In 2021, El Dorado was named the Best Small Town Cultural Scene in America in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice because of its hospitality, entertainment district and bustling downtown surrounded by nature. Michael O’Connell, executive director of Union County Public Libraries, sums up what gives the seat of the county its award-winning small-town charm: “It’s got nice people, nice weather, and no traffic.”
“Arkansas’s Original Boomtown” was once a center for oil production. Today, major employers still include oil moguls like Murphy USA and Delek US but have expanded to include health-care services like South Arkansas Regional Hospital and lumber manufacturers like Canfor Southern Pine. The population as of 2020 was about 17,800.
Oil Heritage Park in downtown El Dorado celebrates the history of the city's oil industry.
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Twentieth-century homes below national median
Most homes are ranch styles and cottages from the mid-to-late 20th century, although the oldest properties date to the 1920s. There is some new construction scattered throughout the city. The median home price is about $161,000, significantly lower than the national figure reported by the National Association of Realtors. Prices range from $100,000 to over $500,000, although investment properties can cost less. Undeveloped land also makes up a considerable part of the market, starting at about $1,000 for a quarter-acre.
El Dorado has many early 20th century homes including cozy Tudor homes.
A newer brick traditional style home is one of the many home styles found in El Dorado.
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New life breathed into Downtown El Dorado
Downtown El Dorado has seen a lot of revitalization over the past several years, with projects such as the Murphy Arts District at the center of that change. What was once a fuel station and showroom for Model T Fords now features a stage, restaurant and outdoor amphitheater. Each year, there is a farmers market most Saturday mornings through October. There are several museums downtown, including the Union County Sports Hall of Fame. The food scene expands beyond Downtown El Dorado, with national chains and locally owned businesses along West Avenue. “There is a fair amount of variety,” O’Connell says. “We have a lot of fast food, chicken and Mexican – or ‘Texican’ – food.” Supermarkets and stores can be found along U.S. Route 82B.
Murphy Arts District is a new cultural hub located in downtown El Dorado.
Local El Dorado residents enjoy a delicious Mexican meal at Laredo Grill.
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Music Fest is biggest celebration of the year
El Dorado has a full calendar of events from May to October every year. “There’s always something going on in the square most weekends,” O’Connell says. One of the year’s biggest celebrations is the Music Fest, held every October. “It’s coming up on 35 years,” O’Connell says. “It’s two days with multiple bands, some of which are on the streets, and some are in the music hall.” Attendees can also enjoy local food vendors and a beer garden.
South Arkansas Regional Airport nearby
Major roads in El Dorado include U.S. routes 82B and 167. While no public buses are in the city, residents 60 years or older can call on the El Dorado Express for a ride. South Arkansas Regional Airport is about 9 miles away and offers flights to Dallas-Fort Worth and Memphis International airports.
Scholarships available for El Dorado graduates
El Dorado School District receives a B-plus from Niche and offers school choice. Graduates of El Dorado High School are eligible for the El Dorado Promise scholarship program, which covers a maximum of five years’ worth of tuition and fees at select universities and community colleges. Private schools in the area include West Side Christian School. South Arkansas Community College has a campus in the city.
Start your higher education at South Arkansas College in El Dorado.
El Dorado High School earned a B+ Grade from Niche.
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El Dorado parks and arboretums
El Dorado offers ample opportunities to get outdoors, ranging from the playground at Old City Park to Bodenhamer Skate Park. At the South Arkansas Arboretum, walking trails span the 12 acres of land devoted to preserving the wildlife of the Arkansas West Gulf Coastal Plain. “We do have one of the best public golf courses in the country,” says O’Connell, referring to the Mystic Creek Golf Course, a 72-par course ranked one of the best in the state by Golf Pass.
Explore the beautiful and well-manicured grounds of South Arkansas Arboretum in El Dorado.
El Dorado residents can head over to the local Bodenhamer Skate Park to ride the half pipe.
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Hot and humid climate
El Dorado stays hot and humid during the summer, with the highest temperatures in July and August. January is the coldest month, although temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, incidents of violent crime increased by less than 1%. Property crime increased by about 7% from 2022 to 2023.
Written By
Zia Sampson
Photography Contributed By
Clayton Hurst
Video By
Houston Knight
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 El Dorado, AR sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in El Dorado, AR over the last 12 months is $180,000, up 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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