The city of Charleston offers small-town living
The city of Charleston is a rural community of about 2,700 located in southern Franklin County. Small-town living is the goal in a town where family-owned businesses line Main Street and residents great each other by name. “It didn’t take my family long to feel a part of the community,” says Meghan Fitzgerald, a real estate agent with McGraw Realtors - Fort Smith. “It’s extremely friendly and caring about children.”
Homes in a mix of styles and sizes on sizeable lots
Home styles here include New Traditional, Cape Cod, ranch-style, minimal traditional and cottage; many of them with garages or carports. Lots are narrow, and most feature spacious backyards with mature trees. Smaller two- or three-bedroom homes range from $100,000 to $200,000, and larger ones are often priced between $200,000 and $380,000.
Kids are served by the Charleston School District
The Charleston School District rates a B on Niche. Schools assigned to this area are Charleston Elementary and Charleston High, rated by Niche as B-plus and B respectively. Charleston High serves seventh through 12th grades. The district participates in the Arkansas Public School Choice Program, which allows students from outside of the district to attend Charleston schools.
Fishing at Charleston Lake and walking trails at Charleston Ball Field
Charleston Lake, on the city’s south side, is popular for fishing. “You’ll see people on their lunch breaks going there to throw in a line,” Fitzgerald says. And if someone has forgotten their fishing pole at home, Fitzgerald says they can check one out at the library. The park next to the lake features walking trails, a disc golf course and horseshoe pits. Charleston Ball Fields Park is where the high school softball team plays and also offers a skate park, basketball court and walking trails.
Main Street offers local business and restaurants
Residents pick up groceries at Harps off Arkansas Route 22, also known as Main Street. Family Dollar and Dollar General are also off Main Street, along with banks, the post office, the Charleston Public Library and a mix of chain and local restaurants. Young Mugs is a local favorite for its classic Southern dishes and breakfast options. “You’ll see local farmers having breakfast together there before they start their day,” Fitzgerald says. There are about 20 churches throughout the city, many on residential streets with homes. Big box stores, more dining options and the closest hospitals are in Fort Smith, about 20 miles away.
The annual Fourth of July celebration brings families together
Greenhurst Nursing Center hosts the annual Fourth of July celebration, one of the most popular annual events in the city. “They organize it and pay for the fireworks and all food. They do it so families can be together for the holiday,” Fitzgerald says. “It’s not a small fireworks show, either. It’s impressive.” The city’s farmers market is also popular and is held on the courthouse lawn on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from April through October.
Route 22 connects residents to nearby cities
Charleston doesn’t have public transportation, so residents get around by car. Route 22 connects to Fort Smith and nearby highways, including Interstate 49. Fort Smith Regional is the closest airport.
Charleston's environmental considerations
Charleston's winters can be cold, with temperatures dipping into the 20s, but they can also be mild, with temperatures of 50 degrees. Summers are often in the 90s and humid. Tornadoes are possible during severe storms.