Prescott’s railroad roots and calm rural pace
Prescott is the county seat and largest community of Nevada County, a town that grew beside the railroad. Today, two well-positioned industrial parks on the edge of town now supply most of the county’s manufacturing jobs, so the depot’s legacy of commerce continues even as production shifts from railcars to modern assembly lines. Known for its rural, sleepy character and historic quirks, many folks that don't work at local industurial parks commute into Hope or other nearby cities and simply retreat into Prescott. "Hope is a twenty-minute drive away, Hot Springs is reachable in about an hour, and Little Rock is about an hour and a half away," says Gayle Dixon, a local Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. "but plenty of folks say the greatest benefit of Prescott is the peace and quiet that they can get here."
Home prices under $100,000 in Prescott’s historic neighborhoods
Prescott’s neighborhoods feature ranch-style houses, Craftsman bungalows and early-1900s frame homes, offering homebuyers a selection of primarily older properties. Smaller homes are priced from approximately $90,000, while larger homes are just below $100,000, typically reflecting the need for updates. The median sales price is $85,250. "Affordability is a major factor in this community," Dixon says. "You won't really find a home for more than about $300,000."
Prescott schools and the Curley Wolves tradition
Local kids can start school at Prescott Elementary, which earns an overall C from Niche, then continue the C-minus rated Prescott Junior High. The B-minus rated Prescott High is known for their Curley Wolves mascot. Most Prescott High students go on to attend Southern Arkansas University, the University of Arkansas and Henderson State University.
Local legends and lakes draw visitors to Prescott parks
Downtown, the Nevada County Depot & Museum spotlights the town’s most curious legend with a full-size replica of “Old Mike,” an unidentified traveler displayed locally from 1911 to 1975. "Old Mike is a peculiar fixture here, and in recent years its gotten popular with bloggers," says Bean. South of town, shaded ballfields and a splash pad fill City Park, while walking loops circle the grounds for routine jogs. Driving about 22 miles east leads to White Oak Lake State Park and the Little Grand Canyon sandstone ravine. The ravine invites anglers, kayakers and hikers to 2,700 acres of quiet coves and overlooks.
Classic diner fare and soul food in downtown Prescott
Prescott’s compact food scene revolves around locally owned restaurants, like Norman’s 44 Restaurant, which serves up classic diner fare; Trina’s Soul Food Diner; and Ko-Field’s for lunch bites, such as sandwiches. Everyday staples come from the town’s Cash Saver grocery, and when folks need more variety, a quick 20-minute hop down I-30 leads to Hope, where residents can shop at chains like Piggly Wiggly and Walmart Supercenter.
Highways, airports connect Prescott to Little Rock and beyond
Little Rock sits about 96 miles northeast via Interstate 30. Hope, the county’s larger neighbor, is about 15 miles southwest via U.S. 67. Hot Springs National Park is 75 miles northeast following I-30 then AR-7. The closest commercial flights leave from Texarkana Regional Airport, 43 miles southwest, while Bill & Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock sits about 98 miles away. For health care, Baptist Health Medical Center-Arkadelphia offers full-service hospital care 30 miles away along I-30, and local clinics in Prescott handle everyday needs.
