enjoy a peaceful afternoon walking around or sitting near Lake Centerton.
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Fayetteville is a 30-mile drive
Major roads in Centerton include Highway 102, or Centerton Boulevard, which becomes U.S. Route 62 and intersects with Interstate 49. Northwest Arkansas National Airport, about 8 miles from the heart of the city, offers nonstop service to over 20 cities nationwide.
Weather and crime in Centerton
Centerton’s summers are hot and muggy, with temperatures peaking in July and August. Winters are cold and dry, with the lowest temperatures in January.
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, reported incidents of violent crime in Centerton were up about 18% from 2022 to 2023; property crimes decreased by 8%.
Written By
Zia Sampson
Photography Contributed By
Michael Denison
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Centerton, AR sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Centerton, AR over the last 12 months is $410,367, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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