Regional destination for work and play in Arkansas River Valley
The natural beauty of Russellville, located in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley, offers an appealing backdrop for a place that serves as Pope County’s economic and cultural engine. This city of 30,000 is home to nine of the county’s top 10 employers, including Arkansas Tech University and the Arkansas Nuclear One power plant. A historic downtown district with a vibrant arts scene anchors the city’s modern revitalization.
“It’s a very friendly, inviting town with lots to do, and it’s growing quite a bit as well,” says Wade Graham, Realtor with Alethes Realty. Graham says he has closed on nearly 150 properties in the past five years. “Russellville also attracts people who want to slow down,” he says. “A lot of people move here from out of state once they see how nice and quaint it is.”
Arkansas Tech University, Arkansas Nuclear One are major employers
The city’s regional economy is strengthened by its diversity. ConAgra Foods, which specializes in frozen foods, is the county’s largest employer. Arkansas Tech, named the state’s top regional university by U.S. News & World Report for four straight years, is next on the list. Then comes Arkansas Nuclear One. The only such plant in the state, it employs more than 1,000 full-time workers. Other top employers include St. Mary’s Regional Health System, based in the city, and Arkansas staples such as Tyson Foods and Walmart.
Median housing price of $210,000 offers more bang for buck
Older, more affordable homes and renovations of historic homes are concentrated in the heart of the city. Ranch-style homes on spacious lots are common in several locations. Contemporary homes in subdivision settings are featured in planned developments such as Overland Park. The largest and most expensive homes are concentrated on the city’s west side. Popular neighborhoods include Lands End and the gated community of Pleasant View Estates. Waterfront properties dot the Arkansas River on the city’s western edge. The median housing price is $210,000, which is lower than the state average. “You get more house and more land for less money," Graham says. "The price per square foot is lower than Conway, the Little Rock area or Northwest Arkansas.” Residents enjoy a temperate climate with all four seasons. Temperature typically range from the low 30s to the low 90s. Extreme temperatures are rare, but extreme weather is not. Storms that spawn tornadoes are not uncommon, especially during the spring.
Arkansas River, Lake Dardanelle anchor outdoor recreational opportunities
The city is located along the Arkansas River and Lake Dardanelle. Technically, the lake is a 34,000-plus-acre reservoir created by damning the river, but the two bodies of water are intertwined, making Russellville a destination for outdoor recreation. Fishing is especially popular. The city’s waterways host large-scale tournaments, and Pleasant View Park is the site of an annual all-ages Trout Day and Children’s Fishing Derby. Lake Dardanelle State Park is foremost among the city’s array of recreational spaces. It offers access to boating, fishing, swimming and a network of multi-use trails. More than a dozen city parks offer traditional athletic amenities and playscapes, as well as facilities for individual pursuits such as skating and disc golf. The 25,000-square-foot Russellville Aquatic Center stands out among the city’s recent recreational additions. Russellville Country Club, which features an 18-hole golf course, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.
Depot Park is the cultural center of the revitalized downtown district
Downtown Russellville is the center of contemporary commerce and community activity. Art galleries are a featured attraction among the district’s offerings, which also include an eclectic collection of boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. Depot Park combines past and present into a cultural destination that brings the community together for a variety of popular gatherings. Seasonal Art Walks are signature events that showcase local and regional talent. Other highlights include Movies in the Park, Music Downtown at Sundown Concert Series and the annual Fall Festival & Chili Cook-Off. Shopping centers throughout the city offer additional shopping and dining options. Big-box retailers and grocery stores are concentrated along the U.S. Highway 64 corridor that runs through the heart of the city. The city is also known for its antique stores.
Sequoyah Elementary is the city's top-rated school
The Russellville School District serves more than 5,600 students. It earns an A-minus from Niche. Sequoyah Elementary is the city’s lone A-rated school, but many of its schools are rated between A-minus and B-plus. Pope County offers right-of-choice, so students can attend schools outside of the city. “What’s great about this area is that a lot of the surrounding schools are very attractive,” Graham says. As for private options, Subiaco Academy is a private Catholic boarding school about 30 miles away. Niche gives it an A-plus and ranks it as the top private school in the state.
Interstate 40 provides easy access to Fort Smith, Little Rock
Interstate 40, Arkansas’ main highway, is easily accessible within the city, which is centrally located for statewide travel. Via I-40, it’s about a 75-mile drive west to Fort Smith and its regional airport and east to Little Rock and the Clinton National Airport. Hot Springs, the state’s premier tourist destination, is about the same distance south via Scenic Highway 7.
Information on crime rates was not available.
