Welcoming city of transplants in beautiful north-central Arkansas
Mountain Home is a city of about 13,000 nestled in rural north-central Arkansas, surrounded by several lakes and rivers. Retirees from up north have been flocking to Mountain Home for decades to take advantage of low-cost living in a state that does not tax pensions and offers a rare combination of seclusion and community. “What makes Mountain Home so attractive is that it’s 90 percent transplants, so you never feel like an outsider. Everyone is so welcoming,” says Kimberly Koenen, a local Realtor who got into the business after moving from the Chicago suburbs to Mountain Home. “My husband and I came down for a weekend getaway while my son was on his second tour of duty in Iraq, so it was a stressful time. I wasn’t here one hour and it was the first time that I felt at peace. I told my husband, ‘I want to sell everything we own and move to Arkansas!’ It was an out-of-this-world experience. I started Southern Breeze Realty to help everyone I can find that same thing.”
Mountain Home Arkansas is nestled among the Ozark Mountains.
Mountain Home welcomes visitors and residents from all around.
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Lake Norfork, Bull Shoals Lake and the Buffalo River are featured attractions
Residents are within minutes of Lake Norfork to the east and Bull Shoals Lake to the northwest. Both are among the top sportfishing destinations in the region. The lakes are large enough to attract boaters and watercraft enthusiasts. The White River and Buffalo River converge about 15 miles south, and a few miles east is the North Fork River. In 1972, the Buffalo was designated as the first national river. It is one of the few undamned rivers remaining in the U.S., making it a regional favorite for canoeing among the picturesque bluffs of the Ozarks. The city’s several parks offer an array of amenities for baseball, softball and soccer. Fishing ponds, an all-inclusive playground, and dedicated centers for youth and seniors also can be found. A $38 million community and aquatic center is expected to open in 2026. Golfers have access to a pair of city courses.
Norfork Lake is a short drive outside Mountain Home.
Mountain Home is close to the Buffalo River.
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Everything from trailers to million-dollar homes
The median housing price of $230,000 is a bit higher than the state average. “You’ll find everything from $30,000 trailers in mobile home parks to million-dollar homes on golf courses, lakes and rivers,” Koenen says. Ranch-style homes on spacious lots and contemporary brick-built homes in subdivision settings are common. Some of the most expensive options can be found at the Big Creek Country Club golf course community. New construction includes attached patio homes in Big Creek and planned 55-plus developments. Homebuyers can expect a smalltown atmosphere. “When I got here, people said, ‘Hello,’ and ‘How are you doing?’” Koenen says. “And they actually wanted to know how I was. I wasn’t used to that.” Residents enjoy a temperate climate with all four seasons, but Mountain Home is one of the snowier places in the state. It receives around 9 inches per year.
The Mountain Home housing markets offers a full range of options in size and layout.
The Big Creek Country Club offers custom built homes situated along the courses fairways.
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Pinkston Middle is top-rated school in Mountain Home School District
Students are served by the Mountain Home School District, which earns an A-minus from Niche. The city’s educational pipeline comprises five schools. Mountain Home Kindergarten is dedicated to pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students only. Pinkston Middle School, which serves sixth and seventh graders, is the city’s top-rated school, with an A grade from Niche. “When we moved here, I still had six of my eight kids in school. It took them three months to catch up because of the core curriculum,” Koenen says. “And for sports, it was great, too. Where we came from, if you didn’t keep your grades up, you didn’t play. But here, they picked you up and didn’t leave you behind. They helped you.”
Pinkston Middle School is part of the Mountain Home public school district.
Mountain Home High School is home to the Bombers.
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City features state's first downtown entertainment district
The city was on the cutting edge of downtown development when it opened the state’s first entertainment district in 2019. The designation allows public drinking within the district’s boundaries. The purpose is to generate more business and increase tourism dollars by allowing visitors to travel freely between bars and restaurants. A variety of additional dining options is concentrated along the U.S. Route 62 commercial corridor, along with big-box retailers and grocery stores.
The Baker District in downtown Mountain Home offers a variety of local flavors and entertainment.
Rapp's Barren Brewing Co. brings a friendly atmosphere to downtown Mountain Home.
