Like many of the major cities in Eastern Arkansas, Forrest City rises above the swamplands of the Mississippi River Delta on Crowley’s Ridge. While settlers would utilize the fertile lands of the Delta for agriculture, they built towns on the ridge to avoid the occasional flooding. Today, agriculture is still one of the region’s primary industries, while manufacturing plants and the Forrest City Federal Correctional Complex also employ many of the city’s roughly 12,500 residents. “It’s a very diversified community,” says Jeanna Bieber, the principal broker at Hastings Real Estate, who has lived in the city most of her adult life. “We’ve had some tough times, but people are doing what they need to in order to come back.”
In Forrest City, one of the main industries in the region is agriculture.
Manufacturing plants are a significant employer in Forrest City.
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Lower home prices than nearby cities like Wynne
The median home price in Forrest City is $128,000, lower than other rural East Arkansas cities like Wynne and significantly lower than the national figure. Smaller national-style homes and bungalows are near downtown. Ranch-style and bilevel houses make up the neighborhoods further from downtown, while homes in more rural areas often sit on larger lots.
Cozy ranch-style homes are dotted throughout Forrest City.
Some homes on the outskirts of Forrest City are spacious and situated on acres of land.
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Education at the Forrest City School District
Forrest City is served by the Forrest City School District, which receives a C grade from Niche. Students generally follow one pipeline through five schools, finishing up at Forrest City High School, which is graded a C-plus. The district offers a virtual academy for high school students and a concurrent enrollment program with East Arkansas Community College, which is located in the city.
Join the excitement and support the Mustangs at Forrest City High School.
East Arkansas Community College is a public community college located in Forrest City.
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Youth sports and recreation at the Forrest City Sport Complex
The Forrest City Department of Parks & Recreation maintains several parks throughout the city, many with playgrounds and outdoor basketball courts. However, the city’s most expansive offering is the Forrest City Sports Complex, which includes several baseball and soccer fields and an indoor recreation center. “It’s a good place for people to go exercise and walk,” Bieber says. “We’ve got some really good coaches and people in the community that are working with the youth right now.” The Forrest City Country Club is located near downtown, with an 18-hole course and a pool for members.
Forrest City Sports Complex
Play a round of golf with friends on the 18-hole regulation golf course at Forrest City Country Club.
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Downtown Forrest City's comeback
Despite some empty storefronts, several shops and restaurants populate downtown Forrest City. “We have a downtown revitalization project,” Bieber says. “They’re trying to take some of our old buildings and get new businesses in there, and it’s working good right now.” But more of the city’s commercial landscape is located around Interstate 40. A Walmart sits just off Washington Street, surrounded by fast-food restaurants like Taco Bell and KFC.
Explore the distinctive stores of downtown Forrest City.
Shop at Walmart in Forrest City for all of your daily necessities.
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The Forrest City Farmers Market
Agriculture is one of the main industries around Forrest City, and the community celebrates it weekly at the Forrest City Farmers Market. The market sets up at the Forrest City Civic Center each week during the warmer months with plenty of local vendors and live music. Forrest City is home to the St. Francis County Museum, which features exhibits on the county’s history.
The Forrest City Farmers Market has produce, other locally sourced goods, and live music every Saturday from May to October.
Discover the rich history and vibrant culture at the St. Frances County Museum in Forrest City.
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Access to Memphis and Little Rock
While passenger trains once served Forrest City, the rails today are only utilized by freight trains. Residents almost exclusively drive to their destinations within and outside the city. Interstate 40 runs through Forrest City, which leads 45 miles east to Memphis, Tennessee, and 90 miles west to the Arkansas state capital of Little Rock.
Crime rates and climate
According to FBI data, Forrest City experiences higher rates of violent crime and property crime than the national or state figures. The violent crime rate was steady over the past five years, while property crime fell slightly.
Forrest City has hot, humid summers and cool winters. Droughts have become more common over the past few decades and may affect agriculture.
Written By
Brendan Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Mary Drost
Video By
Kyle Keyes
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kelly Lewis,
an experienced agent in this area.
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