An affordable economic and cultural hub in northeast Arkansas
Jonesboro, Northeast Arkansas’ largest city, offers its more than 81,000 residents a cost of living that is 17 percent below the national average. That makes Jonesboro one of the most cost-effective cities for its size in the country. It is also northeast Arkansas’ economic engine, as it is home to Arkansas State University and two health care systems. “The interesting thing is that we are seeing a lot of people moving in from other states because of home prices and job opportunities,” says Kimberly Moseley, a Realtor with New Horizon Real Estate. Residents also enjoy an emerging cultural scene and plenty of recreational opportunities among the landscape of the Natural State. “I’ve been here for 18 years, and just seeing the growth and the city adding amenities and attracting more people, it has dramatically changed,” Moseley says. “People come here from all over to shop, eat, go to ASU games. Jonesboro is pretty much the hub of northeast Arkansas.”
Ridgepoint offers residents the peace and quiet of rural life without being too far from town.
Rankins Oak Forest features a wide variety of home types and architectural styles.
Vibrant murals adorn the walls of downtown Jonesboro's historic buildings.
Arkansas State University is Jonesboro's largest employer.
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Arkansas State University, hospitals anchor the regional economy
Arkansas State University, located just east of downtown, is the city’s largest single employer. The public, 4-year research institution employs more than 2,800. St. Bernards Medical Center and NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital are flagship facilities of two health systems that have more than 7,000 regional employees. Walmart is the largest employer in the city’s retail trade industry.
Southview Acres is located about 15 minutes from St. Bernards Medical Center.
Ridgepoint residents can do their daily shopping at Walmart.
Arkansas State University is home to around 17,000 students.
Northeast Arkansas Area Baptist Hospital is one of the premiere hospitals in the region.
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Median price for new homes is among the best in the country
The median home sales price is under $250,000. Housing starts at well under $100,000 for small, traditional homes, but most housing ranges in price from the low $100,000s to the mid-400,000s. Ranch-style designs anchor an eclectic mix of homes that offer spacious or oversized lots. Contemporary, brick-built homes are prominent in walkable subdivision settings. “We have a lot of new homes being built,” Moseley says. “New construction is a big thing here.”
Renovations of historic homes downtown stand out. The largest and most expensive homes are concentrated on the west side of the city in settings that include the sought-after Ridgepoint golf course community. Prices typically range from about $450,000 to $1 million-plus. The city also offers a variety of condos. Prices range from the low $100,000s to the mid-$200,000s.
Ridgepoint homes feature spacious lots.
Briarwood is situated on Crowley's Ridge, giving the neighborhood rolling hills.
There are new developments popping up around Jonesboro every year.
Rankins Oak Forest features many unique homes on large lots.
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Jonesboro and Valley View school districts stand out among six total districts
The modern expansion of Jonesboro resulted from the annexation of smaller cities such as Valley View and Nettleton. These communities were allowed to keep their independent school districts. As a result, the city is served by six separate districts. The largest is the Jonesboro School District, which earns a B-plus from Niche. The highest rated is the Valley View School District, which earns an A-minus. “A lot of people want to live in certain school districts, mainly because of the bus routes,” Moseley says. “At the same time, we have school choice in Arkansas, so you can go to whichever school you want. We really do have great schools, though. There are a lot of options, even with private schools.” Ridgefield Christian School is a K-12 institution that Niche gives an A-minus and ranks as the 16th-best private school in the state.
Valley View Intermediate School is a highly rated public school for grades 3 through 6.
Briarwood's high schoolers attend The Academies at Jonesboro High School.
Ridgefield Christian School is a top rated private school in western Jonesboro.
Annie Camp Junior High School is a part of Jonesboro School District.
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Rejuvenated downtown district offers expanded entertainment options
Downtown Jonesboro has become the city’s premier destination. Restaurants, entertainment venues and boutique shops line the streets of a vibrant district that is a focus of growth. Craighead County is a dry county, meaning establishments can serve alcohol but not advertise. However, the city council recently voted in favor of a downtown entertainment district. The designation allows for taprooms, taverns, bars and private clubs. “The city has really renovated downtown,” Moseley says. “They’re trying to keep more college graduates here in the area instead of having them leave for Northwest Arkansas. The entertainment district just went into effect, and people can walk around downtown with alcohol on the weekends during certain hours. I think that was also done in the hopes of generating more sales for individual businesses.” Main Street, a buzzy thoroughfare filled with historic buildings, hosts popular festivals and parades throughout the year. Big-box retailers, grocery stores and an array of dining options are concentrated along several commercial corridors.
Briarwood is home to Ntive Brew Works, Jonesboro's first microbrewery.
The Forum is a performance space in downtown Jonesboro.
Jonesobor City Council voted to establish the Jonesobor Downtown Entertainment District in 2024.
Briarwood offers convenient access to local retail areas.
