Haskell is a growing, school-oriented community in southwest Arkansas
Haskell is a small but growing community in rural Saline County that borders Benton, the county seat. This south-central city of around 4,000 is anchored by the Harmony Grove School District. All four of the district’s schools are fittingly located on a single campus in the heart of Haskell, as cheering on student-athletes is a highlight of community engagement. “It’s a neighbor to Benton and Bryant, and they have really big school districts, so the appeal of Haskell is that it’s smaller, more quaint and more personal,” says Amy Hubbard of Halsey Thrasher Harpole Real Estate Group, who has sold several homes in Haskell. “Everything revolves around the schools and their sports.”
Growth of nearby cities has fueled the community's residential growth
Because of its proximity to larger cities, the community is experiencing residential growth. The majority of new listings are for model homes that were recently built or are under construction in planned developments. “Benton and Bryant have gotten so commercialized that they’re bursting at the seams,” Hubbard says, “and growth has spilled over to smaller towns.” New construction is concentrated on the east and north sides of the city. The east side features more affordable options, while the offerings are on the north side are larger and more expensive. Ranch-style homes and manufactured homes typically occupy spacious lots, while contemporary homes with driveways and attached garages are built closer together in walkable subdivision settings. Smaller, traditional-style homes can also be found. Prices typically range from the mid-$100,000s to the high $300,000s. The median sales price is $225,000. “It’s still a cheaper cost of living than neighboring towns,” Hubbard says. The south-central Arkansas climate is known for hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters.
"People are moving for the schools and the sports"
The city is served by Harmony Grove School District, which earns a B-plus from Niche. The district pipeline comprises Westbrook Elementary, Harmony Grove Middle, Harmony Grove Junior High and Harmony Grove High schools. The elementary and middle schools are the highest rated, with Niche grades of B-plus and A-minus, respectively. The junior high and high schools are rated B-minus. The high school’s Jimmy Parker Field is a popular place on Friday nights in the fall, as residents gather to cheer on the Northern Cardinals’ football team. “In the area southwest of Little Rock, people are moving for the schools and the sports,” Hubbard says.
Fishing, floating and hunting opportunities are available
Community youth can play organized sports and enjoy a playground at Haskell Ball Park. The adjacent Haskell Community Center hosts social gatherings and can be rented for birthdays and other celebrations. Residents can take advantage of the Saline River for fishing and boating at several nearby access points. The Saline River Water Trail is a popular destination for watercraft enthusiasts, who can float a picturesque stretch of the only remaining undammed stream in the Ouachita Mountains region. The county’s Wildlife Management Areas offer deer- and duck-hunting opportunities.
Expanded shopping, dining options in neighboring Benton
Residents can shop for groceries and other essentials as well as grab a quick bite without leaving the community. However, more expanded options are available in neighboring Benton, which offers a large collection of retail stores, boutique shops and restaurants.
Buc-ee's coming to the Haskell exit on I-30
Arkansas Highway 229 runs north-south through the community, conveniently connecting residents of this car-dependent community to several major roadways. Nearby Interstate 30 provides quick travel to Benton. I-30 also provides a direct route to Little Rock and its airport. “One big thing down here is that we are getting a new Buc-ee's at the Haskell exit off of Interstate 30,” Hubbard says. Another nearby highway, U.S. Route 70, connects residents to Hot Springs, a premier lakeside tourist destination. Saline Memorial Hospital is the largest of several medical facilities in Benton. Within the community, Arkansas Health Center is a 310-bed facility that caters to those needing long-term care. It is the largest nursing home in the state.
The community’s Cap Index Crime Score of 2-out-of-10 is below the national average.
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Matt Pallister
