Paragould, the seat of Greene County, Arkansas, gets its name from the intersection of two railroad paths owned by 19th-century industry moguls, J.W. Paramore and Jay Gould. It is the only city in the country with its name. Today, over 30,000 people live on the edge of Crowley’s Ridge, in a city affectionately nicknamed the Friendly City. “Everybody knows everybody, it’s a small town,” says Realtor Angelic Davis with Prestige Real Estate.
The railroad still plays a crucial role in the city’s economy, with Greenbrier Rail being one of the major employers. Others include manufacturing organizations like Tenneco, Inc. and Anchor Industries and healthcare facilities like Arkansas Methodist Medical Center.
Paragould earned its name from the two railroad moguls whose tracks intersected in the 1870s.
Major employers, such as Greenbrier Rail, play an important roll in Paragould's economy.
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Median price significantly below national average
Many of the single-family homes in Paragould are ranch-style houses from the mid-to-late-20th century that have been renovated in the past few years. Older cottages and new construction are also available. The median price is $185,000, significantly less than the national figures from the National Association of Realtors. “It’s going to be cheaper than what Northwest Arkansas or central Arkansas will be,” Davis says. Undeveloped lots can start at about $7,000 but can exceed $450,000.
In Paragould, the majority of recently built homes have attached garages.
Ranch-style homes are a popular choice in Paragould.
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School district hosts events for entire city
Paragould School District receives a B from Niche and hosts an annual pep rally that is open to the whole community. Private schools in the area include Crowley’s Ridge Academy, rated B-plus, and St. Mary’s Catholic School. Crowley’s Ridge College is a private, religious institution with four schools: arts and sciences, biblical studies, business and technology and teacher education.
St. Mary's Catholic School in Paragould maintains a student-teacher ratio of 10:1.
Crowley’s Ridge College in Paragould is a private, religious institution.
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New bike lanes in car-dependent community
In late 2024, Paragould added a bike lane and expanded sidewalks to Court Street, one of the major thoroughfares in town. Otherwise, residents rely on their cars to get around. Highways include Business Route 412 and U.S. Route 49. Memphis, Tennessee is about 80 miles away and is home to the nearest airport: Memphis International Airport. About 94 miles away, it offers over 30 nonstop destinations. Jonesboro is the closest major city, about 22 miles away.
Chain restaurants, big-box retailers, and supermarkets can be found along Business Route 412 in Paragould.
One of the main thoroughfares in Paragould is U.S. Route 49, which travels roughly 22 miles to Jonesboro.
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Downtown area home to museum and shops
Paragould’s Main Street adds to its small-town charm. “Downtown is home to some locally owned, unique little boutiques and shops,” Davis says. There are also museums, like the Greene County Museum, where the Paragould Meteorite is on display. In 1930, this meteor landed just outside the city and fractured into three pieces, the largest reportedly weighing over 800 pounds. The Collins Theater is another popular venue downtown, hosting concerts, plays and dances. “It used to be a movie theater,” Davis says. Fresh produce can be found at the Paragould Farmers Market on most Saturday mornings from May to October. Chain establishments and big-box stores like Walmart are along major roads like Business Route 412.
Many of the city’s local restaurants and shops can be found in Paragould's historic downtown district.
The history of the region is preserved at the Greene County Museum in Paragould.
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Re-introducing Paragould tradition in 2025
Paragould's Loose Caboose Festival is a celebration of community themed around the railroads for which the city is named. Many other city events are put on by Downtown Paragould, which plans events like Downtown After Hours, a free concert series, and the Downtown Paragould Christmas Parade. The Greene County Fair has been running for over 130 years and is every Labor Day weekend.
