Hamburg has a small-town charm with deep roots in the timber industry
Hamburg sits near the southeast corner of Arkansas, less than 50 miles from the border of Louisiana. The Ashley County seat, home to 2,500, is probably best known as the birthplace of NBA legend Scottie Pippen and as a major hub for Georgia-Pacific. “It’s very rural, small-town USA,” says Jimmy McEntire, a Realtor with Hot Springs Realty who sells throughout Arkansas. “Everyone knows each other, Friday night high school football games. You’re not going to find a Starbucks there, but you can go to the local cafe and get a good cup of coffee.”
Ranch-style, Minimal Traditional and manufactured homes are common
Most homes in Hamburg are ranch-style, Minimal Traditional or manufactured. They sit on grass lawns often dotted with mature trees. Some homes have spacious lots, spanning an acre or more. Residential streets are narrow, quiet, and often clear due to most homes having driveways and carports. Prices typically range between $84,000 to $175,000.
Two elementary pathways with shared middle and high schools
The Hamburg School District serves the city and has two elementary school pipelines for families. Kids can attend Portland Elementary, rated B-minus by Niche, from kindergarten through fifth grade, or they can attend B-rated Noble Elementary until second grade and B-minus-rated Allbritton Elementary for third through fifth grade. From there, they head to Hamburg Middle and Hamburg High, both have B-minus ratings.
Residents get active at Norman City Park
Norman City Park is near the city’s southeast side and features a disc golf course and ball fields.
Most essentials are on Main Street, Crossett has everything else
The fire department, several churches, the Ashley County Courthouse and the post office are on or near Main Street, the city’s main thoroughfare. Dining options include locally owned Boujee Boards & More, which serves sandwiches, desserts, coffee and party-sized charcuterie boards, and Fiesta Linda Mexican Restaurant, a laid-back spot that offers classic Mexican and American dishes.
Dollar General is one of the very few national chain retailers in town and shopping is limited. “There aren’t big box stores, but there’s a local grocery store, local hardware store, other local shops, and that’s how people like it,” McEntire says. More shopping, dining and the closest hospital, Ashley County Medical Center, are in Crossett, about 12 miles away.
Community events highlight Hamburg’s small-town spirit
The Hamburg Chamber of Commerce hosts several events every year, including the World Famous Armadillo Festival, around since 1971. The multi-day event features live music, carnival rides, vendors and food trucks. In the fall, Hamburg High alums return to “Paint the Town Purple” during Homecoming.
U.S. Highways 82 and 425 offer regional road access
Due to the lack of public transportation, residents get around by car. Multiple roadways, including U.S. highways 82 and 425, run through the city and connect to nearby cities and towns. The closest airport to catch commercial flights is Texarkana Regional, about 145 miles away.
Hot summers, mild winters and possible tornadoes
Summer temperatures are usually in the 80s and 90s, and winter temperatures are typically in the 50s and 60s. Tornadoes aren’t common, but they are possible.
