Small river city with deep roots in shipping and steel
Since the 1800s, the Mississippi River near Osceola has attracted local industries that have developed the region since the 1800s. Over the years, the waterway has supported shipping and manufacturing in the rural town. "It's a small community with the Big River Steel mill. I grew up in Osceola before I moved. But some residents have lived there a long time and have no plans of going anywhere else," says Billie Bowman, the Assistant Director of the Mississippi County Library. The area shares the seat of Mississippi County with the nearby city of Blytheville.
Rural subdivisions and farmland surround Osceola’s homes
The majority of Osceola residences are to the east. Brick ranch-style homes from the 20th century are the most common. There are a handful of New Traditional houses built after 2000. Riverback Estates, located outside the city limits, contains some of the area's most recent houses. Beyond the subdivisions are tracts of farmland that reach across the region. Most homes range from $60,000 to $350,000, depending on the build year and level of upkeep. The Work Here, Live Here program, sponsored by companies like Big River Steel Works, offers financial assistance to some industry workers to purchase or construct new homes in the county.
Residents enjoy parks, tournaments and library programs
The community has a few public spaces for residents, such as Florida Park and Irma Belcher Park. Residents are looking forward to a new recreational space in the community. The city recently broke ground for an aquatic center facility on Keiser Avenue. The Osceola Municipal Golf Course has a 9-hole course, a driving range and several tournaments during the year. The Osceola Public Library is open six days a week. "[The county's library system] does a monthly Storytime and Craft Hour in Osceola," Bowman says. "They also have a big summer reading program with weekly events. We have performers come in, like magicians. We have craft events for teens and adults as well." Bowman adds that the library's mobile hot spot kits are popular with residents.
Limited restaurants with a few local favorites and a hotel grill
West Keiser Avenue contains businesses and storefronts. Here, shoppers find a Walmart Supercenter and a Hayes Supermarket for groceries. "There's not much [dining] there. But there is a new Holiday Inn by the interstate that has a restaurant called Steel and Grain," Bowman says. "There's a place that's locally owned called Gary's Pizza; they also sell sandwiches, and sometimes pasta. Sandbar Grill is a nice place that usually has lunch specials."
Local hospital and nearby highways support daily needs
Osceola is a car-dependent area; The North East Arkansas Transit is available to county residents, but commuters must make ride requests at least 48 hours in advance. The community hospital, SMC Regional Medical Center, provides emergency care and outpatient services. Interstate 55 runs across the western side of town. The roadway connects to Interstate 40 in about 40 miles. Memphis and the landmark Memphis-Arkansas Bridge are roughly 50 miles away.
High schoolers can study aviation, welding and criminal justice
Local families are zoned for the Osceola School District. Carroll Smith Elementary has a C-minus rating on Niche, while North Elementary receives a C. Osceola Middle and Osceola High have C-minus ratings. High schoolers can earn college credits for aviation, welding, criminal justice and industrial technology programs. Arkansas permits children to attend schools outside their district if space is available.
Mississippi County faces storm and flood risks
The area has a history of flooding, especially after heavy rainstorms. Mississippi County is also at risk of windstorms and tornadoes. These severe weather events have previously damaged commercial and residential properties in Osceola.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
