De Queen offers a peaceful pace and strong community ties
In De Queen, life is a lot like Mayberry. And that's not a cliche, according to Realtor Sandy Brewster, Executive Broker at Hale Real Estate. "When I talk to people from out of town, they always compliment us on how friendly we are. You go to a store, and you know everyone's face," Brewster says. "It's the kind of place where people feel safe if they forget to lock their car." The community sits on the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, close to acres of forests, lakes and parks. "I spend my free time riding horseback around the lakes here; we have four or five lakes within a short drive. We're definitely a place where people like to get outside and enjoy nature," Brewster says. De Queen also features homes well below the national median sale price and A-rated schools, making this a community where families can thrive. With its numerous events and gatherings for its friendly residents, De Queen feels like a little slice of life from television.
Classic homes and low prices define De Queen’s housing market
While farms and cattle ranches surround the community, within De Queen, most homes have that classic early-to-mid-20th-century feel. There are ranch-style homes, Craftsman-style houses and shingle cottages on small, tidy lots with mature pine and oak trees. Occasionally, buyers will find farmhouse-style or log cabin homes available. Most of these residences sell for between $130,000 and $300,000. "Our cost of living and home prices are low; I couldn't have what I have anywhere else," Brewster says. Manufactured homes are also available, with prices between $40,000 and $100,000. "There is some new construction, but most homes here are older homes being renovated," Brewster says.
De Queen is in an area of the United States known as "Dixie Alley." It's next to the better-known "Tornado Alley" but is distinct due to its strong tornado activity. Residents should be aware of the risk of tornado damage and consider building a storm shelter if their home doesn't already have one.
De Queen is close to hiking, rafting and fishing spots
Herman Dierks Park has athletic fields, sports courts, playgrounds, an ultimate frisbee course and a seasonal pool. De Queen Lake is less than 10 miles from the community, with several access points for boating, fishing and swimming. Nearby, Cossatot River State Park offers white-water rafting, fishing, and hiking trails along the river rapids. Just across the Oklahoma-Arkansas border, Beavers Bend State Park is another favorite, with miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails weaving through rolling mountains. The park's Mountain Fork River is extremely popular for swimming, river floating and trout fishing. Campgrounds, ziplining and a nature center surround the river. The park also offers the Beavers Bend Marina, which features boat rentals and tours. De Queen is also about 45 miles from Crater of Diamonds State Park, a nearly 40-acre field rich with gemstones and minerals. Visitors may bring their tools or rent them and keep any treasures they may find.
De Queen schools earn A ratings across all grade levels
De Queen School District has an overall A rating on Niche families ranks as the seventh-best district in the state. A-rated De Queen Primary serves kindergarten through second grade; A-minus-rated De Queen Elementary serves third through fifth grade; A-rated De Queen Middle serves sixth and seventh grade; A-minus-rated De Queen Junior High serves eighth and ninth grade; and A-minus-rated De Queen High serves tenth through twelfth grade.
Stillwell Avenue features classic diners and local shops
De Queen has a modest downtown area that surrounds Stillwell Avenue. In recent years, the community has been fixing up downtown, slowly adding restaurants and shops. There are several favorites, like Stillwell's Restaurant, a classic spot for burgers and sandwiches, and De Queen Old Town Cafe, which serves a blend of American and Mexican comfort foods. At the City Pavilion, there are several events, including the Sevier County Farmers Market, which serves fresh farm produce and local artisan goods. In the community's northern end, Collin Raye Drive features chain restaurants, small businesses and grocery stores like Walmart and Pruett's Food. The closest larger town is Texarkana, which has a thriving downtown area, a shopping mall and a big box retail area with Sam's Club and Target.
Highways connect De Queen to nearby cities and airports
De Queen's two main thoroughfares intersecting in the community's center are Highway 71 and Highway 70. Residents are car-dependent, as public transportation isn't available. Interstates 30 and 49 are the closest major highways, about 50 miles away in Texarkana. De Queen has several cities residents can easily take day trips to. It's about 150 miles from Little Rock and Shreveport and 200 miles from Tulsa and Dallas. Texarkana Regional Airport is the community's closest 60 miles from De Queen. The Sevier County Medical Center is 6 miles away. De Queen has a four out of 10 CAP Index Crime Score, on par with the national figure.