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Mountain Home Art Walk is a unique cultural attraction
The Mountain Home Art Walk features large sculptures along miles of walkable trails that connect the campus of Arkansas State University-Mountain Home with McCabe Park. Occasional exhibits by featured artists offer visitors the chance to vote on their favorite works, with those sculptures becoming permanent additions. Music is on tap from early June into August courtesy of the annual Baxter Summer Concert Series at Hickory Park.
The Arkansas State University campus in Mountain Home has a paved ArtWalk trail.
Hickory Park with it's large pavilion brings outdoor music during warmer months.
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U.S. Highway 412 connects residents to Harrison's regional airport
Several major highways crisscross the city. U.S. Route 412 provides direct access to Harrison and the Boone County Regional Airport about 50 miles west. The North Arkansas Transportation Service provides bus service Monday through Friday. NATS also offers a “dial-a-ride” service, and Medicare will reimburse the cost of trips for medical purposes.
Current data on city crime rates was not available.
Written By
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
Kenyon Gerbrandt
Video By
Logan Cox
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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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.
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Build your dream home in the newest and most exclusive phase of Big Creek Country Club—our area’s premier golf community. Introducing: The Muirfield Development! This limited release offers just 18 estate-sized homesites, each spanning half an acre m/l and perfectly positioned along the 11th, 12th, and 13th fairways—an extraordinary opportunity in a setting that has never before been available.
Discover the perfect place to build your dream home on this .33-acre m/l residential lot in the highly sought-after Northern Hills Estates 1 subdivision. Nestled in a quiet, established neighborhood, this property offers both tranquility and convenience. Enjoy close proximity to shopping, schools, and the hospital, making everyday living easy and accessible. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity
Lovely 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with real hardwood floors and a pellet stove in the living room. This property is not part of a subdivision and sits on a beautifully maintained half-acre lot that offers a private feel while still being within city limits. The country kitchen features original cabinetry, and major updates include a roof less than 5 years old, newer HVAC, and newer water heater. With
Build your dream home in the newest and most exclusive phase of Big Creek Country Club—our area’s premier golf community. Introducing: The Muirfield Development! This limited release offers just 18 estate-sized homesites, each spanning half an acre m/l and perfectly positioned along the 11th, 12th, and 13th fairways—an extraordinary opportunity in a setting that has never before been available.
Welcome to this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home located in the heart of Mountain Home. Featuring luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, this home offers an updated kitchen, fresh interior paint, a metal roof, newer HVAC system, and new stove and refrigerator. The spacious living area includes a cozy fireplace, while ample storage can be found throughout the home. Enjoy year-round
Tucked away in the desirable Holiday Hills 2 subdivision in Briarcliff, Lots 24 & 38 offer the perfect blend of privacy, nature, and convenience. This beautiful residential property totals about 0.65 acres and features a level area ideal for building your dream home. Mature hardwood trees, a seasonal wet weather creek, and a peaceful interior setting create a serene Ozarks retreat. The power
Located just 6 miles south of Mountain Home, this beautiful vacant lot offers the perfect blend of privacy and convenience. Enjoy quick access to both Lake Norfork and the White River, making it ideal for fishing, boating, and outdoor enthusiasts. Situated on a paved road with electric available, the property comes with a current survey and clearly marked corners. According to Briarcliff City
This investment opportunity is turn key and ready for you! This property features 22 fully renovated apartments located in the heart of Mountain Home, just on block from the Baker District and less then 1.5 miles to ASUMH. The entire complex has been extensively updated; everything is new - plumbing, electrical, roof, siding, windows, doors, drywall, paint, flooring, trim, cabinets and fixtures.
Beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath tri-level home in a quiet neighborhood! This well-maintained property features recent upgrades including a updated roof (2025) and AC unit (2024). The spacious layout offers comfortable living with updates throughout. Enjoy the outdoors on the large covered deck overlooking a fenced-in yard, perfect for pets, kids, or entertaining. Sitting on a generous
Experience breathtaking year-round views of Norfork Lake from this stunning 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath lake home sitting on nearly 10 acres m/l! With plenty of space for the whole family, this property features a huge deck overlooking the lake, an incredible 4 seasons sunroom, and a walk-out basement perfect for entertaining or relaxing. Offered fully furnished and move-in ready, this home would make an
Discover the perfect place to build your dream home on this .33-acre M/L residential lot in the highly sought-after Northern Hills Estates 1 subdivision. Nestled in a quiet, established neighborhood, this property offers both tranquility and convenience. Enjoy close proximity to shopping, schools, and the hospital, making everyday living easy and accessible. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity
Escape to the Ozarks and design your dream home on a 4.35-acre m/l parcel with a stunning Lake Norfork view. Nestled on a paved road just minutes from Mountain Home, this property offers easy access to shopping, healthcare, dining, and schools, while placing you within reach of the lake and nearby marinas for weekend adventures. The site is prepped and ready for construction: cleared and leveled,
Welcome to Quail Run at Meadow Springs in Mountain Home, AR. Quail Run at Meadow Springs, just minutes away from everything the area has to offer! Within minutes of Quail Run at Meadow Springs, you'll find great places to dine, shop and be entertained! We offer spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartment homes in a convenient location. Quail Run at Meadow Springs offers a convenient place to
Welcome to this charming and comfortable 2-bedroom 2 bath senior living patio home. This thoughtfully laid out unit offers a spacious eat-in dining area and cozy gas fireplace. Both bedrooms offer generous space with two full bathrooms for added ease and accessibility. The attached garage provides secure parking and extra storage. Off the garage is a private patio. Whether you're downsizing or
Mountain Station, just minutes away from everything the area has to offer! Within minutes of Mountain Station, you'll find great places to dine, shop and be entertained! We offer spacious 1 and 2 bedroom apartment homes in a convenient location. Mountain Station offers a convenient place to call home! Contact us today to learn more about our community.
This property says it all in its name. The Grand offers 1 bedroom 1 bath and 2 bedroom 2 bath units located conveniently behind the hospital and near the area schools. The units offer a large living room with plenty of natural light. Off of the living room is a dining room with a breakfast bar. The kitchen offers plenty of storage, built in microwave and dishwasher. The bedrooms are spacious
Welcome home to this cozy and thoughtfully designed apartment, created for comfort, ease, and everyday living. This inviting space features a functional layout with a spacious bedroom a full bathroom, and a comfortable living area perfect for relaxing or entertaining guest. Enjoy the simplicity of low maintenance living in a peaceful community setting, where convenience and accessibility come
Cardinal Apartments offers comfortable and affordable living in the heart of Mountain Home. Conveniently located at 625 S Cardinal Dr, this community provides easy access to local shopping, dining, and everyday essentials while maintaining a quiet residential feel.Residents enjoy spacious floor plans with practical layouts designed for everyday living. The community features well maintained
This fully furnished apartment is available for month or longer stays. located in a former 1920s dealership this apartment is historical and found in the historic district of Mountainhome. It’s just steps away from restaurants, shops, grocery stores and many other amenities. Features 20 foot ceilings and original architecture and flooring from the 1920s dealership. It is tastefully decorated and
Whether you need a short term rental for a month or 12 months, this fully furnished property is a premium property. Located just steps from the mountain home Square and close to many Shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Welcome to your new home! This 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment offers all the comforts you need. Tenant is responsible for electric, water, and trash. Pets are allowed upon approval and with additional fees. Background checks and recent references are required. Move in and start living with ease in this apartment!
$2,200 per month
Big Creek Golf Course - 3 Bed 2 Bath Double Garage (Newer Construction)
Newer Construction Patio Homes located in Big Creek Country Club. Enjoy these low maintenance all brick 3 bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage plans with open concept living, dining and kitchens, natural light, contemporary finishes with wood floors, Kemper Brand White Shaker Cabinets with solid surface counters, stainless steel appliances (Dishwasher, Range and Microwave), Full size Refrigerator, washer
$1,800 per month
Charming 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home with Sunroom, Garage & Privacy-Fenced Yard
Welcome to this well-kept 3 bedroom, 2 bath home located in a quiet neighborhood in Mountain Home. This home offers a comfortable and functional layout with plenty of extra features to fit your lifestyle.Enjoy a spacious living area, a dedicated utility room with washer and dryer, and an attached garage for added convenience. Step just off the dining area into a bright sunroom—perfect for a
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