Developing trail will lead to Crowley’s Ridge
There are several parks across town. Reynold Park is known for its 33-acre fishing lake, which is stocked with catfish, trout and largemouth bass. An ongoing project in the city is the 8 Mile Creek Trail. Almost half of the path is paved; the goal for the final is to lead to Crowley’s Ridge State Park. The ridge is a geological formation considered a former island along the Mississippi River. Today, its ecosystem encourages hardwood trees like sugar maple, which are rare in the region. At the Paragould Community Center, indoor recreation includes basketball, racquetball and pickleball. Outside are an inclusive playground, softball and soccer fields. It neighbors the city's aquatic center, which has indoor and outdoor swimming.
Enjoy the stunning views of Reynolds Park's 33-acre lake in Paragould.
Eventually, 8 Mile Creek Trail will be connected to Crowley's Ridge State Park in Paragould.
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High humidity in Paragould
At the peak of summer, Paragould’s climate is hot and muggy. According to City Data, humidity levels are about 10% higher than the national average. The winters tend to be cold and dry. The city borders Arkansas's "tornado alley," making it prone to tornadoes.
Crime statistics for Paragould are not readily available.
Written By
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Paragould, AR sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Paragould, AR over the last 12 months is $255,000, up 28% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Investor special! This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home sits on a slab foundation and is all electric. Located in an area where no flood insurance is required, this property offers a solid investment opportunity. With some TLC, it has great potential for rental income or resale. Don’t miss out on this affordable project with strong upside!
Welcome to Market 14.48 acres of possibility in Paragould within Greene County, Arkansas. A sprawling bounty of cleared & fenced ground with 1000 linear ft +/- off of Highway 412 Bypass and 250 linear ft +/- off of Walcott Rd. Electric and water are available to the property. Access to is available from Highway 412 Bypass and Walcott Road. Opportunity Knocks! Conveniently located, this prime
Incredible luxury estate just outside Paragould city limits on approx. 36± acres! This custom-built home offers over 12,000± sq ft under roof, with approx. 9,600± heated/cooled living space. Featuring 6 bedrooms, 6 baths, 2 half baths, and a dream layout across 3 levels. Main floor includes a chef’s kitchen w/ commercial appliances, walk-in pantry, formal dining, office, large living room w/ gas
Investor special! This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home sits on a slab foundation and is all electric. Located in an area where no flood insurance is required, this property offers a solid investment opportunity. With some TLC, it has great potential for rental income or resale. Don’t miss out on this affordable project with strong upside!
Welcome to Market 14.48 acres of possibility in Paragould within Greene County, Arkansas. A sprawling bounty of cleared & fenced ground with 1000 linear ft +/- off of Highway 412 Bypass and 250 linear ft +/- off of Walcott Rd. Electric and water are available to the property. Access to is available from Highway 412 Bypass and Walcott Road. Opportunity Knocks! Conveniently located, this prime
Incredible luxury estate just outside Paragould city limits on approx. 36± acres! This custom-built home offers over 12,000± sq ft under roof, with approx. 9,600± heated/cooled living space. Featuring 6 bedrooms, 6 baths, 2 half baths, and a dream layout across 3 levels. Main floor includes a chef’s kitchen w/ commercial appliances, walk-in pantry, formal dining, office, large living room w/ gas
Choose from 3 spacious and well-designed living options, all fully equipped with fine amenities including all electric, washer and dryer, central heat and air and more! Carriage House is conveniently located close to Hwy 49 and we are a short walk to the new community center, restaurants and Wal-Mart. We serve both school districts of Greene County Tech and Paragould with buses picking up school
Welcome to Silverwood Apartments in Paragould, Arkansas! Living in this beautifully developed apartment community provides everything you want right at home, in your own neighborhood. We are located convenient to Hwy 412 and Hwy 49 and just minutes to local restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Whether your preference is upstairs with added views or downstairs for convenience, your spacious
Property Id: 1995193Great family home in quiet, friendly neighborhood. Home is near Tech's Middles School and Elementary School as well as Crowley's Ridge Academy. Call for availability and access to see the home. Home is just off Old Walcott Road and Highway 412West
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