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Gearhead Outfitters has helped to upgrade Craighead Forest Park, other recreational centers
Craighead Forest Park is the highlight of the city’s 20 parks and sports complexes. The picturesque green space on Crowley’s Ridge is anchored by a lake and features an array of recreational options spread across almost 700 acres. Anglers can fish dockside or launch boats into the 60-acre lake, which also offers room for kayaks and paddleboats. Outdoors enthusiasts can even camp there. Visitors also have access to ballfields, athletic courts, a disc golf course, children’s playscapes and miles of walking trails. “What has really helped outdoors sports here is Gearhead Outfitters. They have provided opportunities and worked with the city to make parks, especially Craighead Forest, more attractive.” Other recreational destinations of note include Joe Mack Campbell Sports Complex and Miracle League Park, which features a large rubberized ballfield designed to accommodate children and adults with mental and physical limitations. The city is also home to five community centers. Jonesboro Country Club and RidgePointe Country Club offer 18-hole golf courses and additional resort-style amenities.
Rankins Oak Forest is located near Ridgepointe Country Club.
Joe Mack Campbell Park is a large city park near Rankins Oak Forest.
Ridgepoint is a 15 minute drive from Craighead Forest Park.
Wood Trace is only a 10 minute drive from Downtown Jonesboro's shops and restaurants.
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I-555 provides access in and around the city
The city does not have a traditional public transportation system, but Jonesboro Economical Transportation offers fixed-route and paratransit services within the city limits. North East Arkansas Transit offers a similar service for residents of rural areas. The Interstate 555 bypass runs through the city and provides access to a network of regional roadways in and around Jonesboro. I-555 becomes I-55 south of the city and leads directly to Memphis about 70 miles away. Memphis International is the closest commercial airport.
Crime
The Jonesboro Police Department recently released a 10-year crime report. The numbers show that most criminal offenses rose steadily starting in 2014 but peaked during the pandemic in 2020. Since then, crime rates have fallen steadily. In the latest 2024 monthly report, the rate of property crime remained the same year-over-year, but violent crime dropped about 20 percent.
Written By
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
Aaron Bloodworth
Video By
Jaried Frogosa
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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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Jonesboro, AR sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Jonesboro, AR over the last 12 months is $216,450, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Market 1409 Hemingway Circle of the Key West Subdivision in Jonesboro, Arkansas within the Nettleton School District. Situated on a .19 +/- acre level and fenced lot is a 2005 built home wrapped in brick & vinyl, topped with 2024 architectural shingles, and accented by gutters, covered front porch, backyard patio, attached 2 car garage, and storm door. The interior holds: 1,495 sf of
Welcome to Market 718 Owens Avenue of Jonesboro, Arkansas of the Medlins Subdivision within the Jonesboro School District. Situated on a .18 +/- acre fenced and level lot in the heart of town is a charming Ranchette style house that features 912 sf of well laid out living space that contains a large living room, dining room, kitchen with gas range and dishwasher, three bedrooms, bathroom with
Welcome to Market 5304 Yukon Drive of the Prospect Farms Subdivision in Jonesboro, Arkansas within the Nettleton School District. Situated on a .18 +/- acre lot is a 2023 built Rausch Coleman Taylor featuring 1,523 sf of well laid out living space over a split and open floor plan. The house is wrapped in brick & vinyl, topped with 3-tab shingles, and accented by a front porch, back patio, 2 car
Spacious 4-bedroom home located directly across from South Schoolperfect for families with young children. This home offers two large living areas plus a separate, connected guest quarters, ideal for extended family or visitors. Featuring new wood-look tile flooring and rustic ceiling accents, the home has a warm and inviting feel. Enjoy your mornings in the private, enclosed patio overlooking
Step into this beautifully maintained home in the desirable Cypress Pointe subdivision, located in the sought-after Hilltop area of Jonesboro. Designed in a modern farmhouse style, the open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area feels both cozy and elegantwith soft gray tones, abundant natural light, and a welcoming gas log fireplace perfect for chilly mornings or quiet winter nights. The
Welcome to the Multifamily Market 509 Marshall Street Jonesboro, Arkansas of the Cedar Heights 2nd Addition within the Jonesboro School District. Opportunity Knocks! This prime piece of rental property offers 4 income producing units. The exterior is wrapped in brick, topped with 3 tab shingles, and accented by covered porches, wood privacy fencing, parking lot, and mature shade trees &
UNDER CONSTRUCTION!Brody Creek - brand new community coming SOON!This beautiful community is still under construction and is estimated to open on June 20, 2025! Please give us a call or send an email to schedule a tour or in-person appointment or to ask any questions. The property is pet-friendly and smoke-free.The Brody - 1/1 - 665 sq ft - 12 months ($950), 9 months ($975), 6
Well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2 bath home with over 2,000 square feet of single-level living in a quiet Jonesboro neighborhood. This home features a spacious living area with a fireplace, built-in storage, and ample natural light. Enjoy outdoor space with a wood deck and a fenced backyard. Lease requires first and last month's rent at signing.
Beautifully Remodeled!!The Raphael offers modern living in our newly renovated apartments featuring granite counters, stainless steel appliances, sophisticated finishes and an array of thoughtful amenities. Take advantage of our clubhouse and game room, stay active in our on-site gym, and cool off in our sparkling swimming pool on hot Arkansas days. Your new home is ideally situated near
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