A city trying to move forward with a shrinking population
Once a prosperous agricultural and manufacturing hub, Pine Bluff has struggled to move forward amid economic setbacks, educational disparities and high crime rates. This Arkansas Delta city about 45 miles south of Little Rock lost almost 13 percent of its population between 2010 and 2020, the highest in the nation. During that time the local school district was taken over by the state. Since then officials have made a concerted effort to reshape Pine Bluff. The city welcomed a casino, downtown revitalization is in the works, and the state recently voted unanimously to return the school district to local control. Pine Bluff also has a new mayor, former state representative Vivian Flowers. Her first order of business was to create transition committees targeting improvements in several areas, including the budget, education and public safety. For the first time in decades, there is hope for a brighter future in Pine Bluff.
Pine Bluff is pushing to move forward after a rough economic past and declining population.
The downtown district of Pine Bluff is pushing through economic struggles.
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Delta Rhythm & Bayous Cultural District is the city's signature project
The city’s signature project is the creation of the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Cultural District in downtown. Plans include an outdoor plaza and blues memorial honoring many of the genre’s greats; the nation’s first park honoring the segregation-era Chitlin’ Circuit; and an outdoor cinema dedicated to regional stars of film, television and theater. Downtown is already home to a collection of historical murals. The district is projected to generate $13.6 million in tourist spending and a total economic impact of $18.2 million annually. Also, Go Forward Pine Bluff recently received a grant of more than $500,000 from the federal government to help fund efforts to attract more businesses to the U.S. Highway 63 corridor south of the downtown riverfront.
The Jefferson County Courthouse is a cool architectural design in Pine Bluff.
There are several different activities to enjoy throughout downtown Pine Bluff.
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Lake Saracen, Arkansas River, Jefferson County Regional Park are recreational highlights
Pine Bluff has always offered easy access to outdoor recreation. Residents can fish from the banks of Lake Saracen downtown, take advantage of the pavilion at Saracen Landing and enjoy a waterfront walking trail. More trails can be found at Delta Rivers Nature Center, which features exhibits illustrating the state's natural history. On the other side of the nature center is the Arkansas River, a haven for boaters and anglers. Nestled along its shores is Jefferson County Regional Park, the largest of the city’s 19 parks. Featured amenities include boat ramps that provide access to the river and Lake Langhofer, a softball complex and an 18-hole golf course. More golf is available to members of the private Pine Bluff Country Club. The city’s newest recreational facility is an aquatic center, which has quickly become a regional destination. Popular attractions include the Arkansas Railroad Museum and Saracen Casino Resort, which opened in 2020. A $250 million hotel and event center is slated to open on the casino grounds in the fall of 2025.
Pine Bluff Regional Park has several playground options for kids to enjoy.
Lake Sarecen is a great place to enjoy some boating activities in Pine Bluff.
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Cozy older homes make up the majority of housing
The median home price in Pine Bluff is slightly under $100,000. Smaller, older homes are common in the heart of the city. Midcentury ranch-style designs are prominent among homes offering more interior space and larger lots in wooded settings. These options are typically found on the west and south sides. Residents enjoy a temperate climate with all four seasons. Summers are hot, and winters are cold but short. Extreme temperatures are rare. The city averages 54 inches of precipitation per year, which includes the occasional blanketing of snow.
Smaller, older homes are common in the heart of Pine Blulff.
Some of the homes in Pine Bluff are located along Lake Saracen.
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New high school campus expected to open in 2026
The state took over the Pine Bluff School District amid financial problems and low test scores. The 2023 vote to return local control was unanimous. Niche currently gives the district a grade of D-plus. The city is also home to the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff.
There are many activities to enjoy at Dollarway High School.
Younger students in the area may attend Southwood Elementary.
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Primary commercial corridor is 28th Avenue
Shopping and dining options are concentrated along 28th Avenue, a centrally located commercial corridor. The downtown area offers a variety of dining destinations. A food truck park featuring regional cuisine is planned for the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Cultural District.
Captured Moments offers great options for local goods in Pine Blulff.
Find new sports apparel at Hibbett Sports in Pine Bluff.
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Crime dropped in 2023, but rates remain higher than state, national averages
The police department’s latest annual crime report showed that the city’s overall crime rate dropped 10.9 percent in 2023. However, the 11.7 percent decrease in overall property crime was offset by a 40 percent increase in homicides. Overall crime rates remained higher than the state and national averages. The department’s mid-year 2024 report showed that rates were flat year-over-year. An interactive website was created in 2023 as part of the department’s efforts to keep residents informed about public safety and related initiatives.
Little Rock is accessible via I-530
Pine Bluff is relatively easy to get around by bus or car. Local points of interest include Jefferson Regional Medical Center on 40th Avenue. Interstate 530 provides access to the state capital of Little Rock and the Clinton National Airport.
Pine Bluff residents can take a short drive to Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport for travel needs.
There are many public bus stops throughout Pine Bluff.
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Written By
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
Zach Manwell
Video By
Daniel Quattro
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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