Searcy has reinvented itself many times in the last 200 years, down to its name. In the 19th century, it was called White Sulphur Springs after its natural hot springs. Two centuries later, thousands of jobs in shale drilling supported the town in the 2000s. After the natural gas boom subsided, Harding University became one of Searcy’s biggest employers and transformed the city of 23,800 people into a modern college town. The university and other job opportunities at Walmart Distribution and Unity Health have led to a citywide growth spurt. “When I went away to college in 1991, our main street was just a little two-lane road, and now it’s the biggest road in town,” says Lee Teed, a lifelong Searcy local and an executive broker with Re/Max Advantage. “When I’m driving out of town, I’ll see the new construction where the town used to end.”
Originally established as Harding College in Morrilton, Arkansas, in 1924, Harding relocated to Searcy in 1934 and became a university in 1979.
Once a little two-lane road, Searcy's Main Street is today a busy thoroughfare.
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Harding University and Harding Academy offer educational options
Harding University has been in Searcy since 1934, and the private Christian university brings over 3,000 undergraduate students to the city every year. The university operates Harding Academy, a private kindergarten through 12th grade school with an A on Niche. It is also one of Niche’s top 10 private high schools in the state. The A-minus-rated Searcy School District and C-plus-rated Riverview School District provide public school options. Arkansas State University Beebe, a technology-focused trade school, also has a Searcy campus.
Harding University is home to the Harding Bisons.
Riverview High School in Searcy maintains a student-teacher ratio of 8:1.
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In-demand homes near Harding and Searcy Country Club
Searcy’s median home price is $204,000, lower than the Little Rock and Arkansas medians. Buyers can find 19th-century Colonial Revival homes and brand-new custom builds in the same neighborhood. Residences near Harding University are in demand for faculty and staff. Those close to the Searcy Country Club also sell quickly. On average, homes in Searcy leave the market after 34 days, faster than the national average.
Some subdivisions in Searcy are filled with newly constructed, custom-built homes.
There is high demand for homes close to the Searcy Country Club.
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Searcy’s Main Street, as seen on Hulu
Main Street and Race Avenue have a mix of locally owned bars, grills and coffee shops, which all serve as community gathering spots. "I cannot walk in somewhere without seeing someone I know, and everyone treats you like family," Teed says. Six local businesses, including El Mercado Grocery Store, NoomaLife yoga studio and Whilma's Filipino Restaurant, got a spotlight on the Hulu reality series "Small Business Revolution" in 2019. Anyone shopping in Searcy may notice the city has a nearly 10% sales tax, higher than the state average.
In 2019, El Mercado Grocery Store was one of a few local Searcy businesses to be featured on Hulu's reality series "Small Business Revolution.".
In 2019, Whilma's Filipino Restaurant in Searcy was featured on the Hulu reality series "Small Business Revolution.".
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Trout fishing on the Little Red River
Golfers, fishers and hunters can all find something to do in Searcy. The city has two 18-hole golf courses; River Oaks Golf Course is public and offers discounted student rates, while the century-old Searcy Country Club is members-only. A portion of the Little Red River, a top trout-fishing location, runs through town. The Bald Knob Refuge is open for waterfowl hunting every winter when it fills with thousands of migrating ducks and geese.
There are two golf courses in Searcy that everyone may enjoy, including River Oaks Golf Course.
The Little Red River, a popular fishing destination, flows east through Searcy.
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Arkansas’s longest-standing church and courthouse
Centuries of history are on display across White County. The Smyrna Methodist Church is the longest-standing church in Arkansas, and the White County Courthouse is the oldest operational courthouse in the state. The Benjamin Clayton Black House was one of the first buildings in Arkansas to be included on the National Register of Historic Places. The Victorian-style mansion now serves as a gallery with exhibits by local artists.
Smyrna Methodist Church in Searcy, built in 1857, is the longest-standing church in Arkansas.
White County Courthouse in Searcy is the oldest operational courthouse in the state.
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Interstate 57 leads straight to Little Rock
Interstate 57 runs on the city's south side and connects directly to Little Rock, 51 miles away. State Highways 13, 36 and 267 also go through Searcy. The city does not have a public transportation system, so these highways are the main ways to travel. The Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock is the closest commercial airport.
Tornadoes are possible in central Arkansas
Searcy has hot, humid summers and mild winters. Hail, tornadoes, high winds and lightning storms are common in central Arkansas. An EF-0 tornado touched down in White County as recently as 2024. The Searcy Police Department submitted data to the FBI showing an overall decline in crime between 2022 and 2023, including a 13% decrease in theft and a 6% decrease in assault.
Written By
Delaney Murray
Photography Contributed By
Mary Drost
Video By
Dan Mack
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lawana Whaley,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Searcy, AR sell after 19 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Searcy, AR over the last 12 months is $255,000.
Luxury estate home offering over 3100 sqft with 4bed, 2.5 baths, and high-end finishes throughout. This move-in-ready home features beautiful wood flooring, granite countertops, extensive crown molding, and a soaring tray ceiling in the spacious living room. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with double ovens, a built-in ice machine, ample cabinetry, and generous counter space perfect for
Beautifully updated 3/2.5 home in the Cloverdale community on Indian Trail close to HARDING, shopping and medical facilities offers great curb appeal and thoughtful upgrades throughout. Open-concept kitchen with granite countertops, new dishwasher and electric range, and a hearth room flowing into a large family/dining addition plus the REFRIGERATOR STAYS. NEW ROOF in 2024 and NEW Trane HVAC in
Good investment Property 3 rental houses,one extra lot,with 18.23 acres.Income $1,800 a month. Has already had inspection on all three rentals.Price dropped $10,000.Call today.
