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Mena

Mena

Located in Polk County

$187,154 Average Value
$200 Average Price per Sq Ft
21 Homes For Sale

Mena blends small-town charm with big outdoor adventure

Those living in Mena, a small city of about 5,400 residents located near the heart of Polk County, get access to nature that tourists will drive for miles to experience. The Ouachita Mountains, a long, popular range filled with streams for fishing and trails for hiking and off-roading, are just northwest of the city. State parks and forested campgrounds flank the rest of the area, drawing out-of-towners and locals alike for outdoor recreation and weekend getaways. In town, there is just about everything anyone could want: local shops and restaurants, Walmart, parks, and a historic downtown district.

Tourism and manufacturing drive the local economy

While tourism is a big part of Mena’s economy, Nidec Motor Corporation is another major employer, along with multiple smaller manufacturing companies.

Ranch homes and bungalows dominate Mena’s housing stock

Most homes in Mena are ranch-style or bungalows built toward the end of the 20th century. There are some 1920s-era Victorian-inspired homes, often in need of repair. Houses near downtown tend to be smaller and sit on petite lots, while those near city lines often boast large yards, a little more square footage and carports or garages. Yards are typically landscaped with grass and mature trees. Prices range from about $100,000 to about $400,000. Fixer-uppers can be found for less than $100,000. Land is also available; small parcels are typically priced between $4,000 and $7,000 and larger properties range from $14,000 to $60,000.

Public schools and a local college serve students of all ages

Mena Public Schools covers the city and has a B rating on Niche. Kids attend Louise Durham Elementary, which has a B rating and serves kindergarten through second grade; B-rated Holly Harshman Elementary for third through fifth grade, B-rated Mena Middle and B-minus-rated Mena High. Arkansas offers School Choice, and students can attend a public school in a non-resident district. University of Arkansas Rich Mountain Community College is on the city’s north side and offers associates degrees, transfer and technical degrees, adult education courses and workforce training. It also participates in dual credit programs with local high schools, including Mena High.

Mena Lake and Ouachita Mountains are local favorites

The Ouachita Mountains are nearby and popular for hiking, mountain biking, boating and fishing. Mena Lake is on the city’s east side and is also popular for boating and fishing. Aubrey D. Tapley Park features multiple baseball and softball fields, a walking and biking trail, soccer fields, and two playgrounds. Lee McMillan Memorial Park has ball fields, a playground and an outdoor pool. Janssen Park is the city’s first green space and home to a historic log cabin that has been a city mainstay since the 1850s. It also has two ponds, picnic tables and open fields for playing and exercising. The Ouachita County Club offers a public nine-hole golf course.

Walmart, local shops and restaurants and a hospital cover essentials

Residents pick up groceries and essentials at James Super Saver Foods and Walmart. Restaurants are located throughout the city, including local favorites Chopping Block Steakhouse, loved for its burgers, steaks and cozy vibe, and Skyline Café, a classic diner serving classic American dishes. Mena Silver Screen Theater is a small local movie house where residents catch the latest blockbuster. Mena Regional Health is the local hospital located on the city’s northeast side and includes an emergency room.

Seasonal events offer outdoor fun and community spirit

The city hosts multiple events throughout the year. The Fourth of July Celebration features live music, bounce houses, food and fireworks. The Ouachita Mountains Jeep Jam takes place in October and has off-roading on mountain trails and live music, food trucks and an obstacle course in Tapley Park.

Weather and transportation considerations

Summer temperatures in Mena are usually in the 80s and 90s with high humidity. Winter temperatures are often in the 50s. Tornadoes are not a regular occurrence but are possible.

Due to the lack of a fixed bus route in Mena, residents get around by car. State Highway 8 and U.S. Highway 71 run through the city and connect to nearby communities.

Sara Huffman
Written By
Sara Huffman

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Schools

Source:
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

Mena Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$350,000
Median Sale Price
$175,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$310,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
19%
Last 12 months Home Sales
51
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
1%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$200

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,086
Number of Homes for Sale
21
Median Year Built
1974
Months of Supply
4.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,853
On par with the national average
1,927
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
20,037

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Mena Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
6,128
Median Age
43
Population under 18
24.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.8%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$46,203
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$60,312

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.9%
College Graduates
19.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.1%
% Population in Labor Force
57.7%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
59''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
2''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®®

54 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®®

63 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Mena