Black River bend town blends history, small-town charm
Pocahontas — which reportedly gets its name from founder Ransom Bettis descending from the famed Powhatan figure— is a rural hub of about 7,000 residents that was founded in 1835 on a bend of the Black River. “Without many commercial shopping options, the main draw here are the 5 surrounding rivers," says local agent Angie Gallaher with United Country Scenic Rivers Realty. "The Black River is known to separate the Delta from the Ozarks. It’s both a fisherman's and outdoorsman's dream." The few commercialized areas here cluster around a 17-block National Register Commercial District. Many residents here might be employed by Peco Foods, but limited big-box sprawl often means commuting into surrounding cities like Jonesboro and Paragould for work.
Older ranch-style homes and river estates keep prices modest
Homes in Pocahontas skew older but are well-kept, built typically between the 1950s and early ‘90s. Craftsman cottages and split-levels mingle with brick ranch-style homes on half-acre lots, while custom riverfront Craftsman estates and Victorian homes dot Upper Black River Road. Larger two-story homes on large, wooded lots often command highest prices. The median sales price here is about $150,000. Prices range from $73,000 for starter bungalows up to between $300,000 and $512,000 five-acre mini-farms. Acreage is the biggest price factor here, and riverfront homes with up to four acres often sell for between $400,000 and $450,000.
Career-tech focus lifts Pocahontas school marks
Alma Spikes Elementary and M.D. Williams Intermediate each earn a C-plus Niche grade, while Pocahontas Junior High holds a B-minus and Pocahontas High School climbs to a solid B. Career-tech options include an on-site welding lab and ASU–Newport courses where students can earn up to 18 college credits off tuition bills.
River, state park anchor wide slate of outdoor fun
The 300-mile long Black River is the community’s playground, and anglers launch boats at the 13-acre Overlook Park, where an ADA pier reels in crappie and catfish. About 12 miles away, the 640-acre Davidsonville Historic State Park preserves one of Arkansas’ earliest frontier towns and offers three hiking loops, a kayak trail and eight full-hookup campsites. Inside city limits, the 55,000-square-foot Pocahontas Community Center houses an indoor pool, pickleball courts and a 27-hole disc-golf course that hosts the Ozark Open each June. Altogether, the city maintains 81 acres of parkland—about 12 acres per 1,000 residents—plus a growing seven-mile segment of the Great River Road Bike Route.
A 17-block historic district showcases local businesses
Downtown commerce fits within a walkable 17-block historic grid framed by Marr, Everett and Pyburn streets. Independently owned shops here include Black River Beads & Pottery and Timeless Books. Locals grab lattes from The Busy Bean Coffee or grab dinner at Don's Steakhouse. Many residents stock up on groceries at the local Harps Food Stores and Walmart Supercenter.
Highways 67, 62 connect river city with Jonesboro and beyond
Three U.S. highways—62, 67 and 412—converge in downtown Pocahontas, giving motorists four-lane access south toward Jonesboro and north to Poplar Bluff. Paragould and Jonesboro are both about 40 miles away via Highway 412. Arkansas Highways 90 and 115 complete a five-route hub. Healthcare needs are met by St. Bernards Five Rivers Medical Center, and Memphis International Airport (MEM) is about 100 miles from Pocahontas.