Home with Shop in a Highly Desired Subdivision! This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is packed with upgrades and thoughtful extras throughout. Trey ceilings in the living room and primary bedroom enhance the sense of space and openness. The kitchen features new appliances, updated countertops, a subway tile backsplash, and a garbage disposal, along with ample space for a dining
HILLTOP HAVEN: A Fortress of Luxury & Sporting Excellence on 42 Gated Acres. This custom-engineered estate defines durability with ZERO DRYWALL construction—built entirely of solid wood and natural stone with concrete-poured subflooring for ultimate acoustic privacy. The gourmet kitchen is a chef’s masterpiece, featuring rare green marinace granite counters, top of the line appliances and custom
Work here, play here, live here! This one-of-a-kind barndominium sits on 12.77 acres just minutes from the city limits of Searcy offering approximately 1920 sq ft of H/C living space, 4800 sq ft of insulated H/C shop space.This red-iron building perfectly blends, comfort and function. Inside its all about the details-crown molding, custom cabinetry, wall ovens built-in grill, spa-style shower.
Don’t miss this adorable 3-bedroom, 1-bath white brick home located on the west end of Searcy—just minutes from West Side School, Ace Hardware, 10 Fitness, Walmart Neighborhood Market and more. This is the perfect starter home, and it’s also ideal for anyone looking to downsize or retire. This charming home is waiting for anyone who wants a comfortable, well-maintained place to live. Updates
Spacious and a perfect location close to medical, dental and retail in Searcy. River Oaks Trace offers the best of all worlds in condo living. Enjoy the beauty of a courtyard with brick sidewalks from your front porch or from your bay window! In the spacious great room, a gas fireplace offers a special ambiance in the winter. A very LARGE two car garage with lots of storage, private fenced in
MOVE IN READY and beautifully updated, this home sits on 1.16 acres just minutes from all the amenities of Searcy. Step inside to find modern upgrades completed in approximately 2023, including granite countertops, a deep sink in kitchen, and porcelain parquet flooring in the kitchen and dining room. The rest of the home showcases warm wood floors for a welcoming touch. The exterior is
Historic property with great bones and endless potential! Situated on 3 lots and zoned residential or commercial, this property features a newer metal roof and newer windows. The main building is configured as three separate living spaces, including one larger unit with kitchen, dining area, living room, two rooms, bathroom, and a large upstairs bonus room/bedroom, plus two smaller units, each
Welcome to 100 Lucy Street! If you’ve been looking for the perfect blend of charm and convenience in Searcy, this is it. This 1,213-square-foot cottage is situated on a spacious corner lot and is ready for its next chapter. Built in 1965, this home features three comfortable bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a college student, or looking to downsize, the layout
Residential lot located on Casey Ln 1.4 acres, utilities are at the road, First Electric, Summit Utilities for gas and SOWCO for water. There have been some holes dug to do a perc test for a previous buyer so seller does not have any paperwork on it. Seller had the lot appraised and it is priced below appraised value. Some nice trees located on the lot and nice houses surrounding the lot.
Now Open – Move In Today at The Ellington!Welcome to The Ellington – where modern living meets effortless comfort. We’re excited to announce that our brand-new apartment community is now open and offering immediate move-ins!LIMITED-TIME CONSTRUCTION SPECIAL: Get 1 Month FREE!Call us today for details – this exclusive offer won’t last long!Be among the first to
Enjoy the beautiful Little Red River while you sit on the bank, hearing the water gently flow. Minutes from Searcy or I 57. This will be a parking lot for one RV with water, and power hookups at this fee. There is two RV parking spot close if you have someone you would like to live by, for a additonal fees for each RV.
Welcome to Parkside! We are excited to be a part of Searcy! We are located close to Harding University and welcome Harding students. We are located across the street from the Searcy Swim Center and the soccer and baseball fields. Come check out our beautiful property and all of our amenities. We look forward to meeting you and showing you around.
Woodland's Edge Apartments is located on the west side of Searcy nestled in a private cul-de-sac off Beebe-Capps and is surrounded and enclosed by beautiful trees on the west, east, and north side. The location gives you country living atmosphere with the convenience of city living. Minutes away from schools, shopping, and dining, and within 4 miles of Harding University. Woodland's Edge is
The Flats Apartments in Searcy conveniently located to highway 67 and many shopping areas and restaurants. We have 1 and 2 bedroom apartments to choose from. Harding University, the largest private university in Arkansas is nearby as well. Stop by and see your new home today.
Welcome to Meadow Lake Apartments in Searcy, Arkansas! Living in this beautifully developed apartment community provides everything you want right at home, in your own neighborhood. We are located convenient to Highway 67 and White County South Hospital, and just minutes to area shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Whether your preference is upstairs with added views or downstairs for
Welcome to Country Meadows Apartments in Searcy, AR! Our community offers a variety of amenities to enhance your living experience. Take a dip in our refreshing swimming pool, enjoy the convenience of covered parking, and let your furry friends run free in our on-site dog park. Our playground and grilling areas are perfect for outdoor fun with friends and family. With 24-hour laundry access,
Property Id: 2410356$600 per month. 1 BR/ 1 Bath Mobile Home in a family friendly, small mobile home park in a great location. Behind the Wendy's in Searcy, AR. Home has been updated is ready for move-in. Rent to own contract with $350 lot rent included. After 10 years, you'll own the mobile home and simply owe lot rent. Call today for a showing. No Pets, No smoking. Tenants responsible
Sweet home just minutes from Harding University. Home features hardwood floors throughout and a Large back yard. For more information please contact SREG Property Management.Manager Special: 1/2 off First Full Month's Rent with 13 Month Lease
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