Renovated homes and a warm welcome draw newcomers to Paris
In Paris, Arkansas, having a tight-knit community is more than just a cliche. "We're super friendly -- that's one of the things I hear on a daily basis. Visitors just cannot believe it," says resident and Realtor Jennifer Kury with Paris Realty. "It's the kind of place where everybody knows everybody, but they're welcoming. I moved here 20 years ago and was welcomed with open arms." The area of about 3,500 residents is just as well known for its outdoor activities as it is for its friendly community. "We're at the base of Mt. Magazine, which has trails and horseback riding, and the Paris Reservoir, where they have fishing derbies for the kids. There's a lot to do outdoors," Kury says. Paris is also a very established area where residences are slowly being renovated, and more and more people are coming to live there. Newcomers can look forward to feeling right at home, according to Kury. "It's our friendliness that keeps people here. It's a great community," she says.
Renovated homes and USDA loans attract rural homebuyers
In the Arkansas River Valley, Paris is surrounded by acres of farmland and forest, with distant views of the Ozarks and Mount Magazine peaks. At the heart of the community are homes from the early to mid-20th century, including cottages, Tudor Revival, Craftsman-style and ranch-style homes. As the city branches out, more ranch-style homes and New Traditionals make up the housing inventory. There's more acreage available as homes spread out farther into the surrounding farmland, popular for custom homes and livestock or equestrian properties. "New housing is polka-dotted around the area, but most homes are just getting fully renovated because many qualify for USDA and other rural renovation loans," Kury says. The median sale price for homes in Paris is $140,600, much lower than the national median of $441,500.
Paris is located in the United States' "Dixie Alley," an area of the south becoming increasingly prone to powerful tornadoes. Residents should be aware of the risk and possible damage and may consider building a storm shelter if one is not already present.
Paris schools earn B-minus ratings with strong sports programs
Paris School District serves over 1,000 students and earns an overall B-minus rating on Niche. Students may start at C-plus-rated Paris Elementary and then attend B-minus-rated Paris Middle and C-plus-rated Paris High. Sports are an essential aspect of student life at Paris High, which offers nine athletic programs, including tennis, football and volleyball.
Lakes, forests and Mount Magazine
The community sits between the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests, about 30 miles away. This area has forests, lakes, mountains and the Arkansas River, so getting outdoors is convenient for most residents. "We're close to Lake Dardanelle, a part of the Arkansas River system. That's popular for boating and fishing," Kury says. Arkansas' highest peak, Mount Magazine, is just a few miles from Paris. The Mount Magazine State Park is over 2,000 acres, offering hiking and camping, lush with waterfalls, caverns and bluffs. The park is also popular for outdoor sports, like mountain biking, ATV riding, rock climbing and horseback riding. It's also one of two places in the state that offers hang-gliding launch areas. Nearby is Cove Lake Recreation Area, which Kury notes as another favorite of residents. "At Cove Lake, you can go fishing, swimming and rent paddle boards," Kury says. In Paris, the Paris Veteran's State Park offers athletic fields, tennis courts, a playground, a pool and an indoor skate park.
Paris blends small-town charm with a festive community spirit
Paris has a downtown that's centered around a square. "We have a beautiful square, which has a replica of the Eiffel Tower and our courthouse," Kury says. Locally owned boutiques, antique stores and supply shops surround the square and stretch out across downtown. There are many local dining options, such as True Grit Grounds, a coffee shop with breakfast sandwiches, and The Dig Restaurant, which serves comfort foods like fried chicken and burgers. While Paris is a small community, it's rich with local events, many of which take place on the Square. Kury notes there's a weekly seasonal farmers market, a holiday light celebration, and festivals. The Frontier Day Festival happens every October and celebrates the city with live music and food vendors. There's also the Spring Time in Paris Festival, which takes place every May. It features live music, vendors selling spring-centric items, a Jeep parade and a rubber duck race.
Residents drive to nearby cities for flights and major services
Paris is a car-dependent community that doesn't have widely available public transportation. It sits along Highways 109 and 309, which residents may take to enter Interstate 40. The closest larger city is Fort Smith, about 40 miles west. Mercy Hospital West, located on Maple Street, serves Paris. Several private municipal airports are nearby, but residents may drive to Fort Smith Regional Airport, 36 miles away. "Some people may also go to Little Rock, Fayetteville or Tulsa's airports when needed. It just depends on your preference," Kury says.
