Rural Corning is on the verge of growth in Northeast Arkansas
The town of Corning is a rural community in the Arkansas Delta that offers a rural way of life, based on agricultural and a renewed push for business growth. Like many towns in the region, Corning has faced declining industry over the years and in 2018, the closure of Walmart dealt another economic blow. Since then, the resident-led Growing Corning Together has helped spur a rebirth. The area is home to Peco Foods, Riceland Foods and Poinsett Rice & Grain.
Smaller ranch, Minimal Traditional and bungalow-style houses
This community's median home price of $110,000 is significantly lower than some of the larger cities nearby. Residential streets are lined with a variety of single-family homes, including brick ranch, Minimal Traditional and bungalow-style properties. They're typically situated close together on smaller lots. There is still room for growth, and several lots are open on the outskirts of town.
Advanced curriculum in the Corning School District
Corning School District serves kindergarten through 12th grade with one elementary, middle and high school, and earns an overall B-minus from Niche. Students in Grades 7-12 may take Advanced Placement courses in English, math, science and social studies topics and dual credit courses at a chosen college or university. Students in the gifted and talented program can participate in additional activities such as academic competitions. Arkansas State University in Jonesboro is an option for postsecondary studies. It's the state's second-largest university with over 150 degree choices, including doctoral-level programs.
Hunting, fishing and golf in Corning
Wynn Park is Corning's main green space and the venue for most of its town festivals. The front of the park has several event booths, while the back has a paved walking path and playground. Hunting enthusiasts appreciate Corning's lakes, which attract migratory waterfowl. Victory Lake is stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish and spotted bass.The town also maintains a public nine-hole golf course, a community center and baseball fields around the lake.
New doors are open in Downtown Corning and North Missouri Avenue
While many downtown shops have shuttered, a few new options have moved in over the past decade, including a wedding venue and a laser engraving shop. "Ten or 15 years ago, it was mostly offices, but there are a lot more stores and things to visit and do now," says Drew Calhoun, lifelong resident and founding member of Growing Corning Together. Restaurants can be found along North Missouri Avenue, including fast food drive-throughs and local sit-down options. Gigi's opened in 2024 and serves pizza, hot sandwiches and specialty drinks from Monday through Saturday. Harold's is a favorite for barbecue classics such as brisket and pulled pork. Dollar General and 10Box are the go-to grocery options in town.
Hop Alley Rally revives memories with springtime celebration
The town has a festival for every season thanks to Growing Corning Together, which in 2019 created Hop Alley Rally, named after a once-beloved covered walkway downtown. "It's something people had a lot of memories of when they were kids," Calhoun says. "We wanted to do a spring festival to get people back downtown." Food vendors, craft vendors and musicians take over the alleyway in May. "We had a big crowd this year, and it's been getting bigger every year," he says. Other annual highlights include a Fourth of July celebration with carnival rides, a harvest festival and Christmas at the Park.
I-57 project could bring continued growth
Corning is at the intersection of U.S. Route 62, an east-west route, and Route 67, a north-south route through the state. State Highway 135 leads south to Paragould and Jonesboro. While many residents rely on cars, Black River Area Development Corporation offers on-demand rides throughout the county for medical appointments and errands. An Interstate 57 project is in the works, creating a bypass around Corning and helping alleviate truck traffic in the city. Calhoun predicts that the interstate and the existing Union Pacific Railroad trade route are good signs for growth. "Once the road is finished and gets interstate status, I think that will help a lot with attracting industry," he says.
